CSWE-Accredited Online Degrees in Social Work

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.

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.

Social workers are employed in a variety of environments including child protective services agencies, schools, long-term care facilities, human rights advocacy organizations, as well in local, state, and federal agencies. Read on to explore the top career options for grads.

No. You do not need a prior degree in social work to be admitted to the MSW program. Applicants with a non‑social work bachelor’s degree follow the standard advanced generalist track, which is designed specifically for students coming from other disciplines.

Yes, if you hold a CSWE‑accredited BSW/BASW/BSSW and are admitted into the advanced standing track, you may be able to complete the MSW in as little as one year of full‑time study.

This one‑year timeline is based on the average full‑time advanced‑standing students who successfully progress through the program; your individual completion time may differ depending on pacing and course availability.

Most full‑time students in the standard MSW track can complete the program in about two years. 

This estimate is based on the average full‑time standard‑track students who successfully progress through the program; actual time to completion may vary by course load and personal circumstances.

As an LCSW you can administer therapy services to individuals, families, and couples. You can help clients change problematic behavior or cope with challenging circumstances such as addiction, trauma, illness, injury, mental health disorders, and social challenges. Get more info about this profession.

Social worker licensure requirements vary by state. Typically, obtaining your licensure includes achieving a minimum level of education, reaching a required amount of supervised practice time, and completing an application. There are also optional and advanced licensures for specific social worker careers. You can learn more about requirements here.

A Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in School Social Work is a specialized credential that qualifies individuals to work as school social workers within the education system. This credential is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to support the social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of K-12 students in California public schools.

Obtaining a PPS (Pupil Personnel Services) Credential in School Social Work offers specialized training to effectively address the social, emotional, and academic needs of students and provides a career path as a school social worker within California public school districts. This credential equips school social workers with the expertise to provide holistic student support, identify early signs of challenges, and collaborate with educators and families. With a focus on crisis management, cultural competence, and individualized support plans, professionals with a PPS Credential contribute to improved student outcomes while enhancing their own marketability and personal fulfillment in the field.

The UMass Global DSW program was designed to be completed in two years. There are two factors involved in this — a lower credit hour requirement and no summer residency requirement (however, students must attend all six sessions, year-round).

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.