Program Overview

Online Master of Social Work

The online Master of Social Work program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee prepares students for a wide range of positions that require a graduate degree and advanced training in social work. The program is open to foundation students (students without a BSW) and advanced-standing students (students with a BSW earned within the past seven years).

Program Details

• The program admits students for the fall semester only.
• Currently, the program is only accepting students from Wisconsin and bordering areas such as northern Illinois, eastern Minnesota, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
• The cost per credit is $675, with no extra fees.
• The total cost for the online MSW program is:
  • $24,300 for the Advanced Standing track (36 credits)
  • $40,500 for the Foundation track (60 credits)

Admission Requirements

• An undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or better
• Satisfactory completion of at least 21 semester credits in social and behavior science areas
• Admission to the MSW program is limited, with factors considered including academic preparation and achievement, personal qualifications and maturity, volunteer and employment experience, and potential and aptitude for graduate study and professional practice in social work
• A graduate entrance exam such as the GRE or MAT is not required for admission

Program Format

• The online MSW program is a part- or full-time program, with all courses delivered online and asynchronously (except field placement)
• The program offers two tracks: Advanced Standing and Foundation

Advanced-Standing Track

• The advanced-standing track is for students who earned a bachelor's degree in social work within the past seven years from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited program
• Students who earned a BSW more than seven years prior to starting the MSW program but have evidence of at least three years of professional social work experience within the most recent seven years may also be approved for advanced standing
• Psychology, sociology, and other bachelor's degrees outside of social work do not qualify for advanced standing

Foundation Track

• The foundation track is for students who have a bachelor's degree in a subject other than social work but want to pursue social work at the master's level

Program Length

• Full-time online MSW:
  • Advanced Standing: 1 year (3 semesters, including summer)
  • Foundation: just under 2 years (5 semesters, including summers)
• Part-time online MSW:
  • Advanced Standing: 2 years (6 semesters, including summers)
  • Foundation: just over 3 years (10 semesters, including summers)

Field Placement

• Advanced Standing: 3 semesters of field placement, starting in the Fall of Year 1 (full-time) or Fall of Year 2 (part-time)
• Foundation: 4 semesters of field placement, starting in the Spring of Year 1 (full-time) or Spring of Year 2 (part-time)

Specializations

• Graduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology
• Graduate Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care
• School Social Work
• Note: Selecting a specialization may increase the total number of credits and the overall length of the program, and may exceed the listed cost

Application Information

• The application is online and can be saved and completed over time
• Required documents include:
  • Unofficial transcript
  • Narrative statements
  • Service-related experience
  • Resume
  • Two recommendation letters
• Application fee is required

Accreditation

• The social work program at UW-Milwaukee is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education's (CSWE) Board of Accreditation

MSW Program Mission and Goals

• The mission of the UWM Master of Social Work (MSW) Program is to prepare advanced social work practitioners who can promote positive change through social work practice, advocacy, education, research, and leadership
• The program aims to prepare highly skilled, advanced practitioners to work in a variety of ecological levels, including with individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and governments
• The program values include dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, social justice, and human rights

Important Dates

• Applications open: October 1, 2025
• Priority deadline: January 3, 2026
• Final deadline to apply: April 15, 2026