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.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 01/13/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 20

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 60

Degree questions, answered

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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 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.

Did you earn a BSW in the last six years and want to pursue an MSW? You may be eligible to apply for our online Master of Social Work – advanced standing – advanced generalist program, which can be completed in one year.

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 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.

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.


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:

Learn from faculty dedicated to the field of social work

The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:

  • Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
  • Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
  • Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.

Learn from faculty dedicated to the field of social work

The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:

  • Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
  • Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
  • Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.

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.

Nationally recognized public service programs

The School of Social Work is a part of the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions — a comprehensive public service college dedicated to addressing social problems through teaching, research and service. Our programs, which range from public policy and social work to criminal justice and emergency management, are designed to prepare graduates to make a difference in their communities.

#11


in social work research, according to the National Science Foundation, 2023.

Top 5


best online bachelor’s programs, according to U.S. News & World Report, 2024.

#1


in innovation for 10 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.

#1


public university in the U.S. chosen by international students, according to the Institute of International Education, 2022.

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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