Most Popular Online MSW Programs in Arkansas
Our list shows the most popular online MSW programs in Arkansas so you can find the best fit for your needs. All of the social work master's degrees below are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Each graduate degree combines online coursework with field placements, preparing students for diverse social work careers.
Key Takeaways:
- With over 4,100 graduate students enrolled online, Arkansas State University ranks in the top 4% for online engagement, showcasing its expansive digital reach.
- The University of Arkansas boasts a retention rate of 86%, highlighting strong student engagement, and it ranks second on our list for popularity among distance learners.
- The University of Arkansas at Little Rock features an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, emphasizing personalized education.
Our rankings consider total online graduate enrollment, while our descriptions highlight program quality and student outcomes. Evaluations are informed by data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard. For a detailed overview of our process, visit our methodology page.
List Of Accredited Online MSW Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition | Median Earnings | CSWE Accredited | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas State University | $9,072 | N/A | Yes | ||
| University of Arkansas | 1,645 | $47,338 | N/A | Yes | |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | 1,081 | $11,880 | N/A | Yes |
Most Popular Online MSW Programs in Arkansas
Arkansas State University Arkansas State University Arkansas State University
- Online Enrollment: 4,119
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $9,072
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: A-State has a total online enrollment of 4,119 graduate students, ranking in the top 4% of institutions for online learning. Its CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work requires 63 credit hours and emphasizes clinical practice, leadership, and work with diverse populations. Students can tailor their studies through specialized electives, gaining advanced skills for careers as Licensed Clinical Social Workers or Independent Social Workers. This flexible and comprehensive program prepares graduates to excel in the evolving field of social work.
University of Arkansas University of Arkansas University of Arkansas
- Online Enrollment: 1,645
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $47,338
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: UA ranks 2nd with a notable graduate-level online enrollment, showcasing its popularity. Its high retention rate places it in the top 13% nationwide, reflecting strong student satisfaction and success. The university offers a fully online, CSWE-accredited Advanced Standing MSW program online for students with a bachelor鈥檚 in social work. This one-year, 39-credit program combines flexible online coursework, local practicum placements, and a year-long internship. The program prepares graduates for advanced roles in social work or further doctoral studies.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock University of Arkansas at Little Rock University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Online Enrollment: 1,081
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $11,880
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: UALR ranks third in total online enrollment at the graduate level, with 1,081 online learners. The MSW - Advanced Direct Practice and MSW - Social and Organizational Impact programs focus on leadership roles in clinical and community practice. With a 60-credit curriculum with practical internships in various settings, students can choose concurrent degree options, such as MSW/Master of Public Service or MSW/Juris Doctor. Advanced standing students with a BSW may complete the program more quickly in a 12-month full-time or 21-month part-time schedule.
Overview of Online MSW Programs in Arkansas
With an increased demand for healthcare and a growing population, social work positions in the state of Arkansas are expected to increase for the foreseeable future. Currently, all social work licenses in Arkansas are overseen and awarded by the Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board. No matter what kind of social work graduates wish to pursue, it is important to understand the guidelines set forth by the ASWLB.
Social workers help communities in any number of ways. They help people solve and cope with everyday problems; they diagnose and treat mental, emotional and behavioral issues; and, more importantly, they help communities prosper and thrive. Aspiring social workers with a variety of levels of education and experience can serve local communities by obtaining the appropriate license in Arkansas.
Becoming a Social Worker in Arkansas
To perform social work in Arkansas, there are three paths that can be taken:
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)
An LSW allows licensees to work in entry-level social work jobs under supervision, but doesn鈥檛 allow them to do any clinical work. An LMSW is allowed to do clinical work but still requires supervision, while an LCSW allows licensees to do clinical work without supervision.
Classes typically associated with social work degree programs in Arkansas include Social Work Research and Technology, Human Diversity and Social Work, Social Welfare Policy and Human Development. With more advanced classes, students can expect to take courses that transition into internships, as well as fieldwork practice courses. Social work is a hands-on profession that requires real-world experience. To learn how to become a social worker, aspiring social workers should carefully review the requirements for each type of license.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
The application to become a licensed social worker (LSW) can be found and submitted online, or mailed in to the Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board office. Either option requires a $100 fee, but there is an additional fee to submit online. After applying, aspiring social workers will also need to have an official transcript showing their bachelor鈥檚 degree from an accredited program sent to the Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board. Once the application is submitted, the ASWLB will mail a fingerprint card to conduct a criminal background check. After providing fingerprints, applicants will be granted a provisional license. With this, applicants can practice as an LSW for up to one year and are allowed up to three tries to pass the licensing exam.
After the application is received by the Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board, they will notify the candidate that they are approved to take the exam. Once approved, applicants take the ASWB Bachelors Exam which costs $230. The test consists of 170 multiple choice questions and must be completed in four hours. After the test is taken, applicants are notified on whether or not they passed within two weeks. If passed, the provisional LSW license will transition to a permanent LSW license.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
Those with an MSW degree from an approved college or university can apply to be an LMSW. With this credential, social workers can work in a clinical setting but still need to work under supervision. The application can be completed either online or by mail. The fee is $100, with an additional fee of $5.50 for filing online.
Applicants must complete a background check as part of the application process. When the application has been reviewed, candidates will receive a fingerprint card in the mail. Once the criminal background screening is complete, applicants will receive a provisional license for one year. During this year, applicants have three tries to pass the ASWB Masters Exam. The ASWB Masters Exam costs $230 and consists of 170 multiple choice questions that must be completed within four hours.
Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)
For social workers who want to work independently in Arkansas, an LCSW is required. With this license, graduates can do both nonclinical and clinical social work. To become an LCSW, applicants must have an MSW from an approved college or university. They must also complete 4,000 hours of supervised fieldwork in two years or less under the supervision of an approved LCSW. This experience can be detailed in a Supervision Plan form which can be found .
The LCSW application can be printed and mailed in, or completed online. Both options have a fee of $100 (online submission also requires a convenience fee of $5.50). The LCSW-credentialed supervisor will need to submit an evaluation form, and applicants need to have their college or university mail in a copy of their transcript. After the application is received, applicants will be sent a fingerprint card so a criminal background check can be conducted. Then, candidates must take the clinical exam. The ASWB Clinical Exam, which costs $260, has 170 multiple choice questions that must be completed within four hours. Applicants should be notified of their score within three weeks of taking the test.
Navigating Licensure in Arkansas
Social Work License Reciprocity in Arkansas
The state of Arkansas accepts social work licenses issued in other states without requiring the applicant to retake the test. There is an application form that needs to be submitted, either by mail or online. A Verification of Licensure in Other State form and a copy of the ASWB exam results must be included with the application. The application fee is $100, with an additional fee of $5.50 if the application is submitted online. Reciprocity licenses are only granted when the original licensing state has guidelines that are equal to or greater than Arkansas鈥� standards. Applicants may receive a provisional license that allows them to continue providing social work in Arkansas while awaiting the application and criminal background check results.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education Information
Social workers must renew their license every two years to continue practicing social work in Arkansas. Currently, the cost to renew a license is $80. Prior to renewing a social work license, professionals must complete 48 hours of continuing education courses. Ten hours may come from giving lectures, and only 20 may be completed through home study or online courses. For more information on renewing an Arkansas social work license, visit the Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board's website.
Conclusion: Advancing Your Social Work Career in Arkansas
Arkansas offers a range of online MSW programs tailored to meet the needs of aspiring social workers, combining flexibility with rigorous academic preparation. Schools like Arkansas State University, the University of Arkansas, and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock stand out for their strong online engagement, personalized education, and commitment to student success. With CSWE-accredited curricula, these programs prepare graduates for diverse career paths, from clinical practice to community leadership.
The state鈥檚 licensing options 鈥� LSW, LMSW, and LCSW 鈥� cater to different career stages, ensuring that professionals can progress as they gain experience and expertise. Additionally, Arkansas鈥� reciprocity policies and streamlined licensure renewal process make it an accessible state for both in-state and out-of-state social workers.
Whether you鈥檙e seeking affordability, advanced standing programs, or opportunities for impactful fieldwork, Arkansas鈥� online MSW programs provide a foundation for a fulfilling social work career. Explore these programs to find the path that aligns with your professional goals and passion for helping communities thrive.
Still searching? Check out our curated list of affordable online MSW programs, ranked by tuition, to find the best option for your budget.