A career in online social work degree is ideal for people who are passionate about helping others live fruitful lives through the use of intervention techniques. Social workers focus on enhancing clients' emotional and physical well-being and educating them on ways to reduce stress. They devise alternative coping strategies, coordinate community resources, and evaluate the progress of clients over the course of their meetings. An online social work degree will prepare students to work in a variety of community settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and academic institutions.
Prospective social work students are encouraged to choose a degree program that has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. CSWE is an independent agency that reviews and evaluates undergraduate and graduate social work degree programs with regard to their curriculum, student support services, and overall quality.
Master's degree programs in social work are commonly referred to as MSWs and are for students who plan on becoming licensed clinical social workers. The program is research intensive and offers students a chance to gain more hands-on training in the field. Master's students learn how to supervise personnel and perform clinical assessments. The MSW program also enables students to begin internships in their specialty and become eligible for licensure.
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Comprehensive List of Colleges & Universities for an Online Social Work Degree
We are listing only 5 online schools that may match your criteria.
Kaplan University:
201 Programs, 1 in Social Work
MSHUS - Organizational and Social Services
Annual Tuition Fee: $10,105 - $15,957
REcommended Rate: 58% (261 reviews)
Capella University:
251 Programs, 4 in Social Work
Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
DSW - Social Work
MSW - Social Work
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (CERT) - Social and Community Services
Annual Tuition Fee: $12,348
REcommended Rate: 56% (192 reviews)
Indiana Wesleyan University Online - Adult Education:
13 Programs, 1 in Social Work
Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Annual Tuition Fee: $23,628
Arizona State University:
142 Programs, 1 in Social Work
BA in Community Advocacy and Social Policy
Annual Tuition Fee: $11,209 - $23,654
REcommended Rate: 54% (24 reviews)
Bellevue University:
71 Programs, 1 in Social Work
Bachelor of Science in Child Protection and Juvenile Justice
Annual Tuition Fee: $6,300
REcommended Rate: 63% (24 reviews)
Online Associate Degree in Social Work
Online associate degrees in social work prepare students for entry-level positions in the field of social services. The main focus of training is to equip students with knowledge and practical skills for direct service provision to clients in various human services settings. Associate degree programs usually incorporate supervised fieldwork experiences in community social service settings to give students the opportunity to interact directly with clients. Programs require the completion of 60 credits, or approximately two years of full-time study.
Online Bachelor's Degree in Social Work
Online bachelor's degrees in social work require approximately four years of full-time study and 120 units of coursework. Applicants to a BSW program will need a high school diploma or the equivalent, as well as acceptable scores on a college entry-level test, such as the SAT or ACT. Those who have completed an associate degree may be able to complete a bachelor's degree in two years, depending on the program's particular course requirements.
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Online Master's Degree in Social Work
A master’s degree in social work prepares students with the clinical skills to work directly with patients and assist them in overcoming various financial, emotional, and health-related obstacles. These programs require two to three years of work and 15 to 20 courses. Candidates for graduate programs typically must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, but the degree doesn't always have to be in social work. Many other undergraduate majors also include the foundational social sciences classes that master's students need. Other admission requirements may include letters of recommendation, standardized test scores, and demonstrated academic excellence.
Online Doctorate Degree in Social Work
Those who hold a master's degree in social work and are interested in conducting research and contributing knowledge to the field may pursue a doctorate. Applicants must hold a master's degree in social work, which may be earned through a separate program or through a combined bachelor's and MSW program. Programs may also require applicants to provide a resume, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Students in these programs will complete 47-48 credits, which can take two to five years.
Online Certificate in Social Work
Certificate programs in social work allow current practitioners to gain advanced skills in leadership or other specialized social work areas. These programs typically require four to eight courses and can be completed part time in two years or less. Applicants need an accredited bachelor’s or master’s in social work, depending on the certificate.
The Importance of Accreditation
Accreditation is an important aspect that students should take into account when considering enrolling in an online social work degree program at any level. The process of accreditation is voluntary and can apply to either a school or an individual social work program; it involves a thorough, independent evaluation of all aspects of an undergraduate or graduate degree program. Students who choose an accredited program can feel confident that they are going to receive a high-quality education and that their degree will be recognized by other academic institutions and potential employers.
Licensing and Registration Requirements for Social Workers
In the United States, the profession of social work is regulated on the state level, which means that professionals must comply with their particular state's guidelines in order to practice as a social worker. Depending on the state, the process of regulation is referred to as either "registration" or "licensing." The two terms are often used interchangeably. In most states, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in social work to find a job, and a master's degree is required for clinical work. There are two distinct types of social workers—direct contact and clinical—and states have different regulations for each.
Continuing Education for Social Workers
In many cases, social workers can have a significant impact on their clients’ well-being. Because of this responsibility, all US states require that clinical social workers possess a state license. To maintain this license over time, social workers are required to complete continuing education (CE) units. Not all social workers are required to have a state license, and thus, not all have to complete CE units. In many cases, bachelor’s-level direct-contact social workers do not need a license. However, they may be able to elect to earn an elective license for direct-contact work, in which case CE units may be required. All states require master’s-level clinical social workers to have a license, and most require continuing education units.
