National University : Master of Social Work (Accredited. No GRE. Scholarships Available)
Grand Canyon University : Degrees in Social Work (As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition. No GRE Required.)
Liberty University : MSW: Social Work (100% online, 8-week courses)
University of Denver : Master of Social Work (Earn an MSW in as few as 12 months. No GRE required. CSWE accredited)Requirements Prior to Pursuing an Online MSW
All MSW applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, and although some choose to earn a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) before pursuing a traditional or an online MSW, it’s not required. One benefit of a BSW is that while most MSW programs take two years to complete, BSW graduates may be able to apply for a one-year advanced standing program.
Some online MSW programs without a BSW prerequisite include additional introductory courses. Furthermore, some online MSW programs require students to take the GRE before applying.
Bachelor of Social Work
To break into the field of social work for general practice or entry-level positions, a BSW is the minimum level of education required. A BSW is traditionally a four-year degree consisting of about 120 total credit hours and 400 hours of supervised work experience. When selecting a bachelor’s-level social work program, it’s important to only consider programs that are certified by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the national association representing social work education in the U.S. If the program is not CSWE accredited, potential employers and MSW programs may not view the degree as legitimate.
A BSW program typically covers the following core subjects:
- Mental health
- Diversity training / understanding diversity
- Community organizations
- Social policy
- Family social work
- Social work practice and research
The field of social work covers numerous areas and various demographics. Given its breadth, many universities offer BSW concentrations so that students can focus on a specific area. Examples are:
- Direct practice
- Policy practice
- Social justice
- School social work
- Clinical social work
- Health care
- Gerontology
Most students have a career path or an area of interest in mind when selecting a BSW concentration.
GRE
The second potential prerequisite before being able to enroll in an online MSW program is the GRE, a standardized exam that tests analytical writing, verbal skills, and quantitative analysis. The GRE is often compared to the ACT and SAT; some universities use it to determine whether a student has the necessary qualifications to successfully complete an MSW program, but many don’t require it.
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| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| National University
Master of Social Work
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Scores Not Required |
Our Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program will prepare students for diverse career opportunities within a variety of social service settings. Learn More |
| Grand Canyon University
Degrees in Social Work
Bachelors and Masters |
✔ Online
No GRE Required |
Created by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this social work degree program prepares students to assist in improving the well-being of individuals, families, and communities while working with diverse groups of people in a variety of settings. Choose GCU's MSW Advanced Standing program if you have already completed a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree in social work. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition. Financial aid may be available if you qualify! Learn More |
| Liberty University
MSW: Social Work
SACSCOC |
✔ Online
100% online, 8-week courses |
This program offers a general cognate and an individual and family clinical cognate. No matter which option you choose, you’ll receive advanced generalist training in social policy, research, and practice — as well as the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in your field. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| University of Denver
Master of Social Work
CSWE accredited. |
✔ Campus, Online
No GRE Required Minimum GPA 2.5 |
Earn your CSWE-accredited MSW online from Denver's GSSW, a top-15 school of social work. Gain a strong foundation for social work practice with a concentration in Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness. GRE scores are not required. Students with a BSW can earn their MSW in as few as 12 months in the online advanced-standing track; students without a BSW can earn an MSW in as few as 21 months. Learn More |
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Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
CSWE Accredited Online Master’s in Social Work Courses
A master’s in social work online program generally takes two years at most CSWE-accredited universities. Again, you should only consider CSWE-accredited online MSW programs to ensure the legitimacy of your degree.
The following courses are examples of what online MSW programs traditionally offer:
Chemical Dependency
In a chemical dependency course, MSW students examine how alcohol, drug, and other substance abuse can negatively impact individuals and their families. Students learn about the patterns of behavior and symptoms of substance abuse, along with a wide array of prevention and treatment methods.
Health Policy
In a health policy course, MSW students learn how policies are created and their impact on individuals, communities, and society. This course is especially important for those who are aiming to go into the government or health care side of social work.
Leadership in Social Work
In a leadership in social work course, MSW students receive preparation for spearheading big ideas and bringing teams together to effect positive change. Leaders in social work must be ethical, selfless, and excellent communicators.
Program Evaluation
In a program evaluation course, MSW students learn how to properly evaluate the effectiveness of a social or health program. Using hard data and community feedback, students can then determine how programs should be adjusted to improve them.
Social Work Ethics
In a social work ethics course, MSW students are taught to be ethical and make morally conscious decisions. Working with vulnerable people and communities is common in social work and establishing solid social work ethics is of the utmost importance.
Social Work Practicum
All accredited online MSW programs require practical experience so students can exhibit that they’re competent and possess the skills required to enter the field. Typically, an MSW program will place its students in a social work position, not unlike an internship. The number of hours required varies by program but is at least 600 total hours of specialized training and on-the-job experience.
During a social work practicum, students should expect to work with individuals, groups, and families under the guidance of established social workers. Community centers, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and mental health facilities are all potential places an MSW graduate student may work during a social work practicum.
Mental Health
Students in a master’s in social work program may take courses focused on understanding mental health. This may include a study of behavioral health, diagnosis, assessment methods, treatment methods, and techniques, as well as prevention of mental illness. Students may also learn about substance abuse development, treatment, and prevention.
Clinical Social Work
Clinical social work teaches a wide range of mental health and psychological aspects of the field to prepare a student to work in community mental health clinics, medical centers, hospital centers, and mental health outreach programs. It typically provides a hands-on focus for their educational needs teaching topics but also skills and methods for managing these situations.
Children, Youth, and Families
Children, youth, and families courses typically focus on the family dynamics as well as the psychological health and well-being of children and older youth. A focus on family relationships and the impact on mental health issues in any family member is often a core component of this type of course. Students may learn how to diagnose and treat behavioral health complications typical in these situations.
Trauma
A study in trauma provides students with a solid understanding of why trauma occurs, how it happens, and what connections change in the brain. It also is a focused program that teaches about diagnosis and working through trauma through a variety of approved methods and techniques.
MSW Online Degree Concentrations
MSW programs allow students to prepare for their intended career paths, both educationally via coursework and through hands-on practical experience. MSW online degree concentrations fall into three major categories.
Micro
Micro pertains to social work on a clinical or direct practice level, meaning that MSW students specialize in working with people one-on-one or in small groups to overcome emotional, behavioral, or psychological problems.
Macro
Macro pertains to social work that handles large-scale issues. Rather than focusing on one-on-one treatment, graduates will help develop policies, lead teams, or help educate and develop entire communities. Macro-level social work emphasizes team effort and working alongside community leaders and state or local agencies.
Micro and Macro
A micro and macro concentration combines the micro and macro concepts of social work and is also known as advanced generalist. This is the most popular concentration in MSW programs; however, a student who has a career path in mind may prefer to pick the applicable macro or micro concentration.
National University - Master of Social Work (COAMFTE Accredited)
Grand Canyon University - Degrees in Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
Liberty University - MSW: Social Work (SACSCOC Accredited)
University of Denver - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
Accredited MSW Online Benefits
Several universities offer accredited MSW online programs in addition to traditional on-campus programs. Online MSW programs can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students are on a two-year timetable, while part-time students may take anywhere from 2½ to 4 years, depending on their schedule and the speed at which they work. Both the full- and part-time online MSW programs offer the following benefits:
- Convenience. Students can comfortably work remotely from anywhere with a reliable internet connection and set up a study environment that best suits their learning style.
- Flexibility. The online option is fantastic for those who can’t adhere to a strict schedule due to work or family obligations.
- Access to learning resources. Many lectures are prerecorded, which means that students don’t have to rely on copious note-taking. They can review classroom materials and lectures as often as they need to.
Although the majority of coursework is done online, some aspects — specifically, the practical portions — must be done in person.
Steps to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Earning an MSW online degree will open many doors in the field of social work to the graduates. However, to qualify to perform clinical work — which generally leads to higher-paying positions — MSW graduates must be licensed according to their state’s guidelines. Licensure requirements vary but generally require the following three elements:
- MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited university
- Two years of supervised clinical work experience
- Passing grade on the clinical exam (administered by the Association of Social Work Boards)
Some states may have additional requirements, such as specific coursework completion or certifications, to qualify for state licensure.
Field Experience or Internships
It is not uncommon for students to spend some time gaining experience in the field before they hold a position. This may be done through an internship during their educational process or just after licensing. Field work means the student is working under a licensed provider, learning in a real-world setting, which can create a solid foundation for students to learn what the work is like and how to handle a variety of real situations.
What Is CSWE Accreditation?
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) provides accreditation for programs at some colleges and universities. CSWE-accredited online MSW programs have received a review from the organization and, as a result of that review, have been determined to meet the expectations of the organization in providing students with quality education and skills to work in this field. Accreditation from this organization does not lead to a ranking of school programs. Rather, it helps show that the social work education received by students within the program meets the minimum standards for professionals in the field.
How Important Is CSWE Accreditation?
Selecting CSWE-accredited online MSW programs is often advisable as it means the educational program provides the necessary information and resources to help support a student’s needs and develop their skills to work in the industry. Some employers may require a student to have a degree from an accredited program.
How Does a Program Become CSWE Accredited?
The CSWE sets standards that it expects college programs to meet. During the accreditation process, the organization will review the data from the school and gather information about its courses, programs, student outcomes, and other data to help determine if the program meets those set standards. This is a rigorous process that often involves numerous steps and a routine review. If the school meets those requirements, they earn the highest standard for social work education available today.
How Much Do Online MSW Graduates Make?
The world of social work offers numerous career paths. Salary is influenced by several factors, including degree type, experience, area of social work, and region.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social workers earned a median annual salary of $51,760 in 2020. The field is projected to grow by 13% between 2019 and 2029, much faster than the projected average for all other occupations.
According to March 2021 salary data from PayScale, the median annual salary for social workers is $48,500. In comparison, LCSWs make $58,983.
MSW Career Options
An individual with an online MSW will be able to choose from several career paths in social work. Although a state license isn’t required, it does yield a higher salary and allows the person to conduct clinical work, such as being a mental health counselor, marriage and family counselor, or addiction counselor.
Not unlike choosing a social work concentration, choosing a career in social work boils down to personal interest and can pertain to any one of the following:
- Rehabilitation and overcoming addiction
- Social justice and diversity programs and policy
- Child and family-based social work
- School counseling
- Social services and community outreach
- Health care
- Mental health
- Gerontology
Learn more about CSWE-accredited online MSW programs, including what they are, what options are available, and how to get started in an online degree program.
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