Online Master of Social Work (MSW)

Are you interested in making a powerful impact on those most vulnerable in our society? The online Master of Social Work (MSW) at Arizona State University prepares you to work with individuals, families, communities and the world at large. You’ll learn how to promote social justice and find practical solutions to urgent social problems.

Learn more

Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 08/22/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 20

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 60

Degree questions, answered.

Have questions about the Social Work (MSW)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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What you’ll learn in this master’s of social work

In the first year of this program, you’ll build foundational knowledge in social work. Key study areas include behavioral and mental health, human behavior, cultural humility, research methods, social work ethics, assessment and applied practice with diverse populations throughout the life course.

In your second year, you’ll focus on advanced generalist coursework that combines micro skills of advanced direct practice with mezzo and macro skills of policy, administration and community organization.

This online MSW program prepares you to become a skilled practitioner who:

  • Delivers culturally-adapted, knowledge-informed, ethical interventions to individuals, families and groups (micro).
  • Affects social change through skills in organization, administration, policy development and community practice (macro).
  • Unites communities and groups of stakeholders around shared values and causes (mezzo).

Who’s a good candidate for a master’s in social work?

 

Ideal candidates for this program have a passion for working with people and addressing complex social conditions impacting some of the most vulnerable and marginalized communities in our world. The best candidates for this program are individuals who care about others and want to make a positive change with those we serve.

To graduate, you must successfully complete 960 hours of practical experience in two separate, year-long internships. Your first two semesters will consist of a generalist internship that provides exposure to the field of social work, as well as reinforcing foundational assessment, intervention and practice skills. In the second internship, you’ll focus on advanced practice and critical application of concepts to an array of social conditions that are in your area of interest and future career.

Earn your online MSW from a fully accredited school

 

The online master’s of social work is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). As a graduate, you may be eligible for licensure through your state's licensing agency.

After graduating with an online MSW, you may seek graduate-level social work licensure. You may also pursue your clinical license, though this may require additional steps depending on the requirements of your state licensing agency, which varies state by state.

Professional licensure and certification

ASU offers programs that lead to professional licensure with the State of Arizona and may allow graduates to be eligible for licensure in other states. Please check our professional licensure page for Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions to determine if this program meets requirements in your state. Contact our admission team for more information at mswadmissions@asu.edu.

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Earn a Master of Social Work online.

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Master’s in social work courses

The MSW program follows a set sequence of courses based on a broad range of social concerns. You’ll learn how to implement effective, practical solutions through a combination of coursework and hands-on experience.

Along with your courses, you’ll participate in 960 hours of required applied practicum education at two distinct internship sites. You’ll work in partnership with the School of Social Work’s Practicum Education Office to find internship sites within your geographic region that meet school and CSWE standards. Pre-placement requirements will be arranged and monitored by the practicum agency and supported by ASU staff.


Required

Advanced Generalist Social Work Practice


Required

Advanced Social Work Practice


Required

Assessment of Mental Disorders


Required

Diversity, Oppression and Social Justice in Social Work


Required

Foundation Practice I


Required

Foundation Practice II


Required

Human Behavior/Social Environment


Required

Human Behavior/Social Environment II


Jobs you could get with an online MSW

As a graduate with advanced generalist knowledge, you’ll be prepared for a variety of roles in settings such as public and private human service agencies, research organizations, schools, nonprofits, governments, private practice settings and hospitals. You may pursue client-facing positions or focus on community organization and policy development. Potential career paths include, but aren’t limited to:

Child welfare social worker

Community services manager

Forensic social worker

Hospice and palliative social worker

Macro social worker

Medical social worker

Mental health counselor

Military social worker

Recreation worker

Learn from faculty dedicated to the field of social work

The impressive faculty at the School of Social Work are inspiring the next generation of social workers through real-world solutions to issues related to areas such as child welfare, family violence, health and mental health disparities, human trafficking and water scarcity. Our faculty are amongst the most prolific social work researchers in the country and many of the texts used in social work programs across the country were written by faculty who teach in our online MSW program. Our faculty include:

  • 7 Fellows of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare.
  • 9 Fellows of the Society for Social Work and Research.
  • 5 Fulbright Scholars.

Learn from faculty dedicated to the field of social work

The impressive faculty at the School of Social Work are inspiring the next generation of social workers through real-world solutions to issues related to areas such as child welfare, family violence, health and mental health disparities, human trafficking and water scarcity. Our faculty are amongst the most prolific social work researchers in the country and many of the texts used in social work programs across the country were written by faculty who teach in our online MSW program. Our faculty include:

  • 7 Fellows of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare.
  • 9 Fellows of the Society for Social Work and Research.
  • 5 Fulbright Scholars.

How to apply

Applicants to the Master of Social Work program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

Application requirements

Statement of education and career goals details

Additional admission information

Nationally recognized public service programs

The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions is a comprehensive public service college dedicated to addressing social problems through teaching, research and service. Our public service programs, from public policy, to social work, to criminal justice, to emergency management, are designed to help prepare our diverse student body to make a difference in the community.

#1


best graduate homeland security and emergency management programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.

#2


in the U.S. and #7 in the world for hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism, according to the Center for World University Rankings.

Top 5


best online bachelor’s programs.

Top 5


Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management in the nation, according to U.S. News & Report.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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