Accredited MSW programs

The Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits all levels of social work degree programs. Employers and licensing boards require social workers to have CSWE-accreditation. Find out why CSWE accreditation is so important to your social work career, what you'll learn in an accredited online MSW program, and what you can do with your degree.

See all CSWE-accredited online MSW programs

What is an accredited MSW program?

An accredited combines online lectures with in-person fieldwork to prepare you for social work licensure. According to the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), all accredited MSW programs require at least 900 hours of in-person fieldwork regardless of format. Your program may help you arrange a local location to complete this requirement.

You can select a community organizing and public policy or mental health and trauma program track.

Topics relating to community organizing and public policy include:

• Globalization
• Human services administration

Topics in the mental health and trauma track include:

• Advanced interventions
• Psychotherapy
• Trauma-informed care

Concentrations may vary by program. Your course load will depend on your enrollment status and whether you earned a (BSW) or a related field. Some programs offer BSW graduates advanced standing, which allows them to graduate with half the credits.

What is the purpose of accreditation?

To qualify for state licensure, social workers must hold an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program. Program accreditation assures state licensure boards and employers that graduates can competently provide social services.

As of September 2024, there are more than 330 CSWE-accredited master's programs. Approximately 56% of these programs are offered online.

Graduating from a CSWE-accredited MSW program can:

• Prepare you to provide safe and ethical services
• Qualify you for social work licensure and certification
• Make it easier for you to transfer your social work license to another state that requires social workers to graduate from an accredited program
• Allow you to transfer MSW credits between CSWE-accredited MSW programs
• Help you to continue your education

What can you do with an accredited online MSW?

An accredited online MSW program can prepare you for licensure and to work as a licensed master social worker (LMSW), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), or your state's equivalent.

Some states also offer an advanced generalist social work license that allows you to practice direct social work independently after you complete supervised experience.

The requirements for these licenses vary by state and license type, but most states require:

• An MSW from a CSWE-accredited program
• A background check
• A passing score on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) license exam that matches the license level you apply for
• Between 1500 and 4000 hours of supervised experience, according to the ASWB, if applicable

How much can you make with an accredited online MSW?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), projects that an average of 67,300 social work jobs will be added annualy between 2023 and 2033.

Social workers earned a median annual salary of $58,380 in 2023, according to the Bureau. The lowest 10% of professionals in this field earned less than $38,400, and the highest 10% earned more than $94,910 in the same year.

Salary potential for social workers depends on your degree level and specialization. MSW graduates may earn more than BSW graduates. Clinical social workers may also earn more than generalist social workers.

Salaries also vary depending on your . Below is a salary breakdown by specialty: