Are you looking for a rewarding career in social work? Do you want to earn your degree online from a reputable institution? If so, check out our list of 10 top accredited online social work programs. You’ll find out what each program offers, how much it costs, and how to apply. Whether you’re interested in a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, you’ll find an option that suits your goals and schedule. Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your skills and make a difference in your community. Visit our website today and discover the best accredited online social work programs for you.
Social work is a rewarding profession that involves helping individuals, groups and communities improve their well-being and quality of life. Social workers can work in various settings, such as schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, child welfare agencies, substance abuse treatment centers and more.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in social work, you will need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) from an accredited program. A BSW can prepare you for entry-level positions in the field, such as case manager, social services specialist, community organizer or advocate.
However, if you want to advance your career and become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), you will need to have a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from an accredited program. An MSW can open up more opportunities for leadership, supervision, research and clinical practice.
Accreditation is a process by which an independent organization evaluates the quality and standards of an educational institution or program. Accreditation ensures that the program meets the criteria for academic excellence and professional competence. Accreditation also affects your eligibility for financial aid, licensure, certification and employment.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the national accrediting body for social work education in the United States. CSWE accredits both BSW and MSW programs that meet its rigorous standards for curriculum, faculty, resources and outcomes. CSWE accreditation is recognized by all state licensing boards and employers as a mark of quality and credibility.
How to Choose an Accredited Online Social Work Program
Choosing an accredited online social work program can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider. Some of the most important ones are:
- Cost: Online programs may be more affordable than on-campus programs, as they can save you money on tuition, fees, transportation and housing. However, online programs may also have additional costs, such as technology fees, books and materials. You should compare the total cost of different online programs and look for financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, loans and work-study.
- Flexibility: Online programs may offer more flexibility than on-campus programs, as they can allow you to study at your own pace and schedule. However, online programs may also have different formats and requirements, such as synchronous (live) or asynchronous (self-paced) courses, deadlines, assignments and exams. You should choose an online program that fits your learning style and personal needs.
- Support: Online programs may offer more support than on-campus programs, as they can provide you with access to online resources, such as libraries, databases, tutoring and counseling. However, online programs may also have less interaction and communication with instructors and peers, which can affect your academic performance and social experience. You should choose an online program that offers adequate support services and opportunities for engagement.
Read More: 10 Best Online Social Work Degree Programs
- Field Education: Field education is a crucial component of any social work program, as it provides you with hands-on experience in a real-world setting under the supervision of a professional social worker. Field education can help you develop your skills, knowledge and values as a social worker and prepare you for licensure and employment. However, field education may also have different requirements and arrangements depending on the online program. You should choose an online program that offers quality field education placements that match your interests and goals.
10 Top Accredited Online Social Work Programs
The following list ranks 10 of the best accredited online social work programs in the United States based on factors such as cost, flexibility, support and field education. The list includes both BSW and MSW programs that are fully or partially online. The rankings are based on data from sources such as the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs and the schools’ websites.
1. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California (USC) is a private research university located in Los Angeles, California. USC offers an online MSW program through its Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. The program is fully accredited by CSWE and ranked among the top 15 social work programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
The online MSW program at USC allows students to choose from four concentrations: adult mental health and wellness; children, youth and families; social change and innovation; or military social work. The program also offers three sub-concentrations: school settings; public child welfare; or systems of recovery from mental illness.
The online MSW program at USC requires 60 credits for completion, which can be completed in 12-36 months depending on the student’s previous education and enrollment status. The program consists of online courses delivered through a live virtual classroom platform; field education placements arranged by the school in the student’s local area; and optional on-campus and global immersion experiences.
The online MSW program at USC costs $1,928 per credit, plus additional fees. The program offers various financial aid options, such as scholarships, fellowships, loans and military benefits.
2. Boston University
Boston University (BU) is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. BU offers an online MSW program through its School of Social Work. The program is fully accredited by CSWE and ranked among the top 10 social work programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
The online MSW program at BU allows students to choose from two tracks: clinical social work or macro social work. The clinical track prepares students for direct practice with individuals, families and groups; while the macro track prepares students for leadership and advocacy roles in organizations and communities.
The online MSW program at BU requires 65 credits for completion, which can be completed in 9-24 months depending on the student’s previous education and enrollment status. The program consists of online courses delivered through a flexible asynchronous platform; field education placements arranged by the school in the student’s local area; and optional on-campus and international immersion experiences.
The online MSW program at BU costs $930 per credit, plus additional fees. The program offers various financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, loans and military benefits.
3. Fordham University
Fordham University is a private Jesuit university located in New York City, New York. Fordham offers an online MSW program through its Graduate School of Social Service. The program is fully accredited by CSWE and ranked among the top 25 social work programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
The online MSW program at Fordham allows students to choose from three concentrations: individuals and families; organizations and community; or evaluation. The program also offers four specializations: children and families; health/mental health; aging; or leadership and macro practice.
The online MSW program at Fordham requires 66 credits for completion, which can be completed in 16-32 months depending on the student’s previous education and enrollment status. The program consists of online courses delivered through a live virtual classroom platform; field education placements arranged by the school in the student’s local area; and optional on-campus and global immersion experiences.
The online MSW program at Fordham costs $963 per credit, plus additional fees. The program offers various financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, loans and military benefits.
4. Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research university located in Tempe, Arizona. ASU offers an online BSW program through its School of Social Work. The program is fully accredited by CSWE and ranked among the top 40 social work programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
The online BSW program at ASU prepares students for generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. The program covers topics such as human behavior, social welfare policy, research methods, diversity and ethics.
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The online BSW program at ASU requires 120 credits for completion, which can be completed in 4 years of full-time study or longer for part-time students. The program consists of online courses delivered through a flexible asynchronous platform; field education placements arranged by the school in the student’s local area; and optional on-campus and international immersion experiences.
The online BSW program at ASU costs $561-$661 per credit for Arizona residents or $661-$1,343 per credit for non-residents, plus additional fees. The program offers various financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, loans and military benefits.
5. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a public research university located in Orlando, Florida. UCF offers an online BSW program through its School of Social Work. The program is fully accredited by CSWE and ranked among the top 50 social work programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
The online BSW program at UCF prepares students for generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. The program covers topics such as human behavior, social welfare policy, research methods, diversity and ethics.
The online BSW program at UCF requires 120 credits for completion, which can be completed in 4 years of full-time study or longer for part-time students. The program consists of online courses delivered through a flexible asynchronous platform; field education placements arranged by the school in the student’s local area; and optional on-campus and international immersion experiences.
The online BSW program at UCF costs $179-$212 per credit for Florida residents or $748 per credit for non-residents, plus additional fees. The program offers various financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, loans and military benefits.
6. University of Louisville
The University of Louisville (UofL) is a public research university located in Louisville, Kentucky. UofL offers an online MSW program through its Kent School of Social Work. The program is fully accredited by CSWE and ranked among the top 50 social work programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
The online MSW program at UofL allows students to choose from two specializations: psychosocial oncology or mental health. The psychosocial oncology specialization focuses on the biopsychosocial aspects of cancer care, while the mental health specialization focuses on the assessment and treatment of mental disorders.
The online MSW program at UofL requires 60 credits for completion, which can be completed in 2-4 years depending on the student’s previous education and enrollment status. The program consists of online courses delivered through a flexible asynchronous platform; field education placements arranged by the school in the student’s local area; and optional on-campus and international immersion experiences.
The online MSW program at UofL costs $714 per credit, plus additional fees. The program offers various financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, loans and military benefits.
7. University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota (UND) is a public research university located in Grand Forks, North Dakota. UND offers an online BSW program through its Department of Social Work. The program is fully accredited by CSWE and ranked among the top 60 social work programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
The online BSW program at UND prepares students for generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. The program covers topics such as human behavior, social welfare policy, research methods, diversity and ethics.
The online BSW program at UND requires 120 credits for completion, which can be completed in 4 years of full-time study or longer for part-time students. The program consists of online courses delivered through a flexible asynchronous platform; field education placements arranged by the school in the student’s local area; and optional on-campus and international immersion experiences.
The online BSW program at UND costs $404 per credit for North Dakota residents or $1,009 per credit for non-residents, plus additional fees. The program offers various financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, loans and military benefits.
8. Rutgers University
Rutgers University is a public research university with campuses in New Brunswick, Newark and Camden, New Jersey. Rutgers offers an online MSW program through its School of Social Work. The program is fully accredited by CSWE and ranked among the top 20 social work programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
The online MSW program at Rutgers allows students to choose from two concentrations: clinical social work or management and policy. The clinical concentration prepares students for direct practice with individuals, families and groups; while the management and policy concentration prepares students for leadership and advocacy roles in organizations and communities.
Learn More: 10 Best Online Social Work Degree Programs
The online MSW program at Rutgers requires 60 credits for completion, which can be completed in 2-4 years depending on the student’s previous education and enrollment status. The program consists of online courses delivered through a flexible asynchronous platform; field education placements arranged by the school in the student’s local area; and optional on-campus and international immersion experiences.
The online MSW program at Rutgers costs $900 per credit for New Jersey residents or $1,464 per credit for non-residents, plus additional fees. The program offers various financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, loans and military benefits.
9. University of Utah
The University of Utah is a public research university located in Salt Lake City, Utah. The University of Utah offers an online BSW program through its College of Social Work. The program is fully accredited by CSWE and ranked among the top 40 social work programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
The online BSW program at the University of Utah prepares students for generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. The program covers topics such as human behavior, social welfare policy, research methods, diversity and ethics.
The online BSW program at the University of Utah requires 120 credits for completion, which can be completed in 4 years of full-time study or longer for part-time students. The program consists of online courses delivered through a flexible asynchronous platform; field education placements arranged by the school in the student’s local area; and optional on-campus and international immersion experiences.
The online BSW program at the University of Utah costs $327 per credit for Utah residents or $1,090 per credit for non-residents, plus additional fees. The program offers various financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, loans and military benefits.
10. Simmons University
Simmons University is a private university located in Boston, Massachusetts. Simmons offers an online MSW program through its School of Social Work. The program is fully accredited by CSWE and ranked among the top 50 social work programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
The online MSW program at Simmons allows students to choose from four specializations: child and family; trauma and interpersonal violence; mental health and addictions; or health and aging. The program also offers three certificates: practice with groups and families; practice with individuals; or practice with organizations and communities.
The online MSW program at Simmons requires 65 credits for completion, which can be completed in 16-32 months depending on the student’s previous education and enrollment status. The program consists of online courses delivered through a live virtual classroom platform; field education placements arranged by the school in the student’s local area; and optional on-campus and international immersion experiences.
The online MSW program at Simmons costs $1,230 per credit, plus additional fees. The program offers various financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, loans and military benefits.
Conclusion
Earning an accredited online social work degree can be a great way to start or advance your career in social work. Online social work programs can offer you flexibility, affordability, quality and convenience. However, you should also consider the challenges and requirements of online learning and social work practice.
If you are interested in pursuing an accredited online social work degree, you should do your research and compare different options. You should look for a program that meets your needs, goals and interests. You should also check the accreditation status, curriculum, admission requirements, tuition and fees, financial aid options and student outcomes of each program.
To help you with your decision, we have ranked 10 of the best accredited online social work programs in the United States based on factors such as cost, flexibility, support and field education. You can use this list as a starting point for your search and explore more details about each program on their websites.
We hope this article has given you some useful information and guidance on how to choose an accredited online social work program. If you are ready to take the next step in your social work education and career, don’t hesitate to apply to one of these programs today. You can make a positive difference in the lives of others and your own with an online social work degree. Good luck!
FAQs
How can I find an accredited online social work program?
You can find an accredited online social work program by:
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- Searching the CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs, which lists all the BSW and MSW programs that are accredited by CSWE in the United States and Canada.
- Visiting the websites of the schools and programs that interest you and checking their accreditation status, curriculum, admission requirements, tuition and fees, financial aid options and student outcomes.
- Contacting the schools and programs that interest you and asking for more information, such as brochures, catalogs, webinars or virtual tours.
- Comparing the features and benefits of different online social work programs and choosing the one that best suits your needs and goals.
What are the admission requirements for an accredited online social work program?
The admission requirements for an accredited online social work program may vary depending on the school, program and level of study. However, some common requirements are:
- A high school diploma or equivalent for a BSW program or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution for an MSW program.
- A minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0 or higher depending on the program.
- A completed application form and fee.
- Official transcripts from all previous schools attended.
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources.
- A personal statement or essay that demonstrates your interest and suitability for social work.
- A resume or curriculum vitae that highlights your education, work and volunteer experience, skills and achievements.
- Standardized test scores, such as SAT, ACT, GRE or MAT, depending on the program.
- Proof of English proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS, for international students.
What are the career and salary prospects for graduates of an accredited online social work program?
Graduates of an accredited online social work program can pursue a variety of careers in the field of social work, such as:
- Child and family social worker: Provides services to children and families who face challenges such as abuse, neglect, poverty, domestic violence or mental health issues. Median annual salary: $51,760
- School social worker: Provides services to students who face academic, behavioral, emotional or social problems that affect their learning and well-being. Median annual salary: $51,030
- Healthcare social worker: Provides services to patients who cope with chronic, acute or terminal illnesses or disabilities. Median annual salary: $57,630
- Mental health and substance abuse social worker: Provides services to clients who struggle with mental health or substance abuse issues. Median annual salary: $51,670
- Community social worker: Provides services to communities that face issues such as poverty, unemployment, homelessness or discrimination. Median annual salary: $48,420
- Social work administrator: Plans, directs and coordinates the activities of social service organizations or programs. Median annual salary: $69,600
- Social work researcher: Conducts research on social issues, policies and interventions to improve the knowledge and practice of social work. Median annual salary: $86,790
- Social work educator: Teaches social work courses at colleges or universities or provides training and consultation to social service agencies or professionals. Median annual salary: $80,790
The salary data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2020. The actual salary may vary depending on factors such as education, experience, location and employer.
What are the licensure requirements for social workers in the United States?
The licensure requirements for social workers in the United States vary depending on the state, level and type of practice. However, some common requirements are:
- A BSW or MSW degree from an accredited program for most types of licenses.
- A supervised field experience of 2-3 years for clinical licenses.
- A passing score on a national or state exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) or a state board.
- A completion of continuing education credits to maintain or renew the license.
You can find more information about the specific licensure requirements for each state on the ASWB website or the website of your state board.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of earning an online social work degree?
Earning an online social work degree can have both advantages and disadvantages, such as:
Advantages:
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- You can save time and money by studying from anywhere and at your own pace.
- You can access quality education and resources from reputable institutions and programs.
- You can enhance your career prospects and opportunities by earning an accredited degree.
- You can balance your personal, professional and academic responsibilities more easily.
- You can network with instructors and peers from diverse backgrounds and locations.
Disadvantages:
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- You may face technical issues or challenges with online platforms and tools.
- You may lack face-to-face interaction and communication with instructors and peers.
- You may need more self-discipline and motivation to complete your coursework and assignments.
- You may have limited access to campus facilities and services.
- You may have difficulty finding suitable field education placements in your local area.
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