Online Masters in Social Work (MSW)

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We believe that people considering a master’s in social work are driven by an innate calling and personal conviction to serve others. The Wurzweiler School of Social Work will help you define your professional goals and find the right path to fulfilling your passion for service through our online Master of Social Work (MSW) program.

Our Online Master of Social Work Program is Built on a Tradition of Service

A deep-seated cultural tradition of service to others is the foundation of Wurzweiler’s online MSW. Our dedication to service, the principles of social work, and our students means that when you earn your online Master of Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work, you will be well prepared for a career of service to others.

We support students in the online MSW program at Wurzweiler with individualized attention. Wurzweiler faculty, social work professionals and Student Success Coordinators are here to assist you in completing your academic journey and launching your social work career.

Program Summary

No GRE required
Study online—anytime, anywhere
Full- or part-time course load options
Complete the full-time program in as few as 2.5 years
Complete the program in as few as 1.5 years with Advanced Standing qualification
8-week courses and six terms per year
30 hours of supervised practicum experience
3 Starts Per Year
Robust student support systems
Choose an optional focus: Gerontology and Palliative Care Embedded Certification or the Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) Credentialing

Job Opportunities for Social Workers are Plentiful

Projected employment growth for social workers through 2032 is at 7%, which is higher than the overall U.S. average.There are also 728,600 open social work roles.¹

Some of the fastest growing demand is for healthcare social workers and mental health and substance abuse social workers. Healthcare and social assistance workers, including those specializing in gerontology and palliative care, can expect to see a 10.8% increase in job opportunities.² Mental health and substance abuse social workers will see a 18% increase in market demand.³

Whatever direction you ultimately take in your social work career, there will be meaningful opportunities to serve and thrive as a social work professional when you have your online MSW degree.

Find your path to purpose. Apply for Admission.

728,600

Social work jobs in 2022¹

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the national association representing social work education in the United States.⁴ It is the sole accrediting agency for social work education recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Our program is accredited, which allows you to sit for licensing exams. Read more about why CSWE accreditation is important to you.

The Online Master of Social Work Opens Many Career Doors

Your online MSW degree can unlock a satisfying career in social work and many other fields. Apply the expertise you gain through Wurzweiler’s curriculum in fields ranging from business development and legal services to media and communications. Read more about MSW career options.

With an online MSW, you can hold more responsible practice or management positions within the social work field. An MSW is a prerequisite for a state-issued clinical social worker’s license. Only licensed clinical social workers have the legal authority to diagnose and devise counseling treatments.

Your MSW will help you compete for a leadership role with a nonprofit, private counseling contractor or state agency. You will also be prepared to educate, advocate or set policy on social issues. Read about a Wurzweiler alumna’s leadership path in helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Wurzweiler’s Online MSW Empowers You to Create More Impact

A master’s in social work provides theoretical and analytic frameworks that enable social workers to effectively deliver, develop and lead social service programs. The Wurzweiler online MSW degree program leverages centuries-old traditions alongside a contemporary curriculum to train today’s social work practitioners and equip them to transform the world. The scope of study in our online MSW program encompasses such topics as:

Historical and policy contexts for social work practice
The scientific approach to building knowledge for practice and for evaluating service delivery
Philosophical foundations of social work
Value conflicts and ethical dilemmas in social work practice

An Integrated Curriculum Built for Social Work

Theory and practice are intertwined throughout the highly rated Wurzweiler MSW degree program. Our engaging curriculum is organized into eight-week courses that explore cultural diversity, research methods, intervention, advocacy and more.

The online Master of Social Work program includes 30 hours of supervised practicum, supporting your intellectual growth with practical experience and opportunities to serve individuals, families, groups and communities. When you graduate, you will be eligible to apply for your license.

Complete Wurzweiler’s holistic MSW program in as little as two-and-a half years when you attend full-time. Advanced Standing qualification enables you to complete the program in as little as one-and-a- half years. A part-time option is also available, and students may flexibly move from full- to part-time status.

Prepare for Credentialing in an Area of Growing Need

Social and demographic forces have created a strong and growing demand for social workers with advanced training to support the aging and those with serious illnesses, as well as to help individuals with alcohol or substance abuse issues.³

In response, Wurzweiler is proud to offer you elective options to earn a Gerontology and Palliative Care Certification or to progress toward becoming a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC).

See how the Wurzweiler School of Social Work’s service-oriented online MSW curriculum can help you prepare for a purposeful, successful career.

Explore the Curriculum

Welcome to Wurzweiler's Online MSW Program

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Find Your Place in the Advanced Standing Program

Already have your bachelor's degree in social work? Find out if you qualify for Advanced Standing, which allows you to enter the Wurzweiler online MSW degree program in your second year.

Learn About Advanced Standing

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Shape Your Professional Identity in the Field

Deepen your understanding of social work’s principal lessons by moving into the practicum experience. During your concentration year at Wurzweiler, you will engage clients of all ages and social backgrounds and begin to develop your unique professional identity.

Prepare for the Practicum

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Learn Alongside Professional Social Workers

The Wurzweiler online MSW program is directed by the same scholars and seasoned practitioners who instruct our on-ground students. Work one-on-one with those who understand the challenges you will likely face and take advantage of their interdisciplinary knowledge and experience.

Meet Our Faculty

Learn More About the Wurzweiler School of Social Work

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Take the First Step Toward Your MSW

Review academic requirements, application materials, and information on advanced standing, transfer, and international students.

See Admissions Requirements