Social workers are the ones who always step up because they are determined to help and have the training to do so in a society where individuals feel more and more removed from the pain of others and powerless in the face of societal issues like poverty, loneliness, oppression, or addiction. There are numerous best online schools for social work in the United States.
Some people work exclusively in front of computers. But, social workers spend theirs knee-deep in the most unadulterated and exposed parts of other people’s lives. If you want to balance your education with your current job and personal obligations, an online master’s in social work is a suitable choice.
The best online master’s in social work programs from the best online schools for social work train students for advanced practice in a variety of fields and career growth. Promotion into advanced practice and supervisory positions is possible with a Master of Social Work degree. For entry-level jobs, employers may even demand an MSW, particularly in clinical and school social work.
The flexibility of online MSW programs allows you to learn at your own speed while advancing your understanding of social welfare procedures. The following is a list of the best online schools for social work:
Table of Contents
1. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA 90007, United States
USC, one of the top universities in the country, has an online MSW program that is approved. For students without prior knowledge, the MSW offers a conventional program. A bachelor’s degree in social work that has been approved by the Council on Social Work Education is required for the advanced-standing program.
Evidence-based therapies and practices are taught to all students. The MSW provides a number of specializations, including adult mental health and social change. Students who enroll in more than 1,000 hours of field education develop practical skills.
In 12 to 24 months, students can complete the MSW program either full- or part-time. A bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA are prerequisites for admission.
Average Tuition:
In-state: $57,256
Out-of-state: $57,256
Retention Rate: 96%
Admission Rate: 11%
Institution Type: Private
Accreditation: Yes
Credits to Graduate: 37-60
Visit Program: Accredited Online Schools for Social Work
2. University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14260, United States
One of the top online Masters of Social Work (MSW) programs in the Empire State is offered by the School of Social Work at the University at Buffalo. The MSW program at the University at Buffalo is CSWE accredited. The university also provides two online MSW options.
First, there is a standard track with 60 credits. A 35-credit advanced-standing MSW degree program does exist, nevertheless. Both MSW programs incorporate a trauma-informed viewpoint and human rights. A bachelor’s degree is required for admission to the program.
The state’s university system includes The University at Buffalo (UB) as a member institution. The University at Buffalo was founded by Milliard Fillmore in 1846 and has expanded from a modest medical school to a comprehensive research institution with more than 32,300 students.
Visit Program: Online Social Worker Masters Degree
3. Boston University
Boston, MA 02215, United States
Three programs are available for the master’s in social work at BU: traditional, advanced standing, and human service experience. Students can design their own part-time MSW program with a clinical or macro practice concentration.
The curriculum comprises interactive animations, live weekly class sessions, and lectures with simulations. Participants put in between 1,000 and 2,000 hours for a field internship. This online master’s in social work can be finished in 6–9 semesters. 3.0 GPA is required for admission. The HSE track requires learners to have at least two years of experience working with people or in social services.
Average Tuition:
In-state: $54,720
Out-of-state: $54,720
Retention Rate: 94%
Admission Rate: 19%
Credits to Graduate: 40-65
Visit Program: Online Schools That Offer Social Work Degrees
4. Columbia University
New York, NY 10027, United States
One of the top online MSW programs is a degree program in social work offered by Columbia University’s School of Social Work. The Columbia program is also the only one from an Ivy League university to rank in the top five online MSW programs. Moreover, there are three online concentrations available to MSW students at Columbia University who are enrolled in the MSW program online. Students can concentrate on advanced clinical practice, policy practice, or managing social enterprises.
One of the nation’s oldest universities is Columbia. In the middle of the 18th century, it was founded as King’s College. Also, with more than 33,400 online msw students enrolled in classes each year, Columbia University now functions as an ivy league institution.
Highlight: King George II encouraged Columbia University to rival neighbouring Princeton University.
Visit Program: MSW Online Programs
5. University of Central Florida
4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, FL 32816, United States
UCF, one of the biggest virtual institutions in the US, provides an online MSW program with traditional and advanced standing options. The degree trains advanced clinical social workers as well as generalists.
Students acquire the abilities needed to function as licensed practitioners. A bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is required to enroll in the advanced-standing program. A student’s course load is determined by their transferable credits.
All participants perform internships with neighborhood organizations. The MSW can be earned either full- or part-time. A bachelor’s degree or BSW is required for admission.
Average Tuition:
In-state: $4,478
Out-of-state: $19,810
Retention Rate: 91%
Admission Rate: 44%
Institution Type: Public
Credits to Graduate: 62
Visit Program: Masters in Social Work Online
6. University of South Florida
4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, United States
Students enrolled in the online MSW program at USF are prepared for a variety of social work employment. The ability to work with individuals, families, and small groups is acquired by students. Students who lack prior knowledge enroll in foundational courses and develop a social work practice.
Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) from an institution recognized by the Council on Social Work Education are given an advantage and follow an expedited course of study. Every student that enrolls completes fieldwork.
The curriculum is completed with a capstone project. The degree can be earned either fully or partially online. A BSW or a bachelor’s degree with liberal arts coursework is required for admission. It is one of the best accredited online schools for social work in the United States.
Average Tuition:
In-state: $4,559
Out-of-state: $15,473
Retention Rate: 91%
Admission Rate: 48%
Credits to Graduate: 35-60
Visit Program: Accredited Online MSW Programs
7. Rutgers University
57 US Highway 1, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
A second certificate in violence against women and children is offered as part of the online MSW program for social work at Rutgers University’s Social Work School. This is one of the top online MSW programs in New Jersey.
The MSW program at Rutgers offers a conventional track. For those holding a baccalaureate-level social work degree from a CSWE certified institution, it also offers an advanced standing pathway. This Master of Social Work degree can be earned by advanced standing students in just four semesters.
Officially a land-grant university, Rutgers University is the premier university in the state. It was started in 176 as a private school and changed its status to public in 1825. The biggest university in New Jersey is Rutgers.
Highlight: With more than 68,700 students studying at all of its campuses in New Jersey, Rutgers also functions as a higher education institution that grants access to the sea and space.
Visit Program: Social Work Masters Programs Online
8. Fordham University
The Bronx, NY 10458, United States
One of the biggest social work schools in the nation is managed by Fordham. The online MSW program prepares students to work with clients in a variety of areas. Both conventional and advanced-standing tracks are available in the program.
The practice areas available to students include those for people, families, groups, and the community. Students finish 1-2 field placements.
Students may enroll either full- or part-time. A bachelor’s degree in social work or another related field is required for admission to this master’s program in social work, along with an essay.
Average Tuition:
In-state: $52,980
Out-of-state: $52,980
Retention Rate: 91%
Admission Rate: 46%
Credits to Graduate: 33-66
Visit Program: Online Masters Social Work Degree
9. California State University-Northridge
18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA 91330, United States
Cohort modeling is used in the online MSW program in social work at CSUN. The skills needed to work with clients at the individual, family, group, and societal/policy levels are taught to enrollees. Human behavior, the social environment, and generalist social work theory and practice are among the topics covered by MSW programs. Field education provides students with practical instruction.
Students complete a capstone project either individually or in groups. The MSW can be completed in two to three years. A bachelor’s degree with a liberal arts focus and a minimum GPA of 3.0 are prerequisites for admission.
Average Tuition:
In-state: $5,742
Out-of-state: $17,622
Retention Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 59%
Credits to Graduate: 60-63 credits
Visit Program: Online Schools for Social Work Degrees
10. University of Houston
Houston, TX, United States
One of the top online Masters of Social Work (MSW) programs is offered by the Graduate Social Work School at the University of Houston. To graduate from these top MSW programs online, candidates must have earned a bachelor’s degree and have completed at least 900 hours of clinical fieldwork.
Courses for this online Master of Social Work degree program include the compulsory field practicum as well as courses on policy in a social environment, human variety & development, adult mental health, advanced social policy analysis, confronting oppression & injustice, and assessment of practice.
The University of Houston (U of H), which began operations in 1927, presently has more than 45,000 students and is a multi-campus institution. The third-largest student body in the Lone Star State is found at the University of Houston.
Visit Program: Online Colleges for Social Work
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of employment will there be after an MSW?
Managers of public welfare, consultants, project coordinators, professors, program coordinators, and coordinators of training, among others. NGOs, international counseling centers, the health sector, human rights organizations, etc.
2. Does MSW is in demand?
From 2021 to 2031, it is anticipated that overall employment for social workers would increase by 9%, faster than the average for all occupations.
3. Are MSW programs competitive?
The program is competitive, and the best candidates will have an undergraduate degree in a social sciences-related discipline with a 3.0 GPA or higher and some experience in social work.
4. Which specialization is best in MSW?
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health
- Family and Children’s Social Work
- Social and Community Work
- Social Work in Schools
- Social Work in Criminal Justice
5. What is the highest paid social worker?
- Corporate Social Responsibility Manager – Median Salary: $80,200.
- Social Policy Analyst – Median Salary: $74,700.
- Medical Social Worker – Median Salary: $65,300.
- Child and Family Therapist – Median Salary: $63,000.
- Human Resources Coordinator/Specialist – Median Salary: $48,300.
6. Are MSW jobs stressful?
Fortunately, there are many methods to avoid social work burnout, as stress is a prevalent component that contributes to it. allocating the resources at hand to assist social workers in easily completing duties.
7. Are online MSW programs respected?
Online MSW degrees from authorized graduate schools are regarded as just as valid and respected by employers in preparing students for a mid-level social work or private clinical practice employment. Finishing your degree in social work online is an affordable, flexible, and practical choice.
8. Does Capella University have an MSW accreditation?
The Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education has approved the Master of Social Work programs of Capella University. Visit https://www.cswe.org for more about social work accreditation.
9. Are Capella University degrees recognized by employers?
Employers hold Capella University in high regard, especially those who are aware that not all online institutions are diploma mills. The online university has regional accreditation. It implies that, like most traditional schools, its programs and degrees are recognized as long as they meet standards.
10. Which is better in MBA or MSW?
You can choose MSW if you have a preference for working in the community and development sector. Those who want to work in more corporate environments or pursue careers in management often choose and pursue an MBA. This course has higher career possibilities for MBA.
Also Read: Best Online Colleges for Psychology
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