CSWE-Accredited Online Degrees in Social Work

Learn about social work career opportunities and change lives for the better with UMass Global's CSWE-accredited online social work degrees designed for working adults.

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Find the Right Social Work Degree for Your Goals

Social workers are compassionate problem-solvers who help people navigate difficult life situations through advocacy, assistance, therapy, and crisis intervention. They make a tangible difference by serving diverse individuals, building meaningful one-on-one relationships, and relying on active listening, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution skills to be effective in their roles.

To prepare you for these roles, UMass Global offers CSWE-accredited online social work programs, including program options at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. These flexible online social work pathways are designed and taught by expert faculty who focus on delivering high-quality training in a virtual format for working adults. Whether you are just starting with an online bachelor's in social work program or pursuing an advanced online social work graduate degree, you can choose the online degree that fits your goals and complete your degree from anywhere. 

Frequently Asked Questions

It usually takes  four to six years. Aspiring social workers must earn their bachelor’s degree, and many continue on to earn a master’s degree as well.

In the United States and Canada, the requirements to become a licensed social worker vary by state, province, and territory. However, a common prerequisite is obtaining a degree in social work from an accredited institution. Typically, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is the minimum requirement for entry-level positions, while a Master of Social Work (MSW) is often necessary for advanced clinical roles. A doctorate in social work is also available. 

According to the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), licensure requirements can differ significantly depending on your location. You can find specific licensing requirements by state or province on their website: ASWB Licensing Requirements.

For further insight into the requirements and pathways to becoming a social worker, you can refer to the article: Social Worker Requirements: What You Will Need. This article may provide additional details and considerations for individuals pursuing a career in social work.

Simply put, an MSW — Master of Social Work — is a degree path. Conversely, an LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker. The latter is a social work professional who has obtained licensure after earning their master’s degree in the field. Find out more.

The Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) is a professional doctorate focused on innovative leadership, based on real-world research — translating results into solutions in the world, rather than hypothetical outcomes. The DSW is a practice-oriented degree, preparing graduates for leadership roles in social work clinical practice, administration, and in setting policy on a larger level. Many DSW graduates also go on to teach, though often in part-time, adjunct, or practice-focused faculty roles rather than traditional tenure-track positions.

A Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) is a research degree focused on generating knowledge and data through original research. Unlike the DSW’s practice-oriented focus, the Ph.D. in Social Work prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, and advanced scholarship.

WASC Senior College and University Commission

University of Massachusetts Global is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

UMass Global's Bachelor and Master of Social Work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Social Worker

What is Social Work?

Social work is a dynamic field and career dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and communities through direct support, advocacy, and social justice efforts in settings like healthcare, schools, and policy. A bachelor's degree in social work can be your entry point into this work. 
Success requires key traits such as:

  • Empathy
  • Resilience
  • Strong communication
  • Cultural intelligence
  • Passion for helping others navigate personal and systemic challenges.
Discover If Social Work Fits Your Calling
Social Worker
People in Social Work

Where Do Social Workers Work?

Social workers are involved in every aspect of community life, including:

  • Child protective services agencies
  • Criminal justice, legal service, and military organizations
  • Local, state, and federal agencies
  • Home- and school-based programs
  • Hospitals and other healthcare settings
  • Mental health and substance abuse treatment programs
  • Nonprofit, human rights, and advocacy organizations
Explore Social Work Career Settings and Roles
Social Work

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Social Worker?

There are several social worker requirements you must meet to practice in your state, including California. These requirements range from education to experience and often include an accredited bachelor's degree in social work or a master's degree in social work, depending on which type of social work career you’d like to pursue.

See The Step-by-Step Path
Social Work

What Our Students Say

alyssa b

UMass Global gave me the strength to become an advocate for others and the skills to work toward changing unjust laws.

Alyssa B.
BA in Social Work
tina b

UMass Global really set the bar high for what a virtual school should be doing for graduate level students by pushing, supporting, and guiding us. I'm so grateful for UMass Global, the instructors and staff, and every peer I've been fortunate enough to meet along the way.

Tina B.
Master of Social Work
enrique s social work

I chose UMass Global because I am a family man and I work full time and I needed the flexibility to be able to do it all at once. I am beyond grateful to have been taught by some very knowledgeable, caring and empathetic professors that have helped me become an even more passionate and now more well rounded and competent social worker.

Enrique S.
Master in Social Work
Female social worker sitting in a group setting listening to conversation

Dive Into UMass Global Social Work Programs

Explore social work careers at every level through UMass Global’s online social work degree pathways, from an online bachelor’s in social work for entry-level positions to online graduate degrees in social work. These flexible degree programs empower you to serve diverse communities while meeting you where you are as a busy adult learner.

Start Your Social Work Journey With a BSW

Advance Your Impact With an MSW

Lead Change With a DSW

Programs Offered

Master's Pathway
3 Courses
Social Work

Child Welfare Practice, Certificate

Support children and families effectively with UMass Global's Graduate Certificate in Child Welfare Practice. 3 courses applicable to MSW programs.
Oct 26, 2026
Learn More

Child Welfare Practice, Certificate

Master's Pathway
3 Courses
Support children and families effectively with UMass Global's Graduate Certificate in Child Welfare Practice. 3 courses applicable to MSW programs.
Graduate Certificate
10/26/2026
10/26/2026
Master's Pathway
3 Courses
Social Work

Health Care, Certificate

Support communities in clinical settings with UMass Global's Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Social Work. 3 courses applicable to MSW programs.
Oct 26, 2026
Learn More

Health Care, Certificate

Master's Pathway
3 Courses
Support communities in clinical settings with UMass Global's Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Social Work. 3 courses applicable to MSW programs.
Graduate Certificate
10/26/2026
10/26/2026
Master's Pathway
3 Courses
Social Work

Mental Health, Certificate

Support individuals, families and communities effectively with UMass Global's Graduate Certificate in Mental Health. 3 courses covering mental health assessment and intervention, applicable to MSW programs.
Oct 26, 2026
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Mental Health, Certificate

Master's Pathway
3 Courses
Support individuals, families and communities effectively with UMass Global's Graduate Certificate in Mental Health. 3 courses covering mental health assessment and intervention, applicable to MSW programs.
Graduate Certificate
10/26/2026
10/26/2026
3 Courses
Master's Pathway
Social Work

Military Social Work, Certificate

Support service members and veterans effectively with UMass Global's Graduate Certificate in Military Social Work. 3 courses applicable to MSW programs.
Oct 26, 2026
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Military Social Work, Certificate

3 Courses
Master's Pathway
Support service members and veterans effectively with UMass Global's Graduate Certificate in Military Social Work. 3 courses applicable to MSW programs.
Graduate Certificate
10/26/2026
10/26/2026
For UMassG MSW Students
CA Only
Social Work

School Social Work, PPS Credential

UMass Global MSW students can add this CTC-accredited Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work (PPSC-SSW) to become K-12 school social workers in CA.
Oct 26, 2026
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School Social Work, PPS Credential

For UMassG MSW Students
CA Only
UMass Global MSW students can add this CTC-accredited Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work (PPSC-SSW) to become K-12 school social workers in CA.
Credentials & Authorizations
10/26/2026
10/26/2026
Social Work

Social Work (Wellness Coach II), BA

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work prepares professionals for helping careers in their communities. This Wellness Coach II emphasis offers an increased focus on supporting, guiding, and advocating for children and youth. 
Oct 26, 2026
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Social Work (Wellness Coach II), BA

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work prepares professionals for helping careers in their communities. This Wellness Coach II emphasis offers an increased focus on supporting, guiding, and advocating for children and youth. 
Bachelor's
10/26/2026
10/26/2026
100% Online
400 Field Hrs
Social Work

Social Work, BA

Make a difference with UMass Global's BA in Social Work. Combine online learning with 400 hours of supervised fieldwork to serve diverse communities.
Oct 26, 2026
Learn More

Social Work, BA

100% Online
400 Field Hrs
Make a difference with UMass Global's BA in Social Work. Combine online learning with 400 hours of supervised fieldwork to serve diverse communities.
Bachelor's
10/26/2026
10/26/2026
100% Online
no in-person residency
Social Work

Social Work, Doctorate

Advance your social work career with an online DSW focused on telehealth, online teaching, and social entrepreneurship. Apply to UMass Global today.
Jan 11, 2027
Learn More

Social Work, Doctorate

100% Online
no in-person residency
Advance your social work career with an online DSW focused on telehealth, online teaching, and social entrepreneurship. Apply to UMass Global today.
Doctorate
01/11/2027
01/11/2027

Make a Lasting Impact in Your Community

Interested in a career in social work? Take the next step in helping others with an education that makes a difference. Have questions about enrollment, degree programs, or financial aid? A UMass Global enrollment coach can help.