Most Popular Online MSW Programs in Tennessee
Online MSW programs in Tennessee offer flexible education for future social workers. These accredited programs combine coursework with practical field experience, preparing you for licensure and various roles in social services. The online format lets you manage personal commitments while pursuing your career. Degree completion generally takes two to three years and is available for full- and part-time students.
Key Takeaways:
- The University of Memphis is the #1 most popular online school, with 1,851 graduate students studying remotely.
- The University of Tennessee - Knoxville achieves a 73% graduation rate, making your odds of succeeding in an online MSW program here very high.
- East Tennessee State University has a 3.86/5 overall review rating from students, ranking #3 overall for popularity.
In our list, we consider online enrollment data, favoring programs with minimal in-person requirements for flexibility. This way, you can explore a curated list based on the most popular options for online MSWs in Tennessee. For more details, see our methodology.
List Of Accredited Online MSW Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition | Median Earnings | CSWE Accredited | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Memphis | $23,610 | N/A | Yes | ||
| The University of Tennessee - Knoxville | 1,803 | $21,420 | N/A | Yes | |
| East Tennessee State University | 1,039 | $29,803 | N/A | Yes | |
| Austin Peay State University | 712 | $15,620 | N/A | Yes |
Most Popular Online MSW Programs in Tennessee
University of Memphis University of Memphis University of Memphis
- Online Enrollment: 1,851
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $23,610
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: UM features a notable online enrollment of 1,851 graduate students, positioning it among the top 16% of online schools based on student numbers. The online MSW program requires six credit hours over two years, with an advanced standing option reducing the requirement to 37 for graduates of CSWE-accredited programs. Students must participate in synchronous remote meetings and complete 900 hours of fieldwork. The program offers standard and accelerated pathways while advising on state-specific licensure requirements, making it a strong option for prospective social work students.
The University of Tennessee - Knoxville The University of Tennessee - Knoxville The University of Tennessee - Knoxville
- Online Enrollment: 1,803
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $21,420
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: UTK ranks highly as a popular online school in Tennessee, with a total online graduate enrollment of 1,803 students that places it 2nd among online MSW programs in the state. The accredited MSW program prepares students for social work practice through flexible paths, including Advanced Standing and Full-Time options. Concentrations such as Clinical Practice and Organizational Leadership are available. UTK also offers dual degree options and trauma and forensic social work certificates to enhance professional competencies.
East Tennessee State University East Tennessee State University East Tennessee State University
- Online Enrollment: 1,039
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $29,803
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: ETSU's ranking at third place is notably supported by a robust online enrollment of 1,039 students, placing it within the top 25% of universities with the highest online engagement. ETSU's MSW program offers an entirely online format with a Clinical Social Work concentration, requiring between 37 to 63 credit hours depending on your entry track. The program is accredited by the CSWE and does not require the GRE for admission. There's a strong emphasis on licensure readiness, with a pass rate above national averages, and fieldwork is integral with 600 hours required across placements.
Austin Peay State University Austin Peay State University Austin Peay State University
- Online Enrollment: 712
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $15,620
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: APSU ranks among the most popular online graduate schools, serving hundreds of remote learners at the graduate level. The online MSW emphasizes practical experience, integrating role play, simulations, and community involvement, culminating in a capstone field experience. Unique resources, such as a clinical lab for video recording, enhance skill development. Faculty possess diverse research interests covering individual, family, community, and international social work. APSU鈥檚 MSW is fully accredited, ensuring adherence to educational standards. Students interested in licensure beyond Tennessee are advised to verify specific state requirements to tailor their academic path effectively.
Overview of Online MSW Programs in Tennessee
Tennessee social work is overseen by the Board of Social Work Licensure, which allows four different types of licenses. A bachelor鈥檚 degree is required to become a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), while a master鈥檚 degree in social work is required to practice as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Individuals with either type of social work license can find employment in a variety of settings, such as educational institutions, counseling centers, community initiatives, and other settings.
A master鈥檚 degree in social work is also necessary to become a Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker (LAPSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state. A LAPSW can practice independently, and an LCSW can work independently in a clinical setting.
Becoming a Social Worker in Tennessee
At a minimum, prospective social workers should have a bachelor鈥檚 degree in social work. This credential allows them to apply for LBSW licensure. The other three types of social work license each require applicants to possess a master鈥檚 degree. These are the LMSW, LAPSW, and LCSW licenses.
Once students have attained the education necessary to become social workers, they will be expected to provide official college or university transcripts to the Board. Each application also requires individuals to pay both application fees and a state regulatory fee. Applicants must disclose any prior criminal history to the Board, and some of the higher levels of licensure require applicants to meet certain experiential standards in order to be eligible. Maintaining a current license to practice Tennessee social work also requires completion of continuing education credits.
Licensed Bachelor of Social Work
Applicants seeking to become Licensed Baccalaureate Social Workers can apply directly on the Board鈥檚 website. This application must be accompanied by a number of attachments, which differ slightly from those required with LMSW, LAPSW, and LCSW applications. First, LBSW candidates must pay an application fee which includes payment for application and license processing, as well as a state regulatory fee. The next step in becoming a social worker at the baccalaureate level is to include a recent passport-sized photograph and notarized Declaration of Citizenship form. Another required form is the Mandatory Practitioner Profile Questionnaire.
Finally, applicants must have official transcripts sent to the Board directly from their educational institution. When all of these requirements have been met, approved applicants will be allowed to take an exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Applicants will eventually be required to submit the results of a criminal background check to the Board. However, this is only to be done after a student has already passed the ASWB exam. When approved, Tennessee social work licenses are typically mailed within two weeks.
Licensed Master of Social Work
The process to earn an LMSW social work license is very similar to the process involved with seeking an LBSW license. The main difference lies in the required education. Students seeking to become a social worker at the master鈥檚 level must hold a master鈥檚 degree in social work from an accredited university. Then they will be permitted to apply for LMSW licensure on the state Board鈥檚 website. Applications are to be accompanied by a passport-sized photograph, notarized Declaration of Citizenship form, and Mandatory Practitioner Profile Questionnaire.
The LMSW license for Tennessee social work also involves a slightly different application fee. While the amount is different, the fee is also inclusive of payment for application and license processing, as well as a state regulatory fee. Finally, applicants should ensure that their university sends an official copy of their transcripts directly to the Board. Only when all of these requirements have been satisfied will applicants be authorized to take the ASWB exam for LMSW licensure. There is also a post-exam criminal background check component that must be completed before individuals will receive a license to practice Tennessee social work at a master鈥檚 level.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
To practice independent Tennessee social work in a clinical setting, individuals must hold LCSW licensure. This is a more advanced type of licensure than the LBSW or LMSW levels; it allows social workers to practice clinical work of an independent nature. This opens up a greater variety of career paths, including the administration of human services and mental health facilities. Due to the greater responsibility associated with this level of licensure, there are more steps in how to become a social worker in a clinical setting.
To practice independent Tennessee social work in a clinical setting, individuals must hold LCSW licensure, which requires a master鈥檚 degree, 3,000 hours of clinical work, and 100 hours of clinical supervision.
Applicants for LCSW licensure must already hold an LMSW social work license. As a result, a master鈥檚 level of education is considered one requirement for this clinical license. In order to be considered for LCSW licensure, applicants must enclose a copy of their current LMSW renewal card with their application. Several forms must also be submitted: a notarized Declaration of Citizenship form, Professional Reference form, Verification of Supervision, verification of continuing education, detailed supervision logs, and a Mandatory Practitioner Profile Questionnaire. These forms are meant to show that applicants have completed 3,000 hours of clinical work and 100 hours in clinical supervision.
As with other levels of social work licensure in Tennessee, applicants should provide official university transcripts and must pay an application fee. This fee comprises of an application fee, license fee, and state regulatory fee. When students have passed the ASWB exam, they will also be required to complete a criminal background check.
Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker
Independent Tennessee social work can be practiced by individuals who hold a LAPSW social work license. Acquiring this type of license shares many of the same requirements of the LBSW, LMSW, and LCSW applications. In fact, LAPSW candidates must already hold LMSW licensure. Applicants must provide a passport-sized photograph, university transcripts, a Declaration of Citizenship form, Mandatory Practitioner Profile Questionnaire form, LMSW renewal card, professional references, and verification of supervision and continuing education. Applicants must also pass a criminal background check after passing the ASWB exam.
In the process of becoming a social worker with LAPSW licensure, candidates are expected to complete 3,000 hours of non-clinical social work, and 100 hours of face-to-face supervision. This being the second-highest type of social work license in the state, its requirements are very stringent.
Social Work License Reciprocity in Tennessee
Formal reciprocity does exist in the field of Tennessee social work. This means that social workers who are already licensed in another state may receive an equivalent license to practice the same level of work in Tennessee. Reciprocity applies to each of the state鈥檚 four types of social work license: LBSW, LMSW, LAPSW, and LCSW. However, it is not an automatic process. Candidates must visit the State Board鈥檚 website and select the appropriate level of licensure. They are required to complete an application, which generally includes all of the same requirements that they would need to supply if they were applying for licensure by exam. This includes the appropriate application fee.
Additionally, applicants must supply official verification from the state or states in which they were previously licensed. This verification should be mailed directly from the originating state鈥檚 board to the Tennessee Board at the time of application.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education Information
When individuals first apply for licensure, they can choose to opt into an automatic renewal notification system. This is an excellent way to receive email reminders when it鈥檚 time to renew a Tennessee social work license, which expires every two years. The renewal process is handled through the state鈥檚 website. There is a fee associated with LBSW, LMSW, LAPSW, and LCSW licensure renewal, and amounts vary based on which license is being renewed. In addition to the differing cost, each program has different requirements for continuing education. LBSWs must complete nine hours per year, while LMSWs are required to complete 12 hours per year. Both LAPSWs and LCSWs should complete 15 hours per year.
Bottom Line
Tennessee鈥檚 online MSW programs offer a variety of flexible, accredited options tailored to aspiring social workers. Our curated list highlights schools like the University of Memphis, with its large online enrollment, and the University of Tennessee - Knoxville, known for strong graduation rates and specialized MSW tracks. These programs emphasize fieldwork, licensure preparation, and accessibility for working professionals.
You can also explore the most affordable online MSW programs that align with your aspirations and open doors to meaningful work in the social services field.