In this article, you will discover 10 best online schools for social work to help you decide which school to consider if you are planning to get enrolled in social work online programs. In addition, at the end, you will discover 7 benefits of taking your social worker degree online.
Social work may be categorized in different areas but it is basically a field that requires passion and concern on helping people or communities towards improving their well-being and resolving problems.
Most people who are drawn to do social work are the ones who were helped by a social worker in the past and would like to help others to overcome similar struggles and hardship that once they experienced in their life. But there are also those who are simple passionate on helping others by simply being a catalyst of change.
Social Worker Salary in the United States
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary of a social worker is more than $58,402 per year. Aside from the monetary figure that a social worker can earn, the career itself has been rewarding and offers a strong job growth potential.
Social Worker salary falls between $51,669 and $65,462; $58,402 On average, as of May 28, 2020. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important criteria, such as certifications, education, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
Here are the Top 10 Best Online Schools for Social Work in 2020:
- Michigan State University
Located in East Lansing, MSU offers a master’s in social work online degree. MSW students can pursue concentrations in clinical social work or organization and community leadership.
The first half of the program focuses on providing degree-seekers with a generalist foundation of social work skills and knowledge, while the second half explores concentration areas.
The 57-credit blended program typically takes degree-seekers about three years to complete. Eligible applicants must live at least 30 miles from campus, and out-of-state students must reside at least 50 miles from the Michigan border.
- University of South Florida
The online MSW follows a cohort model, allowing learners to build relationships with the same group of students through sequenced coursework.
Learners prepare for leadership roles in clinical practice by building a solid foundation of social work values, ethics, and professional standards.
The curriculum explores diversity and social justice, foundations of social welfare and policy, and social work practice with individuals.
- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
A student considering the best online schools for social work can pursue a fully online master of social work program at IUPUI. The degree includes foundational coursework in human rights, diversity, and social justice, along with exploring specialized topics like mental health, military social work, and addictions.
Enrollees build the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue careers as foster care social workers, alcohol and drug abuse specialists, and family service workers, among other specialized roles in the field.
Enrollees can also pursue elective courses in e-social work practice with groups, tele behavioral health social work practice with individuals, and military social work.
- Appalachian State University
Degree-seekers looking for the best online social work programs can consider Appalachian’s MSW degree. The unique program follows a part-time format with hybrid delivery, combining on-campus and online requirements.
Degree-seekers can choose concentrations in individuals and families or community and organizational practice. Appalachian’s MSW graduates go on to work in child and family service agencies, domestic violence programs, substance abuse programs, schools, group homes, and more.
The community and organizational practice concentration best serves enrollees who want to focus on social problems and social change within communities and organizations at an advanced practice level.
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Social work program in UTRGV emphasizes administration and community practice through an advanced standing model.
Enrollees develop the advanced skills they need to improve human services within the Latino community, along with clinical and macro assessment abilities.
The rigorous curriculum explores advanced social work practice with organizations, along with advanced policy analysis and development.
- University of Central Florida
Students at UCF can pursue an online social work degree to prepare for advanced generalist social work careers. Degree-seekers focus on helping vulnerable populations, including those with mental health, addiction, or homelessness issues.
The curriculum spans nine semesters, including clinical components and field placement requirements.
- New Mexico State University
NMSU program offers an entirely online format and a hybrid option. An enrollee can earn a certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, or graduate certificate in social work at NMSU.
Degree-seekers who enroll in the regular master’s program complete 60 credits of coursework, which typically takes about two years. NMSU delivers online courses in synchronous and asynchronous formats, with most of the program following a synchronous structure. Enrollees enjoy affordable tuition rates of around $400 per credit or $250 per credit for active-duty military students.
- Tennessee State University
The master of social work program in TSU prepares degree-seekers for advanced generalist social work practice. The program builds on the knowledge, skills, values, and roles that learners develop during their undergraduate degree program.
The curriculum explores social welfare policy and services, social justice and equity for multicultural populations, and human behavior in the social environment. The program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and enhances students’ abilities to address issues of social and economic justice with oppressed populations.
Coursework helps learners develop more theoretical and methodological knowledge.
- Columbia University
Columbia allows students to earn their master’s in social work degree online. While on-campus learners complete their field requirements at organizations in the New York City metropolitan area, the university arranges placements for online students in their own communities.
Applicants can consider two-year, advanced standing, extended, or reduced residency formats, depending on their scheduling needs. Each prospective student must provide a completed application to their chosen program.
- Florida State University
Degree-seekers who want to earn an online social work degree can enroll in the online master of social work program at FSU. The curriculum focuses on a clinical approach to social work and prepares learners for licensure after graduation.
Students typically take about three years to complete the online degree, satisfying 61 credits of coursework and two social work field placements. Courses last 16 weeks, with learners usually completing two courses each semester. FSU has so much flexibilities that it is number one of our top 10 Best Online Schools for Social Work.
Why Become A Social Worker?
- Being a Social Worker Promotes Social Change and Development.
- A Social Worker has the ability to empower and liberate individuals who needed help.
- Social Work can bring out the best to an individual – compassion, act of service and having stronger human relationships.
- Social Worker practice what they believe is right including social justice.
