For students seeking a flexible and accessible format to earn their degree, this article highlights the country’s most popular online social work programs. These programs are known for their positive reputations and high levels of student satisfaction, leading to increased graduation and job placement rates.
While a bachelor’s degree in social work provides essential foundational education, a master’s degree is required for licensure. This degree prepares students for various careers, such as mental health and substance abuse social workers, with a median salary of $55,960, and healthcare social workers, with a median salary of $62,940.
Undergraduate programs usually take four years to complete and cost an average of $14,688 in annual tuition, while graduate programs take two to three years with an average cost of $20,513.
How to Choose an Online Social Work Program
Choose your area of study
You can tailor your social work degree to your career goals by choosing an area of study. Ask yourself:
- What populations am I most enthusiastic about serving?
- What social issues resonate with me the most?
- Do I prefer direct practice or policy/administrative work?
Specialization availability will vary by program, but some popular options include clinical social work, which is ideal for those wanting to provide therapy to individuals and families; school social work, which is suited for those interested in supporting students within educational settings; and healthcare social work, which is perfect for those who want to support patients in medical settings and navigate healthcare systems.
Research schools and programs
Once you’ve chosen a specialization, you can begin researching schools and programs in earnest. Consider the following questions to help guide your research:
- Is the program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)?
- What are the specific course offerings for my chosen specialization?
- Are there opportunities for fieldwork placements in my area?
- What is the program’s graduation and job placement rate?
- How does the school support online students?
This information can be found on school websites, by speaking with an admissions counselor, or by attending a virtual information session.
Prepare for tests and applications
With your shortlist of schools in hand, you’re ready to start preparing for tests and applications. This can be intimidating, but by simply starting early, you can make this significantly more manageable.
Request letters of recommendation and transcripts well in advance to avoid delays, and dedicate ample time to writing a personal statement or essay highlighting your strengths and enthusiasm for social work. If your school requires test scores, such as the SAT or ACT for undergraduates or the GRE for graduate students, consider enrolling in a test prep program to improve your performance.
Select your program
When acceptance letters arrive, you may have a big decision to make. Revisit your initial research criteria to select the best program. Focus on how each program meets your key priorities, such as school reputation, specialization courses, and fieldwork opportunities.
This is also the perfect time to reassess the total cost of attendance. Compare this with any financial aid offers to ensure your final decision is financially feasible.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
There are many financial aid resources to help you pay for your degree. Start with scholarships and grants, as these don’t require repayment. Next, consider work-study programs or assistantships, which provide income while you study. If you’re currently employed, ask your employer if they offer tuition reimbursement.
Even with all of these resources, financial gaps may remain. In these instances, federal loans may be helpful. Federal loans are generally preferable to private loans for their lower interest rates and flexible repayment options.
Best 50 Accredited Popular Online Social Work Programs
Discover More Options
How we rank schools
This list features some of the best online social work degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for online students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online social work degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From an Online Social Work Program?
An online social work degree program will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in social services – regardless if you’re pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate program. You can expect to learn about human behavior, social justice, community organization, and mental health at any degree level. The most innovative curriculums feature classes covering topics like policy analysis, research methods, and clinical practice.
Most undergraduate programs take four years to complete, while graduate programs take two to three years – usually including coursework and a traditional thesis. You may also need to complete fieldwork hours to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings. This practical training is essential for state licensure, ensuring graduates are ready to provide support to diverse populations.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online social work degree program
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Often one of the first courses you’ll take, this class explores the interplay between individuals and their environments, examining how social, cultural, and economic factors influence behavior. First-year students learn about developmental stages, family dynamics, and community systems to better understand client needs.
- Diversity and Oppression: Another fundamental course, this class focuses on issues of inequality and social justice, covering the impact of race, gender, class, and other identities on individuals and communities. Participants study strategies for advocating for marginalized groups and promoting inclusive practices.
- Social Welfare Policy and Services: This core requirement provides an overview of the social welfare system, including its history, development, and current policies. Students analyze the effectiveness of services and learn to advocate for policy changes to improve social welfare programs.
- Methods of Social Work Research: Typically an upper-level course, this class emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice and equips students with skills to design and evaluate research projects. Learners study the fundamentals of conducting social work research, including qualitative and quantitative methods.
Online Social Work Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online social work degree program?
Many social work degree programs feature a relatively straightforward application process, typically including:
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Current resume or CV
Undergraduate programs require a high school diploma or equivalent, while graduate programs typically require a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field. Before submitting your application, it’s essential to speak to an admissions counselor to understand specific requirements and ensure your application is complete.
How much does an online social work degree cost?
According to the most recent National Center for Education Statistics data, the average undergraduate degree costs $14,688 in annual tuition, and a graduate degree averaged $20,513. As an online learner, you’ll also want to be prepared for additional expenses like technology fees, course materials, and textbooks, which aren’t included in the tuition and can add up over time.
To get an accurate estimate, it’s crucial to speak to a financial aid counselor at your school, who can provide you with detailed information on tuition, fees, and available financial aid options.
How long does it take to earn an online social work degree?
Earning this degree takes about four years for an undergraduate and two to three years for a graduate degree. Part-time enrollment will extend these timelines, often by a year or more.
It’s important to double-check the total number of required credits, as these can vary by program and influence the time it takes to graduate. Graduate programs, in particular, may have different credit requirements, affecting the overall timeline.