Online master’s in clinical social work

An online master's in clinical social work can prepare you for LCSW licensure. Learn more about pursuing a career in clinical social work.

See all MSW programs that teach clinical social work

Why earn a master's in clinical social work?

Gain clinical expertise

A master's program in clinical social work provides specialized training in mental health assessment and therapy, allowing you to gain the clinical expertise you need to become a therapist.

Become an LCSW

A master's in clinical social work can help you meet the education requirements to become a licensed clinical social worker.

Join a fast-growing field

With awareness of mental health conditions on the rise in the U.S., clinical social work is a fast-growing field. Therapists are in demand across the country.

Clinical social workers are in demand. These professionals have the potential to make a difference in the lives of individuals managing their mental health. Find out how to become a clinical social worker, including educational and licensing requirements, practice locations, specialities, and salary potential.

Browse MSW programs that teach clinical social work

Prestigious

An immersive cohort-based learning experience that is designed to optimize learning outcomes and ensure global networking opportunities.

Flexible

Choose your path with a range of completion options and class times.

Equivalent to on-campus

Earn the same degree and complete the same curriculum as on-campus students.

What can you do with a master's in clinical social work?

A master's in clinical social work can launch your career in several . LCSWs support many populations, including children, aging adults, and people with substance use conditions.

The demand for clinical social workers continues to grow, particularly to meet the needs of an aging population and those seeking treatment for mental health and substance use issues. Understanding the earning potential and job growth projections for different specializations can help you choose a focus area.

See potential career paths you can pursue with a master's in clinical social work, including salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Child and family social workers

Child and family social workers focus on children and adolescents. They provide therapy to address youth mental health concerns and support parents and families.

Median annual salary (2024): $58,570
Projected employment growth (2023-33): +5%

School social workers

School social workers implement clinical social work practice in educational settings, providing mental health assessment and therapy for children who qualify for special education services to address concerns like autism, ADHD, and other emotional or behavioral conditions.

Median annual salary (2024): $58,570
Projected employment growth (2023-33): +5%

Healthcare social workers

Medical social workers support patients in hospitals, primary care practices, and other medical facilities. They provide psychosocial assessment and crisis counseling, and help to connect people with the services they need when they are discharged.

Median annual salary (2024): $68,090
Projected employment growth (2023-33): +10%

Mental health and substance use social workers

Mental health and substance use social workers work in outpatient therapy practices or rehabilitation centers, providing clinical assessment and treatment to individuals facing mental health or substance use concerns.

Median annual salary (2024): $60,060
Projected employment growth (2023-33): +12%

Steps to become a clinical social worker

To become a clinical social worker, you must first:

Earn a (MSW) from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Complete the required number of supervised clinical practicum hours as part of your degree. Typically, 900-1,200 hours are required prior to graduation, earned at a field placement in your community, depending on your state's licensing requirements and the program.
Apply for limited clinical social work licensure. Many states require that applicants pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Masters Exam. Requirements vary by state, so check with your state's professional licensing board for more information.
Earn required clinical practice hours under the supervision of a fully licensed social worker. Most states require 3,000-4,000 supervised clinical hours and at least 100 hours of direct supervision.
Apply for full . Many states require applicants to pass the ASWB Clinical Exam and complete additional continuing education requirements. Check with your state's licensing board for more information.

Master's in clinical social work overview

Earning your MSW prepares you for in-demand careers as a clinical social worker. You'll develop assessment and intervention skills during your program while also strengthening your therapeutic abilities.

prioritize flexibility. You can arrange courses around your career or other responsibilities, such as work and childcare. While most programs take two years, you can also find and .

Curriculum for a master's in clinical social work

Clinical social work programs can help you develop theoretical and practical social welfare and advocacy knowledge. MSW students also take specialized courses in areas such as child welfare, aging and health, and trauma-informed theory.

Common MSW courses include:

Social work research
Community practice
Clinical assessment and diagnosis
Social policy and advocacy
Clinical practice
Trauma-informed practice

MSW students also complete advanced clinical placements where they strengthen their psychotherapy and case management skills. These supervised clinical experiences can help you meet the requirements for clinical social work licensure.

Online format

Many well-known social work programs now offer fully online degree options. To access online lectures, videoconferencing sessions, and assignments, you will need a laptop and high-speed internet access.

While coursework is completed online, supervised practicum experience is most often earned in person at a field placement near you. Your university's field instructors will usually partner in securing a placement in a clinical setting near you.

Cost and financial aid

The cost of an MSW program varies depending on the program and your geographic location. For example, tuition as an online student in Valdosta State University's MSW program costs as little as $4,485, while out-of-state tuition for University of Michigan MSW students costs as much as $28,262. These figures do not factor in additional costs like housing, books and supplies, and transportation.

Students can pay for the cost of an MSW through scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Social work associations like the NASW Foundation and your university may offer these programs. You can also apply for federal student loans.

Admission requirements for online master's in clinical social work

The admission requirements for online MSW programs typically include:

A bachelor's degree
A personal statement
Letters of recommendation
A résumé

Some programs may require GRE or GMAT scores.

Regardless of your major, you can apply to MSW programs that focus on clinical social work. However, many programs offer advanced standing tracks for social work majors, which can save you time and money on your degree.

Frequently asked questions

How hard is it to get an LCSW?

To obtain an LCSW license, you'll need to earn an MSW degree, complete your post-graduate supervised experience, and pass the ASWB Clinical Exam. The experiential learning process can take around four years.

What do you need to be an LCSW?

You will need an MSW degree and the required number of hours of supervised clinical experience to apply for LCSW licensure.

What's the difference between an LCSW and an MSW?

An MSW, or master of social work, is the degree you need to become an LCSW, or licensed clinical social worker. After earning your MSW, you can apply for a clinical social work license.

What is the difference between an LCSW and a therapist?

An LCSW is a type of therapist who provides counseling and therapeutic services to clients. They often specialize in populations such as children, aging adults, people in the criminal justice system, or those with mental health conditions.

Explore online MSW programs by specialization

Last updated August 5, 2025