How To Get A Social Worker Degree Online: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started

Life doesn’t wait while you chase your dreams. Maybe you’re juggling a full-time job, raising a family, or just can’t pack up and move across the country to attend a traditional university. But if you have a heart for helping others and a passion for making a real difference, there’s good news: you can earn a social worker degree online—and yes, it’s just as respected as the one you’d get on campus.

Online programs today are flexible, fully accredited, and designed with real-life schedules in mind. Whether you’re starting fresh or upgrading your credentials, learning how to get a social worker degree online is the first step toward a rewarding career in mental health, child welfare, community outreach, and more. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything—how to choose the right school, what qualifications you need, and how to prepare for licensure after graduation.

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Pursuing an online social work degree requires meeting specific academic and application criteria, which vary by program and degree level. For a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), you typically need a high school diploma or GED, with a minimum GPA often ranging from 2.5 to 3.0. Some programs may request SAT or ACT scores, though many are test-optional. Applicants usually submit official transcripts, a personal statement outlining their passion for social work, and letters of recommendation. For non-native English speakers, TOEFL or IELTS scores may be required.

For a Master of Social Work (MSW), a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is essential, preferably in social work or a related field like psychology or sociology. Advanced standing MSW programs, which can take as little as one year, often require a BSW and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants may need to provide a resume, professional or volunteer experience in human services, and a detailed essay aligning their goals with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. Most programs also require 2-3 recommendation letters and may involve a background check, especially for field placements. Always ensure the program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) to meet licensure requirements.

The duration of an online social work degree depends on the program level and structure. A BSW typically takes 3.5 to 4 years of full-time study, requiring around 120 credit hours. Part-time students may need 5-6 years, while accelerated programs, like those offered by U.S. Career Institute, can be completed in as little as 16 months for an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Social Work.

An MSW generally takes 2 years of full-time study, including 60 credit hours and 900-1,000 hours of field experience. Advanced standing MSW programs for BSW holders can be completed in 12-18 months. Part-time or asynchronous online MSW options, such as those at Rutgers University, may extend to 3 years, offering flexibility for working professionals. Doctoral programs, like a Doctor of Social Work (DSW), typically require 3-5 years, depending on the pace and dissertation requirements.

Choosing a CSWE-accredited online program ensures quality education and eligibility for licensure. Here are 10 top online schools offering social work degrees in 2025:

Georgia State University – Offers a BSW emphasizing nine professional competencies, with proactive academic advising and a focus on diverse client intervention strategies. In-state tuition is approximately $4,590 per semester.
University of Phoenix – Provides a CSWE-accredited BSSW with courses in social justice, cultural competence, and field experience. Special tuition rates are available for alumni and military members.
Liberty University – Features an affordable, CSWE-accredited online BSSW with a virtual intensive and two full-semester field placements, preparing students for human services roles.
University of Utah – Delivers a fully online BSW with a 10-credit practicum and seminar, ideal for careers in human services, policy analysis, or juvenile justice.
Appalachian State University – Offers a CSWE-accredited BSW available online or in-person, with 12 credits of field instruction and a senior seminar for hands-on learning.
University of Cincinnati – Provides a BSW with 432 hours of in-person field experience, customizable with 18 elective credits, and military tuition discounts.
Rutgers University – Offers a 100% online MSW with specializations in Clinical Social Work or Management & Policy, completable in 2-3 years with merit-based scholarships.
Capella University – Provides CSWE-accredited BSW, MSW, and DSW programs with a professionally aligned curriculum and robust student support services.
Charter Oak State College – Features a BSW focused on social justice and community leadership, taught by experienced faculty like Dr. Heather Strohman.
Louisiana State University (LSU) Online – Offers human services and social work degrees with competitive pricing and enrollment concierge support for financial aid.

When selecting a school, consider factors like accreditation, cost, program flexibility, and field placement support to align with your career goals.

Online social work degree programs blend theoretical coursework with practical training. BSW programs cover foundational topics like social welfare policy, human behavior, research methods, and diversity in practice. Students often complete general education courses in psychology, sociology, and ethics, alongside field experiences (typically 400-600 hours) in local agencies.

MSW programs dive deeper into advanced topics such as clinical social work, family counseling, substance use counseling, and policy advocacy. For example, Georgia State University’s BSW emphasizes intervention strategies, while Rutgers’ MSW includes specializations like Interpersonal Violence and Trauma. Field placements, ranging from 777-1,000 hours, are critical for hands-on experience. Many programs incorporate the NASW Code of Ethics, teaching students to address oppression and promote social justice. Electives and certificates, such as LSU’s human services options, allow customization based on interests like child welfare or mental health.

Yes, an online social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program can lead to licensure. A BSW qualifies graduates for Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) credentials in many states, requiring a degree, the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam, and sometimes a jurisprudence exam. For clinical roles, an MSW is typically required to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), involving additional post-master’s supervised experience (e.g., 3,000-4,000 hours) and the ASWB Clinical exam.

State requirements vary, so check your state’s licensing board. For instance, Florida requires three years of experience and specific coursework for certified master social worker status. Online degrees from accredited schools like Liberty University or Capella University are respected equally to on-campus programs by employers and licensing boards.

An online social work degree opens diverse career opportunities across clinical and non-clinical settings. With a BSW, you can pursue roles like case manager, probation officer, or patient advocate, with median salaries around $45,120-$53,940, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). MSW graduates can work as clinical social workers, therapists, or healthcare social workers, earning $58,380-$67,219 annually. Specialized roles include:

School Social Worker: Supports students and families, addressing mental health and educational challenges (median salary: $53,940).
Medical Social Worker: Assists patients in healthcare settings, with a median salary of $62,940.
Forensic Social Worker: Works in criminal justice, earning around $68,800.
Substance Use Counselor: Helps clients overcome addiction, often requiring an MSW for clinical roles.

The BLS projects a 7% job growth for social workers from 2023-2033, with over 750,000 professionals employed in 2023. Advanced degrees like an MSW or DSW can lead to leadership, research, or policy roles.

Costs for online social work degrees vary widely. BSW programs range from $4,590 per semester (Georgia State University, in-state) to $14,700 (out-of-state). Liberty University’s BSSW is noted for affordability, with potential scholarships reducing costs. MSW programs typically cost $20,000-$40,000 total, with Rutgers offering merit-based scholarships and Capella emphasizing competitive pricing.

Additional expenses include technology fees, textbooks, and field placement costs. Financial aid, grants, and loan forgiveness programs, like Public Service Loan Forgiveness for nonprofit or government workers, can offset expenses. Military discounts, as offered by the University of Cincinnati, and alumni scholarships at the University of Phoenix further enhance affordability.

Online social work degrees offer unmatched flexibility, allowing students to study asynchronously or part-time while maintaining work or family responsibilities. Programs like LSU Online and Rutgers provide the same rigorous curriculum as on-campus degrees, with access to expert faculty and virtual support services.

Online learning can reduce commuting and housing costs, and many schools, like Liberty University, have extensive experience in distance education. Additionally, online programs often facilitate local field placements, ensuring hands-on experience. A 2024 survey found 93% of online students reported a positive return on investment, with 97% recommending online education.

Selecting the right program involves evaluating accreditation, curriculum, and support services. Prioritize CSWE-accredited programs to ensure licensure eligibility. Assess program format (synchronous vs. asynchronous), field placement coordination, and specialization options aligning with your career goals, such as clinical practice or policy advocacy. Consider tuition, financial aid, and student resources like academic advising or career services.

Schools like Capella University emphasize faculty expertise, while Charter Oak State College focuses on inclusive pedagogy. Research alumni outcomes and program rankings, such as those from Georgia State or Appalachian State, to gauge reputation and employability.

Thriving in an online social work program requires discipline and strategic planning. Wendy Pitts, an LCSW with 21 years of experience, advises building a strong support network and leveraging faculty office hours. Create a dedicated study space, set a consistent schedule, and use organizational tools like Mendeley for research. Engage actively in online discussions and seek feedback during field placements.

Develop self-care practices to manage the emotional demands of social work coursework. Finally, connect with peers through virtual communities, such as those offered by Rutgers’ cohort-based MSW, to enhance learning and professional networking.