Social Work, MSW, Online
Quick Facts
Credit Hours: 60 | Estimated Time to Completion: 22 months | Cost Per Credit Hour: $500 | Start Dates: Fall
Program Details
- Location
- Akron Campus
- Level
- graduate
- Academic Pathway
- major
- Degree/Program Type
- MSW Master of Social Work
- Format
- online
- Course Info
- Course Sequence
- College
- Health and Human Sciences, College of (Dean's Office)
- School/Department
- School of Social Work & Family Sciences
Program Contact
- Becky L. Thomas, Ph.D., LISW-S
-
Associate Director of School of Social Work and Family Sciences
330-972-5682
Program Overview
The University of Akron Online offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) designed to prepare you for advanced practice in clinical, community, and organizational settings. This CSWE-accredited program builds the knowledge and applied skills needed to support individuals, families, and communities while addressing complex social challenges.
Delivered 100% online in an asynchronous format, the program gives you the flexibility to balance coursework, field education, and your other responsibilities. You’ll learn from experienced faculty who teach both online and on campus, bringing real-world insight into every course.
Through a combination of rigorous coursework and supervised field placements, you’ll develop the foundation needed to pursue social work licensure* and advance your career, with full-time, part-time, and Advanced Standing options available. With competitive tuition and flexible delivery, the program offers one of the most affordable pathways to earning a Master of Social Work degree in Northeast Ohio.
What You’ll Learn
Build advanced skills to navigate complex challenges, advocate for others, and create meaningful change in the communities you serve.
Skills Gained
Apply advanced social work practice methods
Assess and respond to individual, family, and community needs
Advocate for social justice and equitable access to care
Use evidence-based approaches to guide interventions
Communicate effectively across diverse populations
Core Practice
Engage in direct and indirect social work practice
Apply ethical decision-making in professional settings
Address issues such as inequality, mental health, and substance use
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and community partners
Translate theory into practice through field experience
Key Topics
Human behavior and the social environment
Social work practice methods
Social policy and human rights
Psychopathology and mental health
Program evaluation and research
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the online MSW program are prepared for advanced roles across clinical, community, and organizational settings.
Job Titles
Licensed social worker (LSW/LISW, depending on licensure)*
Clinical social worker
Mental health counselor
Child and family social worker
Substance abuse counselor
Medical social worker
School social worker
Program coordinator or nonprofit administrator
Where You’ll Work
Hospitals and health systems
Mental health and behavioral health organizations
Child welfare and family service agencies
Schools and higher education
Nonprofit and community organizations
Government and public service agencies
Career Advancement Pathways
Pursue social work licensure* (state-specific requirements apply)
Advance into clinical or supervisory roles
Move into leadership or administrative positions
Specialize in areas such as mental health, child welfare, or substance use
Continue into doctoral study or advanced certifications
MSW Curriculum at a Glance
The curriculum combines advanced coursework with supervised field education to prepare you for professional practice.
Generalist Foundation
Your coursework begins with a generalist foundation that prepares you to work with individuals, families, groups, and communities. You’ll study human behavior, social work practice, social policy, and more while building an understanding of social justice in practice.
Seminar courses are included as part of the program, allowing you to apply what you learn in professional settings.
→ View full program requirements
Advanced Practice Coursework
As you progress, you’ll complete advanced coursework aligned with your professional goals through two areas of practice:
- Micro (Direct) Social Work – Focus on direct practice with individuals, families, and groups, preparing you for roles in mental health, health care, child welfare, and community-based services.
- Macro Social Work – Focus on organizations, communities, and systems, preparing you for roles in leadership, administration, advocacy, and program development.
These concentration areas allow you to tailor your degree to the type of impact you want to make while building specialized skills for your career path.
Field Education and Internships
Field education is a central component of the online MSW program. You’ll complete supervised, regional field placements in settings such as health care organizations, community agencies, schools, and behavioral health environments. These experiences allow you to apply classroom knowledge, build professional skills, and gain hands-on experience working with individuals, families, and communities.
→ View field practicum courses
Flexible Program Options
The MSW program offers multiple pathways to fit your background and schedule. Full-time and part-time options allow you to balance coursework with work and personal responsibilities.
If you hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program, you may qualify for Advanced Standing, which allows you to complete the degree in as few as 11 months.
Accreditation
CSWE-Accredited for Professional Practice
Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), this program meets national standards for preparing you to enter the social work profession.
Rankings
Recognized Among Top Online Universities
UAkron Online has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s top online universities, reflecting a strong commitment to quality and student success.
Licensure
Prepare for Social Work Licensure
This program provides the educational foundation needed to pursue social work licensure. Learn more about licensure.
Admissions Information
Review the admissions process, requirements, and next steps for applying to the online MSW program.
Admission to the online MSW program requires meeting the general admission standards of The University of Akron Graduate School, as well as the specific requirements of the School of Social Work and Family Sciences.
To apply to the online Master of Social Work, you’ll need:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- A minimum 3.0 GPA in overall coursework
- A written essay (3–6 pages) outlining your interest in social work, relevant experience, and career goals
- A current resume highlighting professional or volunteer experience in social work or human services
- Letters of recommendation (typically four, including one from a current or recent supervisor, if applicable)
- To apply to The University of Akron Graduate School
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for fall and spring start terms. Advanced Standing applicants should apply by March 31 for priority consideration.
If you earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program, you may be eligible for Advanced Standing and a faster path to completion.
Need help? An Enrollment Advisor can guide you through each step.
→ View graduate admissions requirements
Tuition and Cost Considerations
Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis for graduate programs.
- Ohio resident tuition: $500.00 per credit hour
- Online students benefit from a reduced out-of-state surcharge of $1 per credit hour
→ View tuition and fees for graduate students
→ Estimate your cost of attendance
Financial Aid Options
Students may be eligible for a variety of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Graduate student loans
- Work-study opportunities (when available)
- Institutional scholarships
The University of Akron provides financial aid to a significant number of graduate students each year.
Scholarships and Support
Over 100 scholarship opportunities are available for students completing courses and field placements in addictions, behavioral health, and child welfare.
→ Learn more about scholarships
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid offers support throughout the process, including assistance with FAFSA completion, understanding your aid package, and planning for educational costs.
Admission to the online MSW program requires meeting the general admission standards of The University of Akron Graduate School, as well as the specific requirements of the School of Social Work and Family Sciences.
To apply to the online Master of Social Work, you’ll need:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- A minimum 3.0 GPA in overall coursework
- A written essay (3–6 pages) outlining your interest in social work, relevant experience, and career goals
- A current resume highlighting professional or volunteer experience in social work or human services
- Letters of recommendation (typically four, including one from a current or recent supervisor, if applicable)
- To apply to The University of Akron Graduate School
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for fall and spring start terms. Advanced Standing applicants should apply by March 31 for priority consideration.
If you earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program, you may be eligible for Advanced Standing and a faster path to completion.
Need help? An Enrollment Advisor can guide you through each step.
→ View graduate admissions requirements
Tuition and Cost Considerations
Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis for graduate programs.
- Ohio resident tuition: $500.00 per credit hour
- Online students benefit from a reduced out-of-state surcharge of $1 per credit hour
→ View tuition and fees for graduate students
→ Estimate your cost of attendance
Financial Aid Options
Students may be eligible for a variety of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Graduate student loans
- Work-study opportunities (when available)
- Institutional scholarships
The University of Akron provides financial aid to a significant number of graduate students each year.
Scholarships and Support
Over 100 scholarship opportunities are available for students completing courses and field placements in addictions, behavioral health, and child welfare.
→ Learn more about scholarships
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid offers support throughout the process, including assistance with FAFSA completion, understanding your aid package, and planning for educational costs.
Online Social Work Faculty
Learn from experienced faculty who teach both online and on campus, bringing professional social work expertise into every course.
“I chose online to help accommodate my work and internship schedule. It is a great opportunity but required dedication and commitment. If you have a busy lifestyle it provides a peace of mind to work from home. I would recommend a lot of self care and time management.”
Online MSW Program FAQs
Yes, you can earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) completely online through programs like The University of Akron’s. Courses are delivered in a flexible, asynchronous format, allowing you to complete coursework at your own pace. While classes are online, the accredited MSW program also includes in-person field placements, where you gain supervised, hands-on experience in professional settings.
Yes, online MSW programs are accepted for licensure as long as they are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Accreditation ensures the program meets national standards required for professional practice. After earning your degree, you’ll still need to meet state-specific licensing requirements, which may include supervised experience and passing a licensing exam. Learn more about licensure.
An MSW program typically takes about two years to complete when enrolled full-time. At The University of Akron, the online MSW can be completed in as few as 22 months. Students who qualify for Advanced Standing, based on a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), may be able to finish in a shorter timeframe, often around 11 months. Part-time options are also available for added flexibility.
An MSW prepares you for a wide range of roles in social work and related fields. Career paths may include clinical social work, mental health counseling, child and family services, health care social work, school-based support, and community or nonprofit leadership. Many roles focus on supporting individuals and communities, advocating for social justice, and improving access to resources and care.
Salaries for MSW graduates vary by role, setting, and level of experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers earn a median annual salary of around $60,000, with higher earnings possible in specialized or clinical roles. Positions in health care, government, and advanced practice settings may offer increased earning potential as you gain experience and licensure.
Earn Your MSW Degree Online
Take your next step with a CSWE-accredited online MSW program designed to prepare you for professional practice.