Master's in social work programs train learners for careers as clinical social workers. Degree-seekers learn how to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. They also strengthen their advocacy skills and gain specialized training. Students who enroll in online master's in social work programs can often continue their careers while earning their degree.
Demand for social workers continues to rise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the field will add more than 67,300 new jobs each year from 2023-2033. With a master's in social work degree, graduates may work as school, substance misuse, or healthcare social workers.
Our list ranks the top online master's in social work programs. Read on to learn about costs, common classes, and how to become a social worker.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Online Master's in Social Work Programs
Our Methodology
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. Our most important metric — affordability — accounts for 60% of our formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
This ranking is from 2023. To learn more, consult our school ranking methodology.
Why Get a Master's Degree in Social Work?
A master's in social work degree prepares graduates to work as clinical social workers. The degree helps social workers move into high-paying specializations with more responsibilities. Professionals can also earn the degree to move into the social work field.
Many accredited social work schools offer online programs. Online enrollees complete coursework in a virtual classroom environment. They meet practicum requirements locally. Students who choose an online format can attend the most affordable program without relocating.
How Much Does a Social Work Degree Cost?
A master's degree costs an average of $66,340, according to EducationData.org. However, costs vary by school, delivery format, and learners' residency status. Students who qualify for in-state tuition pay less than those paying out-of-state rates.
Shorter programs typically cost less than a master's in social work program with a higher number of required credits. Master's programs usually take two years to complete.
Degree-seekers can research affordable programs to lower the cost. Social workers often qualify for student loan forgiveness programs.
Additional Online Student Fees
Online degree-seekers should budget for books, fees, and other expenses. For example, distance learners may need to buy a new computer. Some programs also charge technology and graduation fees.
Programs with in-person requirements may add transportation and housing costs to the degree. Social workers pursuing licensure should consider costs for exams and licenses. These extra fees can add thousands to the cost of a master's in social work degree.
How Much Do Social Work Graduates Make?
Social workers earn a median $58,380 annually, according to 2023 data from the BLS. Salaries vary depending on specialization and location. For example, healthcare social workers typically earn more than mental health social workers. A master's degree can help professionals qualify for high-paying roles.
Work setting also affects earning potential. Social workers in local government settings earn more than those working for individual and family services organizations. Prospective social workers can research the earning potential in their location for specific social work careers.
Specializations for Social Work
Most master's in social work programs offer specializations. Sometimes known as concentrations or tracks, most specializations fall under the broad category of clinical social work. Specializations train learners for direct practice and meet clinical social work license requirements.
Students should explore their prospective schools' specialization options. Some programs allow enrollees to create custom specializations. See below for three common concentrations. Keep in mind that options vary by school.
Child and Family Social Work
This specialization is social work's largest subfield. Students learn how to support children and families, including those dealing with abusive situations, behavioral problems, and stress. A child and family specialization prepares graduates to work in social services agencies. They can also work in residential care facilities and foster care agencies. Many programs also offer a specialization in school social work.Healthcare Social Work
Healthcare social workers advocate for patients in medical settings. The specialization trains learners to communicate with patients about medical needs and options. Coursework focuses on advocacy approaches when working with healthcare professionals. Programs include field placements in healthcare settings to build career-ready skills.Mental Health Social Work
Students learn how to conduct psychological assessments and diagnose mental health disorders. They also learn to create treatment plans. Some programs offer substance misuse or addiction focuses within mental health social work. These specializations strengthen counseling skills and treatment planning abilities.
How to Become a Social Worker
Prospective social workers can train for their career by earning a social work degree. Some jobs only require a bachelor's degree. However, many careers require a master's. Clinical social workers need a master's degree plus experience to earn their license. During a social work program, students complete an internship or practicum to gain hands-on skills.
Social workers meet supervised training requirements in various settings. They may work in schools, family services agencies, or healthcare settings. They may also work in community service organizations. After meeting licensure requirements, clinical social workers act as advocates and treat patients in diverse settings.
Licensure for Social Workers
Every state requires clinical social workers to hold a license. Other types of social workers may also need a license.
Licensed clinical social workers need a master's degree from an accredited school. Most states set a minimum requirement for supervised clinical experience. For example, candidates in California must complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience. Candidates in New York must complete three years of post-MSW supervised experience.
After meeting the education and experience requirements, candidates complete a clinical exam. They must also pay a fee for their license.
The requirements and cost of social work licensure vary. Students earning a social work master's degree should research their state's process. The Association of Social Work Boards provides information about each state's licensure boards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work
What can you do with a master's in social work?
Master's degree-holders can pursue clinical social work careers. Clinical social workers may specialize in child and family social work or school social work.
What is the highest salary for a social worker?
The highest-paid social workers earn an annual salary over $94,000, according to the BLS. This represents the top 90th percentile of earners. The median annual salary for social workers is $58,380. Salaries vary by professionals' specialization, employer, and location.
What area of social work pays the most?
The highest-paid social work specializations include healthcare social work. People working in fields other than child, family, school, or mental health social work also earn high salaries.
