Online Master's in Social Work

Advocate for Underserved Populations with an Online MSW Degree

America’s most vulnerable citizens lack equitable access to critical social services. But with Ohio University’s highly ranked online Master of Social Work program, you’ll help implement meaningful solutions that deliver care to underserved communities. There is no GRE required to apply to our online MSW program.

Our program prepares students to serve as clinical social workers with knowledge and skills at the master’s level to improve the well-being for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The MSW online program simultaneously trains students in advanced clinical practice while also providing them with skills transferrable across all practice levels.

Having social work values entails embracing principles such as empathy, respect for diversity, social justice, and a commitment to enhancing the well-being and quality of life for individuals, families, and society as a whole. Does this sound like you?

When you build your educational foundation at OHIO, you’ll be uniquely equipped to empower those who are most at risk — opening doors to a variety of fulfilling and consequential career paths.

• 100% Online — Study on your schedule, not ours
• Graduate in as few as 24 months
• No GRE/GMAT required
• Three start dates per year
• This program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Tailoring Your Social Work Degree

The program offers two entry points — the one that’s best for you will depend on your educational background and experience prior to enrollment.

Our online Master of Social Work Foundation program is intended for those looking to refocus or pivot their careers. This 17-course, 62-credit track is open to all eligible students with a bachelor’s degree and can be completed in as few as 10 semesters (40 months).

Students who have obtained a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited university within the past 5 years may be eligible for our online Master of Social Work — Advanced Standing program. This 10-course, 36-credit-hour track can be completed in as few as two years (six semesters). It offers an accelerated pathway where students explore strategies to help people in marginalized communities gain better access to social services.

Online MSW Field Practicums

Ohio University’s Online MSW program has established relationships with over 500 agencies nationwide. Students attending the program will work with the Department of Social Work online field faculty to identify appropriate field placement settings in their geographic area.

Review our curriculum page for additional field-related information

Employment of social workers is expected to increase 12% from 2020 to 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) . There will be roughly 78,300 job openings per year over this time frame.

The BLS further breaks down employment projections based on specializations within the field.

• Job opportunities for  mental health and substance abuse social workers are projected to increase by 15%. More people seeking treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, as well as an increase in the number of drug offenders being sent to treatment programs rather than jail, are some of the reasons for the rise in employment.
• Child, family, and school social workers are anticipated to see a 13% rise in the number of jobs. Much of the demand for their services will be focused on preventing child abuse, finding alternative homes for children whose families can’t care for them, and working with adults to strengthen parenting skills.
• Employment of  healthcare social workers is also projected to grow 13% during this time. They will primarily be needed to help aging populations and their families adjust to new treatments, medications, and lifestyles.

Where do social workers work?

Social workers help people in all facets of society. As such, there is a need for their services in a wide range of environments. Places where social workers are employed include:

• Hospitals
• Schools
• Mental health clinics
• Rehabilitation centers
• Child welfare and human service agencies
• Community development corporations
• Government agencies
• Private practice
• Prisons
• Nonprofit organizations

Lifelong career support

With so many opportunities available to you, choosing the right career track might feel overwhelming. That’s where we can help. When you earn your Master of Social Work from OHIO, you become a Bobcat for life.

Whether it’s lifetime access to career coaching or networking opportunities with more than 250,000 fellow OHIO alumni, you can take comfort in knowing that we’ll be with you every step of the way as you strive to achieve your professional goals.

Costs and Financial Aid

When you choose OHIO, you’re getting the competitive tuition rates of a state university, but with the personalized attention and support you might expect from a private school. In fact, for the second consecutive year we were named the best value among Ohio’s public universities by  U.S. News & World Report .

Tuition and fees are assessed based on the number of credit hours of enrollment, Ohio residency and program. 

• See  Graduate Tuition and Fees

New students who are active and veteran military members, Ohio University alumni, or employees of corporate partners and enrolling in this online program could be eligible for an OHIO Online Incentive Scholarship .