Social workers have one driving mission: to improve the well-being of all people, especially those who are vulnerable or oppressed.
If that mission statement speaks to you, an online master of social work (MSW) program may be right for you. Earning an MSW online gives you the flexibility to pursue your graduate degree at your own pace.
In our 2024 Online Education Trends Report, 100% of online social sciences, psychology, and education students and graduates said they'd recommend online education to others. In that same report, 97% of online master's students and graduates said they believe their education will have a positive return on investment.
What's more, with an online MSW, you can access an array of jobs in the social work and counseling fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that demand for social workers will grow 7% over the next decade.
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Best Online MSW Programs of 2026
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school's program to identify qualities that set it apart from others on this list, prioritizing factors like affordability, supports offered to students, and curriculum pathways offered. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools' facts in November 2025.
Why You Should Get an MSW
Help Others: Social workers have unique opportunities to influence people's lives for the better, especially when they need the most support.
Work in an In-Demand Field: According to the BLS, jobs for social workers are projected to grow faster than average between 2023 and 2033.
Get Work Experience: MSW programs, including those online, require you to perform hundreds of hours of field practicum experience before graduation.
Make a Positive Change: Social workers don't just work at the individual level but can also make positive improvements to broader systems in society.
Benefits of Getting Your MSW Online
Flexible Schedule: Online programs, including many online MSW programs, often allow you to complete coursework at your own pace through asynchronous classes.
Good Return on Investment: Over 9 in 10 online social sciences, psychology, and education students and graduates believe earning an online degree has a positive ROI, according to our research.
Comparable Education: Nearly 4 in 5 online master's students and graduates we surveyed say online learning is equal to or better than on-campus learning.
Equal Value: Employers typically value an MSW earned online equally to an MSW earned in person, so long as you attended an accredited program.
How to Choose the Best Online MSW Program for You
Online MSW programs prepare you to become a licensed social worker.
That said, many factors go into choosing the right program for you, including cost, program length, and application requirements.
"Spend some time reflecting on what matters most to [you] in a program, and then seek out a program that checks as many of those boxes as possible," advises Melissa Bronstein, a licensed independent clinical social worker and psychotherapist.
How Much Does an Online MSW Cost?
Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree, 2019-2020
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$13,681
Avg. Net Price
$12,466
Source: NCES PowerStats
In 2019-2020, students paid an average net price of around $12,500 for their online MSW programs, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Generally speaking, online master's programs cost less than in-person programs. Still, total costs can vary depending on several factors.
For one, the type of institution you attend can affect your tuition costs. The total cost of a master's degree from a private nonprofit university tends to be pricier ($42,700 per year) than one from a public university ($29,720).
How much you pay for your master's degree will also depend on how much financial aid you get. Some opportunities, such as federal work-study, are limited for online students. That said, many institutions do offer work opportunities for remote students, such as online tutoring.
According to NCES, nearly half (49.1%) of master's degree-holders in 2019-2020 used student loans to help pay for their degrees. The average student loan debt that same year for master's degree-holders was $53,920.
Nearly one-third of online master's students and graduates in our survey say they wish they'd done more research about cost and financial aid before enrolling. So make sure you take time to compare programs and apply for financial aid.
Find Financial Aid for Your Online MSW
How Long Does It Take to Get an MSW Online?
Without a BSW
Typical # of Credits
60-70 Credits
Typical Program Length
2-3 Years
With a BSW
Typical # of Credits
30-35 Credits
Typical Program Length
9-16 Months
Most online MSW programs take 2-3 years to complete.
Accelerated online master's programs let you earn your master's degree in a shorter timeframe. These programs often require you to take on a larger workload each term.
Some colleges offer dual bachelor of social work (BSW) and MSW programs. In this program, you'll begin earning your MSW while pursuing your undergraduate degree.
Online MSW Application Requirements
Bachelor's degree, usually in social work or a related field
Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA
Some programs may require GRE scores
Accreditation for Online Social Work Master's Programs
It's critical that you choose an online MSW program that's accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). No U.S. state will grant you licensure to practice as a clinical social worker if you did not complete a CSWE-accredited program.
Additionally, the college you attend should be institutionally accredited, ideally by a regional accreditor.
Ask an Expert: How Important Is Social Work Accreditation?
"It is incredibly important to seek out a program that is accredited by the CSWE. This accreditation ensures that your program is well vetted and meets the academic standards required for state licensure and many career opportunities."
What Can You Do With an Online MSW?
Earning your master's in social work online makes you qualified for most social work jobs.
But getting an MSW isn't the only step. To become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), you'll also need to pass an exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards.
Licensure requirements vary by state, so be sure to check your state's licensing board for more info.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $53,940 | Work with children and families to address dysfunction in households and connect students to resources that improve their well-being. |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $62,940 | Help patients and families in medical settings cope with illnesses and navigate the medical system. |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $55,960 | Treat and support clients with substance use and/or mental health conditions through counseling and advocacy. |
Source: BLS
Learn More About Social Work Jobs
Is an Online Social Work Master's Degree Worth It?
An online social work master's degree is worthwhile if you're truly driven to become a social worker but don't expect a quick return on investment.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the median starting salary for social workers with a master's degree was just under $55,000 in 2023. That's well below the mean starting salary for all master's graduates ($81,000). Still, taking full advantage of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program could help balance costs, debt, and earnings.
Online MSW programs tend to be cheaper than in-person programs, which can help increase your chances of a higher return on investment.
Our survey also found that 97% of online master's students and graduates would recommend online education to others.
Education Beyond an MSW
Your social work education doesn't have to end with an MSW — some social workers go on to earn either a doctor of social work (DSW) or a Ph.D. in social work.
A DSW can help you reach leadership positions at different social work organizations, while a Ph.D. prepares you to teach social work at universities and spearhead social work research.
Professional certifications also exist within social work disciplines. These optional certifications usually require you to have worked as a licensed social worker for at least two years.
For example, if you want to become a healthcare social worker, you could get the Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC) credential offered by the National Association of Social Workers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online MSW Programs
Employers generally respect any MSW degree, whether earned in person or online, so long as it's from an accredited school and program.
Accrediting agencies ensure that programs meet certain quality standards. By attending an accredited program, you can make sure your MSW degree is accepted by employers and licensing agencies.
