Top 5 Online Social Work Degree Programs 2018
Social work is a growing area and demand for qualified people is expected to grow. Studying at an online school for social work enables you to experience the same rigorous coursework you’d expect from an on-campus program, with the added flexibility to work on your own schedule. In developing this list of accredited online social work degree programs, we took into account program and university rankings in major publications, cost and value, and program options and flexibility.
Our Ranking of the Top Social Work Schools Online
#1 Boston University
Executive Summary
Boston University was founded in 1839 and is one of the most respected private research universities in the country. Its online social work master’s degree offers the same challenging curriculum as its on-campus counterpart.
Tuition
Tuition is $685.00 per credit hour.
What’s Unique
The online master’s degree in social work program allows students to pursue their educational goals on a part-time basis. This program is available in a concentration in Clinical Social Work Practice, which prepares students for careers in community based and residential programs, schools, and mental health centers.
Courses in the Online Social Work Master’s Degree
Social Welfare Policy
Human Behavior in the Social Environment
Racial Justice & Cultural Intersectionality of Oppression
Introduction to Social Work Research
Communities and Organizations
Students also complete one or two field internships as part of their program.
Career Options
Graduates from the accredited online social work degree program are eligible for licensure in most states. They can work in schools, public health departments, substance abuse clinics, and hospitals.
#2 Wayne State University
Executive Summary
Wayne State University
Wayne State’s School of Social Work has been ranked as the best undergraduate program in the U.S.
Tuition
Tuition ranges from $326.00-$384.25 for state residents and $746.65-$883.60 for out-of-state students.
What’s Unique
The accredited online social work degree (Bachelor of Social Work / BSW) program includes courses in research methods, social welfare policy and services, human behavior and the social environment, and social work practice. Students also complete a field education component in their junior year.
Online Social Work Degree Program Courses
Students enrolled in this program take courses in the following study areas:
Human behavior and the social environment
Research Methods
Social work practice
Social welfare policy and services
Field education is a required part of the program. Students may be able to complete this requirement at their current place of employment.
Career Options
Graduates from the Master’s program are qualified for positions as general case managers, program coordinators or program managers in community organizations, child welfare agencies or departments, mental health clinics or service agencies, or policy and planning departments. They may also choose to work in the employment social services or gerontology fields.
#3 Capella University
Executive Summary
Capella University
Capella University is an accredited school that was founded in 1993. It offers high-quality programs and has an alumni satisfaction rate of 95 percent.
Tuition
Tuition is $468.00 per credit hour, making it one of the most affordable online social work degree programs available.
Unique Features
Courses in the MS in Social and Community Services degree program are 10 weeks in length and prepare students for careers as general case managers, program managers, family specialists, or probation specialists.
Online Social Work Courses
Introduction to Research Methodology
Ethnic and Cultural Awareness
Scope of Human Services
Collaboration, Communication, and Case Analysis for Master’s Learners
Human Services Integrative Project
Career Options
People who choose the online degree in Social and Community Services can find employment in a number of settings, including child welfare agencies, community organizations, employment services, hospitals, mental health centers and social service agencies, and public interest groups. They may be hired as family specialists, community organizers, consultants, program managers, or case managers.
#4 Walden University
Executive Summary
Walden University
Walden University has been offering degree programs since 1970 and is a leading online university. It is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. It offers an online social work master’s degree (MSW).
Tuition
Students pay $500.00 per credit hour.
What’s Unique
The online master degree in social work program includes two, four-day in-person residencies. During these periods, students get practical experience along with their coursework.
Online Master Degree in Social Work Concentrations Available
• Addictions
• Children, Families and Couples
• Crisis and Trauma
• Forensic Populations and Settings
• Medical Social Work
• Military
Career Options
Graduates from the online MSW program often seek to advance into positions as program directors, school social workers, mental health social workers, licensed clinical social workers, and policy analysts.
#5 Brandman University
Brandman University
Executive Summary
Brandman University was founded in 1958. The school operates on a nonprofit basis and has a top 10 ranking as one of the best online undergraduate programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Tuition
Undergraduate students pay $500.00 per credit hour.
What’s Unique
The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program includes courses in social policy, social work research, social work practice groups, and interviewing and assessment skills. Students also complete three practicums.
Online Social Work Courses
Social Work Foundations
Social Welfare
Social Policy
Interviewing and Assessment Skills
Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Students complete three practicums as part of this program. The practicum courses are graded on a pass/no pass basis.
source : https://www.socialworkdegreeguide.com/top-online-social-work-degree-programs/