Full-Time Online Master of Social Work Programs for Traditional Standing Students
Last updated: January 2021
Full-time online Master of Social Work (MSW) programs are designed for students who have the bandwidth and resources to attend graduate school on a full-time basis, but do not have access to or want to attend a traditional campus-based program. The majority of full-time online MSW programs can be completed in approximately two years, compared with two and a half to four years for part-time programs. As of April 2020, there are over 30 full-time online MSW degree programs.
Sponsored CSWE-Accredited Online Social Work Degree Programs
| University Name | Live Classes | Traditional and Advanced Standing Options | Field Placement Services | No Campus Visit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Denver Master of Social Work |
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| Fordham University Master of Social Work |
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| Simmons University Master of Social Work |
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| University of Southern California (USC) Master of Social Work |
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| Syracuse University Master of Social Work |
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| Case Western Reserve University Master of Social Work |
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| Baylor University Master of Social Work |
Sponsored
For professionals who already work in a health services field and want to expand their career options, earning a MSW degree opens the door to advanced careers in the field of social work. In the United States, a MSW is the social work degree required to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
Earning a MSW online is also an option for individuals who are looking to change careers and want to enter a rewarding and growing profession. Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of social workers is expected to grow 13 percent from 2019 to 2029. The BLS continues to report that this anticipated growth rate is faster than the average for all occupations.
Sponsored: Baylor University
Boise State University
California State University, Northridge
Campbellsville University
Sponsored: Case Western Reserve University
Columbia University
Delaware State University
Edinboro University
Sponsored: Fordham University
Indiana University
Louisiana State University
Metropolitan State University
Morgan State University
New Mexico State University
Ohio State University
Sponsored: Simmons University
Samford University
Texas A & M University
Texas State University - San Marcos
Tulane University
University of Alaska Anchorage
Sponsored: University of Denver
University of New England
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
University of New Hampshire
Sponsored: University of Southern California
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
University of Texas - Arlington
Western New Mexico University
Winthrop University
Yeshiva University
Structure of Full-Time Online MSW Programs
Unlike part-time programs, there is not a lot of variability between the different full-time online MSW programs. Students are required to complete about 60 to 66 credit hours to graduate and a quarter of the programs only have Fall admission. The other schools offer full-time programs that have multiple start dates per year or a spring or summer start only. The full-time program curriculum usually follows one of two formats although other formats do exist:
- Four semesters over two years
- Year-round classes over two years: six semesters or eight quarters
Programs with year-round classes tend to have lighter course loads since the credit hours are spread over a greater number of terms.
- Class Structure: The majority of full-time online MSW programs use a cohort model where students enter and proceed through the program together as a group. Depending on the school, students may then have the option to select concentrations or electives during their second year in the program.
- Types of Instruction Methods: The instruction method used, synchronous (i.e. students are required to be online at specific times for real-time classes) versus asynchronous (i.e. students can log in to complete lectures and view other class materials at their convenience), varies by program. For some programs, the majority of instruction is synchronous, while for others, the majority of instruction may be asynchronous. Some schools also use both methods depending on the class and instructor. For classes that have real-time instruction, students typically know ahead of time when they are required to be online.
- Field Education: Students are required to complete 900 to 1,1200 hours of field education, depending on the program. Most programs follow a similar format with students completing four semesters of field education: two internships that are each two semesters long, though other formats exist.In order to complete the required number of hours, students should expect to work 16 to 20 hours per week at a local agency. In addition, most internships take place during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, when proper supervision is present.
Due to the course load and field education requirement that students must complete each semester, most full-time programs do not recommend students work full-time while pursuing their degree. Students should be aware that full-time online programs have the same standards and curriculum as the campus-based programs, and working full-time while enrolled as a full-time student is not advised.
(This page looks at traditional standing programs. For students who have already earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited undergraduate program, we have compiled a comprehensive list of schools offering Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs complete with program information and admission requirements.)
CSWE Accredited Full-Time Online MSW Programs
The following schools all offer CSWE-accredited full-time online MSW programs designed for students who have not already earned a Bachelor of Social Work. On OnlineMSWPrograms.com, we classify any program that requires two or fewer visits to the campus per year as an online program. We do this to avoid any confusion around how schools name their respective programs.
As with all degree programs, admission requirements, and student eligibility are subject to change at any time; therefore, students should confirm the information below with an admission advisor before applying.