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Online Master of Social Work

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Online Master's in Social Work

Advocate for Underserved Populations with an Online MSW Degree

America’s most vulnerable citizens lack equitable access to critical social services. But with Ohio University’s highly ranked online Master of Social Work program, you’ll help implement meaningful solutions that deliver care to underserved communities. There is no GRE required to apply to our online MSW program.
 
Our program prepares students to serve as clinical social workers with knowledge and skills at the master’s level to improve the well-being for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The MSW online program simultaneously trains students in advanced clinical practice while also providing them with skills transferrable across all practice levels.
 
Having social work values entails embracing principles such as empathy, respect for diversity, social justice, and a commitment to enhancing the well-being and quality of life for individuals, families, and society as a whole. Does this sound like you?

When you build your educational foundation at OHIO, you’ll be uniquely equipped to empower those who are most at risk — opening doors to a variety of fulfilling and consequential career paths.

  • 100% Online — Study on your schedule, not ours
  • Graduate in as few as 24 months
  • No GRE/GMAT required
  • Three start dates per year
  • This program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Tailoring Your Social Work Degree

The program offers two entry points — the one that’s best for you will depend on your educational background and experience prior to enrollment.

Our online Master of Social Work Foundation program is intended for those looking to refocus or pivot their careers. This 17-course, 62-credit track is open to all eligible students with a bachelor’s degree and can be completed in as few as 10 semesters (40 months).

Students who have obtained a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited university within the past 5 years may be eligible for our online Master of Social Work — Advanced Standing program. This 10-course, 36-credit-hour track can be completed in as few as two years (six semesters). It offers an accelerated pathway where students explore strategies to help people in marginalized communities gain better access to social services.

Online MSW Field Practicums

Ohio University’s Online MSW program has established relationships with over 500 agencies nationwide. Students attending the program will work with the Department of Social Work online field faculty to identify appropriate field placement settings in their geographic area.

Review our curriculum page for additional field-related information

What Can You Do with a Master's in Social Work?

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    Mental Health and Substance Abuse


    • Substance abuse counselor
    • Marriage and family therapist
    • Geriatric social worker
    • LGBTQ and gender identity therapist
    • Crisis counselor
  •  

    Child, Youth and Family


    • Child protective services caseworker
    • Foster care social worker
    • Eating disorder therapist
    • Group therapist
  •  

    Professional Leadership


    • Nonprofit executive director
    • Community outreach specialist
    • Human resources specialist
    • Grant writer

People everywhere need dedicated social workers. In a range of settings, from schools and hospitals to prisons and nonprofits, new programs and job opportunities continue to expand as awareness surrounding access to health care grows.

That’s why the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the employment of social workers to increase by 12% from 2020 to 2030. Our communities need qualified professionals who can envision, implement, and evaluate a higher standard of care. With social issues such as poverty and the opioid crisis impacting individuals across demographic groups, you have the rare opportunity to enter the social work landscape during a time of critical necessity and transformation.

There are social work jobs available in many different fields. Join the msw social work field to advance your skills. 

View More Careers in Social Work

100%
online
Graduate
in as little as 24 months

Costs and Financial Aid

When you choose OHIO, you’re getting the competitive tuition rates of a state university, but with the personalized attention and support you might expect from a private school. In fact, for the second consecutive year we were named the best value among Ohio’s public universities by U.S. News & World Report.

Tuition and fees are assessed based on the number of credit hours of enrollment, Ohio residency and program. 

New students who are active and veteran military members, Ohio University alumni, or employees of corporate partners and enrolling in this online program for the 2023-2024 academic year could be eligible for an OHIO Online Incentive Scholarship.
 

Faculty Spotlight

Ken Larimore, Ph.D; LISW-S

 

Study social work online with Ohio University and learn from faculty members actively making an impact in the field. Dr. Larimore has worked at Ohio University from 2010 until 2018 (6 years as the SW program coordinator at Ohio University-Chillicothe) and returned in 2022 to serve as the Online MSW Director. Dr. Larimore began teaching online in 2009 and taught for four Universities online (one full-time as an instructor and mentor to 250 adjunct online faculty). Dr. Larimore continues to supervise former Ohio University students for their LISW licensure.

 

Before coming to Ohio University, Dr. Larimore spent 25 years in treatment foster care and working in the mental health field. Dr. Larimore is excited to be a part of the MSW online program's growth and looks forward to working with the online students.

Dr. Ken Larimore Headshot
What can I do with an online master’s degree in social work?

An MSW degree can open doors to a wide variety of purpose-driven career paths, including substance abuse; medical, clinical, and health care social work; therapeutic services; community program administration; criminal justice; suicide prevention; and nonprofit administration, to name just a few.

View Careers in Social Work

Does the online Master of Social Work program require the GRE or GMAT?

Ohio University’s MSW program does not require the GRE or GMAT for admission.

Is the online MSW program accredited?

Yes. Ohio University’s MSW degree program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

How long is the online Master of Social Work degree program?

The 62-credit MSW Foundation track can be completed in as little as 10 semesters. The MSW Advanced Standing Program comprises 10 courses (36 total semester credit hours) and can be completed in as little as six semesters (two years).

How do I know if I qualify for the Advanced or Foundations Track?

The Advanced Standing track requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program completed within the past five years. All other applicants will need to apply for the foundations track.

Does the online MSW program meet the licensure requirements in my state?

OHIO's Online MSW curriculum is aligned with CSWE accreditation standards preparing students for state licensure eligibility.

Licensure requirements may vary by state. Please research your state’s licensure or reciprocity requirements.