Build the skills and confidence you need to make an impact in diverse communities with our CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work program.
Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.
FINISH IN 30 MONTHS*
NEXT START DATE
*See Tuition and Fees section for more information.
Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.
FINISH IN 30 MONTHS*
NEXT START DATE
*Tuition and fees are subject to change. See Scholarship Details for more information.
Do you have a calling to shape a more inclusive and equitable world? Walden’s online Master of Social Work (MSW) program combines a practical curriculum with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Start your journey as a changemaker with confidence, knowing you’ve practiced doing what master’s-level social workers do every day.
Walden is the No. 1 granter of MSW degrees in the U.S.—and one of the first online MSW programs to be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Interactive simulations and virtual Skills Labs allow you to practice skills in scenarios that reflect what social workers face in the field. Emerge from your program feeling confident and ready to make a positive impact.
LEARN FROM EXPERT FACULTY
All of Walden’s online MSW program faculty have doctorates as well as real-world practice experience.
PREPARE FOR LICENSURE
Our MSW degree program offers valuable tools and robust resources to help you prepare to sit for your licensure exam.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR PROGRAM
Tailor your online MSW to your unique needs with focus areas, certificates, and degree completion options.
Program Details
With eight start dates, Walden’s online MSW program gives you the flexibility to pursue your goals and passions in a way that fits your busy life.
Traditional and Fast Track Options Advanced Standing Option
The Traditional option is the best fit for those with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than social work. Complete your online MSW program in as few as two years full time and three years part time.
The Traditional Fast Track option can be a good choice if you want an intensive workload and have plenty of time to dedicate to your studies.
QUARTER CREDITS
TIME TO COMPLETE
This course provides students with a detailed examination of the use of telehealth technologies to transform the delivery of social work and improve access to mental health care. Through the lens of diversity and client-centeredness, students explore the history and future possibilities of telehealth in social work. Students analyze policy, regulation, and ethics in the virtual environment. As future social workers, they consider how to adapt their skills to telehealth and devise strategies to troubleshoot technology, assess risk, and develop the therapeutic alliance virtually. They then apply these strategies through a sequence of simulations with a telehealth client.
Human Behavior and the Social Environment IStudents in this foundation course are provided with an understanding of the intersection between the social environment and the healthy lifespan development of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Throughout the course, students examine the dynamics of human behavior including biological, psychological, and social systems from birth to young adulthood. They also analyze case studies for the ways in which gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, and disability impact human development. Overall, students explore human behavior through the lens of human development, the environment, and social context.
Social Work Practice Research IThis foundation course is designed to develop students’ understanding of the importance of research to social work practice. Students are introduced to basic principles of scientific method including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research. While exploring the research process, they analyze associated ethical and cultural considerations, evaluate existing literature, and build a research proposal on a topic of interest. This is the first of two courses designed to prepare students as scholar-practitioners who use research to inform their ethical, culturally competent social work practice.
Social Work Field Education IThis is the first foundation course in the four-part field practicum sequence. Students are required to complete 200 hours in an approved social services agency under the supervision of a professional social worker. Through the practicum experience, students are introduced to the role of a professional social worker. Students demonstrate skills in maintaining boundaries and ethics while interacting in a professional manner with clients. Through their participation in a weekly hour-long seminar with their instructor and peers, students demonstrate their integration of classroom knowledge with professional practice skills.
Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice IThis is an advanced course designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to apply clinical social work services. Students in this course focus on the application of evidence-based theories and other intervention methods with individuals and families. There is a particular focus on individuals and families from diverse cultural backgrounds and marginalized or oppressed populations in this course. Students demonstrate therapeutic skills to engage clients, to define and prioritize issues, to set mutually developed goals, and to commit to the change process. Students select, implement, monitor, and evaluate interventions.
The Advanced Standing option is ideal if you already hold a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program and graduated with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This option lets you skip foundational courses and start your MSW with advanced-level courses.
QUARTER CREDITS
In this advanced course, students gain knowledge and skills to apply research-based models, theories, and intervention methods to groups and organizations. The focus of the course is on therapeutic factors in group process and the tasks and skills of the clinical social worker in forming, planning, facilitating, documenting, and evaluating groups. A special emphasis is placed on cultural and gender-sensitive application of social work group practice. There is an added emphasis on empowerment of groups, organizations, and communities. Students explore the structure, role, goals, and impact of organizations, including culturally sensitive management, and the impact of organizations on social welfare and the delivery of human services. Students effectively engage, assess, develop, implement, and evaluate research-based interventions with groups and organizations.
Human Behavior and the Social Environment IIThis advanced course is designed to prepare students for clinical social work practice that reflects an advanced understanding of life-span development and socio-psychological identity development with individuals from young adulthood through later adulthood, their families, within groups, and communities. Throughout this course, students will use their learning around life-span development and socio-psychological identity development to understand human behavior and, particularly, individual and family functioning within the environmental context. With an emphasis on ethical practice in social work, this course gives students the opportunity to use this information to inform their assessments, evaluations, interventions, and advocacy for their clients.
Social Work Practice Research IIThis advanced course is designed to support students’ development as scholar-practitioners in clinical social work. Students identify and apply research that can be used to advance their practice, including social welfare, advocacy, and policy. Throughout the course, students are provided resources and activities designed to help them become critical consumers of research for the sake of ethical, evidence-based clinical social work practice. Students in this course have the opportunity to evaluate research design, research methods, and the applicability of results to diverse populations.
Supervision, Leadership, and Administration in Social Work OrganizationsStudents in this advanced course prepare for roles as supervisors, leaders, and administrators in clinical social work. Students examine leadership theory and strategies for leadership development, ethical practice as clinical supervisors, and the roles of administrators in social work organizations. Students participate in activities that develop their skills in critical decision making to address some of the complex problems that face leaders and administrators in social work. As a result of this course, students will understand the competencies of social work supervisors, leaders, and administrators and will identify a plan for their own continued development in these areas.
Social Work Theory and Clinical PracticeThis course is designed to provide students with an overview of theories, models, and intervention methods for clinically informed advanced generalist social work practice. Students explore the theories and models for application to working with clients. The emphasis of the course is to understand the assumptions of theories and models and how they guide social work assessment, intervention, and practice evaluation. In addition, students evaluate the strengths and limitations of the various theories, with specific consideration to compatibility of a theory with a client's diverse background and to social work values. Students integrate multiple sources of knowledge to critically evaluate a theory or model’s applicability to social work practice.
Target your learning and start shaping your dream career working with the populations that matter most to you.
Addictions
Explore the specific needs of clients experiencing addiction when it comes to accessing and receiving services.
Child and Family
Prepare to work in community social welfare agencies, child welfare agencies, or the juvenile justice system.
Healthcare
Explore a unique array of challenges that certain patient populations and their families face in accessing and receiving medical services.
Military
Prepare yourself to address the specific needs of active military personnel, veterans, and their families.
Trauma
Prepare yourself to work with individuals who have faced trauma.
EMBEDDED CERTIFICATES
If you want to take your studies a step further, you can add a third course (5 credits) from a single focus area and earn an optional embedded certificate along with your MSW degree.
EMBEDDED CERTIFICATES
If you want to take your studies a step further, you can add a third course (5 credits) from a single focus area and earn an optional embedded certificate along with your MSW degree.
The online Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares scholar-practitioners who demonstrate culturally responsive ethical, evidence-based practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The curriculum emphasizes cultural humility within a strengths-based, generalist intervention model and provides advanced clinical skills needed for specialized practice. The program prepares students to be change agents within and beyond their local communities and to advocate for social justice on behalf of diverse populations, with particular attention to people who are vulnerable and/or oppressed.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Walden’s online MSW program features Skills Labs, video case studies, and field experiences that help you deepen your understanding and apply your knowledge in practical contexts and settings.
This MSW program lab includes online course content integrated with a 3-day, face-to-face or virtual synchronous requirement: 3 weeks online; 3 days face-to-face or virtual synchronous sessions; 2 weeks online.
Video Case StudiesApply your skills and social work concepts while working with teachers and other online MSW students. Analyze case studies and watch videos that reflect scenarios you might encounter in the real world of social work practice.
Field ExperienceIn Walden’s online Master of Social Work program, you are required to complete 900 hours in an approved social services agency under the supervision of a licensed social worker. In this practicum experience, you will gain an introduction to the roles of a social work practitioner. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your skills in maintaining social work boundaries and ethics while interacting in a professional manner with clients. You'll also participate in weekly, synchronous, hourlong seminars with your instructor and peers, where you will demonstrate your integration of classroom knowledge with professional practice skills.
You’ll work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who’ll guide you through every step—from finding the right program to funding your education.
Earning your MSW online is a big decision, which is why we’ve streamlined and simplified the admissions process. Start your journey with:
Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher. For the Advanced Standing option, students must have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program with a GPA of at least 3.0.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application, transcripts, and Acknowledgement Statement. Speak to an Enrollment Specialist who will guide you through the application process. More information for international applicants.
We believe you can achieve your goals—and we are here to support you along your journey. Request information to learn more about scholarships and other ways to fund your education.
You have big plans for your future. That’s why Walden offers ways to reduce your Master of Social Work program tuition costs and make your degree more attainable. These include:
BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP ®
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
This scholarship offers progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 92 quarter credit hours |
$50,970**
$53,820**
*Represents Traditional option, no certificate, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
**Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 45 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286 .
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $2,500 to $3,500. The tuition reflects the minimum time to completion, which can vary by student, depending on individual progress.
If you are planning to enroll in three or more courses per quarter, the costs may be more than your financial aid offer per quarter. 1
52 quarter credit hours
57 quarter credit hours with certificate
* Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on a variety of factors, such as individual progress, selected electives, and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 10 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286 .
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,500 to $2,500. The tuition reflects the minimum time to completion, which can vary by student, depending on individual progress.
If you are planning to enroll in three or more courses per quarter, the costs may be more than your financial aid offer per quarter. 1
Do you want to make a real impact in people’s lives? Walden’s CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs help you learn to effectively address the needs of individuals, families, and communities.
Pursue your passion for helping others live better lives. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for social work professionals is expected to increase 7% by 2032—faster than the national average for all occupations. 1
Earning your master’s in social work online can equip you with the knowledge and skills to effect real change in your community.
Support FamiliesChild, Family, and School Social Worker
Support the social and emotional well-being of children, families, and students.
Expected growth: 5% 1
Estimated annual wage: $37,900–$68,450 1
Work in HospitalsHealthcare Social Worker
Enhance the overall well-being of people facing health-related challenges.
Expected growth: 10% 2
Estimated annual wage: $41,840–$78,710 2
High Job GrowthMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Help individuals and families dealing with mental health issues and substance abuse problems.
Expected growth: 11% 3
Estimated annual wage: $37,150–$74,810 3
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the MSW program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries.
1 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
2 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
3 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2022)
As a graduate of Walden’s Master of Social Work program, you will be prepared to:
Develop a professional orientation and identity as a social worker.
Apply legal and ethical standards in the administration of social work.
Apply principles of advocacy that promote cultural understanding and positive social change in individuals, communities, and society.
Utilize evidence-based research and critical thinking skills to inform practice in meeting the needs of diverse clientele.
Synthesize and apply theories of human growth and development to develop culturally responsive social work practices.
Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the areas of engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation with individuals, families, groups.
Placeholder for the "Live Chat" blockChat with a Master of Social Work Enrollment Specialist
Learn about the dedicated online MSW faculty who are committed to supporting and guiding you through a successful, enriching educational experience.
If you want to advance your social work skills and knowledge, pursuing your MSW degree is the natural next step on your education journey. Explore these resources to learn how Walden can help you make a greater impact for your clients and community.
Explore related degree programs at Walden.
Master’s Degrees Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling 7 Specializations Available Master’s Degrees MS in Human Services 9 Specializations Available Master’s Degrees MS in Psychology 8 Specializations AvailableThe Walden online experience is designed with the adult learner in mind, allowing students to balance their courses with their careers, families, and other responsibilities. Students can access the online classroom at any time. They interact with faculty and peers using online discussion boards, and assignments are submitted via the online classroom.
Students have access to a wide variety of support services, including the Writing Center, Walden library, and the Student Success Advising team. Our Student Success Advisors can help track academic progress and answer questions regarding academic policies and programs.rack academic progress and answer questions regarding academic policies and programs.
What’s special about Walden’s online Master of Social Work program?Walden’s online Master of Social Work (MSW) program is grounded in experiential learning and multicultural perspectives—so students emerge from their program ready to make a difference for their clients and community. Our online MSW features:
On November 12, 2019, the Walden MSW program achieved reaffirmation of its accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the U.S. We are proud to say the reaffirmation is for the maximum allowed—eight years, through October 2027.
You can find more information about accreditation at the CSWE website.
How does Walden’s master’s in social work online program compare with campus-based programs?Our curriculum is designed to incorporate required elements as determined by CSWE, making it comparable to campus-based programs that are structured in accordance with CSWE guidelines.
In addition, the Walden online MSW program offers a great deal of flexibility for working professionals because of its online format and the university’s comprehensive student support for online learners. This flexibility allows students to earn their degrees from wherever they have internet access and study on their own schedule.
What do I need for admission to the Walden online MSW program?For admission to the part-time and two-year full-time tracks:
For admission to the Advanced Standing track:
Walden students may qualify for government student loans and grants. For more information about the financial aid process at Walden, talk to an Enrollment Specialist at 1-866-492-5336.
Walden also offers scholarships. Be sure to ask an Enrollment Specialist about availability and eligibility requirements.
What is field experience and how does it work?Field experience is required by all CSWE-accredited MSW programs and is an opportunity for students to work in real-life settings, interacting with clients under the supervision of a professional social worker. As part of the Walden online Master of Social Work curriculum, students complete two field experiences over four quarters/terms for a total of 900 hours (students in the Advanced Standing option will complete one field experience for 500 hours). It is important that students consider how they will manage the field experience requirements with other responsibilities.
Field experiences can normally be completed in or near a student’s town or community, and some sites offer tele-practice experiences to meet the direct practice requirements. While we cannot guarantee field sites in any community will have availability or be able to provide a field placement, we partner with students to help them thoroughly explore their community options. Our dedicated team of field education experts, all of whom hold MSW degrees, supports students in selecting and working with field locations that are appropriate for the curriculum and have the necessary supervision.
In addition, students are enrolled in a synchronous (online live with an instructor) field seminar course, which meets weekly, while in their field placement to guide the monitoring and reflecting processes required by CSWE.
To learn more, call an Enrollment Specialist at 1-866-492-5336.
Do I have to come to a campus for any part of my Walden online MSW program?You will not need to come to a campus, but the MSW program includes two six-week hybrid Skills Labs, which comprise three weeks of online content, followed by a three-day intensive experience (available face-to-face or virtually), and then closes with two weeks of online content. When you attend your Skills Labs depends on your degree option (Traditional, Traditional Accelerated, or Advanced Standing) and when you plan to enter your field placement. Students work closely with their academic advisors to plan their attendance.
Skills Labs are an integral part of the online MSW program at Walden, providing invaluable hands-on experiences. The labs allow MSW students to meet and collaborate with peers and faculty, get support, discuss ideas, and practice critical professional skills needed to be a social worker. Advising is available and important information about obtaining your license is covered.
We know that time is precious in the lives of our busy students, so Skills Labs are planned carefully to provide the most benefit possible.
Contact an Enrollment Specialist at 1-866-492-5336 for more information.
How long will it take me to finish my Walden online Master of Social Work program?The amount of time it takes to complete your degree will vary based on your previous educational experience, course load, and field placement schedule. We anticipate that students with other life commitments will take two courses per quarter and complete their program in approximately three years.
Some students will take longer, and some will complete the program in less time by decreasing or increasing their course load. Talk with an Enrollment Specialist at 1-866-492-5336 to discuss your individual time commitment.
Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.
DISCLOSURES
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics | Social Workers | Job Outlook
Accreditation
Walden University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation. Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Commission on Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.
Note on Licensure
The Walden University Master of Social Work (MSW) program is designed to prepare graduates to practice as licensed social workers in many states. However, the requirements for licensure as a social worker vary greatly from state to state. Each state board that is responsible for regulating the practice of social work has its own academic requirements and issues its own license to practice as a social worker in that state. Additionally, students should be advised that the Walden MSW program is not designed or intended to prepare graduates for licensure as a school social worker; however, graduates might be eligible for licensure as a school social worker in their particular state of residence.
While Walden Enrollment Specialists can provide general information relating to the state-by-state educational requirements for social work licensure or certification, it remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to field education experiences, licensing or certification, authorization, or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of its coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure, certification, authorization, endorsement, or other state credential. Licensure eligibility determinations are ultimately determined by the appropriate state board that issues the credential to practice.
Prospective students enrolling in licensure-leading programs are advised that relocation to another state may impact the student’s ability to complete field experiences and/or to obtain professional licensure, certification, or other credential in another state. Prospective students are advised to carefully review, evaluate, and understand the requirements of the applicable licensure board in the state in which they intend to relocate.
