Online Social Work and Human Services Master’s Programs

Advancing your social work education can open doors to areas that interest you and provide you with an opportunity to have a larger influence on your clients, their families, and communities. An MSW can help you gain advanced knowledge and experience to practice at clinical and supervisory levels. MSW degree holders commonly focus their work in such areas as youth and families, clinical, medical, mental health, and school social work.

One of the best ways to earn a social work degree is through an online education program. Unlike campus-based programs that require you to commute to class at specific times, online graduate degree programs give you an exceptional level of convenience and flexibility.

In an online MSW program, you can complete the majority of your degree program from home. In addition, when you earn a master’s in social work online, you can take advantage of flexible scheduling that lets you attend classes and handle coursework at the time of day that works best for you, meaning you can earn your master’s while continuing to work full time.

Walden University offers three different degree completion options when earning your MSW. Choose the Traditional, Traditional Fast Track, or Advanced Standing option, depending on your prior education and your desired course load. Our MSW program is accredited by CSWE, which is a requirement to sit for social work licensure in most states, and offers an optional licensure preparation experience that includes a practice exam.

The amount of time it takes to complete your degree will vary based on your previous educational experience, course load, and field placement schedule. The MSW program at Walden offers three program completion options - Traditional, Traditional Fast Track, and Advanced Standing options. 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.

It depends! The minimum number of total quarter credits is 92 for Walden’s MSW program. Students are required to select two electives from the following focus areas: Addictions, Child and Family, Healthcare, Military, and Trauma. A student may take an optional third elective from a single focus area to earn an embedded certificate, which would bring the total quarter credits to 97.

Additionally, students who hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) may enter Walden’s MSW program in the Advanced Standing track, enabling them to complete their degree by earning just 52–57 total quarter credits, depending on whether they choose to take two or three electives.

Yes! Online MSW programs offer a level of convenience and flexibility not typically available in traditional, campus-based programs. Instead of setting everything aside to earn your MSW degree, you can continue working at your current job as you complete your coursework. Enrolling in an online MSW program means you won’t have to compromise your current job to advance your education.

At Walden, you’ll also prepare for real encounters in the field by engaging in interactive simulations and participating in two immersive Skills Labs where you will meet faculty and peers and prepare for your field placement. During your field practice experiences, you’ll work with real clients under the supervision of a social worker.

An MS in Human Services program prepares students with the real-world skills essential to supporting diverse communities, and can gives students the confidence to lead departments and organizations serving the greater good. At Walden, MS in Human Services coursework focuses on a range of topics, such as cultural humility and diversity, social change in action, grant writing, and evidence-based evaluation methods. Academically, the program can prepare you to pursue leadership roles at community health and support centers, nonprofit agencies, departments of health and human services, schools, and government agencies.