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What Is an MSW Degree?

The social work field is highly diverse, and advanced training allows graduates to pursue a number of careers in a wide range of areas, such as substance use counseling, child welfare, healthcare, juvenile justice, gerontology, and management. If you are interested in working one-on-one with clients, a career as a therapist, child protection worker, school social worker, or medical social worker are excellent options. If you want to work at the community level or with a broad population, you can work as a community organizer or a refugee social worker. If affecting change on a larger scale sounds most interesting to you, then being a program administrator, lobbyist, or international justice social worker are all viable career options.

The standard curriculum for a master of social work degree includes targeted studies on human development and behavior, social theory, social justice policy, research methods, field placement, and practice methods. You can also take elective courses to focus on a particular specialization, such as Mental Health, Military Social Work, or Gerontology. Field placement is a year-long internship taken simultaneously with classes where students gain invaluable hands-on social work experience and put into practice the skills that they learn in class. Students who desire to help others and make a difference in the world for oppressed and disadvantaged populations often find the MSW degree a perfect fit to prepare them for this challenging yet rewarding work.

CSWE-Accredited Online MSW Programs by State

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

What Are Some of the Skills That MSW Students Might Gain From Their Online Education?

The MSW curriculum is designed to hone students' skills in a number of areas: 

Is the Cost of an Online MSW Degree Worth the Return on Investment (ROI)?

The decision to pursue an online MSW degree and assess its ROI should be based on a careful evaluation of your individual circumstances, goals, and financial considerations. An important consideration is your career aspirations. Social work is a field that often requires a master's degree for licensure and certain specialized roles. 

The most recent data from the (BLS) from May 2022 shows that the median annual wage for social workers is $55,350. That means half of them earned more, and half earned less. When considering whether a master's degree is worth the investment, it may be helpful to know that the top 10% of social workers earned over $87,300, while the lowest 10% earned less than $36,600. The degree level you earn significantly shapes your eligibility for advanced positions in the field, and it positions you to work in the top industries. 

An online MSW can be a valuable investment for individuals who are committed to a career in social work and want to enhance their knowledge, skills, and job prospects in the field. Below are some reasons to consider earning a master's in social work online: 

• An MSW allows for career advancement opportunities. Those with an undergraduate degree in social work are often limited to entry-level positions. To be promoted to a supervisor or administrator position, an MSW degree is required. 

• Many social work positions, particularly those in clinical or specialized areas, require a master's degree for licensure or advanced roles. 

• MSW programs typically offer various specialization options, allowing students to focus on areas of social work that align with their passions and career goals. This specialization can lead to more rewarding and impactful roles in the field.

• With an MSW, you generally qualify for higher-paying social work positions compared to those with only a bachelor's degree. Specialized roles, such as clinical social work, often command higher salaries, contributing to a potentially more lucrative career.

Are Online MSW Degree Programs More Affordable Than Traditional MSW Degree Programs?

Yes, online MSW degree programs are often more affordable than traditional MSW degree programs. This is due in part to online programs not charging out-of-state tuition to online students, but there are several other factors that contribute. For example, since online programs typically require fewer physical resources, such as classroom space and utilities, this leads to reduced overhead costs for the institution. Online delivery methods often leverage technology to streamline administrative processes and reduce the need for extensive administrative staff, further contributing to cost savings. Additionally, competition among online education providers has increased in recent years, leading to price pressure and incentivizing institutions to keep tuition rates competitive. Overall, these factors combine to make an online MSW a more cost-effective option for both institutions as well as students when compared to traditional in-person options.

Will an MSW Degree Help My Career?

An MSW degree will undoubtedly provide opportunities to advance your social work career and increase your salary. Some industries typically only hire MSW-educated social workers, such as medical social work, school social work, and some nonprofit administration positions.

Also, many students dream of having their private therapy practice one day. To become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), you must have an MSW degree in addition to other requirements. Having a private practice for clinical social work requires licensure, which is not possible for those with only a BSW degree.

Are Online MSW Degrees Respected?

In terms of educational outcomes, found that there were no significant differences in most educational outcomes between online and traditional MSW students. Also, found that employment outcomes were similar between online and traditional MSW degree holders. This demonstrates that online MSW degrees can be held in the same high regard as traditional MSW programs since students learn the same content and are employed in the same types and levels of positions post-graduation.

For most positions, skills attainment, prior job, internship, field experience, and completing an MSW program are more important than if the program is offered online or in person. Since many schools offer both online and in-person degree options, it can be difficult to tell on a resume if a degree was earned online or traditionally on campus.

Overall, online MSWs from accredited institutions are widely respected by employers and the social work profession, as they maintain the same rigorous standards and curriculum as their on-campus counterparts.

What Are the Differences Between an Online MSW Program and a Traditional MSW Program?

Often, the courses required for graduation are identical between online MSW programs and traditional MSW programs. The primary differences lie in how and when the courses are offered.

Traditional MSW courses are offered in person and synchronously, meaning students are in the classroom on the same day and time each week. In these campus programs, lectures are presented live, and students interact face-to-face with each other and the professor.

Most online MSW courses are offered in an asynchronous format, meaning the teaching and learning do not happen simultaneously. Professors upload the content (pre-recorded lectures, videos, PDF files, links to online quizzes, etc.) to the online platform, and students typically have one week to review the content and complete any weekly assignments. Professors may assign weekly discussion board tasks to facilitate learning with and from other students. All communication occurs online but may be via Zoom, email, or posting comments on a discussion board.

What Should I Consider in an Online MSW Program?

When selecting an online MSW program, consider the following:

Accreditation

An accredited program means that the program has demonstrated that they follow an accrediting agency's strict guidelines and standards. The Council on Social Work Education () is the accrediting organization for social work education programs. Accredited schools of social work are committed to providing the best education in terms of faculty, curriculum, and field placement options.

Resources

What resources does the program offer to online students? Are there online learning resources? Are online libraries or resource labs available? Do online instructors have flexible office hours to accommodate distance learning students? Does the field education office help find local practicum placements for online students? The more support an online program offers, the more likely you are to succeed in your studies and excel in the job market after graduation.

Program Structure

It's important to consider how the courses in an online MSW program are offered. For example, it's vital to consider the length of the program. Does the program offer advanced standing for those with a BSW degree, reducing the number of credits needed to graduate? Is it a part-time or full-time program? How many years does it typically take to graduate? Below are some other program structure considerations: 

Fully Remote vs. Hybrid Learning

Fully remote learning means that all courses are offered entirely online, with no requirement for students to come to campus for in-person learning. On the other hand, hybrid learning combines online classes with some in-person components, necessitating students to travel to campus for these live sessions. While fully remote learning provides maximum flexibility and convenience, hybrid learning offers a blend of online convenience and face-to-face interaction, catering to different learning preferences and needs.

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous

Synchronous learning involves remote students logging onto the learning platform at the same designated time each week, enabling real-time interaction. In contrast, asynchronous learning allows students to complete lectures and assignments remotely on their own schedule, without the need for simultaneous participation, providing flexibility in managing their time and commitments.

Why Should I Choose an MSW Degree?

An MSW degree offers the chance to help disadvantaged individuals and populations, advocate for social justice and systems change, and ultimately have a challenging yet rewarding career. The investment in the program is worth it, not only for the ability to impact your community but also for the career advancement opportunities and salary boost potential.

Completing your degree in social work online is an affordable, flexible, and convenient option, and online MSW degrees from accredited graduate schools are considered just as valid and respected by employers in preparing students for a mid-level social work or private clinical practice position. At a fraction of the traditional tuition price, online MSW graduates can develop the skills necessary to have an impactful career in social work.