Accredited MSW programs
Explore accredited online MSW programs and learn why attending a CSWE-accredited program matters for the success of your social work career.
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Why earn an accredited online MSW?
Transfer credits
CSWE-accredited schools require CSWE accreditation for all credits you want to transfer.
Meet licensure requirements
Graduating from a CSWE-accredited MSW program ensures that your degree program meets the licensure requirements in your state.
Qualify for certification
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) requires that you hold a CSWE-accredited degree to earn specialty certifications.
See all CSWE-accredited online MSW programs
What is a CSWE-accredited MSW program?
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits master's in social work (MSW) programs, ensuring they meet or exceeds current industry standards to prepare you for social work licensure and practice. A CSWE-accredited combines virtual lectures with in-person fieldwork to prepare you for social work licensure.
According CSWE, all accredited MSW programs require at least 900 hours of in-person fieldwork regardless of format. Your program may help you arrange your fieldwork at a nearby location to complete this requirement.
Specialty tracks and curriculum
Your program may allow you to specialize your education in a specific area like community organizing and public policy or mental health and trauma.
Topics relating to community organizing and public policy include:
- Globalization
- Human services administration
Topics in the mental health and trauma track include:
- Advanced interventions
- Psychotherapy
- Trauma-informed care
Concentrations may vary by program. Your course load will depend on your enrollment status and whether you earned a (BSW) or a related field. Some programs offer BSW graduates , which allows them to graduate with half the credits needed to earn an MSW.
What is the purpose of accreditation?
To qualify for state licensure, social workers must hold an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program. Program accreditation assures state licensure boards and employers that graduates can competently provide social services.
As of June 2025, there are more than 390 CSWE-accredited master's programs. Approximately 64% of these programs are offered online.
Graduating from a CSWE-accredited MSW program can:
- Prepare you to provide safe and ethical services
- Qualify you for social work licensure and certification
- Make it easier for you to transfer your social work license to another state that requires social workers to graduate from an accredited program
- Allow you to transfer MSW credits between CSWE-accredited MSW programs
- Help you to continue your education
What can you do with an accredited online MSW?
An accredited online MSW program can prepare you for licensure and to work as a licensed master social worker (LMSW), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), or your state's equivalent.
Some states also offer an advanced generalist social work license that allows you to practice direct social work independently after you complete supervised experience.
The requirements for these licenses vary by state and license type, but most states require:
- An MSW from a CSWE-accredited program
- A background check
- A passing score on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) license exam that matches the license level you apply for
- Between 1,500 and 4,000 hours of supervised experience, according to the ASWB, if applicable
How much can you make with an accredited online MSW?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that an average of 67,300 social work jobs will be added annually between 2023 and 2033.
Social workers earned a median annual salary of $61,330 in 2024, according to the BLS. The lowest 10% of professionals in this field earned less than $41,580, and the highest 10% earned more than $99,500 in the same year.
Salary potential for social workers depends on your degree level and specialization. MSW graduates may earn more than BSW graduates. Clinical social workers may also earn more than generalist social workers.
Salaries also vary depending on your . Below is a salary breakdown by specialty:
| Social work specialty | Median annual salary (May 2024) |
|---|---|
| Child, family, and school social workers | $58,570 |
| Healthcare social workers | $68,090 |
| Mental health and substance use social workers | $60,060 |
| Social workers, all others | $69,480 |
How to pay for your CSWE-accredited MSW program
You might be wondering how to afford a CSWE-accredited MSW program. While many of these highly respected programs might seem expensive at first, here are a few ways you can lower your expenses.
- Pursue . Complete the FAFSA to find out what student loans and work-study funding might be available to you.
- Apply for scholarships. Many social work programs offer scholarships to prospective students.
- Cost-compare programs. Do your research to find the .
- Look into employer tuition assistance. If you work for a nonprofit, healthcare, or government organization, your employer might offer tuition assistance to support your professional development.
- Learn more about loan forgiveness programs. Plan to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program after graduation to eventually have your student debt forgiven after a certain number of years working with an underserved population.
- Consider a payment plan. Most universities offer payment plans to help alleviate the financial burden of tuition payments.
- Study part time while you work. If quitting work to be a full-time student isn't financially feasible, consider enrolling part time while continuing to work in your current job.
- Establish a strict budget. Getting your in order can be important when you're faced with the cost of returning to school. Adhering to a budget can help ensure you have enough money to pay for school and living expenses.
Frequently asked questions
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Last updated June 18, 2025