Social work is an important field of work that focuses on helping families, individuals, and people in need. With the rise of online education, earning a social work degree online has become an increasingly easy. In this article, I will compare the top 10 social worker online degree programs, to help you make a decision on which program is fits you best and your lifestyle.
A degree in social work typically includes a combination of theoretical and practical coursework that prepares students to work with individuals, families, groups, and people in general to address social issues and improve overall well-being. Here are some common topics that students may study in a social work degree program:
- Human behavior and the social environment
- Social work practice
- Social welfare policy
- Diversity and social justice
- Research methods
- Field education
Additionally, social work programs may offer courses or specializations in specific areas of practice, such as mental health, child welfare, healthcare, or criminal justice. The specific curriculum will vary depending on the program and level of degree, but these are some of the core topics that are typically included in a social work degree program.
What are the top 10 social worker degrees online?
- University of Southern California – Master of Social Work
- University of Denver – Master of Social Work
- University of Louisville – Master of Science in Social Work
- Boston University – Master of Social Work
- Rutgers University – Master of Social Work
- Arizona State University – Bachelor of Social Work
- University of North Dakota – Master of Social Work
- The Catholic University of America – Master of Social Work
- University of Alabama – Master of Social Work
Comparing social worker online degrees
University of Southern California – Master of Social Work
The MSW program at USC offers both full-time and part-time options, allowing students to complete their degree at their own pace. The program hones in on a variety of specializations, including children, youth, and families, and military social work. The program also offers a unique online learning platform that includes live virtual classes and interactive coursework.
Apply here: https://msw.usc.edu/requestinfo/index/?lsrc=onlinemswprogramssite&l=usc-online-msw
University of Denver – Master of Social Work
The MSW program at the University of Denver offers both traditional and advanced standing tracks, allowing students to complete their degree in as little as 18 months. The program also centers on a variety of specializations, including mental health and trauma, and children and youth. The University of Denver is also ranked among the top 25 social work programs in the country.
Apply here: https://www.msudenver.edu/social-work/master-social-work/
University of Louisville – Master of Science in Social Work
The MSSW program at the University of Louisville is a fully online program that offers both full-time and part-time options. The program concentrates on evidence-based practice and offers a variety of specializations, including gerontology and military social work. The University of Louisville is also ranked among the top 100 social work programs in the country.
Apply here: https://louisville.edu/kent/academics/master-of-science-in-social-work
Boston University – Master of Social Work
The MSW program at Boston University offers both traditional and advanced standing tracks, allowing students to complete their degree in as little as 16 months. The program offers a variety of specializations, including clinical social work and macro social work. Boston University is also ranked among the top 10 social work programs in the country.
Apply here: https://www.bu.edu/ssw/
Rutgers University – Master of Social Work
The MSW program at Rutgers University is a fully online program that offers both full-time and part-time options. The program specializes on a strengths-based approach and offers a variety of specializations, including addiction, trauma, and global social work. Rutgers University is also ranked among the top 20 social work programs in the country.
Apply here: https://socialwork.rutgers.edu/
Arizona State University – Bachelor of Social Work
The BSW program at Arizona State University is a fully online program that allows students to complete their degree in as little as two years. The program uses on a hands-on approach and offers a variety of field placements. Arizona State University is also ranked among the top 5 social work programs in the country.
Apply here: https://socialwork.asu.edu/
University of North Dakota – Master of Social Work
The MSW program at the University of North Dakota is a fully online program that offers both full-time and part-time options. The program focuses on a rural and indigenous social work approach and offers a variety of specializations, including child welfare and behavioral health. The University of North Dakota is also ranked among the top 100 social work programs in the country.
Apply here: https://und.edu/programs/social-work-msw/
The Catholic University of America – Master of Social Work
The MSW program at The Catholic University of America is a fully online program that offers both full-time and part-time options. The program has a Catholic social teaching approach and offers a variety of specializations, including health care and social justice. The Catholic University of America is also ranked among the top 50 social work programs in the country.
Apply here: https://ncsss.catholic.edu/academics/msw-program/index.html
University of Alabama – Master of Social Work
The MSW program at the University of Alabama is a fully online program that offers both traditional and advanced standing tracks. The program offers on a social justice approach and offers a variety of specializations, including mental health and substance abuse. The University of Alabama is also ranked among the top 50 social work programs in the country.
Apply here: https://socialwork.ua.edu/academics/msw-program/
Ohio State University – Master of Social Work
The MSW program at Ohio State University is a fully online program that offers both full-time and part-time options. The program highlights a community-based approach and offers a variety of specializations, including child and youth services and social work in schools. Ohio State University is also ranked among the top 20 social work programs in the country.
Apply here: https://csw.osu.edu/degrees-programs/msw/
What’s the cost of each online social worker degree?
- Columbia University – Master of Social Work – $77,020
- University of Southern California – Master of Social Work – $97,800
- University of Denver – Master of Social Work – $71,568
- University of Michigan – Master of Social Work – $74,550
- Boston University – Master of Social Work – $64,176
- Case Western Reserve University – Master of Science in Social Administration – $81,792
- Fordham University – Master of Social Work – $74,880
- Simmons University – Master of Social Work – $69,400
- University of Alabama – Master of Social Work – $29,416 for in-state students and $45,880 for out-of-state students.
- Ohio State University – Master of Social Work – $49,080 for in-state students and $53,520 for out-of-state students.
What’s the length of each degree?
- Columbia University – Master of Social Work- 2 years of full-time study or up to 4 years of part-time study.
- University of Southern California – Master of Social Work- 12 months with full-time study or up to 36 months with part-time study.
- University of Denver – Master of Social Work – 18 months with full-time study or up to 36 months with part-time study.
- University of Michigan – Master of Social Work- 2 years of full-time study or up to 4 years of part-time study.
- Boston University – Master of Social Work- 16 months with full-time study or up to 32 months with part-time study.
- Case Western Reserve University – Master of Science in Social Administration – 4 years with part-time study.
- Fordham University – Master of Social Work – 16 months with full-time study or up to 32 months with part-time study.
- Simmons University – Master of Social Work 16 months with full-time study or up to 32 months with part-time study.
- University of Alabama – Master of Social Work – 2 years with full-time study or up to 4 years with part-time study.
- Ohio State University – Master of Social Work – 3 years with part-time study.
What are other social work online degree options?
EDX is worthy option to start your social work degree programs as it offers a massive open online course platform that offers a wide range of free and low-cost online courses, including courses related to social work. While EDX is not a degree-granting institution, it can be a valuable resource for students who are interested in exploring social work topics, developing their skills, or supplementing their formal education. Here are a few reasons why EDX is a worthy mention for social work studies:
- Course offerings
- Flexibility
- Affordability
- Supplemental learning
In summary, while EDX is not a replacement for a formal social work degree program, it can be a valuable resource for students who are interested in exploring social work topics, developing their skills, or supplementing their formal education. The flexibility, affordability, and variety of course offerings make EDX a worthy mention for social work studies.
Use the following link to learn more about EDX’s social worker online courses: https://edx.sjv.io/OR6rxW
Final thoughts
Comparing these programs can be overwhelming, but there are a few key factors to consider when choosing the right program for you. First, consider the program’s accreditation and ranking, as these factors can impact your job prospects and earning potential. All of the programs listed above are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which is the accrediting body for social work programs in the United States.
Another important factor to consider is the program’s specialization offerings. Think about what areas of social work interest you and look for programs that offer specializations in those areas. It’s also important to consider the program’s flexibility, affordability, and accessibility, as these factors can impact your ability to balance work, family, and school responsibilities.
In conclusion, earning a social work degree online can be a great option for those looking to pursue a career in this essential field. By comparing the top 10 online social worker degree programs, you can make an informed decision on which program is best for you. Consider the program’s accreditation, ranking, specializations, flexibility, affordability, and accessibility to find the program that meets your needs and goals.