25 Best Affordable Online Social Work Degree Programs (Master’s) 2020

25. Aurora University

Aurora, Illinois

Website

Aurora University (Aurora, est. 1893) is a private, nonprofit institution, now independent but originally affiliated with the Advent Christian Church. It serves students at this campus, two learning centers, George Williams College (partnership), plus online, integrating Christian principles with its academic offering. U.S. News & World Report ranked Aurora in their 2019 college review lists in the Regional Universities Midwest category.

Aurora offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program requires 60 credits and 1,050 hours of field work. The curriculum is partitioned into two 30-credit groups: Foundation Curriculum and Concentration Curriculum, taken in that order, with a timeline of under three years. Four optional specialization choices for the MSW are: Faith-Based Social Work; Forensics; Health Care; Leadership Administration.

Online MSW courses run eight weeks each, examples of which include: Social Welfare Policy and Institutions; Theories of Human Development; Social Work Practice with Diverse & Vulnerable Populations. Typical careers for graduates of this MSW include: clinical social worker; community leader; forensic social work practitioner; health care social worker; marriage and family therapist; nonprofit leadership; social service administrator. Alternatives: dual-degree options with a second master’s in either Business Administration (MBA) or Public Administration (MPA).

24. Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, Colorado

Website

Colorado State University-Fort Collins (CSU, est. 1870) is a public institution and a member of the Colorado State University System. The university gets research funding of $300M per academic year and has a wide range of recognition from various publications and organizations. A few such sources are: Bloomberg BusinessWeek; Forbes Magazine; Military Times (top business schools for vets – statewide and nationally); U.S. News & World Report (2019: Best Value Schools, National Universities, Best Colleges for Veterans, #1 Online MBA in Colorado, Best Grad Schools Social Work – #11 Publics, #54 nationally); Washington Monthly.

CSU is also recognized in various categories for its sustainability initiatives from publications/organizations such as Princeton Review and Sierra magazine/Sierra Club. It is also the first university worldwide to achieve a Platinum rating from AASHE’s STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System) program. Amongst the many notable CSU alumni are actors/entertainers, athletes, astronauts, business executives, entrepreneurs, politicians and more. A few include Academy Award-winning veteran actor Keith Carradine and fashion/beauty/dog photographer Garry Gross (deceased), who photographed many celebrities including Whitney Houston and most controversially, Brooke Shields.

CSU offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: a hybrid Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and delivered by CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences (CHHS). The full program follows a minimum three-year cohort model and requires 60 credits for graduation. Studies are part-time, with courses online, but with on-campus orientations and two learning weekends each semester, plus in-person internships. However, advanced-standing program (ASP) status is given to students who have earned a CSWE-accredited BSW degree within the past seven years — in which case 42 credits are completed in two years part-time.

Example Concentration Year courses include: Advanced Policy Analysis, Advocacy, and Contemporary Issues; Advanced Practice: Communities; Advanced Practice: Families and Groups. Field education and capstone are also part of the curriculum. The foundation field work requirement is 270 hours (approximately 10 hrs/wk x two semesters), while the concentration field work requirement is 675 hours (approx. 12 hrs/wk x four semesters), for a total of 945 hours (compared to the CSWE minimum of 900 hours) for non-ASP students. Internship practice areas include: child protection; criminal justice; differently abled; domestic violence; mental health; older adults; people in poverty; public schools; and others.

23. Brescia University

Owensboro, Kentucky

Website

Brescia University (Brescia, est. 1925) is a private, nonprofit institution founded as a junior women’s college and affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. It has recognition from publishers/organizations such as: U.S. News & World Report (2019: Best Value Schools, Regional Colleges South); Washington Monthly (Best Bang for the Buck – Colleges Southwest, America’s Best Colleges for Adult Learners); Princeton Review (2018: Best Regional Colleges Southeast); WalletHub (2018: Best Colleges and Universities). Notable Brescia alumni include fiction writer/novelist Joey Goebel.

Brescia offers associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant online master’s degree: a Master of Social Work (MSW), which is accredited by the CSWE (Council on Social Work Education). Students can choose from part-time or full-time and regular or advanced standing options — the shortest of which takes nine months to complete (full-time; part-time is under two years). While courses are online, there are synchronous live chat events (weekly, evenings) requiring simultaneous sign-in. The advanced standing option is available to students who have earned a Bachelor’s of Social Work (accredited by CSWE) within the past five years. Students with jobs or other life responsibilities can select a part-time option, requiring a maximum of nine credits per semester. The program imparts “the advanced skills needed by social workers across the country.” Example courses include: Human Behavior in the Social Environment; Ethical Decision Making in Social Work; Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups.

22. University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Website

University of Alabama (UA, est. 1831) is a public institution and a member of the University of Alabama System. It has the honor of being the oldest public college in the state. UA’s student body has collectively earned over a dozen of each of Rhodes Scholar, Truman Scholar and Boren Scholar awards, plus over 30 Hollings Scholar awards, and 50+ Goldwater Scholar awards. For the 2018-19 prize year, 15 students won Fulbright awards. Recognition for UA’s academic offering includes that from: Business Insider; Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report (2019: Best Value Schools, National Universities, Best Colleges for Veterans); Washington Monthly and others. UA is an institution with many notable alumni, a few of whom are: actress Sonequa Martin-Green (The Walking Dead, Star Trek: Discovery) and writer Timothy Leary.

UA offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: a primarily online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and delivered through the UA School of Social Work. Courses are mainly online, with in-person skills labs, and there are mandatory in-person orientation sessions. While the full MSW requires 60 credits for graduation, students who hold a suitable CSWE-accredited BSW degree only require 42 credits to complete the Advanced-Standing Program (ASP). This consists of 12 credits of Bridge Courses (spring or summer), followed by a Concentration Year comprised of two 15-credit semesters (fall, spring).

Non-ASP students take a Foundation Year (summer + fall + spring or fall + spring) followed by a Concentration Year, totaling the aforementioned 60 credits. Example concentration year courses for either track include: Models and Methods of Social Work Practice with Adults in Mental Health; Models and Methods of Gerontological Social Work Practice; Models and Methods of Social Work Practice with Children and Adolescents in Mental Health. Alternatives: MSW students interested in a dual degree option and who are otherwise qualified may apply for either a JD (Juris Doctor) or MPH (Master of Public Health) second degree. Note: Course work for the JD is on-campus while the MPH is online.

21. Campbellsville University

Campbellsville, Kentucky

Website

Campbellsville University (CU, est. 1906) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Baptist Church. The university integrates Christian ideals into its academic offering. U.S. News & World Report ranked the university in several of their 2019 college review lists: Regional Universities South. In previous years: Best Online MBA Programs, Best Online Graduate non-MBA Business Programs, Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, Best Online Graduate Education Programs. Notable CU alumni include actor Randy Wayne (Sons & Daughters, NCIS, Numbers).

CU offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The full MSW program consists of 60 credits and takes at least two years. However, students with advanced standing (e.g., hold a suitable BSW degree earned within the past seven years) can complete the necessary 30 credits in as little as one year. The curriculum has three components: foundation, advanced standing, clinical. Advanced standing students can take either the clinical or the advanced standing courses. Non-advanced-standing students can do the same after completing foundation courses. Each component represents a year of study and practicums.

Example advanced standing courses include: World Problems and Advocacy; Change Theory; Leadership and Supervision in Social Work. There are also two practicums, each requiring 450 hours, but this is reduced for advanced-standing students who have previous practicum hours from their BSW. The program instills an “advanced understanding of the practical and theoretical knowledge” and prepares graduates for a variety of career roles, including: addiction/substance abuse counselor (military or otherwise); community mental health; child protection; counseling; criminal justice system; home health; public advocacy; therapy. Potential social worker career categories include: Child and family; Clinical; Geriatric; Healthcare; Mental health; Substance abuse counselor.

20. University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Little Rock, Arkansas

Website

University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR, est. 1927) is a public institution and a member of the University of Arkansas System. U.S. News & World Report ranked the university in several categories for 2019: National Universities, Business Programs, Engineering Programs – schools with a doctorate; previously: top 10 legal writing programs, top tier business schools. UALR notable alumni include a significant number of former and present members of the state’s House of Representatives.

UALR offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs — over 200 programs in total. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This is a 60-credit program currently only available to Arkansas residents. The Internship portion of the curriculum consists of 18 credits and can be completed with either coursework or 1200 hours of in-person practice. Example courses include: Human Behavior in the Social Environment; Social Welfare Policies and Services; Diversity and Oppression. All online courses each have a requirement that students attend five synchronous online sessions (in addition to asynchronous lectures). This program focuses particularly on clinical social work and prepares graduates “for advanced practice and leadership roles” in social services, particularly working with individuals and groups (families, etc.).

19. University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, North Dakota

Website

University of North Dakota (UND, est. 1883) is a public institution and a member of the North Dakota University System. The university has a history that predates North Dakota becoming a state. College review list publishers recognizing the university include: Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report (2019: Top Public Schools, National Universities, Business Programs, Engineering Programs — schools with a doctorate); Washington Monthly. UND has a lengthy list of notable alumni, including Pulitzer Prize winners Maxwell Anderson and Mel Ruder.

UND offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 225 in total. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and delivered by the Department of Social Work. For online options, there is the full degree track (60 credits, referred to as Distance Foundation) or the advanced standing track (36 credits, Distance Concentration). Both tracks require that applying students hold a bachelor’s degree, but for the DC track, it has to be a CSWE-accredited BSW.

Example advanced standing courses include: Advanced Generalist Practice with Families; Advanced Generalist Practice with Treatment Groups; Human Behavior in the Social Environment; Field Education Seminar. The program prepares graduates for careers in social work practice, developing leadership skills that can be applied to “help improve lives, redress injustices, improve systems, and prevent social problems and suffering.” Typical positions include: adult community mental health practitioner; case manager; chemical dependency and mental health counselor; program director; supervisor.

18. University of Texas at Arlington

Arlington, Texas

Website

University of Texas at Arlington (UTA, est. 1895) is a public institution and a member of the University of Texas System. While not officially an HSI (Hispanic-Serving Institution), its Spring 2017 enrollment comes close by less than 1% under. The university enjoys diversity-related rankings for Native American, Hispanic/LatinX, African-American and general minority student categories from Winds of Change magazine, Hispanic Network Magazine, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, and Latino Leaders magazine, collectively. The Brookings Institution also recognized UTA for its financial accessibility to education for students at all income levels. UTA also had the 2nd highest number of transfer students nationally in 2017 (and #1 in the state).

Its overall academic offering is recognized by college review publishers such as: U.S. News & World Report (2019: Top Public Schools, Business Programs, National Universities, Engineering Programs – schools with a doctorate; previously: Best Graduate Schools, undergrad ethnic diversity); Military Times (Best for Vets: Colleges – #7 2019 nationally); Washington Monthly (National Universities 2018, America’s Best Bang for the Buck Colleges — South); Victory Media (Military Friendly – #9 2018); Princeton Review (Best Colleges West – 2019); and others. Sierra Magazine/Sierra Club also recognized the university in their Cool Schools list for sustainability initiatives. Notable UTA alumni include Indo-American astronaut Kalpana Chawla (first East Indian woman in space) and actor Lou Diamond Phillips.

UTA offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees (over 180 in total), plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online or hybrid Master of Social Work (MSW), which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and delivered by UTA’s School of Social Work. This is currently only available to Texas residents. For those students taking this MSW, there are multiple tracks and specialization options. Firstly, there is a choice of full- or part-time online studies. Secondly, there are traditional (full degree) and advanced standing (requires suitable BSW) tracks — the first requiring 61 credits, and the second 38 credits. Finally, Advanced Standing students can choose an Accelerated online option to finish sooner. The curriculum itself has two concentration choices: Community and Administrative Practice (CAP) or Direct Practice (DP). In terms of Direct Practice choices in the Professional Curriculum. The latter has four specialization options; however, not all of them are available with all cohort options: Aging Services; Children and Family Services; Health Services; Mental Health and Substance Abuse. (Check the UTA website for details.)

Example courses in the Professional Foundation curriculum include: Human Behavior in the Social Environment; Foundations of Social Policy and Services; Diverse Populations. Students also participate in two Foundation Field “courses,” the first of which includes a seminar. Field work is completed in-person. Graduates of the program have found career opportunities as “clinical practitioners, program administrators and managers, consultants, educators, and researchers.”

17. Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, Colorado

Website

Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver, est. 1965) is a public institution and a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). Nearly half of undergraduate students are first-generation college students in their respective families, and over 44% of Fall 2018 undergrads are students of color. The university appears in multiple college review lists, including: U.S. News & World Report (2019: Business Programs, Regional Universities West); Forbes Magazine (Top Colleges); Washington Monthly (top bachelor’s programs); Diverse: Issues in Higher Education (top colleges – bachelor’s degrees to students of color); Military Times (Best for Vets: Best Colleges); G.I. Jobs (Military Friend Schools). Notable MSUD alumni include actress Pam Grier, who has appeared in dozens of movies and TV shows (“Bless This Mess” premieres in Apr 2019).

MSU Denver offers bachelor’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: a 60-credit Master of Social Work (MSW) with a choice of online, hybrid, on-campus (day, night, weekend) study options. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and delivered through MSUD’s Department of Social Work (DSW). Additionally students have the option of full-time (15 credits/semester) or part-time (6-9 credits/semester) studies. Whether a student is in the regular track (no BSW) or Advanced Standing (36 credits instead of 60; holds a suitable BSW), recent Pathway options include (subject to change): Children and Families; Mental Health; Leadership and Management — all of which are optional.

The fully online option is designed with students with responsibilities in mind — be it work or otherwise. Course activities will be a mix of synchronous and asynchronous, and field/practicum experiences will be in-person. Example advanced core courses include: Advanced Integrative Practice: Leadership; Advanced Integrative Practice: Clinical; Advanced Policy and Advocacy. Two capstones are part of the curriculum. The program prepares graduates with the skills “to serve the needs of individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations in a multicultural and global society.”

16. San Jose State University

San Jose, California

Website

San Jose State University (SJSU, est. 1857) is a public institution and a member of the California State University System. It has a diverse student population and takes the title of the oldest of the publics on the U.S. West Coast. SJSU enjoys college ranking positions from: Business Insider (#1 nationally for landing a job in Silicon Valley); BusinessWeek; Forbes Magazine (America’s Top Colleges, America’s Best Value Colleges); Money Magazine; Payscale (for return on investment); Princeton Review (best business programs); U.S. News & World Report (2019: Top Public Schools, Best Colleges for Veterans, Regional Universities West, Best Value Schools); Washington Monthly.

While SJSU notable alumni can be found in many fields, there are a significant number who end up in tech companies such as Apple and Facebook, and others who are company founders (Dolby Labs, Intel, Oracle, Seagate, WhatsApp) and/or billionaires, as well as athletes, entertainers, etc. A few such are: novelists Amy Tan and Patricia McKillip; singer/musician Stevie Nicks and her former Fleetwood Mac bandmate and love interest Lindsey Buckingham; and various members of Creedence Clearwater Revival and Jefferson Airplane.

SJSU offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: a 60-credit online Master of Social Work (MSW), accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and delivered through SJSU’s School of Social Work (SSW). While courses are online, field work is in-person (in California only). (Note that some classes may be synchronous, requiring online attendance at specific times.)

The program is designed part-time to allow professionals to continue working. As such, the typical timeline is two years, while simultaneously taking two courses and a field course (16 hours/week). SSW points out that certain field and/or training opportunities are reserved for on-campus track students and cannot be taken if you choose the Online/Hybrid option. What is common is their Transcultural Multi-Systems Practice concentration that is part of the advanced curriculum (following foundation courses). Example courses include: Social Policy and Services: History and Values; Social Policy Analysis; Transcultural Generalist Practice. The program’s transcultural perspective prepares students with the five elements SSW feels is important to social service skills and knowledge: cultural knowledge; cultural competency; power, privilege and oppression; positionality and self-reflexivity; respectful partnership.

15. University of Houston

Houston, Texas

Website

University of Houston (UH, est. 1927) is a public institution and a member of the University of Houston System. A Tier One research institution, the university is also a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). Recognition for its academic offering includes that from publishers such as: U.S. News & World Report (2019: Top Public Schools, National Universities, Best Online Graduate Education Programs, Business Programs, Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs; previously: top 25 Social Work Programs); Princeton Review; Washington Monthly; Forbes Magazine UH is an institution with many successful, notable alumni — two of which are novelist Alice Sebold (author of the book that inspired the movie “The Lovely Bones”) and actor Jim Parsons (“Sheldon Cooper” on both “The Big Bang Theory” and “Young Sheldon”).

UH offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Social Work (MSW; hybrid or in-person options available), which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and delivered by UH’s Graduate College of Social Work. The full program requires 63 credits (three years) and is designed for students without a suitable BSW and includes some preliminary portion before the Advanced Track (2.5 years) curriculum begins. Students with such a BSW take the Advanced Standing track, which requires 38 credits for completion.

Concentration choices are either Clinical Practice or Macro Practice, plus a “crossover concentration” of nine credits (included in the 38). Additionally, there is a choice of four specializations: Health and Behavioral Health; Social Work Practice with Latinos; Political Social Work; Individualized Specialization. Students in the full track also need to complete 900 hours of field work in the program, while Advanced Standing students complete 500 hours. Graduates of this program have an opportunity to practice “promoting the well-being of all persons, ameliorating the harmful effects of unhealthy social environments, and striving to achieve social and economic justice.” Alternatives: Several dual-degree options with other master’s and doctorate programs are available for the MSW.

14. University of Maine

Orono, Maine

Website

University of Maine (UMaine, est. 1865) is a public institution and a member of the University of Maine System. It has been ranked in college reviews for its programs by several top publishers, including: U.S. News & World Report (2019: Top Public Schools, National Universities, Business Programs, Engineering Programs – schools with doctorate); Forbes Magazine; Washington Monthly; Princeton Review (Best Colleges 2019). UMaine notable alumni are successful in many fields (entertainment, arts, politics, science, business, sports, etc.) and include not just Horror/Science Fiction author Stephen King but also his author wife Tabitha King.

UMaine offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online or online-hybrid Master of Social Work (MSW), accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and delivered by UMaine’s School of Social Work. While the full program requires 63 credits for graduation, students with an accredited BSW take the Advanced Standing track, which requires 46 credits. Examples of Advanced Standing courses include: Human Behavior and the Social Environment; Social Welfare Policy and Issues for Generalist Practitioners; Adult and Child Psychopathology. Graduates of this program find careers as “social work clinicians, program planners, administrators, and community change agents in a wide range of public and private settings and systems.”

13. Concord University

Athens, West Virginia

Website

Concord University (Concord, est. 1872) is a Tier 2 public institution with a student population that leans to female (nearly 60%). Recognition for Concord includes that from: U.S. News & World Report (2019: Regional Universities South); Princeton Review (Best Colleges, Best in the Southeast); Military Times EDGE Magazine (best colleges for veterans – #3 2014). Notable concord alumni include a number of educators, politicians and athletes, including female championship boxer Christy Martin (retired), who fought Laila Ali (daughter of Muhammad Ali) and was in undercard events for the likes of boxers Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield.

Concord offers bachelor’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Social Work (MSW), accredited by Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program is designed to accept both students with and without a CSWE-accredited BSW, and prepares them for “advanced social work practice with a rural concentration”. Those students without an appropriate BSW must first take one year of Standard Generalist Year curriculum courses (24 credits). After this year, students can join advanced-standing students in the Advanced Generalist curriculum courses (36 credits). Courses are delivered through Blackboard CE 8 Learning System software. Example advanced courses include: Advanced Human Behavior and the Social Environment in Rural Settings; Advanced Rural Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups; Appalachian Culture, Structures, and Environment.

12. University of Central Florida

Orlando, Florida

Website

University of Central Florida (UCF, est. 1963) is a public institution and a member of the State University System of Florida. It serves students on nearly a dozen campuses or learning centers, plus online. It counts amongst its staff and graduate students over a dozen each of Fulbright Scholars and NSF Grad Research Fellowships, respectively. Its overall academic offering is recognized by several college review publishers: U.S. News & World Report (2019: Best Undergraduate Teaching, National Universities, Most Innovative, top 100 for various grad programs); Princeton Review (best value colleges/universities); Kiplinger’s (best values); Forbes (most affordable colleges). UCF boasts many notable alumni amongst entertainers, politicians/heads of state, astronauts/NASA admin, business executives, entrepreneurs and more — some of whom include actress Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm) and WhatsApp cofounder Brian Acton.

UCF offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs, in 200+ majors. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Social Work (MSW), which is accredited by Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and delivered by UCF’s College of Health Professions and Sciences. This program requires 62 credits for completion and is designed for students not holding a BSW earned within the past five years. (Advanced-standing students should look into UCF’s non-online MSW options. Students applying to the online track cannot switch to on-campus, and vice versa.) The timeline is nine semesters, and the program offers clinical and field options. Example courses include: Human Behavior in the Social Environment; Diverse Client Populations; Social Work Practice II: Intervention Approaches. Graduates of this program may find themselves in career roles such as: case manager; child welfare caseworker; clinical practitioner; counselor (general or substance abuse); grant writer or researcher; social worker (clinical mental health, medical, school).

11. University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Website

University of Arkansas (UARK, est. 1871) is a public institution and a member of the University of Arkansas System. It enjoys college review rankings spots on lists published by Kiplinger’s and U.S. News & World Report (2019: Top Public Schools, National Universities, Business Programs, Best Online Programs – 2018 Grad Education and Bachelor’s). UARK’s lengthy list of notable alumni found success in many fields (entertainment, writing, business, education, science, politics, law, sports — with professional athletes and over 50 Olympians, etc.) and include: James William Fulbright (deceased; a Southern Democratic senator for whom the Fulbright scholarship is named); and billionaire Jerry Jones, owner of NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.

UARK offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs — over 200 programs in total. It has one relevant program: an online Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW), which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and delivered by UARK’s School of Social Work. This program requires a BSW and is GRE-exempt. The 39 credits are completed 100% online, full-time only, and take one year for completion. There is a full-year in-person (local) internship of 22 hours per week (three days/week). Example courses include: Advanced Practice Using the Multi-System Life Course Perspective; Advanced Practice with Children and Youth Using the MSLC Perspective; Advanced Practice with Adults Using the MSLC Perspective. Two”Thesis Lab” courses are only required for students choosing a Thesis track. This MSW program both prepares its graduates for either advanced practice career roles or further studies in a relevant PhD program.

10. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo, Florida

Website

Saint Leo University (SLU, est. 1889) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Recognition for Saint Leo includes organizations/publishers such as: Diverse: Issues in Higher Education (2018 top institutions – degrees granted to African-American students in business and related majors); Military Times (Best for Vets: Colleges); NSA/DHS (National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education); President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll (for various community service categories); U.S. News & World Report (2019: Best Value Schools, Best Colleges for Veterans, Regional Universities South; previously: Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, Best Online Graduate Education, Best Online MBAs). For its military-centric efforts, SLU also has recognition from Military Times, Victory Media and other. Among numerous notable SLU alumni is actor/entertainer Desi Arnaz Sr. (deceased) who is probably best known for being married to Lucille Ball and also playing himself as her husband in the original “I Love Lucy” TV series. Their Desilu Productions company produced several popular TV series, including the original Star Trek science fiction series.

SLU offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: a hybrid synchronous Master’s of Social Work degree, which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students have a choice of full- or part-time studies, and a regular standing (new to social work studies) or Advanced Standing (have a BSW already). The main track is 62 credits, although the online option is for Advance Standing students only (BSW earned within the past five years) who are resident in any of the following states: Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia. This has an Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) Concentration, which requires 32 credits, and takes about one year full-time (part-time option available).

Classes are synchronous (need to attend at a specific time) and are online and via webcam on evenings (three days/week), plus day-time internship hours, and residency requirement of one weekend on-campus seminar for summer semester. Example courses include: Advanced Clinical Practice with Individuals; Ethical Foundations in Social Work Practice; Substance Abuse Assessment and Intervention. Graduates of this program are prepared to practice social work services that “promote social and economic justice, and human rights locally, nationally and globally.” Typical careers include: Marriage and Family Counselor; Military Social Work; School Social Work; Substance Abuse Counselor. Completion of this MSW makes graduates eligible for Licensed Clinical Social Worker Therapist (LCSWT) certification.

9. Texas State University

San Marcos, Texas

Website

Texas State University (TSU, est. 1899) is a public institution and a member of the Texas State University System. The university awards more bachelor’s degrees to Hispanic/LatinX students than nearly every American public institution. For its overall academic offering, TSU has college rankings recognition from: Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report (2019: National Universities, Business Programs, Engineering Programs – schools with a doctorate); Washington Monthly; Military Times. Notable TSU alumni include President Lyndon Baines Johnson, who served after President Kennedy.

TSU offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, delivered by the School of Social Work and accredited by the CSWE (Council on Social Work Education). The Advanced Practice Leadership (APL) is the default concentration, with track options of Foundation (no BSW; 62 credits) or Advanced Standing (student has a BSW; 36 credits). Students can further choose between full-time (three courses per semester) or part-time (two courses) studies. Example courses include: Human Behavior in Individual and Family Social Environments; Human Behavior in Local and Global Social Environments; Advanced Social Policy and Social Justice, plus Foundation Field courses and Practicums. Graduates of this program will gain skills in practice and advocacy, and will find career opportunities in many areas of social service, possibly determined by taking relevant elective courses to a student’s future area of practice interest.

8. California State University-Northridge

Northridge, California

Website

California State University-Northridge (CSUN, est. 1958) is a public institution and a member of the public California State University System. CSUN is a top producer of Hispanic bachelor’s degree graduates (#3 nationally) and master’s degree graduates (#10 nationally). The university has been ranked by several other publishers/organizations, including: U.S. News & World Report (2019: Top Public Schools, Engineering Programs – with no doctorate, Regional Universities West, Business Programs); Forbes Magazine (2018 America’s Best Value Colleges); Money Magazine (2018 Best Colleges); Washington Monthly (Best Bang for the Buck – West); Social Mobility Index (#13 2018). CSUN has a very long list of notable alumni, many of whom – not surprisingly given its geographic closeness to Los Angeles/Hollywood – are entertainers. Just a few are: actress Helen Hunt, Paula Abdul, Eva Longoria, Richard Dreyfus, Robert Englund (played “Freddy Krueger” in several horror films) and many more.

CSUN offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has one relevant online program: an online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, accredited by the CSWE (Council on Social Work Education). The Online option is full-time and takes four semesters/two years. There is a weekly synchronous Field Education class requirement (e.g., online), and two asynchronous courses are taken simultaneously, for a total of 20 courses, excluding field education sessions. This is amounts to 60 credits for completion. Example courses include: Human Behavior in the Social Environment; Generalist Social Work Theory and Practice; Social Work Practice in Multicultural Settings. Graduates of the program will find career opportunities to “enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people.”

7. University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah

Website

University of Utah (UofU, est. 1850) is a public institution affiliated with the Utah System of Higher Education. It enjoys ranking position in college review lists published by: U.S. News & World Report (2019: National Universities, Best Value Schools); Bloomberg Business Week (#2 Best Business School, #2 for Entrepreneurship); Princeton Review (2019: top undergrad and grad Entrepreneur Studies); Washington Monthly; and others. UofU has many very accomplished alumni, including entrepreneurs/business leaders, professional athletes, educators, politicians, writers/authors and more. Two such alumni include Ed Catmull (co-founder of Pixar) and multi-genre novelist Orson Scott Card, who is still the only author to earn both of the two biggest science fiction awards (Hugo and Nebula) two years in a row (as of the 2018/2017 award years).

UofU offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW). The program is advanced-standing only, requiring a BSW for admission. It consists of 45 credits, which takes about two years full-time or three years part-time (15 credits per semester). (Note that other MSW options are not available online.) The main MSW track offers seven concentrations. Check the website or call the College of Social Work to determine which of these are available as part of the online MSW track. Example courses include: Ethics and Professional Social Work; Human behavior and the Social Environment; Social Justice, Human Rights and Macro Social Work. Two Field Practicums are part of the curriculum as well. Graduates of this program typically find social work practice roles in areas such as aging, child welfare, corrections, health or mental health, etc.

6. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Edinburg, Texas

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University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV, est. 2013) is a public institution and a member of the University of Texas System. The result of a merger of two former U of T campuses, UTRGV claims the title of the 2nd largest Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) in the U.S. UTRGV is a top producer of Hispanic/LatinX graduates in the state for several categories (jointly with the two campuses that precede the UTRGV merged institution), for both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university has earned college ranking positions in lists published by: U.S. News & World Report (2019: National Universities, Engineering Programs – schools with no doctorate, Business Programs); Washington Monthly (2018: #1 lowest net price, #7 Best Bang for the Buck South, #1 for social mobility in Texas, and others; previously: Best Master’s Universities); Forbes Magazine (America’s Top Colleges). It has also been designated as a “Bright Spot in Hispanic Education” by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. Amongst the numerous notable UTRGV alumni is retired NBA basketball player and Olympian (gold) Lucious Jackson.

UTRGV offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW), which has two 33-credit specializations, both of which are Advanced Standing tracks: Administration and Community Practice (ACP); Direct Practice with Latino Individuals, Families and Groups (DPLIFG). Courses run in 7-week sessions, with a timeline of about 12 months. The specialization selected defines the type of career work that follows. Common courses include: Social Work with Diverse Populations; Social Work Practice with Latinos; Child Welfare. Both specializations have mostly distinct curriculums, with ACP having two Macro Practicums (250 hours each), and DPLIFG having two Clinical Practicums. This MSSW is CSWE-accredited, and completion makes graduates eligible for LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) certification.

5. University of South Dakota

Vermillion, South Dakota

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University of South Dakota (USD, est. 1862) is a public institution overseen by the South Dakota Board of Regents. Some of the college review lists the university has ranked on include those published by: U.S. News & World Report (2019: Top Public Schools, Business Programs, National Universities; previously: Best for Rural Medicine, Best Online Graduate Business Programs); Princeton Review (Best Colleges, Best Business Schools, Best Law Schools); Forbes Magazine (America’s Top Colleges, Best in the Midwest); Military Times (Best for Vets: Top four-year colleges). Notable USD alumni include former NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Brokaw (retired).

USD offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online Master of Social Work (MSW). Designed for students who will provide social services to communities in South Dakota, the program requires 60 credit hours, including a concentration. Advanced Standing students will have a separate but similar curriculum of only 36 credits. Courses are online but are not offered every semester. Example courses include: Diversity and Social Justice in Rural and Urban Communities; Practice with Communities; Advanced Practice with Individuals, Children and Families; plus four Field Education courses (two of which are advanced). Graduates of this program find careers in which they “deliver clinical and therapeutic services, administrative and staff supervision, community development, organizational planning, and social policy analysis and advocating.”

4. University of Nevada-Reno

Reno, Nevada

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University of Nevada-Reno (UNR, est. 1874) is a Tier 1 public institution and a member of the Nevada System of Higher Education. It has been ranked on various college review list, including those published by: U.S. News & World Report (2019: National Universities, Business Programs, Engineering Programs – schools with doctorate); Forbes Magazine; Washington Monthly. UNR’s notable people list includes no fewer than six Pulitzer Prize winners, including Ron Einstoss, who covered the Watts Riot in Los Angeles in 1966.

UNR offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant program: an online +low-residency Master of Social Work (MSW). Accredited by CSWE (Council on Social Work Education), the MSW follows an Advanced generalist practice (AGP). Students are prepared for clinical social work or other roles at any practice level. Example courses include: Structural Oppression; Social Work Methods with Organizations, Communities and Legislatures; Advanced Multi-dimensional Assessment. The 62-credit curriculum includes two Foundation Practicums and two Advanced Practicums. (One 3-day residency is required for the regular track, to participate at the patient simulation facilities at UNR’s School of Medicine.) The MSW’s Advanced Standing option reduces the credit requirement to 32 (15 months) for graduation. There is no GRE requirement for application.

3. Delaware State University

Dover, Delaware

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Delaware State University (DSU, est. 1891) is a public, historically black college/university (HBCU). Its academic offering has been ranked by Washington Monthly and U.S. News & World Report (2019: Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Regional Universities North, Business Programs), amongst others. Notable DSU alumni include jazz trumpeter Clifford Brown and singer SZA.

DSU offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant online program: a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, with a single concentration of Advanced Generalist Practice. Graduates of the program will be prepared to work individuals, families and groups, including organizations and communities – particularly in Delaware. Issues are covered from a global perspective, to build awareness of social concerns both inside and outside of the United States. Example courses include: Social Welfare Policies and Services Policy; Human Behavior and the Social Environment; Theories of Personality and Adult Psychopathology. The 60-credit curriculum also includes several Field Practicums. Note: This program no longer requires GRE/MAT scores for application.

2. New Mexico State University

Las Cruces, New Mexico

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New Mexico State University (NMSU, est. 1888) is a public institution and a member of the New Mexico State University System. The university enjoys recognition from multiple publishers/organization, including: U.S. & World Report (2019: National Universities, High School Counselor Rankings, Top Public Schools, Business Programs, Engineering Programs – schools with doctorate); Military Times (Best for Vets: Colleges 2017); Center for World University Rankings (2018/19: top higher education institution worldwide); National Science Foundation (#1 for science and engineering funding); Brookings Institution (#2 for equal access to higher education).

NMSU offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one relevant online program: a Master of Social Work (MSW). This MSW, while described as Advanced Generalist, focuses on the knowledge needed to work with clients in Southwestern USA — whether families, groups or individuals — particularly in terms of cultural responsiveness. Students can choose a full-time (two years) or part-time (three years) track. The Advanced Standing option (one year) is only available onsite. Students apply critical thinking skills with the SW knowledge and theories. Example courses include: Socio-cultural Concepts and Populations of the Southwest; Human Behavior and Social Environment; Social Problems and Social Welfare Policy. The 60-credit curriculum includes a number of Social Work Practice and Generalist Field Practicum courses.

1. Western New Mexico University

Silver City, New Mexico

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Western New Mexico University (WNMU, est. 1893) is a public institution designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), and with about 50% of undergrads being of Hispanic origin — double the minimum requirement to be an HSI. Notable WNMU alumni include poet Kenneth Wayne Brewer.

WNMU offers associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs, in over 70 majors. It has one relevant online program: a Master’s in Social Work (MSW), with accreditation from the CSWE (Council on Social Work Education). While courses are online, students can also choose in-class options or a mix. Three start dates per year. Sample courses include: Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice; Human Behavior in the Social Environment; Theories and Techniques of Clinical SWK Practice; and four Field Practicums. WNMU graduates of this program have collectively found careers in a range of environments, including: government agencies, hospitals, out-patient clinics, private practice, schools, treatment facilities, and other environments.