Online master’s in clinical social work

Do you want to become a licensed clinical social worker? Then, you'll need a master's in clinical social work. Here's how to find the right program for your unique needs.

Browse MSW programs that teach clinical social work

Master's in clinical social work overview

Earning your master's in clinical social work (MSW) prepares you for in-demand careers as a clinical social worker. You'll develop assessment and intervention skills during your program while also strengthening your therapeutic abilities.

prioritize flexibility. You can arrange courses around your career or other responsibilities. While most programs take two years, you can also find and .

What is the focus of clinical social workers?

Clinical social workers can diagnose and treat mental health, substance use, and behavioral conditions. These social workers draw on their clinical training to help clients manage challenging situations, make behavioral changes, and access support services.

When treating clients, clinical social workers conduct assessments, diagnose conditions, and develop treatment plans. A master's in clinical social work can prepare graduates for licensure and careers in this field, including in specialties like family, mental health, or healthcare social work.

What kind of license do you need as a clinical social worker?

In every state, clinical social workers need a license. Earning a master's in clinical social work meets the education requirement for your social work license. You'll also need to attend an and pass a clinical social work exam to earn licensure. Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) also need to meet supervised clinical experience requirements.

The requirements for a social work license vary by state, so make sure to research the requirements and process in your state.

Where can you work with a master's in clinical social work?

A master's in clinical social work can launch your career in several specialties. LCSWs support many populations, including children, aging adults, and people with substance use conditions.

The demand for clinical social workers continues to grow, particularly to meet the needs of aging populations and those seeking treatment for mental health and substance use issues. Understanding the earning potential and job growth projections for different specializations can help you choose a focus area.

Potential career paths with a master's in clinical social work include:

Curriculum for master's in clinical social work

Clinical social work programs can help you develop theoretical and practical social welfare and advocacy knowledge. MSW students also take specialized courses in areas such as child welfare, aging and health, and trauma-informed theory.

Common MSW courses include:

• Social work research
• Community practice
• Clinical assessment and diagnosis
• Social policy and advocacy
• Clinical practice
• Trauma-informed practice

MSW students also complete advanced clinical placements where they strengthen their psychotherapy and case management skills. These supervised clinical experiences can help you meet the requirements for clinical social work licensure.

Admissions requirements for online master's in clinical social work

The admissions requirements for online MSW programs typically include a bachelor's degree, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a résumé. Some programs may require GRE or GMAT scores.

Do you need a bachelor's in social work to earn a master's in clinical social work? Regardless of your major, you can apply to MSW programs that focus on clinical social work. However, many programs offer advanced standing tracks for social work majors, which can save you time and money on your degree.