20 Easiest Online MSW Programs in 2023

Without any doubt, an ideal choice for people who are passionate about having a good impact on their communities is to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.

It is a profession that calls for compassion, analytical thinking, and a desire to aid others. Many colleges now offer online MSW programs as a result of the rising popularity of online learning, making it simpler for students to juggle employment and family obligations while completing their education.

Along with a description of the subject and the range of employment open to MSW graduates, we’ll give a complete list of the 20 simplest online MSW programs in 2023 in this blog post.

Table of Contents

Overview of MSW Programs and Its Careers

MSW degrees provide students with the knowledge and abilities to work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, governmental organizations, and non-profit ones. Topics such as human behavior, social welfare policy, research techniques, and clinical practice are typically covered in these programs, and MSW graduates have a wide range of job options available to them. Furthermore, the demand for social workers globally is expected to grow over the next decade, making it an excellent career option for individuals who want to make a positive impact on their communities.

Why are These Online MSW Programs Considered “Easy”?

The most convenient online MSW programs are those that provide a flexible schedule, high-quality teaching, and a supportive learning atmosphere. The curriculum is tailored to students’ needs, and the coursework is available via an online platform.

The faculty members are experienced and well-qualified, and the programs provide resources such as online tutoring, career assistance, and access to online libraries. Additionally, the colleges covered have a high acceptance rate for admission and low competition, making these programs the easiest to complete.

List of 20 Easiest Online MSW Programs

The following is our top 20 picks for the easiest online MSW programs for students to complete and get accreditation from a CSWE-recognized university. These schools have relatively high acceptance rates; so, enrolling in any of these schools shouldn’t pose a problem as long as you meet the minimum admission requirements set by the school of your choice.

Western Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University
Lancaster Bible College
University of Kentucky
University of Montana
Portland State University
Cleveland State University
University of Maine
Southern Illinois University
Herzing University
Virginia Commonwealth University
University of South Dakota
Indiana Wesleyan University
Keuka College
Concord University
Morgan State University
University of Denver
San Jose State University
California State University
Case Western Reserve University.

Overview of These 20 Schools With the Easiest Online MSW Programs

Let’s talk a bit about these schools, and how each of them poses as a worthwhile destination for you to get your MSW degree online.

1. Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University’s online MSW program is one of the easiest to complete, with a flexible schedule that allows students to balance their work and family commitments. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and provides students with a comprehensive education that covers topics such as clinical practice, research methods, and social welfare policy. The program also offers an advanced standing option for students with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree.

2. Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University’s online MSW program is designed to provide students with a high-quality education while accommodating their busy schedules. The program offers both full-time and part-time options and covers topics such as human behavior, social policy, and clinical practice. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and offers an advanced standing option for students with a BSW degree.

3. Lancaster Bible College

Lancaster Bible College’s online MSW program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in social work theory and practice. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and covers topics such as social welfare policy, clinical practice, and research methods. The program also offers an advanced standing option for students with a BSW degree.

4. University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky has an online Master of Social Work degree that can be completed in as little as 36 months. The program is intended for students with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, however advanced standing is available for those with a bachelor’s degree in another subject. The curriculum comprises synchronous and asynchronous coursework, field education, and a capstone project.

5. University of Montana

The University of Montana’s online MSW program is designed for students who are interested in working with Native American communities. The program includes courses on Native American history and culture, as well as courses on social work practice with individuals, families, and communities. The program can be completed in as little as two years for students with a BSW degree and three years for those without.

6. Portland State University

Portland State University provides an online MSW program for working professionals. Students with a BSW degree can complete the program in as little as two years, while those without can complete it in three years. The curriculum comprises synchronous and asynchronous coursework, field education, and a capstone project. Students can choose between specializing in Children, Youth, and Families or Health and Mental Health.

7. Cleveland State University

The online MSW program at Cleveland State University is intended for students interested in urban social work practice. Coursework in the degree involves social work practice with individuals, families, and communities, as well as social justice and diversity. Students holding a BSW degree can complete the program in as little as two years.

8. University of Maine

The University of Maine provides an online MSW program for students interested in rural social work practice. The program covers instruction on rural social work practice with individuals, families, and communities. It is a $590/credit (46 – 63 credits) blended degree program that will be worth every penny you’ll ever spend on your MSW. The best part of this school’s MSW is that you do not require GMAT or GRE for applying.

9. Southern Illinois University

The online MSW program at Southern Illinois University is intended for students who want to work as social workers with military members, veterans, and their families. Military culture, trauma-informed care, and social work practice with military personnel and their families are all part of the program.

10. Herzing University

Herzing University offers an online MSW program that is designed for students who are interested in social work practice in healthcare settings; in particular, this program offers three specializations: mental health, medical social work, and children, families, and aging services.

The online degree offered by Herzing University consists of only 60 credits and requires that students complete 24 months of education full-time to be eligible for their degree. This program is CSWE-compliant, and Herzing, being a relatively easier school to get admission into, continues its policy of easy education access for all.

11. Virginia Commonwealth University

The online MSW program at Virginia Commonwealth University is intended for students who want to work in social work with children and families. The curriculum covers courses in child welfare, family systems, and social work practice with children and families. Students with a BSW degree can complete the program in as little as two years, while those without can finish in three years.

12. University of South Dakota

The Council on Social Work Education long certified the online MSW program at the University of South Dakota. The program is for students who wish to finish their degree quickly, the program can be finished in as little as 18 months, making it an excellent choice.

The program’s emphasis on rural social work practice is one of its distinctive features. The difficulties that rural communities face will be discussed with the students, along with practical solutions. Students can obtain practical experience in their neighborhood through the program’s field education component.

13. Indiana Wesleyan University

An online/blended MSW program is available from Indiana Wesleyan University and can be finished in as little as 22 months. With a faith-based curriculum that places an emphasis on ethical and moral considerations in social work practice, the program is approved by the CSWE.

The program’s concentration on clinical social work practice is one of its unique aspects. The examination, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions will be covered in-depth, and students will also learn how to work with a variety of demographics.

14. Keuka College

The online MSW program at Keuka College is intended to be finished in as little as 20 – 24 months and with a 94% acceptance rate, it is one of the easiest online MSW programs out there. The program has a special emphasis on trauma-informed care and is accredited by the CSWE.

The effects of trauma on people and communities will be covered, along with practical, kind caregiving techniques. The curriculum has a heavy emphasis on management and leadership abilities, preparing graduates for executive positions in social work organizations.

15. Concord University

An online MSW program is available from Concord University and can be finished in as little as a year. The CSWE has accredited the program, which provides a generalist curriculum that equips graduates for a range of social work positions.

Its emphasis on social justice and advocacy is one of the program’s distinguishing characteristics. Students will gain knowledge of the systemic problems that cause social injustice and how to fix them through community organization and policy lobbying.

16. Morgan State University

A CSWE-accredited online MSW program is provided by Morgan State University. The curriculum of the program, which can be finished in as short as 24 months, is based on African American cultural values and customs.

The program’s emphasis on community building and organizing is one of its most distinctive elements. Students will learn how to collaborate with neighborhood organizations to address social issues and encourage progress.

17. University of Denver

The online MSW program at the University of Denver is intended to be finished in as little as 18 months. The CSWE has accredited the program, which provides a generalist curriculum that equips graduates for a range of social work positions.

The program’s emphasis on the bond between people and animals is one of its distinctive features. Students will learn how to incorporate animal-assisted interventions into their work and the therapeutic advantages of using animals in social work practice.

18. San Jose State University

Students can earn their MSW degree from San Jose State University online in as little as two years. The program offers a concentration in advanced generalist practice with people, families, and groups and has received full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

19. California State University, Northridge

An online MSW program is available through California State University, Northridge, and it takes just 16 months to finish. The program offers a concentration in an integrated practice with individuals, families, and communities and has received full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

20. Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University offers an online MSW program with a concentration in community practice for social change and a range of electives. Here, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Popular FAQs About the Easiest Online MSW Programs

What are the benefits of an online MSW program?

Students can manage their studies and other obligations with the flexibility and convenience of online MSW programs. Additionally, they are frequently less expensive than conventional on-campus programs.

How long does it take to complete an online MSW program?

An online MSW program’s length might vary widely depending on the school and the student’s rate of study. Albeit, online MSW programs can often be finished in two to three years.

What is the shortest MSW program?

According to our research, the University of Nevada offers one of the shortest MSW programs that can be completed in as little as 15 months. However, this is not an online degree program.

Wrapping It Up

Finally, an online master of social work degree might be worth pursuing if you’re someone who is passionate about helping people around you; while earning a living from it. Social entrepreneurs, including social workers, are known to be comfortable earners, but importantly, career fulfillment is another factor that is important to these people.

Thus, if you have this heart for community and service, and seek to help people get by their daily lives somehow, then it is important that you get an MSW degree. And going the online route is one too many proven way to get degrees these days.