Choose a master’s in social work program you can trust. Walden’s MSW is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)—so you know you’re getting a high-quality education that prepares you for real-world practice.
BE LICENSURE-READY
Take the next step toward becoming a licensed social worker—Walden’s MSW program meets the academic requirements for licensure in many states.
MAKE A SOCIAL IMPACT
Grow as a changemaker with a community-focused curriculum that empowers you to champion social justice for diverse communities.
SAVE ON YOUR MSW
Reduce your tuition through scholarship savings, generous credit transfer, and MSW program paths that accelerate your time to completion.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
The Traditional option is the best fit if you have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than social work. Complete your online MSW program in as few as two years of full-time study and three years of part-time study.
The Traditional Fast Track option is a good fit if you’re ready to move quickly and can dedicate extra time to your studies.
Featured MSW Courses
This course provides students with a detailed examination of the use of telehealth technologies to transform the delivery of social work and improve access to mental health care. Through the lens of diversity and client-centeredness, students explore the history and future possibilities of telehealth in social work. Students analyze policy, regulation, and ethics in the virtual environment. As future social workers, they consider how to adapt their skills to telehealth and devise strategies to troubleshoot technology, assess risk, and develop the therapeutic alliance virtually. They then apply these strategies through a sequence of simulations with a telehealth client.
Students in this foundation course are provided with an understanding of the intersection between the social environment and the healthy lifespan development of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Throughout the course, students examine the dynamics of human behavior including biological, psychological, and social systems from birth to young adulthood. They also analyze case studies for the ways in which gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, and disability impact human development. Overall, students explore human behavior through the lens of human development, the environment, and social context.
This foundation course is designed to develop students’ understanding of the importance of research to social work practice. Students are introduced to basic principles of scientific method including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research. While exploring the research process, they analyze associated ethical and cultural considerations, evaluate existing literature, and build a research proposal on a topic of interest. This is the first of two courses designed to prepare students as scholar-practitioners who use research to inform their ethical, culturally competent social work practice.
This is the first foundation course in the four-part field practicum sequence. Students are required to complete 200 hours in an approved social services agency under the supervision of a professional social worker. Through the practicum experience, students are introduced to the role of a professional social worker. Students demonstrate skills in maintaining boundaries and ethics while interacting in a professional manner with clients. Through their participation in a weekly hour-long seminar with their instructor and peers, students demonstrate their integration of classroom knowledge with professional practice skills.
This is an advanced course designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to apply clinical social work services. Students in this course focus on the application of evidence-based theories and other intervention methods with individuals and families. There is a particular focus on individuals and families from diverse cultural backgrounds and marginalized or oppressed populations in this course. Students demonstrate therapeutic skills to engage clients, to define and prioritize issues, to set mutually developed goals, and to commit to the change process. Students select, implement, monitor, and evaluate interventions.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
The Advanced Standing option is ideal if you already hold a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program and graduated with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This option lets you skip foundational courses and start your online MSW with advanced-level courses.
Featured Online MSW Courses
In this advanced course, students gain knowledge and skills to apply research-based models, theories, and intervention methods to groups and organizations. The focus of the course is on therapeutic factors in group process and the tasks and skills of the clinical social worker in forming, planning, facilitating, documenting, and evaluating groups. A special emphasis is placed on cultural and gender-sensitive application of social work group practice. There is an added emphasis on empowerment of groups, organizations, and communities. Students explore the structure, role, goals, and impact of organizations, including culturally sensitive management, and the impact of organizations on social welfare and the delivery of human services. Students effectively engage, assess, develop, implement, and evaluate research-based interventions with groups and organizations.
This advanced course is designed to prepare students for clinical social work practice that reflects an advanced understanding of life-span development and socio-psychological identity development with individuals from young adulthood through later adulthood, their families, within groups, and communities. Throughout this course, students will use their learning around life-span development and socio-psychological identity development to understand human behavior and, particularly, individual and family functioning within the environmental context. With an emphasis on ethical practice in social work, this course gives students the opportunity to use this information to inform their assessments, evaluations, interventions, and advocacy for their clients.
This advanced course is designed to support students’ development as scholar-practitioners in clinical social work. Students identify and apply research that can be used to advance their practice, including social welfare, advocacy, and policy. Throughout the course, students are provided resources and activities designed to help them become critical consumers of research for the sake of ethical, evidence-based clinical social work practice. Students in this course have the opportunity to evaluate research design, research methods, and the applicability of results to diverse populations.
Students in this advanced course prepare for roles as supervisors, leaders, and administrators in clinical social work. Students examine leadership theory and strategies for leadership development, ethical practice as clinical supervisors, and the roles of administrators in social work organizations. Students participate in activities that develop their skills in critical decision making to address some of the complex problems that face leaders and administrators in social work. As a result of this course, students will understand the competencies of social work supervisors, leaders, and administrators and will identify a plan for their own continued development in these areas.
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of theories, models, and intervention methods for clinically informed advanced generalist social work practice. Students explore the theories and models for application to working with clients. The emphasis of the course is to understand the assumptions of theories and models and how they guide social work assessment, intervention, and practice evaluation. In addition, students evaluate the strengths and limitations of the various theories, with specific consideration to compatibility of a theory with a client's diverse background and to social work values. Students integrate multiple sources of knowledge to critically evaluate a theory or model’s applicability to social work practice.
Mission
As the #1 granter of Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees, the online MSW program prepares scholar-practitioners who demonstrate culturally responsive ethical, evidence-based practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The curriculum emphasizes cultural humility within a strengths-based, generalist intervention model and provides advanced clinical skills needed for specialized practice. The program prepares students to be change agents within and beyond their local communities and to advocate for social justice on behalf of diverse populations, with particular attention to people who are vulnerable and/or oppressed.
Interactive and Hands-On Learning
In Walden’s online MSW program, you’ll take part in interactive Skills Labs that help you practice and grow in real-world ways—so you feel ready and excited to step into the field. Build confidence through one-on-one engagement with peers and faculty, learn to lead groups, and strengthen your ability to advocate within organizations and communities.
These labs combine online coursework with an in-person or live virtual component. The schedule includes three weeks of online learning, followed by three days of face-to-face or virtual live sessions, and then two additional weeks online.
Collaborate with faculty and peers as you work through case studies and videos that mirror real situations you’ll face in practice—so you’re ready to make an impact from day one.
In the MSW practicum experience, you’ll complete 900 hours of hands-on training at an approved social services agency, guided by a licensed social worker. This gives you the chance to step into the role of a practitioner, apply your classroom learning, and build confidence working with clients—all while practicing professional ethics and boundaries. You’ll also join weekly live seminars with your instructor and peers, where you’ll connect, share experiences, and strengthen the skills you’ll carry into your career.
Admissions
You’ll work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who’ll guide you through every step—from finding the right program to funding your education.
Streamlined Admissions Process
Earning your Master of Social Work online is a big decision, which is why we’ve streamlined and simplified the admissions process. Start your journey with:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No essay
No GRE or GMAT scores required
Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher. For the Advanced Standing option, students must have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program with a GPA of at least 3.0.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application, transcripts, and Acknowledgement Statement. Speak to an Enrollment Specialist who will guide you through the application process. More information for international applicants.
Questions? Our Enrollment Specialists are here to give you answers and help you prepare your application.
Tuition Breakdown
You have big plans for your future. That’s why Walden offers ways to reduce your online Master of Social Work tuition costs and make your degree more attainable. These include:
Believe & Achieve Scholarship®
Transfer of credit
Advanced Standing option
Fast Track option
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
This scholarship offers progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 92 quarter credit hours 97 quarter credit hours with certificate | $570 per credit hour | $52,440 $55,290 |
| Skills Lab Fee | Two in program | Included (travel, lodging, and other expenses are additional if the face- to-face option is selected.) | $0 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter – Standard Per quarter – with optional Certificate | $185 | $1,850 $2,035 |
Standard with Certificate | $54,290** $57,325** | ||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$6,270 | ||
*Represents Traditional option, no certificate, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
**Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 45 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $2,500 to $3,500. The tuition reflects the minimum time to completion, which can vary by student, depending on individual progress.
If you are planning to enroll in three or more courses per quarter, the costs may be more than your financial aid offer per quarter.1
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 52 quarter credit hours
| $570 per credit hour | $29,640 $32,490 |
| Skills Lab Fee | One in program (face-to-face and virtual options available) | Included (travel, lodging and other expenses are additional if the face- to-face option is selected) | $0 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter – standard Per quarter – with optional certificate | $185 | $1,110 $1,295 |
with certificate | $30,570* | ||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION (STANDARD OPTION) | -$3,420 | ||
* Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on a variety of factors, such as individual progress, selected electives, and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 10 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,500 to $2,500. The tuition reflects the minimum time to completion, which can vary by student, depending on individual progress.
If you are planning to enroll in three or more courses per quarter, the costs may be more than your financial aid offer per quarter.1
Make Caring Your Calling
Turn your passion for helping others into a rewarding career. With social work jobs projected to grow 6% by 2034—faster than the average for all occupations—the need for dedicated professionals has never been greater.1
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Social Workers | Job Outlook
Career Opportunities
With a master’s in social work, you can turn your passion for helping others into a meaningful career.
Child, Family, and School Social Worker
Support the social and emotional well-being of children, families, and students.
Expected growth: 3%1
Estimated annual wage: $40,580–$78,5001
Healthcare Social Worker
Enhance the overall well-being of people facing health-related challenges.
Expected growth: 8%2
Estimated annual wage: $45,030–$83,4102
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Help individuals and families dealing with mental health issues and substance abuse problems.
Expected growth: 10%3
Estimated annual wage: $39,620–$78,9803
Bureau of Labor Statistics (as of May 2024). Percentile wage estimates are based on the 10th–75th percentiles. The 10th percentile figure reasonably represents entry-level wages. BLS wages are national estimates and are not specific to graduates of Walden University. Wages may vary by state or region. No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls at Walden will obtain a job or earn the estimated salaries.
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2024)
2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2024)
3Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2024)
Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of Walden’s online Master of Social Work program, you will be prepared to:
Develop a professional orientation and identity as a social worker.
Apply legal and ethical standards in the administration of social work.
Apply principles of advocacy that promote cultural understanding and positive social change in individuals, communities, and society.
Utilize evidence-based research and critical thinking skills to inform practice in meeting the needs of diverse clientele.
Synthesize and apply theories of human growth and development to develop culturally responsive social work practices.
Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the areas of engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation with individuals, families, groups.
Master of Social Work Program Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes
Meet Your Academic Team
Learn about the dedicated online MSW faculty who are committed to supporting and guiding you through a successful, enriching educational experience.
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Explore related degree programs at Walden.
Master of Social Work FAQ
Yes, Walden University offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) program designed to prepare you for advanced practice in the field of social work. Our online MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and is available online. You can study full time or part time, allowing you to balance your studies with your personal and professional commitments. Walden’s MSW program emphasizes practical experience and real-world application, so you’ll have opportunities to engage in fieldwork and apply what you learn in real settings. Our faculty members are experienced professionals who bring their expertise and insights into the classroom, assuring that you receive a high-quality education.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for social work professionals is expected to increase 6% from 2024 to 2034—faster than the national average for all occupations.1 So, if you are passionate about creating positive social change in individual lives and communities, a Master of Social Work (MSW) is highly valuable in gaining access to social work job opportunities and preparing for licensure. Earning your master’s in social work online can equip you with the knowledge and skills to effect real change in your community.
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job Outlook
The Walden online experience is designed with the adult learner in mind, allowing students to balance their courses with their careers, families, and other responsibilities. Students can access the online classroom at any time. They interact with faculty and peers using online discussion boards, and assignments are submitted via the online classroom.
Students have access to a wide variety of support services, including the Writing Center, Walden library, and the Student Success Advising team. Our Student Success Advisors can help track academic progress and answer questions regarding academic policies and programs.
Walden’s online Master of Social Work (MSW) program is grounded in experiential learning and multicultural perspectives—so students emerge from their program ready to make a difference for their clients and community. Our online MSW program features:
- Interactive simulations and Skills Labs to help students practice what real social workers face in the field each day.
- Dedicated faculty who all hold doctorates and have real-world practice experience . They bring their firsthand experience directly from the field to the classroom.
- Practical tools and resources to help students prepare to sit for their state licensure exam.
- The ability for students to customize their online MSW program to reflect their interests, needs, and preferences with focus areas, certificates, and degree completion options.
On November 12, 2019, the Walden MSW program achieved reaffirmation of its accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the U.S. We are proud to say the reaffirmation is for the maximum allowed—eight years, through October 2027.
You can find more information about accreditation at the CSWE website.
Our curriculum is designed to incorporate required elements as determined by CSWE, making it comparable to campus-based programs that are structured in accordance with CSWE guidelines.
In addition, the Walden online MSW program offers a great deal of flexibility for working professionals because of its online format and the university’s comprehensive student support for online learners. This flexibility allows students to earn their degrees from wherever they have internet access and study on their own schedule.
For admission to the part-time and two-year full-time tracks:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Lower GPAs can be considered on a case-by-case basis
For admission to the Advanced Standing option:
- Applicants must have graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a Council of Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program within the last eight years with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- GPA in social work courses may be considered if favorable
Walden students may qualify for government student loans and grants. For more information about the financial aid process at Walden, talk to an Enrollment Specialist at 1-866-492-5336.
Walden also offers scholarships. Be sure to ask an Enrollment Specialist about availability and eligibility requirements.
Field experience is required by all CSWE-accredited online MSW programs and is an opportunity for students to work in real-life settings, interacting with clients under the supervision of a professional social worker. As part of the Walden online Master of Social Work curriculum, students complete two field experiences over four quarters/terms for a total of 900 hours (students in the Advanced Standing option will complete one field experience for 500 hours). It is important that students consider how they will manage the field experience requirements with other responsibilities.
Field experiences can normally be completed in or near a student’s town or community, and some sites offer tele-practice experiences to meet the direct practice requirements. While we cannot guarantee field sites in any community will have availability or be able to provide a field placement, we partner with students to help them thoroughly explore their community options. Our dedicated team of field education experts, all of whom hold MSW degrees, supports students in selecting and working with field locations that are appropriate for the curriculum and have the necessary supervision.
In addition, students are enrolled in a synchronous (online live with an instructor) field seminar course, which meets weekly, while in their field placement to guide the monitoring and reflecting processes required by CSWE.
To learn more, call an Enrollment Specialist at 1-866-492-5336.
You will not need to come to a campus, but the MSW program includes two six-week hybrid Skills Labs, which comprise three weeks of online content, followed by a three-day intensive experience (available face-to-face or virtually), and then closes with two weeks of online content. When you attend your Skills Labs depends on your degree option (Traditional, Traditional Accelerated, or Advanced Standing) and when you plan to enter your field placement. Students work closely with their academic advisors to plan their attendance.
Skills Labs are an integral part of the online MSW program at Walden, providing invaluable hands-on experiences. The labs allow MSW students to meet and collaborate with peers and faculty, get support, discuss ideas, and practice critical professional skills needed to be a social worker. Advising is available and important information about obtaining your license is covered.
We know that time is precious in the lives of our busy students, so Skills Labs are planned carefully to provide the most benefit possible.
Contact an Enrollment Specialist at 1-866-492-5336 for more information.
The amount of time it takes to complete your degree will vary based on your previous educational experience, course load, and field placement schedule. We anticipate that students with other life commitments will take two courses per quarter and complete their program in approximately three years.
Some students will take longer, and some will complete the program in less time by decreasing or increasing their course load. Talk with an Enrollment Specialist at 1-866-492-5336 to discuss your individual time commitment.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for social work professionals is expected to increase 6% from 2024 to 2034—faster than the national average for all occupations.1 So, if you are passionate about creating positive social change in individual lives and communities, a Master of Social Work (MSW) is highly valuable in gaining access to social work job opportunities and preparing for licensure. Earning your master’s in social work online can equip you with the knowledge and skills to effect real change in your community.
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job Outlook