Just because you don’t have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree doesn’t mean you can’t become a social worker. Many universities offer Master of Social Work (MSW) programs with options for non-BSW applicants to get the education and training needed for licensure at the master’s level.
Better still, some schools offer programs that are surprisingly affordable and online. This combination of money savings and a flexible study schedule makes changing careers all the easier.
When searching for an affordable online MSW program, it’s imperative to select one that’s accredited by the Commission on Social Work Education (CSWE). The CSWE is the gold standard for accrediting social work programs. Its accreditation ensures an MSW program prepares you for competent practice as a licensed social worker.
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Accredited Online MSW Programs
We arrived at our rankings using a simple three-step process. First, we used the CSWE online directory to create a list of accredited programs. Second, we used the same directory to reduce the list to programs offering online options. And third, we narrowed the list again using affordability as a primary ranking factor, specifically, the per-credit tuition cost.
Additional details about our ranking criteria are available on our methodology page.
Related Reading:
- Top Accredited Online Masters In Social Work Degree Programs
- Top Accredited On-campus MSW Programs
- Best Careers with a Master’s Degree in Social Work
- Fastest Online MSW Programs
- Best Online LCSW Degree Programs
Ranking Affordable Online CSWE MSW Programs for Non-BSW Graduates
Fort Hays State University
- Program Type: Master of Social Work
- Credits: 66
- Time to Completion: 25 months
- Tuition: $319.45 per credit (Kansas residents and non-residents)
- Program features: Clinical focus with hands-on clinical training; synchronous face-to-face online learning; field experience options in your community; part-time program; GRE is not required for admission
Arkansas State University
- Program Type: Master of Social Work
- Credits: 63
- Time to Completion: 25 months
- Tuition: $340.00 per credit (Arkansas residents and non-residents)
- Program features: Accelerated program; licensure track for Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Independent Social Worker credential; field experience options in your community
Missouri State University
- Program Type: Master of Social Work
- Credits: 58
- Time to Completion: 24 months
- Tuition: $348.00 per credit (Missouri residents and non-residents)
- Program features: Full-time program; licensure track; comprehensive examination is required; specialist-level training with families, groups, and individuals
Texas A&M University-Commerce
- Program Type: Master of Social Work
- Credits: 57
- Time to Completion: 24 months
- Tuition: $407.67 per credit (Texas residents); $815.67 per credit (non-residents)
- Program features: Licensure track program; research-focused; no thesis required; experienced faculty with real-world experience; all courses are asynchronous for maximum flexibility
University of Central Florida
- Program Type: Master of Social Work
- Credits: 62
- Time to Completion: 36 months
- Tuition: $487.45 per credit (Florida residents and non-residents)
- Program features: Licensure track program; accelerated 7-week courses; cohort model enhances working relationships with other students and faculty; field experience options in your community
University of Maine
- Program Type: Master of Social Work
- Credits: 63
- Time to Completion: 36 months
- Tuition: $557.00 per credit (Maine and Canadian residents); $700 per credit (NEBHE Regional Student Program); $1,158 per credit (non-residents)
- Program features: Licensure track program; generalist focus; synchronous online classes in the evenings; field experience options in your community; periodic on-campus meetings are required
Campbellsville University
- Program Type: Master of Social Work
- Credits: 60
- Time to Completion: 21 months
- Tuition: $603.00 per credit (Kentucky residents and non-residents)
- Program features: Accelerated program; multiple concentration areas; coursework is from ecological and strength-based perspectives; faith-based program; field experience options in your community
Northern Arizona University
- Program Type: Master of Social Work
- Credits: 60
- Time to Completion: 24 months
- Tuition: $610.00 per credit (Arizona residents and non-residents)
- Program features: Strengths-based curriculum; focus on culturally competent practice; cognate courses promote specialized expertise; full-time and part-time options; start dates in the spring and fall
Brescia University
- Program Type: Master of Social Work
- Credits: 60
- Time to Completion: 24 months
- Tuition: $665.00 per credit (Kentucky residents and non-residents)
- Program features: 15-week-long classes; advanced generalist focus; online students can participate in on-campus courses and activities if desired; university reimbursement for passing the ASWB licensing examination
Northern Michigan University
- Program Type: Master of Social Work
- Credits: 50
- Time to Completion: 24 months
- Tuition: $669.00 per credit (Michigan residents and non-residents)
- Program features: Synchronous online courses; opportunities to work with on-campus students in virtual classrooms; fewer credits than most MSW programs; procurement of field placements is up to the student
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be CSWE accredited?
Accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) means that MSW curricula are properly aligned with industry standards. By requiring rigorous coursework and relevant field experiences, CSWE-accredited programs provide you with the necessary preparation to be a skilled master’s-level social worker.
Is MSW a hard degree?
An MSW requires years of work and dedication to your training. You will be challenged throughout your MSW program to learn new skills and acquire new knowledge, both in your courses and in the required field experiences. But, if you are diligent in your studies, the work will be rewarding.
Which is better MSW or MPH?
An MSW is a better degree if you want to work directly with clients (individuals, couples, families) to help them solve problems in their day-to-day lives. An MPH is a more appropriate choice if you want to work at the community level, helping to effect change through policy development and advocacy rather than by providing services at the client level.
Is an MSW worth it financially?
An MSW can result in a significant pay increase over bachelor’s-level jobs. According to ZipRecruiter, some social workers make nearly $120,000 per year. Higher amounts are also possible, especially if you work in private practice. According to Salary.com, the highest-paying social work job is Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, which pays up to $133,700.
