For those who prefer using their natural abilities and talents to help other people, a human service profession is a great career path to pursue. CSWE accredited online MSW programs enable you to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) while earning your degree at home. As a LCSW, you’ll be able to help people and communities by guiding them through various challenges and difficult situations.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: What is CSWE Accreditation? | What an MSW Prepares You For | Accreditation Requirements | Accreditation Review Process | Importance of Accreditation | What You Need to Know | Online vs. In-Person | Types of Programs | Similarities Across Programs | MSW Admission Requirements | Cost | Program Selection | Top 15 CSWE Accredited Online MSW Programs Under $18,000 | Licenses & Certifications | Professional Organizations | Career Outlook | FAQs | Conclusion
What is CSWE Accreditation?
Social work programs have a unique accreditation process. Consequently, there is so much to know and understand about accreditation for social work programs. That being said, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is a recognized organization that oversees bachelor’s and master’s degrees programs in social work. They investigate and approve programs, conduct site visits, and sign paperwork for universities that offer master’s and bachelor’s degrees.
You’ll need both your bachelor's degree program in social work and your MSW program to be accredited by the CSWE because most employers in the social work industry only accept credentials that come from these institutions.
For programs to be accredited by the CSWE, they must undergo an extensive review process. Social work educators assess the effectiveness of the classes in the program and the program’s values, policies, and mission. Effective, accredited MSW programs incorporate training practices and core values such as ethics and human rights.
When earning your degree online, choosing from the available CSWE accredited online MSW programs is essential. This ensures that future employers will not question your educational credentials and ability to practice as a social worker.
Benefits of CSWE Accreditation
CSWE accredited online MSW programs have numerous benefits. They make the student’s skills and knowledge more recognizable, especially regarding employment criteria.
Most important, to become a licensed social worker, an individual must have graduated from a CSWE accredited MSW program.
Before undertaking any social work programs, individuals must ensure the program of their choice is accepted in the state where they want to practice social work. Not all social work programs are accepted or transferable in all states.
What an Online MSW Program Prepares You For
Accredited online social work master’s programs prepare students for human services professions. These include areas such as:
- Child Welfare
- Mental Health
- Military Social Work
- Advocacy
- Crisis and Trauma Support Work
- Counseling
- Community Service Work
- Substance Abuse Counselors
In CSWE accredited online MSW programs, students gain the necessary skills and knowledge needed to begin a career in social work. The online MSW programs also allow people in the social work field to advance their level of education while maintaining their current job.
Earning an online MSW degree enables an individual to work in many different capacities like administrative or government roles. Not to mention, they can work at non-profit agencies directly with individuals.
The Accreditation Requirements for an MSW Programs Online
The CSWE maintains rigorous and extensive accreditation standards. For any campus’s MSW program to receive accreditation, it has to undeniably meet CSWE educational policy and accreditation standards in these categories:
- Program mission and goals
- Explicit curriculum requirements in critical thinking, ethical principle education, and core competencies
- Implicit curriculum requirements, such as faculty knowledge, student development services, and diversity
Furthermore, programs must meet the 9 social work competencies for CSWE accreditation:
- Demonstrate Ethical And Professional Behavior
- Engage Diversity And Difference In Practice
- Advance Human Rights And Social, Economic, And Environmental Justice
- Engage In Practice-Informed Research And Research-Informed Practice
- Take Part In Policy Practice
- Engage With Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, And Communities
- Assess With Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, And Communities
- Intervene With Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, And Communities
- Evaluate Practice With Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, And Communities
The CSWE Accreditation Review Process
The CSWE accreditation review process is extensive. It takes a while for a university to earn accreditation.
Firstly, a program declares candidacy to the CSWE.
Secondly, programs must undergo a review process which takes place over several months. In the review process, social work educators assess the classes in the program. They review educational materials, the campus, and student outcomes. The evaluators also assess the program’s values, policies, and mission. The MSW programs must incorporate training practices and core values such as ethics and human rights. Each element is required determine if a given program qualifies for CSWE accreditation.
Finally, the applying program must make the recommended changes from the CSWE. After which, they pay the accreditation fees. Once each step is complete, CSWE accreditation is granted.
Why is CSWE Accreditation Important?
Accreditation is essential for students, especially from the CSWE. It shows they have completed an academically rigorous program with an up-to-date curriculum. Moreover, a degree from a CSWE accredited program will help a social worker achieve their professional goals.
CSWE accredited online MSW programs have strong employment benefits. They make the student’s skills and knowledge more evident, especially regarding employment criteria. Most social work employers require employees to meet the standards laid out by the CSWE. An CSWE accredited program ensures the quality of knowledge and skills a job applicant has.
Lastly, CSWE accreditation is necessary to become a licensed social worker. To qualify for licensure, an individual must have graduated from a CSWE accredited MSW program.
Further, it is important to understand how other forms of accreditation impact your education experience. There is institutional accreditation and college accreditation. There is also a difference between regional vs. national accreditation. That all being said, for social work programs, the most important accreditation is that of the CSWE.
What You Need to Know About Online MSW Programs
An online master’s of social work prepares individuals to venture into various human services professions such as child welfare, mental health, medical fields, military social work, advocacy, crisis and trauma support work, rehabilitation counseling, community service work, and substance abuse counselors among other social services.
Individuals gain the necessary expertise and credentials needed to begin a career in social work. The program allows people already in the social work field to advance their level of education while maintaining their current job positions. Earning a master’s of social work enables an individual to work in many different capacities, from administrative functions to government or non-profit agencies to direct practice with individuals.
GetEducated's Picks
- Grand Canyon University Master of Social Work
- University of Kentucky Master of Social Work (Advanced Standing)
- Our Lady of the Lake University Master of Social Work
Online vs. In-Person CSWE Accredited MSW Programs
CSWE accredited MSW programs can also differ in terms of whether they offer an online education or in person education. Online and in-person MSW programs can both be advantageous to one’s career.
However, there are several differences, including:
- The learning experience. Social work online programs require students to complete most of their work asynchronously. On the other hand, in-person programs require campus attendance. The asynchronous schedule is more flexible.
- Socialization and networking opportunities. Accredited social work programs online don’t offer as many networking chances with peers or professors compared to in-person programs. However, online students may be able to network with other local students in their area. They can also expand their social networks as they are not limited to who is on a physical campus.
- Internship or practicum experience requirements. For master’s in social work online programs, students may have to travel to reach social work practice areas, such as clinics. For this reason, some programs may refer to themselves as a hybrid program with residency requirements. However, online students don’t have to attend class or visit other campus areas in-person. This flexibility frees up more time and money. At an in-person program, students work with social workers connected to the university.
Types of CSWE Accredited Programs
There are two types of CSWE accredited MSW programs: standard and advanced standing programs.
Standard MSW programs take 2 to 4 years to complete and are 60 credit hours. These social work master’s programs online are for students who have an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree in a field other than social work.
On the other hand, advanced standing MSW programs are 30-40 credit hours. They are for students who have an undergraduate degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program. They take 1 to 2 years to complete (full-time or part-time, respectively).
Both programs cover the majority of the same information. But a standard MSW online program includes additional prerequisite or foundational courses to cover the knowledge that BSW holders already have.
Similarities Across CSWE Accredited Online MSW Programs
MSW programs can vary in terms of their course content, specializations, and other factors. These similarities exist because they meet the CSWE’s accreditation requirements. Online MSW programs have similar features, especially those accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Most require supervised fieldwork practices and synchronous online courses.
The number of hours per online class will vary depending on the program’s specific requirements. However, most credit hours range from 60 to 65 credits, and on-campus visits are not compulsory in most programs.
CSWE Accredited Online MSW Program Courses
Online CSWE accredited MSW programs cover a variety of courses in advanced topics necessary for licensed clinical social workers. For example, some courses are:
- Power, privilege, and oppression. This course examines how different social phenomena affect families, communities, and individuals.
- Leadership and supervision skills. This course looks at the application of supervision and leadership theories to practical settings.
- Evidence for practice. This course helps students develop skills to analyze information. And then the skill to use analysis to inform their decisions.
- Assessment of mental health. This course assesses social, psychological, and biological contributors to mental health disorders.
Note: Accredited MSW programs’ exact course curriculum will vary. A program’s concentration and type (standard or advanced standing) affect the curriculum. The university offering the program also causes variations.
Specializations & Concentrations
Many of the best CSWE accredited MSW programs online allow students to concentrate or specialize their degree.
For example, some students can concentrate their degrees on mental health and trauma. These specializations focus on assessing, understanding, and helping people with mental health disorders, such as PTSD and OCD.
Other students may choose concentrations such as health, equity, and wellness. This concentration covers the history of health and health disparities in diverse communities. Understanding these disparities helps social workers learn how to counteract societal forces. Many of which lead to negative health outcomes for minority groups.
MSW Admission Requirements
To qualify for a master’s of social work, an individual needs to have a bachelor's of social work and some experience in the field. Firstly, a student interested in undertaking an MSW program should choose a program with faculty whose specialty best matches their interests. Secondly, they should select universities that offer the concentration they are interested in, are cost-friendly, and, importantly, a program approved by their state licensure agency.
In summary: to qualify for online schools for social work master’s degree programs, you must meet common admission requirements. These include:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. (This does not have to be a bachelor’s degree in social work, but must be in a related subject).
- A resume
- A personal statement
- Transcripts from previous schooling. All applicants must complete prerequisite courses covering core social work topics. These topics include social work principles, ethical social work, and sociology.
- Letters of recommendation
Note: Most MSW programs don’t require the GRE, but some do.
GetEducated's Picks
- Grand Canyon University Bachelor of Social Work
- University of Kentucky Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
- Our Lady of the Lake University Bachelor of Social Work
Cost of MSW Programs
The cost for online MSW and MSSW programs varies. The prices of different institutions vary on account of the programs offered, the faculty qualifications, and the training and fieldwork they offer. There will be price differences between the cost of a standard program vs. an advanced standing program. It is also important to consider the cost of a BSW program because a bachelor’s degree is needed to pursue an MSW. If you want to advance your career beyond LCSW, you might also want to consider the cost of a doctoral degree in social work.
MMSW or MSW online programs accredited by CSWE can be very cost-friendly. They can save time, and individuals can continue working while pursuing their education.
CSWE accredited online MSW programs cost about the same as other online graduate programs. The average graduate student’s tuition is approximately $20,000 per year for public universities. Private universities, on the other hand, charge closer to $26,600 per year. Expect to spend around this much (not accounting for financial aid) for each year you study in your MSW program.
How to Choose a CSWE Accredited MSW Program
Choosing the right MSW program online is important. It is especially so if you want to maximize your career prospects and minimize your financial burden. A student should choose a program with faculty whose specialty matches their interests. They should select universities that offer the concentration they are interested in. Students should also choose programs that are cost-friendly. And, importantly, they should select a program approved by their state licensure agency.
Curriculum
Firstly, look at the curriculum offered by a given online master’s in social work program. Different universities offer different courses and focuses. For example, a program with a concentration in drug rehabilitation will include more courses on drug use, the psychological impact of drug use, societal factors that affect drug use, and intervention methods.
In contrast, online accredited MSW degree programs focusing on social work policy and administration will include more leadership and supervision courses. Hence, consider the direction you want to take your career before deciding on a given program.
Practicum Requirements
Every CSWE accredited MSW program has either a practicum or in-person practice requirements. Sometimes, these are also called a field curriculum. Social work students must complete one or more internships or practicum periods. During which, students work with licensed social workers to get in-person experience. They take place at social work practices and facilities.
Generally, students must complete between 300 and 500 hours of practicum experience. This amount meets the MSW degree programs online graduation requirements. Students should consider the practicum requirements for a given CSWE accredited MSW program before applying.
Learning Environment
Decide on an MSW program based on the learning environment. Learning environment refers to whether it is in-person or online. Social work master’s programs online are more flexible and feature asynchronous learning. Whereas, in-person programs offer greater in-person networking and collaboration opportunities.
Also, consider student support services and other resources. You can take advantage of these academic and career services during your time at school. For example, one university may offer job placement services. Another program may have tutor assistance. And yet another program may provide research centers. Depending on your needs, a student support service can make one accredited online master of social work program a better choice than another.
Program Cost & Length
Don’t forget to consider program cost and length, either. Accelerated MSW programs might be better if you want a short amount of time and can commit to full-time schooling. However, a part-time program that takes place over 2 to 4 years. It may be ideal if you want to conserve your finances or have to hold down a job while in school. Another consideration is financial aid options for online college to help pay for your distance learning higher education. These include loans, be sure to understand loan repayment. Scholarship and grants are yet other forms of financial aid.
Admission Requirements
Then there are admission requirements. As noted above, some MSW degree online accredited programs, but not all, require the GRE. Check with each school to determine whether you need to take this test before applying for an MSW program.
Other Accreditation
It’s also a good idea to determine if a given program has been accredited by other institutions. For example, the HLC or SACSCOC might also accredit the program. The more accreditations the university has, the better its academic curriculum is.
Before undertaking an MSW program, individuals must ensure the program of their choice is accepted in the state where they want to practice social work and that it meets that state's requirements. Not all social work programs are accepted or transferable in all states.
Top 15 CSWE Accredited Online MSW Programs Under $18,000
We’ve compiled a list of the top CSWE accredited online MSW programs in the United States. These accredited MSW programs are available at least 80% online. Because of the clinical nature of this education, some programs might require a few face-to-face sessions. If your goal is to become a licensed social worker, ensure any program you enroll in meets the licensing requirements of your state. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best CSWE accredited online MSW programs that you can attend for under $18,000 per year.
University of Nevada-Reno
Degree: Master of Social Work / Advanced Standing
Student Fees In-State Total: $10,650The University of Nevada-Reno’s MSW Advanced Standing program is the cheapest online MSW program on our list. It’s full-time and takes 15 months to complete, and consists of 30 credit hours. It does not require a GRE from applicants, but does require a course in statistics and research methods.
This program is an advanced generalist practice, AGP, program. This social work concentration prepares students to work in clinical or direct social work environments. It also prepares students for more academic or broader scale social work environments. Social work students graduate ready for versatile career opportunities. And they have the skills to collaborate with other professionals, such as psychologists, educators, and doctors.Western New Mexico University
Degree: Master of Social Work / Advanced Standing
Student Fees In-State Total: $12,699.18Western New Mexico University offers an MSW Advanced Standing program from the School of Social Work. It’s located in Silver City, New Mexico for full-time or part-time students. The program takes between one and two years and has 39 credits. This is one of the best online MSW programs no GRE requirement, but they must provide three references.
This program benefits from small class sizes. The professors who teach the classes are licensed professional social workers. Additionally, the program offers tuition assistance resources for students who need help paying for school.
University of West Florida
Degree: Master of Social Work / Advanced Standing
Student Fees In-State Total: $13,500The University of West Florida’s Department of Social Work offers an MSW Advanced Standing degree for full or part-time students. It’s located in Pensacola, Florida and takes between 20 and 40 months to complete. This MSW degree online consists of 30 to 60 credits depending on the track the student chooses. When applying, applicants are not required to complete the GRE.
The program is a clinically focused MSW online. It requires students to complete specialized studies of both behavioral and medical healthcare. The program blends various clinical internships with hands-on learning opportunities. It prepares students to work in social work clinics and mental health facilities. These could be inpatient or outpatient clinics or social work service centers for low-income communities.
Delaware State University
Degree: Master of Social Work / Advanced Standing
Student Fees In-State Total: $14,641Delaware State University’s Department of Social Work’s MSW Advanced Standing program is for full or part-time students. It takes between one and two years to complete. The program has 28 credits and is offered from faculty working at the Dover, DE campus. This is another of the MSW online programs no gre admission requirements is true.
Furthermore, this program is the only MSW program available in Delaware. It offers multiple opportunities for faculty and student collaborations. The program emphasizes a generalist approach. The focus is on the Department of Social Work’s five core underpinnings. These are Black perspectives, empowerment perspectives, strengths perspectives, rural perspectives, and global perspectives. This approach ensures students have versatile career skills.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Degree: Master of Science in Social Work / Administration & Community Practice (Advanced Standing)
Student Fees In-State Total: $14,698.52Number Five on our list of accredited online social work master’s programs is The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s MS in Social Work. It is available with two concentrations. The first is an administration and community practice concentration. The second is an advanced standing degree for those who have a bachelor’s in social work. The program is based in Edinburg, TX and is for full or part-time students. During this program, student will complete 33 credit hours over the course of 1 to 2 years. Applicants must provide three references but do not need to complete the GRE.
The program focuses on social work administration and community program development and implementation. This concentration helps students learn how to implement ethical practices, build knowledge, and create social services projects that promote both economic and social justice in diverse social environments.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Degree: Master of Science in Social Work / Direct Practice with Latino Individuals, Families & Groups (Advance Standing)
Student Fees In-State Total: $14,698.52The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley also offers an MS in Social Work. This online master’s in social work focuses on direct practice with Latino individuals, families, and groups. The advanced standing program is 33 credits long and can be completed in 1 to 2 years by full or part-time students. As with the above program, applicants must provide three references but do not need to complete the GRE.
The program trains new social workers to meet the needs of binational and multicultural communities, especially those in the Latino community. Program materials emphasize multicultural awareness. It also emphasizes professional competence in these social settings.
University of Central Florida
Degree: Master of Social Work / Advanced Standing
Student Fees In-State Total: $15,598.40The University of Central Florida’s MSW Advanced Standing degree is offered by the School of Social Work in Orlando, Florida. It’s a full-time program that takes 1.5 years to complete and consists of 32 credit hours. Applicants do not need to submit GRE to qualify when they apply to the program.
A student can complete it at an accelerated pace with four seven-week terms. The program provides students with hands-on looks at clinical skills, social work theories, and social work practices. The advanced standing track only admits during the fall semester.
Texas State University
Degree: Master of Social Work / Advanced Standing
Student Fees In-State Total: $15,735.16Texas State University’s MSW Advanced Standing is a full or part-time program offered by the School of Social Work. The program is 36 credit hours in total. It takes between one and two years to complete. Additionally, applicants do not need to complete the GRE to apply.
This MSW program emphasizes a liberal arts perspective. It trains its social work students to understand the diverse problems and solutions at work in multicultural communities. Hence, it offers a variety of electives in topics ranging from gear ontology to spirituality to adventure therapy.
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Degree: Master of Social Work / Advanced Standing
Student Fees In-State Total: $16,170One of the best Council of Social Work Education accredited schools is Louisiana State University’s Agricultural and Mechanical College. It offers an MSW Advanced Standing program in Baton Rouge, LA. This full-time degree program takes between nine and 12 months to complete and consists of 30 credit hours. Students don’t need to complete the GRE to qualify. However, they must provide three recommendation forms upon applying for the program.
The program offers seven-week-long classes. Students may choose from a thesis or non-thesis exit. And, they can complete it in less than a year. Therefore, it is excellent for social work students who want to enter the field as quickly as possible.
Saint Leo University
Degree: Master of Social Work / Advanced Standing
Student Fees In-State Total: $16,695Saint Leo University’s College of Educational and Social Services has an MSW Advanced Standing degree program for full or part-time students. It takes between one and two years to complete and includes 32 credit hours. Additionally, there are no GRE requirements from applicants.
This online MSW program delivers all virtual courses using webcams to facilitate face-to-face interactions. Students must meet for weekly evening classes and be available for daytime internship hours. They must also attend a one-weekend seminar in the summer.
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Degree: Master of Social Work / Advanced Standing
Student Fees In-State Total: $16,747.85The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s MSW Advanced Standing program is available from the Grace Abbott School of Social network. It’s a full or part-time degree. The program takes between one and two years to complete and has 39 credit hours. Another key point to know is that the application does not require the GRE.
This online MSW program is an advanced generalist program. Students are especially well-rounded graduates who can find careers in a variety of social work positions. Courses balance community, policy practice, and clinical content.
University of South Dakota
Degree: Master of Social Work / Advanced Standing
Student Fees In-State Total: $16,768.80The University of South Dakota offers an MSW Advanced Standing program from its School of Health Sciences. It’s located in Vermillion, SD. The program is available for full or part-time students. Further, it will take one or two years to complete the program, respectively. The 36 credit hour program has multiple concentrations. The concentrations are in social policy or organizations, communities, and individuals. There’s no GRE requirement for applicants. However, students must complete up to four core prerequisite courses in social and behavioral sciences and statistics.
The CSWE accredited MSW program offers a person-centered approach to social work education. It blends both online and in-person learning. It also requires hundreds of hours of hands-on field education. The program’s Path to Licensure includes clinical practice credits/classes (which can be taken at a student’s local area). Students study topics such as policy analysis, community planning and organization, and therapeutic social work services.
Indiana Wesleyan University
Degree: Master of Social Work / Advanced Standing
Student Fees In-State Total: $16,770Indiana Wesleyan University’s MSW Advanced Standing program is available via the Division of Social Sciences. Located in Marion, IN, it takes 16 months to complete. It is available for full or part-time students, and includes 30 credits. All applicants must have earned their BSW degree within the last seven years.
This online program is flexible and offers built-in internship experiences. Courses cover advanced materials like mental health and psychopathology. Students will take classes in advanced interpersonal practice, and leadership, administration and supervision. If they so choose, students can pursue a hybrid or residential MSW program. The hybrid program blends online learning and in person campus attendance part of the time. The program is available with many financial aid opportunities.
Campbellsville University
Degree: Master of Social Work / Advanced Standing
Student Fees In-State Total: $17,145Campbellsville University’s Carver School of Social Work offers an MSW Advanced Standing program for full or part-time students. It takes two years or less to complete and is 39 or 42 credit hours owing to the concentration chosen. The program has concentrations in clinical and substance use disorder. Students can also choose a faith, or generalist concentration. Applicants do not need to complete the GRE to qualify.
This online MSW degree offers multiple start dates each year. It has a diverse curriculum. Students learn about societal changes, multicultural issues, and general social work practices. They also learn how those topics affect individuals, families, communities, and groups. All teachers are fully accredited and licensed social workers themselves.
The University of Alabama
Degree: Master of Social Work / Advanced Standing
Student Fees In-State Total: $17,640This online program is available from the University of Alabama’s School of Social Work in Tuscaloosa, AL. It’s available for full or part-time students. Generally, it can be completed in 1 to 2 years with 42 credits. Students can choose between two concentrations. The first concentration is in children, adolescents and their families. The second is about adults and their families. Moreover, no GRE is required from applicants.
The University of Alabama’s online MSW program requires an in-person orientation. It also is available with a dual degree program. A dual degree program enables students to earn a JD in addition to their MSW. The second option for a dual degree allows students to earn a MPH in addition to their MSW.
Licenses & Certifications for MSW Degree Online Graduates
You need to know about social work licenses and certifications to full grasp your career options and potential.
LCSW vs. MSW
LCSW stands for “licensed clinical social worker.” It means that a professional social worker has extra state licensure after earning a master’s degree in social work. Although not every social work profession needs a license, state licensure is required if you want to work in a clinical social work setting.
An MSW, therefore, is a stepping stone to acquiring LCSW status. An MSW is a type of degree, not a license or certificate in and of itself.
Clinical Social Work Licensure & State Authorizations
Clinical social work licensure is important. It qualifies you to work in clinical social work environments. These include places such as inpatient or outpatient clinics and social work nonprofits. More specifically, LCSWs are licensed to diagnose and treat patients. They assist their patients with behavioral, emotional, and mental health disorders.
LCSWs may provide therapy services to individuals, families, groups, and couples. They may also help clients develop strategies to change their behavior. Or they may provide support to deal with difficult circumstances.
To become an LCSW, must meet your state's requirements. Firstly, you must have both a CSWE accredited MSW degree in addition to state licensure. To acquire state licensure, you must complete at least two years of postgraduate, clinically supervised experience, as well as pass state-mandated tests.
Professional Organizations for Graduates of Online Accredited MSW Programs
All things considered, an education is the first step in the career process. Take a look at these professional organizations and resources to bolster your career prospects and potential.
What Can You Do with an MSW from an Online CSWE Accredited Program?
After acquiring your MSW from an online CSWE accredited program, you can work in most social work positions and settings (aside from those that require state licensure). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers earn approximately $50,390 each year. Although, the highest-paid 10% of social workers earn over $82,000 per year. These social workers are usually LCSWs.
You can also pursue other professions aside from that of a social worker, licensed or otherwise. For example, your degree may qualify you to work as a marriage and family therapist. In this role, you’d help married couples and families overcome societal or familial relationship problems. Marriage and family therapists earn approximately $49,880 per year.
With an online MSW degree, you could become a rehabilitation counselor, earning around $38,560 per year. By and large, rehabilitation counselors assist individuals with emotional, mental, developmental, or physical disabilities live independently and cope with their difficulties.
Or you could pursue a career like a school and career counselor or advisor. You could earn over $60,000 per year in this career. And, you’d assist students in developing social and academic skills. You’d also help students choose employment or professional paths after graduating.
FAQs
How to become an LCSW
To become an LCSW, earn a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE accredited school. Then, complete one to two years of supervised clinical social work experience. Submit an application to acquire state licensure in your state of residence, then pass any state-mandated tests.
What does CSWE stand for?
CSWE stands for the Council of Social Work Education. It is the most important accrediting body for the social work field.
Are online MSW programs respected?
Yes. However, they are accredited by the CSWE.
What is the easiest MSW program to get into?
The easiest MSW program to get into is the MSW from Concord University. It is in Athens, West Virginia. You need a cumulative 2.5 to 2.7 GPA in the last 60 hours of your coursework. Three letters of recommendation and a personal statement are also needed. A resume is not mandatory, though it is recommended.
Is Liberty University’s MSW CSWE accredited?
Not yet. However, this program has achieved candidacy from the CSWE, which means the program is currently under review.
What does CSWE accredited mean?
CSWE accredited means a given social work program meets the requirements of the CSWE. The program is aligned with the academic, ethical, and mission standards as laid out by the CSWE. It is an academically rigorous program. All things considered, the CSWE accreditation is considered an important credential by employers, like social work clinics.
CSWE Accredited Online MSW Programs Launch Great Careers
Social service careers are rewarding and help the student gain the proper education, thus earning the right skills to work in any advanced position in the social services. CSWE accredited online MSW programs are a guarantee to get a quality education.