Master of Social Work (MSW)

Change the way you change lives. Develop career-ready skills grounded in practical training through our CSWE-accredited online MSW program.
CSWE

You’re already called to make a difference. Enhance your ability to help those in need with support from our community of expert educators and practitioners. Hone the advanced clinical skills required for specialized practice, while developing the confidence to effectively address challenging situations in the field. When you choose Walden’s MSW program, you can:

  • Interactive online scenarios, simulations, and skills labs let you practice what you learn in a safe and supportive environment.

  • Work with Walden’s truly diverse faculty and student body to see clients and society in a whole new way.

  • If you choose to, you can engage in an optional licensure preparation experience that includes helpful resources and practice exams.

  • Choose your program focus and pace with electives, certificates, and degree completion options that fit your unique needs.

Fast Facts

Next Start Date: July 10, 2023

Transfer Credits: Up to 30 credits

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Master of Social Work Focus Areas

Address the unique needs of patients with addiction and the impact addiction has across all aspects of the client’s life.
Address the needs of military personnel, veterans, and their families before, during, and after deployment.
Promote child, youth, and family success in the face of challenging environments and social conditions.
Prepare for practice in the complex healthcare environment as you learn to support clients and families facing a variety of medical challenges.
Address the unique needs of patients who present following a traumatic event; And, demonstrate the ability to perform advanced social work skills in assessing and planning treatment options for these clients.

Choose the Track That Is Right for You

The Traditional option

Designed for working professionals who want to balance their studies with multiple life commitments. You determine how many courses you take each term based upon your situation at the time.

The Traditional Fast Track option

For students who want a more intensive workload and have more time to dedicate to their studies. Students who choose this option may be able to complete their program faster by taking more courses at a time on a consistent basis.

The Advanced Standing option

For MSW students who already hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program and graduated with a minimum GPA of 3.0. If eligible, choosing this option skips foundational courses and allows you to start your degree with advanced-level courses.

More about our MSW program

Pursue your passion for helping others live better lives while you build a career for yourself. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for social work professionals is expected to increase 13% by 2029—faster than the national average for all occupations.1

Earning your master’s degree in social work can give you the knowledge and skills you need to increase your impact and expand your career options. Social work professionals are sought by employers nationwide, especially in industries such as healthcare, substance abuse, and mental health.1

An online MSW degree can help prepare you to pursue career options such as:1

  1. Child, family, and school social workers
  2. Healthcare social workers
  3. Mental health and substance abuse social workers
  4. Social workers, other

An online MSW degree can prepare you to work in a variety of settings, including:

  1. General medical and surgical hospitals
  2. Offices of other healthcare practitioners
  3. Individual and family services
  4. Insurance companies

Career options may require additional experience, training, licensure or other factors beyond the successful completion of this online Master of Social Work program.

1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social Workers, Job Outlook. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, do not guarantee actual job growth, and are subject to change.

Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher. For the Advanced Standing option, students must have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program with a GPA of at least 3.0.

General Admission Requirements: Completed online application, transcripts, and Acknowledgement Statement. Speak to an Enrollment Specialist who will guide you through the application process.

 
Walden’s Enrollment Specialists are committed to helping you identify and leverage opportunities to save money on your education. Get in touch with an Enrollment Specialist today at 888-968-5331 to learn more.
Our Enrollment Specialists are ready to answer any questions you may have regarding this program. Fill out the form on this page to be contacted or call 855-203-5779.
CSWEWalden University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is responsible for developing standards that define competent preparation for professional social workers and ensuring that social work programs meet these standards.

Why earn your MSW at Walden?

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Your Degree, Your Way

Align your studies with your life and schedule. With three completion options to choose from, a Master of Social Work degree is well within your reach.

exceptional-student-services

Coursework That Matters to You

Focus your studies on an area you’re passionate about. Choose from five focus areas aligned with today’s in-demand social work jobs.

exceptional-student-services

Exceptional Student Support

Benefit from our 24/7 tech support, Writing Center, Career Services Center, and more.

learn-with-leaders-small

Your Degree, Your Way

Align your studies with your life and schedule. With three completion options to choose from, a Master of Social Work degree is well within your reach.

exceptional-student-services

Coursework That Matters to You

Focus your studies on an area you’re passionate about. Choose from five focus areas aligned with today’s in-demand social work jobs.

exceptional-student-services

Exceptional Student Support

Benefit from our 24/7 tech support, Writing Center, Career Services Center, and more.

"My long-term goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker, and without Walden’s CSWE accreditation, that would just be a dream."

Charlene McCleoud | Master of Social Work (MSW) Graduate

**Walden's Believe & Achieve Scholarship™ is available for new students starting on February 6, 2023, and later. For a full list of eligible programs and details on award amounts and eligibility visit www.waldenu.edu/financial-aid/grants-and-scholarships-details. Tuition-free coursework must be applied to the final courses in the program of enrollment prior to graduation.

Note on Licensure:

Walden University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program meets the academic requirements to obtain the required credential to practice as licensed social workers in all states.

State licensing boards are responsible for regulating the practice of social work, and each state has its own academic, licensure, and certification requirements for practice as a social worker. Walden recommends that students consult the appropriate social work licensing board in the state in which they plan to practice to determine the specific academic requirements for licensure or other credentials. Walden enrollment specialists can provide information relating to the state-by-state requirements for licensure. However, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all licensing requirements for the state in which he or she intends to practice. Walden makes no representations or guarantees that completion of its coursework or programs will permit an individual to achieve state licensure, authorization, endorsement, or other state licensure or credential.

ONGOING MILITARY OFFER:

A 15% tuition reduction for servicemembers, veterans of the U.S. armed forces, employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and their spouses.*

*A 15% tuition reduction is available to new students who are servicemembers, veterans of the U.S. armed forces, or employees of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This tuition reduction is also available if you are a spouse of a servicemember, veteran, or employee of the VA. This tuition reduction cannot be retroactively applied. Tuition reductions are applicable to tuition only and do not apply toward books, materials, and other supplies or fees needed for a course.

Walden may change the tuition reduction offered hereunder at any time, but such change will not affect the tuition reduction for students who are currently enrolled at Walden and using the existing tuition reduction. All tuition reductions, grants, or scholarships are subject to specific eligibility requirements. Contact a Walden University Enrollment Specialist for details.