Earning a part-time Master of Social Work (MSW) degree may be beneficial for those who earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and are currently working as a social worker or for those seeking to earn licensure in their state as a master’s-level social worker. This is particularly important for social workers who want to work with clients in a one-on-one mental health counseling capacity.

Social workers who already work full time or have family commitments may find part-time MSW programs convenient. This guide will cover the characteristics and advantages of these part-time programs. At the end you will find some online programs that may help you expand your credentials and grow your career.

For professionals with a bachelor’s degree, a part-time social work degree program may offer flexible classes and the opportunity to keep working throughout a master’s program. On-campus part-time MSW programs often offer evening and weekend classes to make attendance easier for working professionals. Online programs may offer synchronous or asynchronous classes; an asynchronous course schedule means lectures may be viewed at any time that’s convenient for you. 

Whether the program you choose is in person or online, a part-time schedule usually means you may only take one or two classes at a time. This means it may take more time to complete the program. Many part-time social work degree programs may be completed in approximately three years, provided you take summer courses. That time frame may or may not include the fieldwork required for program completion. 

Social work schools may set up class structure in a variety of ways. This results in variables you should consider when choosing the right program for you. For example, some programs are completely self-paced; this is a popular structure for online schools and provides maximum schedule flexibility. Other programs place new students with a cohort, which is a group of students with whom you will complete courses throughout the program. This is the standard structure for on-campus programs but is also used in some online programs.

Online MSW programs are widely available and offer various specializations and class structures. While these variations may make it difficult to choose a school, they also offer social workers the ability to find a program that fits with their situation and professional goals. Online social work programs have become adept at coordinating with clinics in their remote students’ communities to facilitate fieldwork experiences.

Sponsored online social work programs

University of Denver

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

• Complete the Online Advanced-Standing MSW in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the Online MSW Program may be completed in as few as 27 months.
• No GRE Required
• Customizable pathway options include Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness concentrations

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Fordham University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Fordham’s skills-based, online MSW program integrates advanced relevant social work competencies, preparing students to serve individuals and communities while moving the profession forward. This program includes advanced standing and traditional MSW options.

•  Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available.
• There are four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy.
• Pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time track.

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Simmons University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

• Prepares students to pursue licensure, including LCSW 
• Full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks 
• Minimum completion time: 9 months

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Howard University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

• Concentrations: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice
• Complete at least 777-1,000 hours of agency-based field education
• Earn your degree in as few as 12 months

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Syracuse University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

• Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
• No GRE required
• Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice

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Case Western Reserve University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

In as few as a year and a half, you can prepare for social work leadership by earning your Master of Social Work online from Case Western Reserve University’s school of social work.

• CSWE-accredited
• No GRE requirement
• Complete in as few as one and a half years

Request more info from Case Western Reserve University.

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If you’ve been thinking of pursuing an MSW but are concerned about the time commitment, a part-time online program could be the solution. Part-time MSW programs may offer several advantages for busy students.

Depending on which program you choose, a part-time MSW program may afford a lot of flexibility in terms of learning on your own time, logging into classes and finding the right balance for work, school and family needs. And because part-time students may only take one or two classes at a time, part-time students  may only need to commit 15-20 hours per week to their studies—about half the time commitment required of full-time students.

Part-time MSW programs offer students more time and flexibility in completing their coursework, but there is often a limit to how long students may take to complete all program requirements, including fieldwork. That time limit is often around five years; be sure to choose a program with time limitations you can realistically fulfill.

Working full time and continuing their education can be a concern for students, especially when it comes to balancing costs and commitments. While higher education like a master’s degree may lead to higher earnings, the opportunity costs of not working or working less and the real costs in terms of tuition may be a barrier for some students.  

A part-time master’s in social work may make navigating these challenges easier. Education accessibility is increasing, with more flexible options (like part-time and online programs) becoming available. 

Part-time programs may help working learners access master’s programs more easily, especially students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds or those who have families. 

Because you may apply new skills as you learn them, a part-time master’s degree in social work may open up opportunities for you to advance in your current job. While this benefit isn’t exclusive to part-time programs, they do often afford more time to learn and apply these skills. If you would rather switch social work careers or land a new job in social work, having an MSW may make those goals easier to attain. 

With a BSW, many people enjoy a long and rewarding career working in positions such as case managers. However, advancing from a BSW to MSW degree may open the door to more job options, such as:

Another benefit of advancing your social work career is the potential to earn a higher salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2020, the highest paid 10% of social workers earned more than $85,820 a year. The BLS does not directly attribute those higher earners to degrees, and salaries are based on many factors. But across disciplines, median pay for master’s degree holders is higher than for workers with a bachelor’s degree.