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.
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 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)
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.
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.
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.
Become an expert and enhance your social work skills to more effectively lead at all levels of practice with a Doctor of Social Work degree.
Aug 31, 2026
Doctorate of Social Work
Starts Aug 31
New Program
Become an innovative leader in clinical practice, management, teaching, or administration with a Doctorate of Social Work. This UMass Global social work program emphasizes application of knowledge to real-world challenges, increasing your expertise and value.
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.
School Social Work, PPS Credential
For UMassG MSW Students
CA Only
Make a difference in young lives as a school social worker in California's K-12 public schools. Designed for students enrolled in UMass Global’s Master of Social Work program.
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
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.
Make a difference with UMass Global's BA in Social Work. Combine online learning with 400 hours of supervised fieldwork to serve diverse communities.
May 4, 2026
Social Work, BA
100% Online
400 Field Hrs
Earn real-world experience and prepare for a professional social work career in a variety of settings, including healthcare, community outreach, and nonprofit or government organizations.
Advance your advocacy with UMass Global's CSWE-accredited MSW. Flexible online program with hands-on fieldwork prepares you for licensure and impact.
May 4, 2026
Social Work, Master
Online Coursework
6 starts/yr
Put your compassion to work for those who need it with a CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. A combination of online coursework and in-person fieldwork at a service agency in your local area prepares you to become a dynamic, professional, licensed social worker.
Social Work: Education to Empower Every Stage of Your Career
Wednesday, May 13 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Online
Testimonials
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
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
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
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.
