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Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) Master of Social Work Online

Become an influential change leader with a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Case Western Reserve University’s Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences.

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About the program

  • Same innovation and flexibility, different format: The online MSW program offers the same world-class curriculum as CWRU’s on-campus MSW and intensive weekend MSW programs.
  • Advanced standing option: If you earned a Bachelor of Social Work in the past seven years, you can earn up to 21 credits toward your 60-credit MSW degree and complete the program in a year and a half.
  • Three paths of study and certificate option: You can focus your coursework on Children, Youth, and Families; Mental Health with Adults; or Community Practice for Social Change and/or pursue a certificate in Trauma-Informed Practice.

About Case Western Reserve University

The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University has been a leader in creating a more just world for more than 105 years. Our school of social work is ranked No. 9 in the nation, and No. 1 in Ohio and prepares compassionate, diverse individuals to become the social work leaders the future needs.

Tuition and fees

Tuition and fees are subject to change and may increase each academic year. Tuition does not include student fees, technology platform licensing, or support services. Learners are also responsible for travel and accommodation costs related to any in-person immersions or residentials.

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Study paths and certificate

The Mandel School aims to empower learners to lead positive change at the local, state, and federal levels. To this end, this online MSW program offers three distinct paths of study for you and a certificate option to focus your coursework:

  • Children, Youth and Families: Learn to provide services to families and individuals of all ages, exploring topics such as child abuse, trauma, adoption, autism, and LGBTQIA youth.
  • Mental Health with Adults: Prepare for community-based mental health practice in a broad range of settings by studying trauma, violence, substance abuse and more.
  • Community Practice for Social Change: Study macro social challenges — including human rights, globalization, inequality, and poverty — to make systemic improvements.
  • Certificate in Trauma-Informed Practice: Focus on evidence-based models designed to address differential responses to trauma alongside the course and field work necessary for your chosen study path.
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Admissions

CWRU’s admissions standards are the same across all MSW formats. Cohorts start in January, April, or August, and people of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. There is no application fee, and the GRE is not required. 

To be eligible for admission, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

  • Undergraduate GPA of at least 2.7

  • Evidence of a strong moral character and compassionate nature, a commitment to social justice, and sound analytical and verbal skills  

  • For the advanced standing track: A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, earned within the last seven years from a CSWE-accredited institution


Field placements

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As a learner in the MSW program, you’ll put theory into practice and apply your learnings during real-world fieldwork experiences. CWRU partners with over 1,000 placement sites, enabling you to complete this field experience in or near your community. In some instances, you may be able to complete your field work at your current place of employment.

If you’re on the traditional track (rather than advanced standing), you will also take part in the Change Agent Intensive (CHAI), an online seminar that unites learners and faculty to examine the social issues and problems central to the field. CHAI introduces the values and ethics that guide the social work profession. Through this interactive framework, you’ll reflect on key issues such as structural racism, systemic inequality, and educational disparities, enabling you to approach communities with compassion and empathy.

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