The Best Online MSW Programs with No GRE Required in 2023
Written by Natasha Lynn Albatrosov, SocialWorkLicensure.org Rankings Team
Last Updated: July 2023
Curious about the challenges and expectations related to entering the social work field? Finding the right program can seem overwhelming with so many available options.
This guide simplifies the search by covering career outlooks, salaries, financial aid, and degree requirements. Explore this page for the best online master of social work (MSW) programs that do not require the GRE.
What to Expect from an Online MSW Program
A master’s degree in social work explores basic social work competencies and develops specialized skills. Graduates can also obtain licensure through various MSW programs, including those available online.
Online learning has progressively increased in popularity amongst MSW students. This learning option can decrease typical college expenses, including childcare and commuting. Online learning also eliminates some campus fees, such as parking, housing, and other onsite resources.
Fieldwork requirements specify in-person participation, even within online programs. Typically, students can expect 900 hours of a practicum or internship in a social work setting.
Featured Online Master’s in Social Work Programs
The Best Online Social Work Degree Programs
Choosing the right social work program can be challenging, given the multitude of options and specializations. This list includes factors students should consider when selecting a program, including accreditation, fieldwork experience, and tuition.
- Accreditation: The accreditation process ensures students of the programs’ validity. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) provides programmatic accreditation for undergraduate- and graduate-level social work programs.
- Fieldwork Experience: A practicum or internship can provide students with valuable experience. These placements allow for professional involvement, skill-building, and networking opportunities.
- Tuition and Education Costs: Many factors can influence tuition and education costs, including public versus private schools, degree levels, credit hours per semester, college-specific fees, and out-of-state tuition prices.
We use a data-driven methodology to determine the best social work degree programs based on three influential factors, including affordability, academics, and reputation.
1. University of Central Florida
Learners can earn an MSW degree in two years from the University of Central Florida and choose from a 32-credit advanced standing or a 62-credit traditional track. Regardless of the path, no GRE scores are required. The program offers full- and part-time options with hybrid or fully online formats.
Courses teach learners to work with diverse populations, help vulnerable and marginalized people, and advocate for policy change. The program emphasizes clinical field experience, providing 600-1,000 hours of experience with individuals, families, and groups. Applications are accepted every semester.
- Program: Master of social work
- Campus: Orlando, Florida
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $369 per credit for Florida residents; $1,194 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college; complete prerequisites with a minimum C grade; minimum 3.0 GPA for advanced standing students and 3.0 for traditional students
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
2. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Students enrolled in UTRGV’s online MSW programs, with no GRE requirements, can focus studies on administration and community practice or direct practice with Latino/a individuals, families, and groups.
Students graduate prepared to improve social services for Latino/a communities through courses in social work with diverse populations and community-based participatory research. The program requires 33 credits for advanced standing students and 63 credits for traditional standing learners. Learners complete 500-900 field practicum hours.
- Program: Master of social work
- Campus: Edinburg, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $741 per credit for Texas residents; $1,161 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college; minimum 3.0 GPA; official transcripts; personal statement; three letters of recommendation
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
3. University of South Florida
The 1956-established University of South Florida’s online MSW programs offer advanced standing and non-BSW tracks. The program helps learners build an advanced clinical social work practice working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. The field instruction requires 8-12 credits. Rather than a comprehensive exam, learners submit a final independent project and complete 8-12 credits of field instruction.
USF does not require GRE scores. Instead, the college requires one year of post-undergraduate social work experience, which may also fulfill the field practicum requirements.
- Program: Master of social work
- Campus: Tampa, Florida
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Council of Social Work Education
- Tuition: $347 per credit for Florida residents; $772 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college; minimum 3.0 GPA; three letters of recommendation; 500-word personal statement; prerequisites; one year of post-undergraduate social work experience.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
4. California State University-San Bernardino
CSUSB’s School of Social Work, CSWE-accredited since 1992, features online MSW programs with no GRE requirements that focus on building a micro and macro clinical practice.
Learners enhance their advanced generalist practice with courses in human behavior in the social environment, social work research, and generalist micro and macro practice. The program also requires 600-1,080 of supervised practicum experience.
Students can study part- or full-time and graduate in 2-3 years. BSW degree-holders can enroll in the advanced standing program and graduate in one year.
- Program: Master of social work
- Campus: San Bernardino, California
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $3,478 per semester for California residents; $396 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with a minimum 3.0 GPA; at least one-year of full-time social work experience; prerequisites
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
5. Tulane University of Louisiana
Tulane University’s School of Social Work has offered social welfare courses since 1914. Today, it features online MSW degrees with no GRE requirements. As learners proceed through the generalist coursework, they can tailor assignments to their interests. Tulane also offers concentrations in disaster and collective trauma or mental health, addiction, and family.
Students enrolled in the traditional program can graduate in 16 or 32 months, while advanced standing learners take 12 or 24 months. Every MSW student must complete 900 hours of field work.
- Program: Master of social work
- Campus: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $1,276 per credit for Louisiana residents and out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA; personal essay; resume; two letters of recommendation
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Paying for an Online MSW Program
Per the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a student might expect to pay an annual in-state tuition between $12,394 and $28,445 for a graduate degree. These figures can vary, depending on private versus public institutions.
Students need to cover more than tuition and fees. Expenses, such as housing, books, course materials, and campus fees can add up. Saving on the price of education can help offset these costs. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) links students to financial aid options through the federal government, including loans, grants, and work-study subsidies. Scholarships offered by private networks can also provide extra funds.
Careers and Salary with an Online MSW
Graduates with an MSW can pursue a variety of popular career opportunities, from clinical to academia-related options. Advanced, specialized areas within social work include clinical practice, children and families, mental health and trauma, adult mental health and wellness, and community development. These specializations can lead to careers as a mental health and substance misuse social worker, clinical social worker, or social work teacher.
Salary expectations for graduates with an MSW can range from $39,000 to $71,000 annually, depending on location, education, and experience. The average salary for an MSW is $52,180 annually, as of May 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Social Work Degrees
Is an online MSW worth it?
An online MSW can provide great value to social work students, as online programs offer convenience and accreditation. Benefits of online learning include reduced tuition rates, flexibility, and no commute.
Are online MSW programs respected?
Online MSW programs with no GRE requirements that maintain accreditation through the CSWE equip students for social work careers. Accreditation exhibits a program’s respectability and credibility by showing that the curriculum and instruction uphold national standards. Expert faculty, job placement rates, and licensure exam pass rates also factor into an online MSW program’s reputation.
Is fieldwork experience required for an online master’s in social work?
Fieldwork provides students with professional experiences in social work settings. These placements provide in-person opportunities that link academics to practical work, as well as offer networking and career possibilities.
How long does it take to complete an online MSW?
An online MSW with no GRE requirements typically takes between 16 months and three years to complete, depending on part-time, full-time, and advanced track options.
