Best Online MSW Programs in Ohio
Online MSW programs in Ohio offer flexibility. All except for one of these programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), ensuring quality education and professional standards. With part-time, accelerated formats and field internships, they cater to modern social work professionals pursuing advanced roles.
Key Takeaways:
- Ohio University grabs the #1 spot for its popularity, with 2,730 online graduate students placing in the top 9% for enrollment.
- Ohio State University has a 95% recommendation rate by its students and graduates, showing that it's another trusted option.
For our list, we consider data from IPEDS and College Scorecard and factors like online enrollment, median starting salary, and accreditation. For more details, please refer to our complete methodology.
List Of Accredited Online MSW Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition | Median Earnings | CSWE Accredited | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio University - Main Campus | $17,712 | N/A | Yes | ||
| Ohio State University - Main Campus | 2,178 | $13,290 | N/A | Yes | |
| Cleveland State University | 757 | $23,466 | N/A | Yes | |
| Case Western Reserve University | 567 | 60, the minimum time to complete, which is 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is $1,650."> $49,500 | N/A | Yes | |
| University of Akron | 400 | $25,609 | N/A | Yes | |
| Mount Vernon Nazarene University | 263 | $8,757 | N/A | Yes |
Best Online MSW Programs in Ohio
Ohio University - Main Campus Ohio University - Main Campus Ohio University - Main Campus
- Online Enrollment: 2,730
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $17,712
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: OU is ranked in the top 9% of institutions for total online graduate enrollment, showcasing its virtual solid student body. The university鈥檚 online MSW program includes tracks for transitioning professionals and recent graduates. This accredited program, recognized by the Council on Social Work Education, can be completed in as few as 24 months without requiring GRE or GMAT scores. With three start dates each year, OU provides flexibility for working professionals seeking to advance their careers while managing other commitments.
Ohio State University - Main Campus Ohio State University - Main Campus Ohio State University - Main Campus
- Online Enrollment: 2,178
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $13,290
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: OSU ranks among the top 13% of institutions for total online enrollment at the graduate level, demonstrating a solid commitment to online education. The MSW degree is fully accredited by CSWE and allows students to complete their degree online. The program requires 63 credit hours and covers critical areas, including mental health, child welfare, and substance abuse, with options for Traditional and Advanced Standing routes. Students benefit from flexible course delivery and field education, preparing them for licensure exams and careers in social work.
Cleveland State University Cleveland State University Cleveland State University
- Online Enrollment: 757
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $23,466
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: CSU ranks among the top 30% of institutions in online graduate education, with a total enrollment of 757 students. The online master's in social work program, accredited by the CSWE, offers full-time and part-time tracks designed for flexibility and accessibility without needing campus visits. Students complete 60 credits of coursework entirely online, paired with 900 hours of field practicum in their communities. Specializations, including Chemical Dependency, Gerontology, and Veterinary Social Work, provide tailored learning opportunities for those pursuing careers in social work.
Case Western Reserve University Case Western Reserve University Case Western Reserve University
Online degree:
Why we like them: CWRU features a total online graduate enrollment of 567 students, ranking it among the top 5% of institutions for student engagement and success. The online social work master's program at the Mandel School is CSWE-accredited and offers three distinct paths: clinical practice focused on Children, Youth, and Families and Mental Health with Adults, and macro practice. With a fully online format, traditional students complete 60 credits, and advanced standing students complete 39 credits, along with required field education. Live classes and dedicated support services enhance the learning experience.
University of Akron University of Akron University of Akron
- Online Enrollment: 400
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $25,609
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: UA ranks 5th in Ohio for online graduate enrollment, with 400 students in its various programs. The MSW program focuses on advanced specialized clinical work in direct practice and administration. It is designed for those committed to social justice and requires no GRE for admission. The program can be completed in 22 months for traditional tracks or 11 months for advanced-standing students. Asynchronous course delivery provides flexibility, with opportunities for real-world practice through agency-based internships and regional field placements. Specializations include Leadership, Medical, Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Family-Oriented areas.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University Mount Vernon Nazarene University Mount Vernon Nazarene University
- Online Enrollment: 263
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $8,757
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: MVNU ranks among the top 17% of universities for total online graduate enrollment, showcasing a significant commitment to distance learners. The MSW program is designed to prepare advanced practitioners while adhering to the core values of social work. It offers Standard Track, which requires 62 credit hours, and the Advanced Track, with 31 credit hours. Students can choose from concentrations in Behavioral Health and School Social Work. Those with a recent Bachelor of Social Work may qualify for advanced standing, enabling a streamlined path to degree completion.
Overview of Online MSWs in Ohio
Social workers in the state of Ohio may perform a variety of services both with and without supervision. There are three licenses which designate the duties a social worker is eligible to perform: Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and Supervisor Designation (LISW with Supervisor, or LISW-S). The scope of practice for a social worker may include intervention planning, counseling and patient evaluation, and social psychotherapy under supervision. Anyone with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in the specific field of social work is qualified to apply for a social worker position.
Becoming a Social Worker in Ohio
All aspiring social workers must hold either a bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 in social work, or alternate post-graduate degree in social work. Ohio recognizes programs that have been accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) at the bachelor鈥檚 level. At the master鈥檚 level, applicants must complete a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
At the master鈥檚 level, applicants must complete a program accredited by the CSWE.
Applicants may begin applying for social work positions when they reach the last semester of their social work program. The process for license application differs depending upon the license. Bachelor鈥檚 applicants apply for an LSW, while those with a Masters or higher level education can apply for a LISW or LISW-S. It is important to note that an LSW is unable to work independently, or as part of private practice, unless they operate under direct supervision from a licensed psychiatrist, clinical counselor or independent therapist.
Licensed Social Worker
Once aspiring social workers have completed a bachelor鈥檚 or postgraduate social work program they are eligible to apply for licensure in Ohio. To begin this process, they must first apply to take the LSW examination. Ohio maintains an online portal where candidates are encouraged to create a user ID and password for a personalized account that tracks the status of an application. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) designates that bachelor鈥檚 level candidates sit for the Bachelors Exam, and a master鈥檚 level candidates sit for the Masters Exam. Applicants must be granted approval to take the exam, pay a fee, and take the test at a Pearson Testing Center. The board receives and reviews scores on the Wednesday following testing dates.
While candidates await exam results, they are encouraged to complete the BCI and FBI background checks required by the state. This can be completed at any time during the licensing process. Applicants must also forward school transcripts to the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Therapist Board.
Licensed Independent Social Worker
Before aspiring social workers can receive their LISW, they must hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited institution and earn LSW licensure. Once those requirements are met, candidates are eligible to meet the post-LSW/MSW work-hour requirement for Independent licensure. A minimum of 3,000 hours must be completed within two years. These work hours must include a minimum of 150 hours with a training supervisor.
Designated Supervisor
To become a LISW-S, candidates must complete one year of post-licensure practice as a LISW (in Ohio or another state) and a minimum of nine hours in continuing education credits. Continuing education credits must focus specifically on master鈥檚 level social work with an emphasis on supervisory skills. This requirement must be completed within three years, and duties must be performed face-to-face. Additionally, candidates must maintain a master鈥檚 level of coursework in social work supervision each renewal cycle. Once all requirements are met, social workers may apply for an endorsement online through the state licensing board.
Social Work License Reciprocity in Ohio
Generally, Ohio is welcoming of social workers that have been licensed or have practiced from out of state. The process begins by determining the applicant鈥檚 level of social work. Then, the applicant must pay the application fee and complete the process to acquire the state licensing board's endorsement. The candidate must also forward any transcripts and ASWB exam scores to avoid retaking exams.
Applicants can complete the BCI and FBI background check at any point before or after they arrive in the state. An email informs candidates of where and how to log on to the online portal and to check on any missing documents. Students may need to contact their previous state for supervisory records as requested. Applicants should be prepared with this documentation to expedite the review and approval process.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education Information
Ohio鈥檚 license renewal requirements must be met within a two-year period. Requirements include a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education, where at least three of the 30 hours must be focused on ethics. Ohio recognizes some training conducted by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), its Ohio Chapter, and training from the ASWB. Because requirements vary based on the type of license being renewed, candidates should look to the Ohio licensing board to determine eligibility requirements, and upload continuing education credits in advance to avoid an audit that may extend the renewal process. Additionally, there are fees associated with license renewal, and fee amounts vary based on the level of the license being renewed.
Renewal is conducted online through the state portal, and notices are sent to licensees 90, 60 and 30 days before expiration.
Bottom Line
The best online MSW programs in Ohio should provide flexibility, professional accreditation, and career-focused education for aspiring social workers. Schools like Ohio University and Ohio State University stand out for their significant online enrollments and positive student reviews, while programs like Cleveland State University offer specialized tracks and certificates tailored to diverse social work needs. These programs are all accredited by the CSWE, except for one that remains a popular choice, and include options for part-time and accelerated study, making them accessible for working professionals and recent graduates alike.
For prospective students, understanding licensing requirements in Ohio is critical. Applicants should consider program accreditation, field education opportunities, and tracks that align with their career goals. Additionally, licensing paths vary by education level and include specific post-graduate experience and exams. Carefully selecting a worthwhile MSW program with strong online support and clear pathways to licensure can streamline the journey to becoming a licensed social worker in Ohio.
If you're continuing your search for online MSW programs, explore our page on the most affordable online MSWs 鈥� accessible no matter where you鈥檙e located.