Social work is one of the most direct ways to help people. With a degree from the Top 20 Cheap MSW Online Programs 2020, you can make a difference. Social work is a career that’s perfect for students who want to make a difference in the world and have a direct impact on the community and the world around them. Social workers help people, but each career can look different. 
A degree in social work can prepare for a job as a medical social worker, counselor, child welfare caseworker, school social worker, and much more. Social workers are needed in education, non-profits, and organizations on a local, national, and global level. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs in social work will grow 11% before 2028. If you want to help people of all ages and hold some job security, social work may be the perfect major for you.
Today, a bachelor’s degree is common and often not enough to land a solid position in social work. If you’re interested in doing clinical work, a Master of Social Work is necessary. A master’s degree can also set you up for positions in administration, management, or leadership. It will put you above the other applicants. Plus, according to Payscale, the average salary for employees with an MSW is over $6,000 more than for those with only a BSW.
If you’re already working, or if you have family or other obligations, an online degree can make it easier for you to advance your career with a Master’s degree in Social Work. Online degrees are flexible and convenient, and many of these schools provide either full-time or part-time studies, so you can continue your education without sacrificing everything else. Check out these 20 Cheap MSW Online Programs and find out how you can help change the world.
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Colleges Rank publishes college degree rankings with the belief that one’s higher education should be both affordable and an investment of continued value for the students who pursue them. The staff of BVS collects data from reputable sources in order to calculate Net Price and the short and long-term value of every ranked degree. Collected data is simplified into weighted categories before scoring and then scaled through a BVS Score up to 100. The weighted categories are:
- Degree Investment Return (25%)
- Student & Alumni Evaluation (25%)
- Cost Value (25%)
- Matriculation (10%)
- Academic Success (15%)
No matter what degree you decide on, we hope our research and support has made the selection process easier. There are numerous resources BVS utilizes to collect information on degrees, and we encourage you to check them out for yourself!
Here are the Top 20 Cheap MSW Online Programs 2019!
20. Edinboro University of Pennsylvania – Edinboro, PA
Master of Social Work
Website
The Edinboro University of Pennsylvania offers a Master of Social Work program to fit any need. Students who already hold a Bachelor of Social Work can enroll in an Advanced Standing Program, which can be completed in as little as one year. Students without a BSW can still earn their MSW through a two-year Regular Program. Both can be completed entirely online or as a hybrid program with some on-campus visits. The Regular Program is composed of a Foundation Year and a Concentration Year, while Advanced Standing students do not need to take Foundation courses. Some examples of Concentration Courses are Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Interventions with Families; Trauma-Informed Policy; and Trauma Theory and Treatment. The program has a specialized focus on family-centered trauma, but students can select from electives to personalize their degree to match their interests.
Each student at EU is assigned an advisor from among the program faculty. They have access to resources such as the Center for Career Development, the Academic Success Center, and the Ghering Health and Wellness Center. Along with these resources, EU offers enrichment opportunities through over 100 clubs and organizations, including some specific to Graduate Students and Social Work Majors. Interested students can join the Graduate Student Council, the Graduate Professional Development Program, the Graduate Honor Society Alpha Epsilon Lambda, the Social Work Association of Graduate Students, and the Social Work Honor Society Phi Alpha. Each student also participates in a Field Education Internship, which is set up for them, taking into account their interests and location. EU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Council on Social Work Education. It’s a member of Social Work Licensure Requirements by State, meaning that it can accept students from all 50 states. U.S. News & World Report ranked it among its top 200 Regional Universities North.
Net Price: $10,282 / $14,668
19. Western Kentucky University – Bowling Green, KY
Master of Social Work
Website
Western Kentucky University is ranked at No. 11 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report. It’s accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and by the Council on Social Work Education. The Master of Social Work is offered through the College of Health and Human Services. Students holding a Bachelor of Social Work can enroll in the 33-credit-hour Advanced Standing Part-Time program, and students without a BSW can enroll in the Traditional Part-Time, 60-credit-hour program. Social work courses at WKU include Cultural Competency in Social Work Practice, Group Dynamics in Social Work, and Rural Social Welfare Policy.
The coursework is built upon with hands-on experience. Each student completes a field experience. By graduation, each student should be prepared to conduct social work on an individual, family, group, organization, and community level. WKU’s College of Health and Human Services is home to several centers such as the South Central Kentucky Area Health Education Center, the CHHS Center for Environmental and Workplace Health, the CHHS Center for Applied Science in Health and Aging, and the WKU Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training Center. Students can also get involved by participating in projects and events through the Center for Citizenship and Social Justice, the Dynamic Leadership Institute, and Leadership and Volunteerism opportunities. There are several other student organizations and associations. Graduates join an extensive network of successful alumni across the globe.
Net Price: $10,202 / $25,512
18. Texas State University – San Marcos, TX
Master of Social Work
Website
The Master of Social Work from Texas State University is offered by the School of Social Work, a unit of the College of Applied Arts. The program is built on a liberal arts foundation and can be completed entirely online or on-campus. Students can complete the program part-time, which requires two courses per semester, or full-time, which requires three to four classes each semester. After completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for state licensure. Students can customize their degree through elective options. Electives are offered in topics such as adventure therapy, diversity, health care, international social work, gerontology, spirituality, work with veterans, and more. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Each student completes a field experience that is set up by the Office of Field Education. They select agencies near the student’s location so that each student receives hands-on training as part of their education. Texas State also offers research opportunities for students who want to get more involved. Faculty are involved in research in topics including child welfare, disabilities and criminal justice, trauma-informed training, and more. Research is conducted through the Richter Research Institute and the Virtual Reality Technology Lab. The School of Social Work is also closely connected to the University’s Center for Children and Families, and many students gain experience through the center. Students at Texas State also benefit from resources to help with work/life balance, networking, research, writing, social media, career, and more. Forbes ranked Texas State among its Top Colleges in the South, and U.S. News & World Report ranked it among its Top Schools for Social Work.
Net Price: $9,985 / $21,605
17. The University of Texas at Arlington – Arlington, TX
Master of Social Work
Website
The University of Texas at Arlington offers a Master of Social Work that can be full-time or part-time. Advancing Standing students, those who hold a Bachelor of Social Work, can complete the accelerated program in as little as 12 months, and Traditional students without a BSW can complete the program in 26 months. Courses are offered in either eight- or 16-week formats. The curriculum is divided into six primary areas: Applied Social Work Practice, Community and Administrative Practice, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Research and Evaluation, and Social Welfare Policy. Students can add a concentration in Direct Practice or Community and Administrative Practice. The Direct Practice concentration can be further specialized into Direct Practice with Children and Families, Direct Practice in Mental Health and Substance Abuse, and Direct Practice in Aging.
The courses at UTA are taught by the same award-winning faculty who teach on-campus. Besides coursework, students have access to organizations and associations such as the Social Work Council, the Social Work Honor Society Phi Alpha, Students for Global Change, Gerontology Organization, and Health with Hearts. The School of Social Work also offers resources such as Webinars on Social Work Writing and the Career Development Corner. Students can also join research projects through the Center for Addiction and Recovery Studies or the Center for Child Welfare. UTA is ranked at No. 51 in Top Schools for Social Work by U.S. News & World Report. Forbes named it No. 11 in Top Colleges in the South, and Niche named it No. 5 in Top Online Colleges in America.
Net Price: $9,952 / $25,152
16. University at Buffalo – Buffalo, NY
Master of Social Work
Website
A Master of Social Work from the University at Buffalo can be completed in as little as one and a half years or up to three years. Students with a Bachelor of Social Work can complete the Advanced Standing Online MSW Program for 35 credit hours, and others can complete the Traditional Online MSW Program, which requires 60 credit hours. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Online courses combine asynchronous and synchronous formats, and students can enroll in some on-campus courses. Core courses include Diversity and Oppression, Perspectives on Trauma and Human Rights, and Scientific Methods in Social Work. The curriculum can be personalized through electives such as Multicultural Issues in Social Work, Responding to Disasters with Social Work Interventions, and Responding to Refugees/Immigrants.
UB was named one of the top Public Colleges by both Forbes and U.S. News & World Report. Money named it among the top 100 Top Colleges for Your Money 2019, and U.S. News & World Report also named it No. 25 in Top Schools for Social Work. Students can participate in research in areas like Adolescent Mental Health, Indigenous Populations, Housing Patterns and Poverty, Place-based Health Disparities, Trauma, Victimization, and more. Students have access to support and resources through the Open SUNY Support Services HelpDesk, the Distinguished Scholars Series, inSocialWork Podcasts, and Technology in Social Work. An online orientation includes computer help and instruction on how to navigate the UBlearns LMS and library resources. Students can get more involved by joining one of the many student clubs and organizations, or by participating in UB’s global initiatives, study abroad programs, and international research.
Net Price: $9,828 / $27,068
15. University of Missouri-Columbia – Columbia, MO
Master of Social Work
Website
The Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri-Columbia is offered entirely online. It requires a total of 60 credit hours for students not holding a Bachelor of Social Work but can be completed in two years – covering 39 credit hours – by students who previously earned a BSW. The online courses are taught in virtual classrooms, allowing for discussion and interaction with faculty and peers. Students typically complete two classes each semester. Foundation courses include Foundations of Human Behavior, Professional Social Work Practice, and Social Policy and Service Delivery in Social Work. Students can add a concentration in Advanced Clinical Practice or Policy, Planning, and Administration.
Besides coursework, students must complete two practicums. The field practicum gives students hands-on experience at an approved agency, and advisors help each student set up their field experience. There are several research centers and institutes, giving students opportunities to participate in student research projects. Students also gain access to resources such as the Graduate School, the Office for Financial Success, The Learning Center, MU Career Center e-Resources, Tiger Tech, and Software Anywhere. Social Work Guide named Mizzou No. 3 in Top Online Masters in Social Work Degree Programs. U.S. News & World Report ranked it No. 70 in their list of Top Schools for Social Work. It’s accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Council on Social Work Education.
Net Price: $9,787 / $26,506
14. University of Houston – Houston, TX
Master of Social Work
Website
Students at the University of Houston earning their Online Master of Social Work benefit from a flexible schedule without sacrificing community. Online students join the program in a cohort and move through the program as a group. Discussion boards and innovative technology allow for interaction between students and faculty. There are approximately 350 students enrolled in the program. Students can choose concentrations in Clinical or Macro areas of practice. They can add Specializations in Health and Behavioral Health, Individualized Specialization, Social Work Practice with Latinos, and Political Social Work. Core courses include Confronting Oppression and Injustice, Evaluation of Practice, and Human Diversity and Development. The academic experience is enhanced with field placements. Each student works closely with the Field Education Office to identify agencies in their location.
Interested students can also participate in extra programs such as the Austin Legislative Internship, the Child Welfare Education Project, Global Leaders of Behavioral Health Education, the Trauma Education Program, and the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. UH is also home to several research centers: the Center for Drug and Social Policy Research, the Center for Latina Maternal and Family Health Research, the Center for Mental Health Research and Innovations in Treatment Engagement and Service, and the Child and Family Center for Innovation Research. Students can also benefit from international experiences such as travel courses and global field placements. UH is ranked No. 22 in Top Schools for Social Work by U.S. News & World Report. It’s also ranked No. 4 in Most Diverse Colleges in Texas by Niche, and over 40% of students are bilingual or multilingual. UH is a member of the Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Net Price: $9,706 / $22,066
13. University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, AR
Master of Social Work
Website
There are no campus visits required for students pursuing a Master of Social Work from the University of Arkansas. Orientation is offered online, and internships can be arranged in students’ locations. Each internship is organized and monitored by the faculty of the School of Social Work. For Advanced Standing Students who already hold a Bachelor of Social Work, the program can be completed in one year of full-time study. It requires a total of 39 credits. The students progress through the program as a cohort, and all students must attend a weekly seminar via a virtual classroom. Courses include Advanced Practice Using the Multi-System Life Course Perspective, Evidence-Based Social Work, and Social Work Research and Technology. Graduates join an extensive network of alumni, and even online students engrave their names on the three miles of imprinted sidewalks called the Senior Walk.
Aside from coursework, the U of A is home to many professional organizations for social work students. The National Association of Social Workers, Association of Social Work Boards, Association of Oncology Social Work, National Network for Social Work Managers, Social Work Action Group, Phi Alpha, and National Alliance on Mental Illness University of Arkansas Club all allow students to build professional networks and gain hands-on experience. The U of A is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It was named the No. 1 Top College in Arkansas by both Niche and Top Colleges. Forbes ranked it No. 51 in Top Colleges in the South, and U.S. News & World Report ranked it among the top 100 Top Schools for Social Work.
Net Price: $9,062 / $24,308
12. University of Iowa – Iowa City, IA
Master of Social Work
Website
The University of Iowa encourages community even for its online students. Students progress through the Master of Social Work program as part of a cohort. Around 25 students complete courses together and participate in evening classes with real-time video conferencing. Twice a year, students gather with other classmates in their area. Students also complete a two or three day Summer Institute in Iowa City. Other courses are held asynchronously. Examples of courses in the program are Human Behavior in the Social Environment; Social Welfare Policy and Practice; and Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups. The program can be completed with an Integrated Concentration, and it requires between 40 to 60 credit hours. There are options for Regular Students without a Bachelor of Social Work, Advanced Standing for students with a BSW, and Accelerated Advanced Standing. UI also offers Graduate Certificates in Multicultural Education & Culturally Competent Practice and Aging & Longevity Studies.
UI Social Work students also must complete a practicum. The Online MSW Program Field Administrator helps each student secure their practicum placements. The program has a specific focus on family systems and social change, and it prepares graduates for social work practice or leadership positions. It’s accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. UI has been ranked at No. 117 in Top Colleges for Your Money 2019 by Money, No. 59 in Top Schools for Social Work by U.S. News & World Report, and No. 1 in Top Public Universities in Iowa by Niche. Students can participate in the Graduate Social Work Student Association and the National Association of Social Workers. They’re eligible for membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy after graduation. UI has several opportunities for engagement for students: Alice’s Rainbow Childcare Center, Briarwood Healthcare Center, Community Crisis Services and Food Bank, and the National Resource Center for Family-Centered Practice.
Net Price: $8,965 / $30,609
11. University of South Dakota – Vermillion, SD
Master of Social Work
Website
The University of South Dakota offers a 60-credit-hour, traditional curriculum for students who don’t hold a Bachelor of Social Work. Students who already hold their BSW can earn their Master of Social Work through a 36-credit-hour, advanced standing curriculum. Master of Social Work courses includes Diversity and Social Justice in Rural and Urban Communities, History and Philosophy of Social Work, and Human Behavior in the Social Environment. Each class is taught by the same recognized faculty who teach on campus. The program is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and by the Council on Social Work Education. USD is recognized as No. 12 in Top Online Colleges in America by Niche. Its social work program has been ranked as No. 137 in U.S. News & World Report‘s Top Schools for Social Work and No. 12 in Social Work Guide‘s Top Online Master’s in Social Work Degree Programs.
Students at USD also learn through interactive experiences. Students can participate in research through opportunities such as the IdeaFest, the School of Health Sciences Research Conference, and the Council on Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activities. USD houses several research centers such as the Behavioral Core, the Inclusive Science Initiative, and the Physiology Core. Students can also participate in clubs, organizations, and associations. USD hosts more than 120 organizations, including the National Association of Social Workers and Sigma Theta Phi Alpha Honor Society. Students can also engage in the community through training opportunities such as the Interprofessional Education Training Day, Disability Awareness Day, and the Welcome Table. Students also complete a field experience, which is arranged with an agency near the online student’s location.
Net Price: $8,772 / $12,019
10. University of North Dakota – Grand Forks, ND
Master of Social Work
Website
A Master of Social Work from the University of North Dakota can be completed in one to three years. Depending on whether or not students have previously earned their Bachelor of Social Work, they will complete a 36-credit-hour Online Concentration or a 60-credit-hour Online Foundation. Both programs are designed for students who work full-time. Courses are flexible, and the required field experience can be completed in an agency near the student’s residence. The average class size at UND is only 24, so students have an opportunity to form connections and create a professional network. Students can add an Advanced Generalist emphasis. Some of the core courses are Advanced Generalist Practice with Individuals, Generalist Practice Field Education, and Human Behavior in the Social Environment.
UND is named a Carnegie Doctoral Research Institution. It houses research centers that focus on areas such as Energy and Environment, Human Nutrition, and Rural Health, among others. There are seven different libraries at UND, as well as resources such as Student Account Services and Student Financial Aid. UND is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. It’s named among the top 150 Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report and the top 100 Top Colleges in the Midwest by Forbes. Students can participate in international opportunities through study abroad and service experience. They can also form professional connections through student organizations such as the Student Social Work Association and the Social Work Honor Society, Phi Alpha.
Net Price: $8,447 / $20,047
9. West Virginia University – Morgantown, WV
Master of Social Work
Website
A Master of Social Work from West Virginia University will prepare graduates for direct practice and administrative roles. Students can complete the program in two or three years of part-time study. WVU offers a specialization in Advanced Integrated Practice, and the program has a focus on rural service. The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Council for Social Work Education. There are more than 500 faculty members at the school who are leaders and innovators in their field. WVU is ranked No. 70 in Top Schools for Social Work by U.S. News & World Report. It’s No. 2 in Niche‘s Top Value Colleges in West Virginia and is among the top 500 Top Colleges for Your Money 2019 in Money.
The online Master of Social Work program uses state-of-the-art technology. The learning platform, eCampus, allows students access to an online community where each student can learn from faculty and peers. The experience is designed to be collaborative and to include discussion and teamwork. WVU has created video tutorials to help students navigate the online platform. Students also have access to resources such as a Technology Service Desk and a mobile application called WVU Portal. Throughout the program, each student will work with an enrollment coach, academic advisor, and academic life coach. These coaches help each student succeed and reach their educational and career goals.
Net Price: $8,376 / $23,616
8. University of Nevada-Reno – Reno, NV
Master of Social Work
Website
With a focus on underserved rural communities, a Master of Social Work from the University of Nevada-Reno will prepare graduates to fill a variety of social work positions. The MSW program is open to students with a Bachelor of Social Work as a 32-credit hour Advanced Standing Program. Students with a Bachelor’s degree in a different field can enroll in the Traditional Program, which requires 62 credit hours. There is an emphasis in Advanced Generalist Practice. Students in the Traditional Program complete foundation courses such as Elements of Evidence-Informed Practice, Social Work Methods, and Structural Oppression. All students complete concentration courses including Advanced Multi-dimensional Assessment, Health and the Environment, and Therapeutic Interventions with Families. The online program offers multiple start dates for greater flexibility, and students are only required to be on campus for a two-day residency.
To gain practical hands-on experience, each student must complete a field practicum. The field practicum includes pre-placement activities, post-placement activities, pre-semester start activities, and semester activities. Along with this field experience, students can gain real-world learning through volunteer opportunities or social work student groups such as the Phi Alpha Lambda Beta Honor Society, the Social Work Graduate Student Association, the Undergraduate Student Social Work Association, and FUSED. The University of Nevada-Reno is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and by the Council on Social Work Education. Social Work Guide named it No. 6 in Online Master’s in Social Work Degree Programs, and U.S. News & World Report ranked it No. 121 in Top Schools for Social Work.
Net Price: $7,599 / $21,788
7. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley – Brownsville, TX
Master of Science in Social Work
Website
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Master of Science in Social Work has a strong focus on improving human services within the Latino community. Students in the program can add a concentration in Administration and Community Practice. The program is run in seven-week-long courses and can be completed in as little as 12 months. It requires a total of 33 credit hours. UTRGV also offers an MSW in Direct Practice with Latino Individuals, Families, and Groups. Courses such as Advanced Social Work Practice with Communities, Social Work with Diverse Populations, and Spirituality and Social Work are enhanced with a field practicum in a setting of the student’s choosing. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Licensed Master Social Worker credentials.
UTRGV is the nation’s second-largest Hispanic-serving institution, with more than 80% of the student body identifying as Hispanic. The program was created in 2013. Online students benefit from community building through webinars and interactive classes. MyUTRGV is the online portal for announcements, resources, and services such as the Assist Self Service. UTRGV is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It’s ranked among the top 200 in Money‘s Top Colleges for Your Money 2019, Forbes‘s Top Colleges in the South, and U.S. News & World Report‘s Top Schools for Social Work.
Net Price: $7,587 / $17,547
6. Boise State University – Boise, ID
Master of Social Work
Website
Boise State University offers a fully-online Master of Social Work with no on-campus requirements. A central aspect of the program is the Field Practicum. Each student works directly with the Assistant Director or Field Coordinator to set up a practicum placement. Each practicum occurs over 14 weeks. Besides the Field Practicum, students also gain experience through coursework. Some of the foundation courses are Ethnicity, Gender, and Class; Foundation of Social Work Practice; and Social Dimensions of Human Behavior. The program is offered as an Advanced Standing track for students with a Bachelor of Social Work, and a Full Program for students with a different Bachelor’s degree.
Boise State is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and by the Council on Social Work Education. It offers resources such as the Online Student Success Team, Student Advisors, the Dean of Students Office, Advising and Academic Support Center, the Office of the Registrar, the Graduate Student Success Center, and Technical Support. Student Success Coaches help students progress through the program and prepare for their future careers. Boise State is named No. 45 in Most Innovative Schools by U.S. News & World Report. Forbes named it among the Top Research Universities. It houses research centers such as the Arts and Humanities Institute, the Center for Professional Development, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and more.
Net Price: $7,326 / $22,642
5. Appalachian State University – Boone, NC
Master of Social Work
Website
There are two concentrations within the Master of Social Work program at Appalachian State University. Students can focus on Individuals and Families or Community and Organizational Practice. The program requires 33 credit hours or 60 credit hours for students who do not hold a Bachelor of Social Work. App State’s MSW is a hybrid program with some face-to-face requirements along with online instruction. It can be completed in two to three years, and it may lead to licensure or certification. There are options for field placements throughout the region. Coursework covers topics of social work theory, practice, research, and electives from any program or department. It’s accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
App State offers several certificate programs for students. These include Addiction Counseling; Aging, Health, and Society; Appalachian Studies; Autism Spectrum Disorders; Expressive Arts Therapy; Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies; International Leadership; and Nonprofit Administration. Students can participate in social events, volunteer work, research, service-learning, community service, and more. App State is home to the Student Association of Social Workers and the Graduate Student Social Work Association. It hosts engagement opportunities such as Appalachian and the Community Together, Graduate Student Association Senate, Student Engagement and Leadership, Athletics, Education Abroad, and more. After graduating, students will join a network of alumni that spans all 50 states and many countries across the globe. App State is named No. 54 Top Colleges in the South by Forbes and No. 3 Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $7,302 / $22,109
4. California State University, San Bernardino – San Bernardino, CA
Master of Social Work
Website
The Master of Social Work from California State University, San Bernardino is offered online through the Pathway Distance Education Program. The MSW is provided as an intensive Two-Year Program, a slower Three-Year Program, and the three-year online program. Students can specialize in a topic of their choosing: a social issue, client population, or field of practice. The program is divided into Foundation Courses and an Advanced Curriculum. Coursework is complemented with a Field Practicum at an agency in the student’s community. Students also conduct a Research Project, which is a culmination of their academic experience at CSUSB. Courses include Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Generalist Macro and Micro Practice, and Social Work Research.
CSUSB gives students access to organizations such as the Social Work Student Association, the Student Association of Macro Practice, and the National Association of Social Workers. Students also benefit from the Peer Mentor Program, where new students are matched with continuing students for support. Online students attend a three-day orientation at the main campus to begin building community and practicing networking. CSUSB is ranked among the top 100 Top Colleges in the West by Forbes and the No. 14 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report. Money named it No. 70 in Top Colleges for Your Money 2019, and Social Work Guide named it No. 9 in Online Masters in Social Work Degree Programs.
Net Price: $6,885 / $18,765
3. University of South Florida-Main Campus – Tampa, FL
Master of Social Work
Website
The Master of Social Work from the University of South Florida-Main Campus can be completed in four semesters of full-time study or eight semesters of part-time study. Students who earned their Bachelor of Social Work in the past five years can apply for Advanced Standing status. The MSW program is organized in a cohort model. There is some face-to-face interaction through the use of a webcam, and some courses are held asynchronously. Students complete a set of core courses, advanced scholarly study, and clinical work with individuals, families, and groups. Core courses include titles such as Diversity and Social Justice, Foundations in Human Behavior, and Foundations of Social Welfare and Policy. Students can then personalize their curriculum through electives such as Multi-dimensional Issues of Child Assessment, Trauma and Intervention, and Women’s Mental Health.
USF gives students opportunities for professional experience and networking through organizations such as the Social Work Society, and the Delta Sigma Chapter of Phi Alpha, the Social Work Honor Society. There are opportunities to get involved through Legislative Education and Advocacy days as well as through participation in the BRIDGE clinic, Building Relationships and Initiatives Dedicated to Gaining Equality. Students also have access to resources such as Academic Advising, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Licensing Exam Preparation Services, and Social Work Specific Scholarships. USF is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. It’s ranked No. 71 in Colleges Rank by U.S. News & World Report and No. 70 in Top Schools for Social Work by the same. Forbes ranked it No. 45 in Top Colleges in the South.
Net Price: $6,410 / $17,324
2. University of Central Florida – Orlando, FL
Master of Social Work
Website
At the University of Central Florida, the Master of Social Work is designed for students who have either not completed a Bachelor of Social Work or earned one more than five years before beginning the Master’s program. The program requires 62 credits and can be completed in nine semesters. Students may add a clinical specialization and complete a field experience as part of their curriculum. The program includes classes like Clinical Practice with Individuals, Psychosocial Pathology, and Social Welfare Policies and Services. Graduates are eligible for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. UCF also offers certificate programs in Military Social Work or Marriage and Family Therapy.
The MSW program is offered fully online or through mixed-mode classes. Students are supported by faculty, online tutorials, Success Coaches, and the Online Connect Center team. They also have access to the College of Graduate Studies, Regional Campus Support, the Student Academic Resources Center, Student Accessibility Services, the Writing Center, and more. UCF is an emerging preeminent research university. Research is organized through the Faculty Cluster Initiative, allowing for interdisciplinary and relatable research. UCF students can join the National Association of Social Workers or one of many other clubs and organizations. The university is ranked at No. 10 in Most Innovative Schools by U.S. News & World Report, and Forbes named it among the top 100 Top Public Colleges. The MSW is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Net Price: $6,368 / $22,467
1. Florida State University – Tallahassee, FL
Master of Social Work
Website
An online Master of Social Work from Florida State University is offered in a flexible format for students with other obligations. Students with a Bachelor of Social Work can complete the two-year Advanced Standing program, and students without can complete a three-year, part-time Traditional program. All students participate in a field placement and may be eligible to pursue a license in clinical social work. The program requires between 39 and 61 credit hours through 16-week courses. Besides online coursework, students complete two on-campus weekends to build community and participate in skill-building sessions.
FSU is the oldest university in the state and is designated a Carnegie Research University. It has several research centers and institutes, including the Center for Accessibility and Safety for an Aging Population; the Center for Advancement of Human Rights; and the Center for Higher Education Research, Teaching, and Innovation. FSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and follows the accreditation standards of the Council on Social Work Education. It’s ranked among Money‘s Top Colleges for Your Money 2019 and is No. 2 in Niche‘s Top Value Colleges in Florida. U.S. News & World Report ranked it No. 70 in National Universities, and Forbes named it No. 29 in Top Colleges in the South. Its Social Work program was ranked No. 1 in Social Work Guide‘s Online Master’s in Social Work Degree Programs.
Net Price: $5,656 / $18,786
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