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Arizona State University - Online Master of Social Work (MSW)

Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions at Arizona State University offers an online Master of Social Work (MSW). The program prepares students to work individually, with families, and with communities in the areas of social justice and social welfare issues. A focus on cultural diversity underlies faculty expertise in child welfare, gerontology, forensic social work, behavioral health, global social work, human trafficking, and innovative services for various population groups.

The ASU School of Social Work is one of the largest and most diverse social work programs in the world. Students learn to serve various populations and create innovative and non-profit programs for the benefit of the society in which they live. The MSW program focuses on advocacy for historically underserved communities, and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

The MSW degree can be completed in two years full-time, or three years part-time. MSW students may begin in the fall or spring. ASU courses run 7.5 weeks in length. The Master of Social Work consists of 60 credits through 20 courses. The courses are 100% online with no campus visits required, however students must complete 960 hours of field experience in their geographic area. In addition MSW students complete a portfolio project.

ASU now uses the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). Most courses are offered asynchronously, however two professional seminars include synchronous elements which require specific login times and dates. In addition, students must work with the School of Social Work’s Field Education Office to secure internship opportunities to meet the 960 hour field experience requirement.

Courses for the MSW include Micro Human Behavior in the Social Environment; Macro Human Behavior in the Social Environment; Research Methods in Social Work; Social Policy and Services; Diversity and Oppression in a Social Work Context; and Macro Social Work Practice.

Arizona State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. The MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Arizona State University

Programs: Social Work (MSW)
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges; Council of Social Work Education (CSWE)​

Social Work (MSW)

Program Highlights
  • The program prepares students to work individually, with families, and with communities in the areas of social justice and issues
  • A focus on cultural diversity underlies faculty expertise in child welfare, gerontology, forensic social work, behavioral health, global social work, human trafficking, and innovative services for various population groups
  • The ASU School of Social Work is one of the largest and most diverse social work programs in the world
Program Overview
Program Structure: Online instruction plus 960 hours of field experience
Example Courses: Micro Human Behavior in the Social Environment; Macro Human Behavior in the Social Environment; Research Methods in Social Work; Social Policy and Services; Diversity and Oppression in a Social Work Context; Macro Social Work Practice
Instruction Methods: The program includes a combination of asynchronous courses and two professional seminars with synchronous pieces; in addition, students complete 960 hours of field experience and a portfolio project
Degree Requirements
Credits Required: 60 credits needed to graduate
Campus Visits Required: 0
Program Options
Program Start Dates: Fall and Spring admission
Curriculum Options: Full-time or Part-time
Length of Program: Program can be completed in 2 years full-time, 3 years part-time
Admission Requirements and Tuition Costs
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA of 3.0 required
Testing Requirements: No GRE required
Work Experience: 240 volunteer or work experience hours in social services over a 6 month period within the last 5 years
Tuition Costs: ~$47,190
Cost per Credit Hour: $786.50