The past few years have illuminated injustices and challenges within systems, which has ultimately inflated the demand for health care and social workers. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of social workers will jump 9% by 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations. And during the past decade, there have been nearly 75,000 open social work positions each year, BLS data shows.
To match the demand for this profession, several schools within the past year have announced new online and in-person master’s degree programs in social work (MSW). Social workers typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a program that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Syracuse University’s Online Master of Social Work—No GRE Required
Learn to use the power of technology to become an advocate for vulnerable communities.
Syracuse University’s CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work program is preparing the next generation of social work leaders through an emphasis on digital innovation and social justice. The program offers Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks.
Non-clinical social work positions usually just require a bachelor’s degree, while students pursuing clinical positions should earn an MSW, according to the BLS. A bachelor’s in social work isn’t required to earn a master’s degree in the field, but some common feeder majors include public policy, social services, psychology, and social science.
If you’re interested in a career in social work, the following four schools have recently announced new master’s degree programs—adding additional options to the schools that appear on Fortune’s ranking of the best online master’s degree programs in social work.
Howard University
In spring 2022, Howard University launched a part-time online master of social work program, and in fall 2022 the school also started a full-time online program.
“There is a growing need for Black social workers and other social workers representing marginalized and historically oppressed populations,” Sandra Crewe, dean of Howard’s School of Social Work, tells Fortune. “The MSW online degree opens doors for these highly recruited individuals.”
So far, Howard University has received interest in or applications from prospective students in all 50 states and during the first year for both of the programs, more than 3,000 people started the application process, she adds.
MSW faculty at Howard oversee online content. In fact, Crewe developed an MSW course and is currently delivering it online. While there’s no one ideal profile for a student, those applicants who are as committed to their online education as they are to social justice will be the most successful, Crewe says.
“They will resist simplistic explanations that too often ignore structural inequality. They will ask what happened to you versus what’s wrong with you. They will be culturally intelligent and ‘ever bold to battle wrong,’” she adds. “As one of their professors, I am confident they will carry on our legacy.”
| If you… | Then check out… |
|---|---|
| Want to browse all online master’s of social work programs | Directory of accredited online MSW programs |
| Want a program that’s based in New York | Online MSW programs in New York |
| Want a program that’s based in California | Online MSW programs in California |
| Want a program that’s based in Texas | Online MSW programs in Texas |
| Don’t want to take the GRE | Online MSW programs – no GRE required |
| Want to get your degree faster | Accelerated online MSW programs |
| Already hold a bachelor’s degree in social work | Advanced standing online MSW programs |
| Want to attend school part-time while working | Part-time online MSW programs |
Baylor University
In December 2022, Baylor University announced plans to launch a micromaster’s program in social work, which will give prospective students the chance to earn stackable credentials that are both applicable to the field and to see what degree-earning coursework looks like. Baylor is partnering with online learning platform edX, which is owned by 2U, for the micromaster’s program.
Credits from the micromaster’s program are transferable to the Baylor online master’s degree in social work. The curriculum for the master’s program was developed by Baylor’s Graduate Professional Education Department and the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work.
“Baylor MSW curriculum prepares professional social workers who are passionate about inspiring meaningful change in the lives of individuals, families, and communities,” Jon Singletary, The Diana R. Garland Endowed Chair of Child and Family Studies and professor at Baylor, said in a statement. “Both Baylor’s online MSW and the micromasters program create an on-ramp for the social work profession and the skills to become a culturally responsive and compassionate social worker.”
Baylor’s online master’s degree in social work takes 32 to 60 credit hours to complete, depending on the student’s undergraduate degree. Either way, students who graduate from the master’s program are prepared to pursue licensure in social work.
University of Kansas
The University of Kansas announced in 2022 that it will start offering its master of social work program online, adding to its well-regarded in-person MSW program that’s the longest-running in the state. More than 75% of Kansas MSW grads exceed national licensure first-time pass rates, and 85% land a full-time job right after graduation, according to an announcement by the University of Kansas.
“Graduates who earn their MSW online are equipped with the knowledge to provide counseling and direct services to individuals, families and groups; make changes in organizations and communities; and help shape policies that affect large populations in our society,” Michelle Mohr Carney, dean of KU’s School of Social Welfare, said in a statement. All online courses are taught by the same faculty as the in-person program.
An application to KU’s program requires a resume, narrative statement, three references, and transcripts. Students also indicate their areas of academic interest in the application. Depending on prior academic experiences, students need between 38 and 64 credits to graduate. Each credit hour costs $700.
Kansas State University Salina
Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus also announced in December 2022 that it will offer a master’s degree in social work in partnership with KU. The program will be taught at K-State’s Salina campus in order to increase the availability of graduate-level social work offerings in rural Kansas.
“Qualified, experienced social workers play an integral role in the success of any community by working with people to improve their circumstances in a variety of situations,” Deb Marseline, assistant dean for diversity and student success at K-State Salina, said in a statement. “This opportunity furthers our mission by training students to be leaders and make an impact on our state.”
Prospective students apply to and will receive their master’s degree from the University of Kansas. During the first year of the partnership, students can apply to the advanced standing master’s of social work, which is a three-semester plan open to applicants with a bachelor’s degree in social work.
In 2024, the partnership will expand to include the traditional master of social work track, which is open to applicants without a bachelor’s degree in social work. Applications closed Feb. 1 to start coursework in summer 2023.
Check out all of Fortune’s rankings of degree programs, and learn more about specific career paths.
Earn your MSW online from the University of Denver
Prepare for a career in social work with a curriculum grounded in social justice. No BSW or GRE required.
Complete DU’s CSWE-accredited online MSW program in as few as 21 months—or 12 months if you have a bachelor’s in social work. Choose a concentration in Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness.
