17 Best Online MSW Programs for Working Adults in 2025

Do you think it’s impossible to balance your work life while getting a higher education? You can now achieve your goals through the best online MSW programs, even when traditional programs seem out of reach for working adults.

These leading social work master’s programs are budget-friendly. You’ll find yearly costs between $9,000 to $20,000, and some schools like Western New Mexico University charge residents just $286 per credit. On top of that, these CSWE-accredited programs let you complete your coursework at your own pace through a mix of live and self-paced learning.

The field moves faster than ever, and leading universities have embraced this change. USC stands among the top graduate schools in social work, and Florida State University’s online MSW program ranks #1 in Florida according to U.S. News & World Report. These 17 programs blend flexibility with academic excellence, perfect for professionals looking to grow their careers or switch to social work.

University of Wyoming

The University of Wyoming stands out as a pioneer in social work education. Their MSW program gives working professionals a chance to advance their careers with budget-friendly and adaptable learning options.

University of Wyoming MSW program overview

The University of Wyoming provides a CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work degree that prepares students to excel in advanced generalist practice. The program specializes in frontier and rural communities. Students can choose between two paths: a two-year Standard Program for those with non-social work bachelor’s degrees or a one-year Advanced Standing Program for BSW graduates. Best Value Schools ranks UW’s social work master’s program as the top MSW program. This makes it one of the best MSW programs for students passionate about rural social work practice.

University of Wyoming MSW pricing and affordability

UW ranks among the most affordable schools in the country. Wyoming residents pay $7,258 in tuition, which is by a lot lower than the national in-state average of $12,201. Out-of-state students pay $23,668, below the national average of $29,084. The Division of Social Work helps students with financial support through:

• Scholarships based on various criteria
• Competitive graduate assistantships that cover partial tuition, fees, health insurance
• Monthly stipends when students work 10-20 hours weekly

University of Wyoming MSW flexibility for working adults

Working professionals benefit from the program’s well-laid-out hybrid model. Students can join evening classes 1-3 times weekly (Monday-Thursday, 4-7 PM) through Zoom from anywhere with stable internet. Full-time students attend intensive weekend sessions in person – three during summer and five each in fall and spring. The part-time option lets students complete their curriculum over three years (Standard) or two years (Advanced Standing). This setup works perfectly for professionals who need to juggle work and school responsibilities.

California State University-San Bernardino

California State University-San Bernardino’s top-rated online MSW program gives working professionals a flexible way to grow their social work careers. CSUSB ranks among the best MSW programs for busy adults, thanks to its national recognition and smart scheduling options.

CSUSB MSW program structure

The Pathway Distance Education Program at CSUSB delivers the online program that matches the same mission and content as campus-based options but in a more available format. This CSWE-accredited program focuses on advanced generalist concentration. You’ll learn micro interventions with individuals, families, and groups along with macro interventions with organizations and communities.

Students move through the curriculum together in a cohort model that builds a supportive learning community. The program uses asynchronous courses with weekly deadlines so you can finish assignments when it works best for you.

CSUSB MSW tuition and financial aid

CSUSB remains one of California’s most affordable choices to earn an MSW degree. Students pay $8,093 for in-state tuition and $18,173 for out-of-state tuition. These rates stay well below national averages of $12,201 and $29,084 respectively.

Students interested in public child welfare careers can benefit from CSUSB’s participation in the California Title IV-E Stipend Program. Selected students receive financial support throughout their studies.

CSUSB MSW options for full-time workers

Working adults can choose the three-year program option that spreads the curriculum across six semesters instead of four. This extended timeline lets you keep your job while earning your degree, unlike the more intensive two-year option.

Students with full-time jobs successfully complete this program when they can dedicate 16 hours weekly to practicum during their foundation year and 20 hours in their advanced year. You can complete lessons and assignments during evenings and weekends through the asynchronous course structure, but you’ll need to meet weekly deadlines.

University of South Dakota

USD stands as South Dakota’s only MSW program. The university combines exceptional value with great academics to help working professionals earn advanced social work credentials.

University of South Dakota MSW program explains

USD’s Master of Social Work program gets you ready for advanced generalist social work practice. The curriculum focuses on policy, practice, and research. The program has managed to keep full accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1974. This shows their steadfast dedication to quality education. USD’s 84% national master-level exam pass rate since 2017 is a big deal as it means that the national average by 17%.

The program’s Path to Licensure model makes it special. USD is one of just 11 universities nationwide to employ this approach. Students combine between 500 to 1000 hours of hands-on field education with classroom learning. This ensures graduates are fully prepared for licensure examinations and professional practice.

University of South Dakota MSW pricing

Students pay much less at USD compared to national averages:

• Resident/South Dakota Advantage: $340.15 per credit
• Non-resident: $654.05 per credit
• Online: $470.45 per credit
• Graduate Assistants: Rates drop substantially from $180.30-$310.60 per credit

The total program cost runs from about $10,000-$20,000 for residents and $16,936-$28,227 for online students. This makes USD one of the top three most affordable online MSW programs in the country.

University of South Dakota MSW evening and asynchronous options

The program works well for working adults. You can pick between:

• Regular standing track (60 credit hours) if you have a non-social work bachelor’s degree
• Advanced standing track (36 credit hours) if you have a BSW

Both tracks let you study full-time or part-time. Classes are available online and at the Sioux Falls campus. Online students can complete the program 100% remotely without campus visits. Field practicum remains key to the curriculum whatever the delivery method. Weekly supervisor meetings fit around working students’ schedules.

Western New Mexico University

Western New Mexico University offers an MSW program that’s both available and flexible without compromising academic quality. Their CSWE-accredited curriculum ranks among the best online MSW programs that working adults can afford.

WNMU MSW program flexibility

Western New Mexico University’s Master of Social Work program gives students three timeline choices to match their needs. The Advanced Standing program lets qualified BSW graduates finish their degree in just one calendar year. Students without a social work degree can pick either Two-Year or Three-Year programs. The Two-Year path includes four classes each semester with field placement three days a week. The Three-Year option gives busy professionals more time to balance their studies.

The program blends live and self-paced learning methods. You’ll attend some classes at scheduled times each week to join discussions with teachers and classmates. Other courses let you work at your own pace. This mix of both styles makes the program perfect for students who need to juggle work and studies.

WNMU MSW tuition and credit cost

WNMU stands out as one of the most affordable top social work masters programs. Students pay about $371.04 per credit for 60 credits, which adds up to just over $22,000. This cost is nowhere near what other programs charge nationwide.

Online graduate courses at WNMU come with a $40 per-credit-hour fee on top of base tuition – $9,820 for in-state and $17,928 for out-of-state students. Students can pay through various options like installment plans with a $25 non-refundable fee or online payments using electronic check, debit card, or credit card.

WNMU MSW support for remote learners

Students learn through online classes and video meetings. The program doesn’t need any campus visits, so you can study from anywhere. Most students finish in 2-3 years and stay connected with faculty and classmates through digital tools.

Boise State University

Boise State University stands out among best online MSW programs for working adults by charging similar tuition rates to all students. This budget-friendly approach makes quality social work education available whatever your location.

Boise State MSW online delivery

Students can access course materials 24/7 through Blackboard’s learning management system. They designed most coursework to fit your schedule. A few courses need up to three live sessions each term. These include fieldwork seminars and practice courses. Live sessions come with multiple time slot options through Zoom meetings.

The Regular Program has 61 credits with 43 academic credits and 18 credits of supervised fieldwork. The Advanced Standing track needs 37 credits split between 25 academic credits and 12 credits of fieldwork. Regular Program students finish in two years full-time or three years part-time. Advanced Standing students complete their degree in 12 months full-time or 21 months part-time.

Boise State MSW cost per credit

BSU charges $495 per credit hour for all students, whether they live in Idaho or not. Here’s what you can expect to pay:

BSU’s program ranks among the most affordable top social work masters programs across the country.

Boise State MSW support services for online students

Students get a dedicated academic advisor based on their last name. These advisors help plan your degree path, register for courses, and tackle any challenges. Email and phone support are available through enrollment and student success teams.

The Assistant Director of Field Education and Field Coordinator help find the right placement opportunities. Regular program students need 1,000 hours of supervised fieldwork. Advanced Standing students complete 600 hours. The field education team guides you through this vital hands-on part of your MSW education.

Florida State University

Florida State University leads the way in online social work education as the first university in the U.S. to offer an online Master of Social Work program. This groundbreaking achievement makes FSU one of the best MSW programs available today for professionals who want to advance their careers.

FSU MSW online program structure

The university provides two online program options. Students with any bachelor’s degree can choose the traditional 61-credit hour track, while BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs can take the advanced standing 39-credit hour track. Both tracks focus on clinical social work that prepares students to become Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW). Students can complete their coursework at their own pace through asynchronous learning.

Students in the traditional program need to attend two weekend skill-building sessions on campus. The advanced standing track doesn’t require any campus visits. Both tracks include field placements that give students real-world experience in professional settings. Working professionals can easily manage the part-time structure with six credit hours each semester.

FSU MSW tuition and value

FSU’s tuition rates stand out among top social work masters programs:

Course fees might add up to $400 per course. The cost might seem high at first glance, but out-of-state online students save more than $400 compared to on-campus programs.

FSU MSW student success support

Each student gets a dedicated Student Success Advisor who helps throughout the program. Students also benefit from:

• Professional development opportunities through the College of Social Work’s Office of Professional Development
• Career growth through FSU’s online job board
• Support with post-graduation licensure process

Students can join various organizations like the Student Association of Social Workers (SASW), Macro Social Work Student Network, and Phi Alpha honor society. These groups help build professional networks and create a richer educational experience for online learners.

University of Central Florida

UCF takes a unique approach to online MSW education. Students focus on one course during accelerated 7-week terms. This format helps working professionals who want to earn advanced social work credentials.

UCF MSW online program features

The Master of Social Work online program at UCF holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students can prepare to become licensed clinical social workers through two flexible paths:

• Traditional Track: Students without a BSW degree can join this 62-credit program. The 3-year cohort model encourages peer support
• Advanced Standing Track: Recent BSW graduates can complete this 32-credit option in 16 months. Applicants need a minimum 3.3 GPA in their last 60 credit hours and must have graduated within six years

Field education is a key part of both tracks. Traditional students complete 1,000 hours (400 generalist and 600 clinical) while advanced standing students finish 600 hours. Students can find field placements within a 45-mile radius of their location.

UCF MSW affordability and rankings

UCF ranks among the top social work masters programs with budget-friendly tuition and notable achievements:

Online students receive the same high-quality education as campus-based students without extra commuting and campus activity costs.

UCF MSW asynchronous learning benefits

Working adults appreciate the program’s flexible asynchronous design. The 7-week accelerated format lets students concentrate on one course at a time. This focused approach works well with busy professional schedules while maintaining academic standards.

Students can complete their coursework whenever it suits them best – early mornings, lunch breaks, or late evenings. The program keeps students on track through structured discussions and regular deadlines that ensure steady progress toward graduation.

University of Houston

Ranked #22 among the top 50 social work programs by the 2020 U.S. News & World Report, the University of Houston’s online MSW program is a top choice for working professionals who want to advance their careers in social work.

University of Houston MSW online program overview

The University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work offers a 100% online MSW program. Students can specialize in Clinical Practice with a focus on Health and Behavioral Health. The part-time program is one of the best online MSW programs for working adults, with both traditional and advanced standing options available. The traditional standing track has 51 semester credit hours and requires 900 hours of field practicum. BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs can take the Advanced Standing option with 34 credit hours and 720 field hours. The program uses a cohort model where students progress through coursework together and build strong relationships with instructors and classmates.

University of Houston MSW pricing and financial aid

Tuition rates depend on your enrollment status, residence, and course selection. Students should look into these financial resources. The program helps working adults with several financial support options:

• Charlotte Campbell Scholarship ($3000) for continuing students with 28+ completed credit hours and 3.25+ GPA
• GCSW Alumni Association Scholarship ($3000) with similar requirements
• Child Welfare Education Project stipends for those hired by Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
• Financial aid for students taking 5+ hours per semester

Non-Texas residents can qualify for in-state tuition rates if they receive a scholarship of $1000 or more, which can save them thousands in tuition costs.

University of Houston MSW field placement support

Field experience provides comprehensive support to help students arrange and complete their practicum hours. The university works with over 200 social service agencies in the Greater Houston area and beyond. Online students get help from a dedicated practicum coordinator to find placement opportunities in their local area. Qualified social workers provide field instruction with support from clinical faculty during placement. The program understands working students need flexible scheduling and encourages early planning to balance work commitments.

University of South Florida

USF’s online MSW program is one of the nation’s top choices with its unique cohort-based model and clear pricing structure. Students can prepare for meaningful careers through specialized clinical training and reliable field experiences while keeping their full-time jobs.

USF MSW advanced standing program

USF’s Advanced Standing option needs 35 credit hours. The program works best for students who have a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program. Students can finish their MSW faster than traditional paths through this accelerated option. They can pick either full-time study over three consecutive semesters or part-time study across five consecutive semesters. Students must show their strong grasp of social work principles through their undergraduate education before they can enroll.

USF MSW tuition and duration

USF keeps its pricing simple at $550 per credit hour for all students, whether they live in-state or out-of-state. Here’s what you’ll pay in total:

These rates make USF “one of the most economical solutions in the nation”. The classroom-based MSW programs at USF cost much more. Non-residents would pay $877.17 per credit hour, which adds up to $52,630.20 for the complete program. Students can use federal financial aid, and many get help through employer tuition assistance programs.

USF MSW cohort-based learning model

Students move through their coursework with the same group of peers at USF. This approach encourages a supportive learning community. The program blends theory with hands-on field experiences. Advanced Standing students complete 600 field hours while Traditional program students finish 900 hours. Students can access USF’s network of more than 350 community partnerships and 1,000 field instructors.

The program fits working adults’ schedules with flexible online learning. Students can attend live sessions or work at their own pace. USF MSW graduates prove the program’s quality by consistently scoring higher-than-average pass rates on licensing exams for Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW).

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign stands out among other online MSW programs with its distinctive “block placement model” for field education, making it ideal for working professionals.

UIUC iMSW program structure

Working professionals can easily manage their studies through convenient online evening classes. Students can choose between two paths. Traditional path students (non-BSW graduates) need 72 total credit hours – 16 hours of foundation coursework, 32 hours of advanced coursework, and 24 credit hours of field internship. Advanced Standing path (BSW graduates within past 7 years) requires 44-56 hours with 32 credit hours of advanced coursework. Advanced Standing students complete their degree in 18 months (5 semesters). Traditional students need 36-48 months (8 semesters). Most students take two courses each semester to balance their work commitments effectively.

UIUC MSW tuition and hybrid options

Students pay $620 per credit hour for the iMSW online program. This rate makes it more affordable than the on-campus option, which costs $11,360 per semester for residents and $19,916 for non-residents. Here’s what students typically pay:

Students should note that the online MSW program has different financial aid options than the on-campus version. The School of Social Work provides scholarships and awards based on academic merit and experience.

UIUC MSW field placement flexibility

The program’s standout feature is its “block internship placement” model. Students complete all coursework before starting their field experience. This approach provides:

• Deep immersion in field placement with 30-32 weekly hours spread across 4 days
• Placement options throughout urban, suburban, and rural Illinois, with possible out-of-state opportunities
• Traditional students complete 900 hours over two semesters while Advanced Standing students finish 500 hours in one semester

Faculty members work closely with students to find suitable placements matching their concentration areas. Students also participate in an online seminar that combines fieldwork with social work values and ethics.

Portland State University

Portland State University’s MSW program focuses on practical work with communities and organizations. This makes it one of the top online MSWs for students who want to combine social action with clinical practice.

PSU MSW online program delivery

Portland State’s online MSW provides the same course content as its on-campus program in a flexible format that works well for working professionals. The program uses Canvas as its learning platform to deliver 11-week long classes. Students take part in 1-2 required synchronous sessions with faculty and classmates each term, though most work is asynchronous. Advanced standing courses need 6-8 hours of weekly work. Electives take 8+ hours for 8-week courses and 14 hours for intensive 4-week courses. The program welcomes students from 49 states except Colorado.

PSU MSW cost and stipend opportunities

Students can plan their finances easily with PSU’s clear pricing structure:

PSU offers special funding options beyond standard financial aid. The Culturally Responsive Child Welfare Education Program gives up to $10,000 per academic year to students who commit to working in public or tribal Child Welfare after graduation. Students can also apply for graduate assistantships that include tuition remission, fee coverage, and monthly stipends.

PSU MSW rural and underserved fieldwork

Field education stands at the heart of PSU’s approach. Students complete 500 hours (advanced standing) or 900 hours (traditional) of supervised practice. The university supports placements in rural and underserved communities through projects like the Behavioral Health Integration Project. This project prepares students to work with medically underserved populations. Students spend 16 hours weekly at their assigned agency. PSU’s Regional Research Institute partners with many communities to address local, state, national, and international concerns. These partnerships create valuable field experiences with different populations.

University of New England

University of New England provides a fully CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work program that excels with its student-centered approach. The program’s complete online accessibility makes it one of the best online MSW programs for professionals who need to balance work and education.

UNE MSW asynchronous learning model

Students can complete their coursework around their schedule with 100% online asynchronous classes in an eight-week format. The program requires no mandatory login times or campus visits, which works well for students across different time zones and work schedules. Students build strong connections with faculty and peers through the university’s learning platform, which ensures support throughout their educational trip. The university demonstrated its steadfast dedication to student needs by moving all coursework to asynchronous online format in spring 2023.

UNE MSW tuition and certificate options

The online MSW program costs $975 per credit hour. Additional per-semester fees include a technology fee, a general service fee, and malpractice insurance.

Students can specialize in Trauma-Informed Practice, School Social Work, Medical Social Work, LGTBQIA+ Social Work, Substance Use, and Advanced Clinical Practice. These specialized certificates boost your professional profile without adding extra time to the program.

UNE MSW student-centered curriculum

The program offers two distinct pathways: Traditional (60 credit hours) for non-BSW graduates and Advanced Standing (30 credit hours) for BSW holders. Field education is integrated into both paths—Traditional students complete two placements totaling 900 hours, while Advanced Standing students complete one 500-hour placement.

The curriculum helps students develop vital skills in self-reflection, self-awareness, and reflexivity. Students learn social work’s core values including client dignity, self-determination, social justice, equity, and cultural humility. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required to graduate, which ensures high professional standards among graduates entering the field.

Indiana University

Indiana University’s MSW Direct program uses a unique three-phase approach to social work education. This makes it one of the best MSW programs for professionals who need flexibility in their graduate studies.

IU MSW three-phase curriculum

The IU curriculum follows a well-laid-out format that builds skills step by step. Students in regular standing complete 60 credit hours, while advanced standing students need 41 credit hours. Learning happens in three parts: Foundational Courses (19 credits, BSW graduates skip these), Concentration Courses (26 credits), and Focus Area Courses (15 credits). This structure gives you both micro and macro-level practice skills that prepare you for licensure in every area of social work practice.

IU MSW pricing and online access

IU has different tuition rates at its seven campus locations to make the program more affordable. Students get complete online access through the MSW Direct program with no cohort requirements. You can take breaks when needed, as long as you graduate within six years. Most courses run every semester, which helps you plan your studies around work commitments. Students can reach out to Indiana University’s financial aid office for help with funding questions.

IU MSW unique electives and specializations

IU stands out among top social work masters programs because of its diverse specializations. Students choose from five key areas: military social work, e-social work, telebehavioral health, mental health, and addictions. The university leads the way with the country’s first online telehealth social work certificate designed specifically for social workers. Students also have options in Children, Youth & Families, Community & Organizational Leadership, Health, Behavioral Health, or School Social Work. MSW Direct students can earn the e-Social Work Practice Graduate Certificate while completing their degree. This extra credential helps prepare them for today’s digital practice environment.

Louisiana State University

LSU’s online MSW program takes a fresh approach with module-based learning. This innovative structure moves away from traditional semesters to give working professionals more flexibility while earning their advanced social work degree.

LSU MSW online program structure

The online MSW at LSU runs through intensive 7-week modules instead of regular semesters. Students can start at six different times throughout the year. Full-time students finish in about 2 years, while part-time students take 3.5-4 years. Students follow a set sequence and take one course (part-time) or two courses (full-time) per module. The program works mostly on your schedule – you can complete coursework when it suits you, if you meet the deadlines. Students keep their momentum going with a year-round schedule that has short 1-2 week breaks between modules.

LSU MSW tuition and entry points

LSU makes tuition simple with a flat rate of $599 per credit hour for everyone. The total cost for the 60-credit program comes to about $35,940. You’ll need:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Liberal arts background (12+ credits in social/behavioral sciences, 9+ credits in humanities)
• “C” or better in an introductory statistics course
• 0 GPA overall or in your last 60 credit hours

You can apply anytime – deadlines usually fall two months before each module begins.

LSU MSW generalist practice focus

The program splits into two main phases: a 30-hour generalist year followed by a 30-hour specialized year. Your first year gives you the foundations that work in any social work setting – you’ll learn about social work history, research methods, social policy, and human behavior. Field internships kick off in January and August, and the program helps arrange your placement. You’ll need to keep a 3.0 GPA with no more than two “C” grades to graduate, plus complete all your coursework and field requirements. The LSU School of Social Work’s CSWE accreditation dates back to 1937, making it one of the top social work masters programs in the field.

Morgan State University

Morgan State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), features a unique online MSW program that tackles urban social challenges in diverse communities.

Morgan State MSW online program overview

Morgan State serves as Maryland’s premier urban research university and provides both 60-credit regular and 30-credit advanced standing online MSW options. The program employs a cohort model focused on Urban Children, Youth and Families. The online structure is different from the university’s face-to-face and blended campus programs while keeping a similar academic standard. Students can complete the curriculum part-time or full-time based on their schedule. Most full-time students finish the program in 2 years, while part-time students can take a more flexible pace that suits working professionals.

Morgan State MSW affordability

Morgan State’s financial support makes education accessible through multiple funding options. Students can access training grants that cover full tuition plus stipends from various departments. On top of that, need and merit-based programs provide grants covering half to full tuition. Many students supplement this support with federal educational loans while working part-time. The Office of Student Financial Services can help determine your eligibility at 443-885-3000.

Morgan State MSW focus on urban social work

Among top social work masters programs, Morgan State stands out with its emphasis on urban social work practice, particularly serving African American communities facing disproportionate social and economic challenges. The curriculum tackles systemic issues including:

• Poverty and socioeconomic disadvantage
• Interpersonal and community violence
• Substance abuse and mental health problems
• Social injustice and discrimination

This focused approach prepares students to work effectively in urban settings while meeting the “21st century demands of families and communities”. The program builds on Morgan’s steadfast dedication to increasing Black and minority representation in professional fields at local, national, and global levels.

New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University’s MSW program emphasizes multicultural practice. The program prepares students to work as advanced generalists in communities throughout the Southwest. Students can maintain their professional commitments while completing the program.

NMSU MSW collaborative practice model

NMSU’s Master of Social Work program takes an advanced generalist approach. This gives you the skills needed for all levels of intervention – from working with individuals to entire communities. The program sits within the College of Health, Education and Social Transformation. Students can choose from multiple paths: a two-year regular track (60 credits), a three-year option that works well for professionals, and advanced standing options (30 credits) for qualified BSW graduates. The curriculum focuses on “human and social well-being through ethical, theoretically based and evidence-informed practice”. Students learn to apply critical thinking across micro, mezzo, and macro systems through the program’s shared methodology.

NMSU MSW tuition and scholarship options

Graduate student rates at NMSU vary based on credit load and residency:

NMSU provides several ways to fund your education, including training grants that cover full tuition and stipends. Academic departments typically handle graduate assistantships rather than the Graduate School. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers can benefit from the Paul D. Coverdell Fellowship, which includes a 10-hour weekly assistantship and $2,590 tuition scholarship each semester.

NMSU MSW fieldwork in New Mexico

Field education brings classroom theories into real-life practice. Students in the regular program complete two practicum placements that total 950 hours. Advanced standing students complete one 500-hour placement. The practicum connects “a student’s heart, mind, and hands” to social work practice. Graduates often take up key roles with the Veterans Administration, New Mexico’s Department of Health, and community behavioral health agencies. Some alumni have reached leadership positions, such as executive director for the New Mexico Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

Fordham University

Fordham University stands out with its exceptional field education network. Through thousands of strategic collaborations, their online MSW program ranks among the best MSW programs. Students can pursue their academic goals while gaining real-life experience.

Fordham MSW online program features

The online MSW program blends synchronous and asynchronous elements to create an optimal learning environment. Students complete courses in eight-week sessions with two modules each semester. This structure helps professionals manage their workload effectively. Students can choose between a traditional plan (62 credits) or advanced standing plan (31 credits) if they have a BSW degree. The program shines with its weekly interactive live sessions with professors and peers. Students can still learn at their own pace through asynchronous content.

Fordham MSW tuition and support services

The program costs $1,076 per credit hour for 2024-2025. Here’s how the total program costs break down:

Students should budget for additional fees: a general fee ($248), technology access fee ($680), field placement fee ($32), and a one-time Tevera fee ($200). Fordham supports students with dedicated advisors and thorough financial aid guidance throughout their academic experience.

Fordham MSW field placement partnerships

Fordham’s network spans over 12,000 agencies in the tri-state area and across the United States. Students can customize their graduate education based on their interests and needs through this vast network. The program requires a minimum of 900 fieldwork hours split between Generalist and Specialist phases. Students gain experience in various settings from the Department of Education to New York City hospitals and the United Nations. These partnerships create quality learning opportunities and help students build professional networks in their chosen practice areas.

Comparing MSWs for Working Adults

Next Steps

These 17 MSW programs make graduate social work education accessible to working professionals. Students pay between $340 and $1,076 per credit hour, and many universities charge similar tuition rates regardless of residency status. BSW graduates can complete their degree in 12-18 months through advanced standing options, while traditional tracks take 2-3 years.

The programs’ flexible delivery formats make them stand out. UCF’s course structure works in 7-week terms, which helps students focus on one subject at a time. Boise State and UNE’s fully asynchronous models let students adapt their studies to their schedule. Field education remains essential with requirements ranging from 500 to 1,000 hours based on the chosen track.

Students should match their specific career goals and practical constraints with the right program. The program cost, time commitment, field placement requirements, and specialized concentrations need careful consideration. Morgan State specializes in urban social work, while other programs focus on rural communities or clinical practice.

Each program’s unique features deserve a thorough review against your professional goals and personal situation. These accredited online MSW programs create viable paths toward clinical licensure or leadership roles in social work.