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An MSW Degree Made for Advocates Pursuing Licensure

UMass Global's CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work degree equips you with the knowledge and experience you need to succeed in this rewarding field. This flexible, affordable program is designed for working professionals. Our expert faculty consists of scholar practitioners with many years of practical social work experience. Outside your coursework, you’ll gain practical experience through hands-on field work at a service agency in your community.

Prepare to make a difference across a spectrum of settings, including:

  • Child protective services agencies
  • Criminal justice, legal service and military organizations
  • Local, state and federal agencies
  • Home- and school-based programs
  • Hospitals and other health care settings
  • Mental health and substance abuse treatment programs
  • Nonprofit, human rights and advocacy organizations
Got Questions?

Do you want to go back to school, but don't know where to start? Attend a 30-minute online info session to find out how UMass Global can help.

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Next Session

Summer I (Apr 28, 2025)

Estimated Tuition

$730/Credit

Help me estimate my cost

Ways to Learn

Online

Program Benefits that Benefit You.

Advance Standing Track Can Help You Save Time and Money

Students may choose one of two tracks, and complete a Social Work master’s degree in as little as one year.*

A Better Balance for Work and School

Affordable, asynchronous classes that fit your work schedule, offered 100% online so you can learn while you earn.

Start Sooner, No GRE Required

Designed for working professionals, benefit from rolling starts and flexible entry - no BSW or GRE required for admission.

Education is a treasure waiting for people to partake. There’s nothing more effective than getting a degree in a field you’re interested in and passionate about.
Bill K.
Master in Social Work
 
I personally know that the MAOL prepared me to be a better leader and manage multiple projects. The program enabled me to take what I learned and apply in the workplace right away.
Aimee A.
MA, Organizational Leadership
 
UMass Global has been a welcoming school to veterans and adult learners. The courses offered provide exceptional learning and skillsets needed for your profession. This university is a great solution, more importantly to adult learners coming back after years of being out or being a parent, especially a single parent.
Yajaira V.
Master of Social Work

Imagine Your Future In Social Work

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    Data source: Lightcast™ 2022 www.lightcast.io

    The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.

    1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032

    2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly

    3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program

    WSCUC

    University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

    CCNE

    UMass Global's Master of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

    Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes

    All Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) programs measure and report student learning outcomes. Students are assessed on their mastery of the competencies that comprise the accreditation standards of the Council on Social Work Education. All social work students are expected to master these competencies of social work practice during their professional training. A measurement benchmark is set by the social work program for each competency. An assessment score at or above that benchmark is considered by the program to represent mastery of a competency. This form is used to assist the CSWE in the evaluation of the program's compliance with the accreditation standards below:

     
    5.0.1(d) The program posts its assessment plan and summary outcomes publicly on its webpage using Form AS
    5.0.1(d). The findings are updated every two years, at minimum.
    a. The program submits Form AS M5.0.1(d) to report its assessment plan and most recent assessment summary outcomes.
    b. The program provides a hyperlink to the program’s webpage where the assessment plan and summary outcomes are publicly displayed.
    c. The program provides outcomes for each program option and in aggregate.
    Licensure

    To provide a pathway to licensure the MSW Program integrated the required California pre-licensure course content into our second-year curriculum. As a CSWE accredited program, most states accept licensure eligibility with some states specifying required courses. However, because licensure requirements vary by state and are subject to change, students should confirm eligibility and verify course requirements for the state they intend to pursue licensure.

    This program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and meets licensure degree requirements in all states and territories in the U.S. However, certain states require specific courses for Licensure. See those requirements below:

    California

    • SOWK 601: Family Violence – 7 hours of Child Abuse Assessment and Reporting in California; 10 hours of Aging, Long Term Care and Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse; and 15 hours of Spousal/Partner Abuse Assessment, Detection, and Intervention
    • SOWK 602: Social Work Law and Ethics – CA Law and Ethics
    • SOWK 603: Social Work and Human Sexuality – 10 hours of Human Sexuality
    • SOWK 622: Advanced General Practice I – 15 hours of Alcoholism and Chemical Substance Abuse & Dependency; and 6 hours of Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention Training
    • SOWK 623: Advanced General Practice II – 3 hours of Provision of Mental Health Services via Telehealth

    Florida

    • SOWK 664: Psychopathology

    Indiana

    • SOWK 664: Psychopathology
    • SOWK 502: Individual and Family Practice
    • SOWK 503: Group, Communities, and Organization Practice

    New Hampshire

    • SOWK 664: Psychopathology SOWK
    • 655: Substance Abuse elective

    New Mexico

    Students will need to take a course in New Mexico cultures to meet the coursework requirement for licensure

    New York

    Students will need to take a course in child abuse provided by a NY provider to meet the coursework requirement for licensure

    Washington

    Students will need to take an HIV training course to meet the coursework requirement for licensure

    Frequency Asked Questions

    As a social worker, you can make a true difference in the lives of so many people. Explore this rewarding profession and the programs that can help get you where you want to be. Plus, get answers to some of the most common questions asked by aspiring social workers.


    • To become a social worker, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in social work. Many employers prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in social work as well. Clinical social workers must have a master’s degree in order to practice.
    • Social worker licensure requirements vary by state. Typically, obtaining your licensure includes achieving a minimum level of education, reaching a required amount of supervised practice time and completing an application. There are also optional and advanced licensures for specific social worker careers.
    • It usually takes between four to six years to become a social worker. Aspiring social workers must earn their bachelor’s degree, and many continue on to earn a master’s degree as well.
    • Social workers can help military clients address difficulties such as PTSD, depression or anxiety, unemployment, financial hardship and more through individual or family counseling. Social workers support military personnel and their loved ones by developing community programs and initiatives that can improve their lives.
    • All social workers will work with our military population in some capacity, but some choose to specialize in serving those in specific stages including civilians, active-duty personnel and veterans. Each segment has unique resources such as community centers, military bases, and VA support.  
    • Simply put, an MSW — Master of Social Work — is a degree path. Conversely, an LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker. The latter is a social work professional who has obtained licensure after earning their master’s degree in the field.
    • As an LCSW you can administer therapy services to individuals, families, and couples. You can help clients change problematic behavior or cope with challenging circumstances such as addiction, trauma, illness, injury, mental health disorders, and social challenges.
    • Social workers are employed in a variety of environments including child protective services agencies, schools, long-term care facilities, human rights advocacy organizations as well in local, state and federal agencies.

    Pursue your dream of changing lives with a MSW from University of Massachusetts Global

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