Social Work Degrees

Programs Currently Accepting Applicants

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)

Northern Kentucky University : Master of Social Work (100% Online, Prepare for LCSW/LISW)

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For students interested in a social work career, there are social work degrees online that are flexible and convenient for people in any stage of life. The U.S. offers several accredited online social work degree programs across the country taught by expert faculty in their fields. These social work degrees online can equip you with the latest methods in social work and are well-suited for adults who work and have families.
Keep this in mind: If you are pursuing a master’s in social work and you have a bachelor of social work degree, look for an "Advanced Standing MSW." These programs are typically shorter in total length, often have more advantageous prerequisites and entry requirements, and give you a head start since you already have your BSW degree.

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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	Grand Canyon University now offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that are suited to a future career in social work. You can apply to the Bachelor of Social Work degree program or several graduate programs such as the Master of Social Work program to further your education. Currently in Candidacy status with the Council on Social Work Education. 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
Northern Kentucky University Master of Social Work	✔ Online 100% Online, Prepare for LCSW/LISW	This flexible program is for individuals who have earned an undergraduate degree in a field other than social work. It provides the path to help you transition into this sector and take on leadership roles as a clinical practitioner. Learn More

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☰ For detailed degree information, view the guides to:
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs

Social Work Degree Programs

If you are interested in a career in the social work field, you should start by earning a bachelor's degree and then completing a graduate program, earning the minimum requirements for licensure in this field. A graduate degree in social work and an internship or fieldwork will help prepare you for the licensure exam.

The information below outlines some of the potential benefits of each degree type, but as a prospective student, you should consider what degree program best works for your schedule and future professional plans.

Bachelor’s Degree: Students who aim to become social workers should pursue a bachelor’s degree as a foundation for graduate study in social work. These are typically 120-credit-hour programs that will take 3-4 years to complete. There are many undergraduate accredited online social work degree programs in the U.S. to choose from. These online programs are best for students who need the flexibility to study and work remotely, or do not have access to a program being offered near them. A degree program’s accreditation comes from the Council on Social Work Education, which defines the standards that programs are required to meet in preparing students for careers in social work.

Master’s Degree: Social workers who want to pursue private practice need to be eligible for licensure, which is acquired by first earning a master’s degree. Higher education programs specializing in social work sometimes require 2-3 years of graduate school after completing a bachelor's degree. Many programs also require completed internships, which help students gain hands-on experience in their chosen field. A graduate-level social work degree online may be optimal for students who work full time or need flexibility while studying.

Doctoral Programs: Once students have graduated from a master’s-level program in social work, they have the option to enroll in a doctoral program to potentially increase opportunities and professional advancement. Doctoral programs can enable practicing social workers who want to focus on research and development in their chosen field.

Certificate Programs: Certificates can be obtained after completion of a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Certificates do not replace degrees, but they add extra training and skills to your resume. Certificates can be added to your current degree with specializations in focus areas.

Master of Social Work Program at National University

National University - Master of Social Work (COAMFTE Accredited)

Degrees in Social Work Program at Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University - Degrees in Social Work (NASAC Accredited)

MSW: Social Work Program at Liberty University

Liberty University - MSW: Social Work (SACSCOC Accredited)

Master of Social Work Program at University of Denver

University of Denver - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)

Master of Social Work Program at Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)

Online Master of Social Work Programs

There are many opportunities available to earn a master’s degree in social work online. For students with busy lives, pursuing an online social work degree can offer more flexible options to fit those schedules. Below are two social work degree programs that are both currently accepting applications for new students.

Baylor University – Online Master of Social Work: Baylor University’s online Master of Social Work program provides a flexible option for students interested in a specialized curriculum that can prepare for licensure in social work. This 60-credit-hour degree can be completed online in 1-2 years. The program focuses on social work in a clinical or community setting.
Fordham University – Online Master of Social Work: Fordham University currently offers an innovative online Master of Social Work degree program that provides specialized training to work with individuals and families. This 66-credit-hour program can be completed in two years for students attending full time. The university also offers an accredited online social work degree with the Advanced Standing program for qualifying students.

Sample Courses for Master of Social Work Degrees Online

Social work degree program coursework can help improve your skills and advance your talents when building professional relationships with clients and colleagues. Working with families and relating to people from various backgrounds and cultures are important skills in the field of social work. These courses can help you learn these necessary skills while providing expertise in the field’s latest techniques.

While studying for a social work degree online, you may have the opportunity to obtain information and skills that can empower you to be successful in your chosen field of either clinical, family, or community social work.

Below are some common master’s-level courses you will see when looking at the curriculum for a social work degree program.

Social Policy for Social Work Practice: In this course, you will study social work policies by working with families in a community setting or with clients in a private office. Knowing what methods work and which practice model to implement is important for assessing and helping your client’s current situation. You will focus on the latest trends used in the community and in clinical practice.
Diversity, Human Rights, and Social Justice: This course can help you understand the foundation of social work as it pertains to the intersections and contextual impacts of race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status and class, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ability and disability, and environmental factors. This course can help you better understand your own circumstances in relation to your clients’.
Human Behavior and the Social Environment: This course can provide you with important foundational knowledge of complex human behavior in the context of the multidimensional frameworks in which they exist. Knowing how people will react to any particular approach will help you be a better social worker as you adapt to the clients you are working with.

What Does a Social Worker Do?

When considering whether an online social work degree is right for you, it is important to think about the day-to-day responsibilities of social workers. Social workers can use their expertise in a variety of contexts. They may counsel patients diagnosed with mental health disorders, or assist children and families in need of services. They may also diagnose clients, administer evaluations and assessments, and participate in research concerning family dynamics.

Social workers fill different roles on a day-to-day basis, depending on their job settings and client base. A typical workday for social workers could include setting up services for families and individuals, counseling and assisting clients, or providing therapy and support to households that could use extra guidance and coping skills. They may work with families that have a history of mental health issues, patients who struggle with substance abuse, or families dealing with medical issues and discharge planning. Social work degrees can enable you to help others manage a variety of everyday struggles.

Path to a Career in Social Work

To become a social worker, most states require that you obtain at least a master’s degree in social work, as well as complete around two years of supervised experience in the field if you want to practice with a license. A license is obtained by passing a licensing examination.

Organizations to Know

Numerous organizations offer support and guidance from experienced professionals in the field of social work. Joining organizations in your career field may help you stay up to date on the latest practice methods and trends in your profession. You can also receive updates on new job opportunities in your field. Additionally, organizations typically offer conferences throughout the year that can help you keep your training up to date and provide new knowledge after you have finished college.

Organizations such as the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work, the National Association of Social Work, and the Council on Social Work Education all offer support and guidance to new social workers. These agencies also offer guidelines and suggestions on obtaining licensure, and provide information on conferences for ongoing training and job enrichment.

Careers to Consider

Careers in social work often offer variation in their focus and setting. Some social workers work in school settings with children and teens, where others may work at drug rehab clinics helping clients who struggle with addictions. Social workers are also needed in hospitals to help patients with discharge planning, and in nursing homes to ensure that patient needs are being met. Upon obtaining licensure in social work, professionals have the choice to work in private practice, offering counseling services to people with mental health diagnoses.

Find an Accredited Online Social Work Degree Today

Social work can be a very rewarding career with varying settings, clients, focuses, and specializations. If you are interested in beginning your career as a social worker, pursuing a flexible and accessible online social work degree could be a great place to start.

Explore some of the types of accredited online social work degrees provided in this guide to find out which choice is right for you.

List of Programs

National University 🗹 Online Courses Start Weekly

Master of Social Work

COAMFTE Accredited

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Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online

Degrees in Social Work

NASAC Accredited

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Liberty University 🗹 Online

MSW: Social Work

SACSCOC Accredited

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University of Denver 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

Master of Social Work

CSWE Accredited

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Northern Kentucky University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

Master of Social Work

CSWE Accredited

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