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SAMPLE COURSES
Principles of Sociology, Interpersonal Communication, Group Dynamics and Counseling, Multicultural Issues, and Psychology
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POTENTIAL JOBS
Social and Human Service Assistant, Community Health Worker, and Childcare Worker
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AVERAGE INCOME
$14.32 hourly
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EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
11% increase for Social and Human Service Assistant, 13% increase for Community Health Workers
Online Social Work Degrees
An online bachelor’s in social work (BSW) program trains students for a range of entry-level employment opportunities in the field, while master’s and doctoral programs prepare graduates for clinical social work. Both online BSW degrees and online master’s in social work (MSW) programs allow students to obtain practical experience through a practicum or internship while they’re in school. Master’s degree holders with at least two years of clinical experience can pursue their state-issued license to practice social work in a clinical setting.
Ideal candidates for an online social work degree are interested in pursuing advocacy on behalf of underrepresented and disadvantaged people. They should be sympathetic and sensitive to the needs of others, with an interest in justice and a desire to make a better world.
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Associate
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Master’s
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Doctorate
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School Rankings
Online Social Work Degree Overview
Degree | Avg Degree Cost | Avg Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
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Associate | $6,396 | 22.76% | 2 years | $25,400 | $33,300 | 9% |
Bachelor's | $15,188 | 9.06% | 4 years | $33,200 | $45,700 | 5% |
Master's | $19,529 | 6.91% | 1+ years | $42,600 | $58,200 | 4% |
Pursuing an online social work degree can be rewarding at any level of study, and MSW programs tend to have the best financial ROI among online social work degrees. While the average degree cost is higher than for associate and bachelor’s programs, MSW graduates stand to earn a higher average salary, with lower unemployment and default rates. Additionally, students enrolled in MSW online programs can gain the professional experience and training needed to qualify for licensing or credentials in their state.
Online Social Work Degrees
Online Associate’s Degree in Social Work
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work
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SAMPLE COURSES
Social Welfare and Social Work, Policies and Strategies of Community Intervention, Ethnicity, Race and Culture, and Human Behavior Social Environment
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COMMON MAJORS
Social Welfare, Human Development/Family Studies, and Sociology
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POTENTIAL JOBS
Social Worker, Substance Abuse Counselor, and Health Educator
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AVERAGE INCOME
$39,270 annually
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EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
12% increase for Social Workers, 22% increase for Substance Abuse Counselors, 13% increase for Health Educators
Online Master’s Degree in Social Work
Career opportunities for social workers continue to expand throughout the United States, in clinics, hospitals, schools, government agencies, and nonprofits of many kinds. TheBureau of Labor Statistics projects the overall employment of social workers to increase 16% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS forecasts even higher demand for clinical social workers in healthcare, mental health, and substance abuse specializations. Online MSW programs provide graduates with the skills to work with marginalized, at-risk, and vulnerable populations such as victims of domestic or child abuse and individuals struggling with alcohol or drug addictions.
Earning a master’s in social work online provides a flexible alternative for students whose personal or work responsibilities may hamper their ability to pursue a campus-based program. Most online programs feature adaptable schedules, accelerated or part-time options, and convenient course delivery formats. While many entry-level jobs in social services require only a BSW or a bachelor’s degree in a related field, earning a master’s degree in social work online prepares students for state licensure and a wider range of placements, including supervisory and advanced practice roles. Students must have an MSW degree to work in clinical settings offering therapy, counseling, and advocacy services directly to clients.
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SAMPLE COURSES
Social Welfare Policy, Human Neuropsychology, Cognitive and Behavioral Treatment, Clinical Practice with Groups, and Mental Health and Social Policy
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POTENTIAL JOBS
Rehabilitation Counselor, School Counselor, and Marriage/Family Therapist
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AVERAGE INCOME
$53,370 annually
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EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
9% increase for Rehabilitation Counselors, 8% increase for School Counselors, 19% increase for Marriage/Family Therapists

Social Work Master’s Degree Rankings
Rank | School Name | School Logo | City | Cost | Address & Contact Info | School Links | Acclaim for Online Programs | School Description |
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1 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock | $$$$$ | 2801 S University Ave Little Rock, AR 72204 (501) 569-3000 | School Profile | Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the 60-credit master of social work at UA Little Rock prepares graduates for advanced clinical practice and leadership roles in social work. The online MSW, open exclusively to Arkansas residents, takes three years to complete, including in-person field internships. The curriculum consists of 36 credits in foundation and concentration classes, six credits of electives and an 18-credit field internship requirement totaling 1,200 practice hours. Each online course spans five synchronous sessions each semester. The internship coordinator works with distance learners to find approved field placements near their place of residence. | ||
2 | Indiana University-Purdue University - Indianapolis | Indianapolis | $$$$$ | 425 University Blvd Indianapolis, IN 46202-5143 (317) 274-5555 | School Profile | For students seeking a focus on clinical and community practice, the 60-credit master of social work at IU Online combines foundational courses with training in specialized practice areas. The advanced generalist foundational coursework addresses diversity, social justice, social policy, and social work practice in organizations, communities, and societies. Distance learners can select one of five concentrations in military social work, e-social work, telebehavioral health social work, mental health, or addictions. Applicants to the MSW program must have a bachelor’s degree and submit official transcripts, a statement of interest, a writing sample, and a resume. | ||
3 | Campbellsville University | Campbellsville | $$$$$ | 1 University Dr Campbellsville, KY 42718-2799 (270) 789-50005000 | School Profile | Through a curriculum grounded in Christian principles, Campbellsville University’s master of social work emphasizes trauma-informed practice. The curriculum offers clinical, substance use disorder, and faith-based areas of focus. Distance learners take all coursework online in eight-week sessions and may complete their in-person fieldwork placements at clinical settings of their choice. The MSW, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, requires between 60 and 69 credits. Bachelor degree holders in fields other than social work typically finish the degree in two years. Applicants with undergraduate social work degrees may enter the advanced standing MSW program allowing them to complete degree requirements in less than one year. | ||
4 | University of New England | Biddeford | 11 Hills Beach Rd Biddeford, ME 04005-9599 (207) 283-0171 | School Profile | Featuring a flexibly designed asynchronous format, UNE's online master of social work develops evidence-based clinical practice skills in a curriculum that emphasizes social justice and inclusion. The MSW program offers two pathways. Students who hold a bachelor’s in a field other than social work pursue the 60-credit traditional pathway. A 30-credit advanced standing pathway admits students with a bachelor of social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program. Students specialize in one of four focus areas: school social work, medical social work, advanced clinical studies, and trauma-informed practice. Flexible practicum options, including traditional, block, simulation, and onsite placements, accommodate the needs of distance learners. | |||
5 | New Mexico State University | Las Cruces | $$$$$ | 2850 Weddell Street Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001 (575) 646-0111 | School Profile | NMSU’s master of social work prepares graduates for advanced generalist practice with vulnerable populations in multicultural settings. The fully online curriculum includes some synchronous coursework. The MSW requires 60 credits, taken over two to three years. Advanced standing students who enter the program with a bachelor’s in social work complete 30 credits, finishing all degree requirements in one year. The two and three-year plans of study require two practicum placements totaling 950 hours. Advanced standing enrollees complete one 500-hour practicum. Distance learners choose their own practicum placements and arrange for transportation to sites. | ||
6 | Texas A&M University - Commerce | Commerce | $$$$$ | 2600 South Neal Commerce, TX 75429-3011 (888) 868-2682 | School Profile | Designed to accommodate individuals with work or personal obligations, the online master of social work at A&M-Commerce offers flexible options. Students take all coursework in an asynchronous format enabling them to progress at their own pace. Distance learners may pursue two tracks. For those who enter without a bachelor’s in social work, the 57-credit foundation generalist track requires two years to complete full-time or four years part-time. The 33-credit advanced generalist track takes one year to finish. It is designed for students with a bachelor’s of social work from an accredited program. The MSW prepares graduates for licensure by the state of Texas as a licensed master social worker. | ||
7 | Rutgers University | New Brunswick | 83 Somerset St New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (848) 445-4636 | School Website | A flexible online program developed for self-directed learners, Rutgers’ 60-credit master of social work provides a two-year, full-time option or a three-year, part-time option. Students who hold a bachelor’s in social work from an accredited program enter the 39-credit advanced standing option that takes between one and two years to complete. The program features two clinical specializations in management and policy or clinical social work. Online learners may also apply for certification in interpersonal violence and trauma or in Latina/o initiatives for service, training, and assessment. Rutgers offers a fixed cost-per-credit tuition rate for online students, regardless of residency. | |||
8 | University of North Dakota | Grand Forks | $$$$$ | 264 Centennial Drive, Stop 8193 Grand Forks, ND 58202-8193 (800) 225-5863 | School Profile | The only online master’s of social work degree in North Dakota, the MSW program at UND prepares graduates for licensure as clinical social workers. Bachelor degree holders in a field other than social work enter the 60-credit online generalist option. Students in the 36-credit advanced generalist option must have completed a BSW from an accredited program. Both options use a synchronous format delivering coursework in real-time with some on-campus requirements. Distance learners may complete the required 500-hour field placement in their local communities. UND provides financial support to qualified MSW students who commit to working in an approved child welfare agency in North Dakota when they graduate. | ||
9 | Brescia University | Owensboro | $$$$$ | 717 Frederica St Owensboro, KY 42301-3023 (270) 685-3131 | School Profile | The master of social work at Brescia University, a Catholic liberal arts college, features a unique curriculum that incorporates the Caritas philosophy into social work through a focus on human rights and social and economic justice. All online courses meet weekly over 15 weeks, delivered through a synchronous, real-time format. The 60-credit MSW option for students with a bachelor's in a non-social work field takes two years to complete. The 30-credit advanced standing MSW is designed for students with a BSW from an accredited program. It features a full-time option that can be completed in one year and a part-time option that takes three years. | ||
10 | University of North Carolina at Pembroke | Pembroke | $$$$$ | 1 University Drive Pembroke, NC 28372 (910) 521-6000 | School Website | Reflecting the university’s identity as a Native American Serving Institution and a Minority Serving Institution, USC Pembroke’s master of social work emphasizes advanced generalist practice in rural and underserved communities and with indigenous populations. The online MSW admits bachelor's degree holders from non-social work fields and requires between 50-62 credits. Students may choose 24-month, full-time or 36-month, part-time plans of study. Graduates of accredited BSW programs enter the 35-credit advanced standing option, which can be completed in 12 months if attending full-time or 24 months part-time. USC Pembroke offers scholarships to economically disadvantaged MSW students identifying as Native American, African American, Hispanic, or multiracial. |
Online Doctorate Degree in Social Work
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SAMPLE COURSES
Advanced Knowledge of Social Work, Applying Action Research, Contemporary Issues in Social Work, History of Social Work Education, and Interprofessional Education in Social Work
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POTENTIAL JOBS
Professor and Human Services Director
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AVERAGE INCOME
$70,790
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EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
13% increase for Professors
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Average Social Work Salaries
Social Worker
Growth Rate 2014-2024 | Number of Jobs: 2014 | Degree | Certifications |
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12% | 649,300 | Bachelor's | State-specific requirements |
Social workers and clinical social workers provide assistance to patients struggling with problems impacting their daily lives. They act as advocates for underprivileged adults, children, or families, and offer help finding housing, applying for food stamps, or adopting a child. Clinical social workers are specially licensed to diagnose and treat mental health issues. Positions in social work are expected to grow; as the baby boomer generation ages, jobs in healthcare are expected to grow particularly quickly. Prospective social workers should be empathetic, and have strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Obtaining a bachelor’s in social work degree online is sufficient for entry-level jobs in the field. Clinical social workers must have a master’s degree, two years of clinical supervised field experience, and a state-issued license to begin practice.
Health Educator
Growth Rate 2014-2024 | Number of Jobs: 2014 | Degree | Certifications |
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13% | 115,700 | Bachelor's | Dependant on employer requirements |
Health educators promote health and wellness knowledge, behavior, and programs aimed to keep individuals and communities healthy. These professionals act as liaisons between healthcare and social services providers and community members by collecting data, disseminating information, and implementing programs designed to promote healthy living. Employment opportunities in this sector are growing as healthcare providers and the general public explore how to reduce medical costs through preventive health and wellness care. BSW degree holders with exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities are well-suited to this area of social work. Of these candidates, some may choose to specialize in a particular demographic, medical condition, or disability.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Growth Rate 2014-2024 | Number of Jobs: 2014 | Degree | Certifications |
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22% | 94,900 | Bachelor's | Dependant on employer requirements |
Substance abuse counselors help those struggling with substance or alcohol addiction, or from related behavioral disorders. Professionals must be compassionate, patient, and have strong communication skills. Jobs in the field are expected to grow as health insurance increasingly includes mental health coverage. While a BSW is generally acceptable for most positions in the field, candidates wanting to counsel patients one-on-one should pursue a graduate degree. Private practice substance abuse counselors are required to be licensed in their state; certification requirements for those operating outside of private practice vary from state to state.
School Counselor
Growth Rate 2014-2024 | Number of Jobs: 2014 | Degree | Certifications |
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8% | 273,400 | Masters | State-issued credentials required |
School counselors help students succeed by assessing their abilities and goals and developing their social and academic skills. Professionals may choose to specialize in elementary, secondary, or postsecondary education counseling services. Online MSW students interested in this field are required to have 1-2 years of classroom experience and must undergo a criminal background check as part of the credentialing process. School counseling candidates should have highly developed communication skills and should be familiar with various learning disabilities and behavioral disorders. An online MSW and state-issued credentials are required.
Rehabilitation Counselor
Growth Rate 2014-2024 | Number of Jobs: 2014 | Degree | Certifications |
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9% | 120,100 | Masters | Dependant on position |
Rehabilitation counselors help people living with disabilities overcome and lead productive lives. These professionals are typically well-versed in the core psychological and social adjustments generally needed among clients with disabilities; they may specialize in newly or temporarily disabled patients or provide youth or senior care. Though most jobs require a graduate degree, there are a variety of job opportunities available due to the opportunity for diversity and variety within the industry. Rehabilitation counseling is well suited to candidates with a compassionate, patient manner and acute listening and interpersonal skills. While some employers may accept a bachelor’s degree, an online MSW is typically the minimum education requirement in the field.
Online Social Work Professional Requirements
Most states require non-clinical social workers to obtain certification, and all states require clinical social workers to have a license to practice in their state; specific rules and regulations vary between states. The Association of Social Work Boards oversees four categories of social work exams for licensure: bachelor’s, master’s, advanced generalist, and clinical. Each test was developed by licensed professionals according to a universal set of qualifiers spanning a variety of practical applications and settings in social work. Prospective licensees should consult the ASWB for state credentialing information.