Program Overview

Online Master of Social Work

The University of Utah's online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program is designed to help students address pressing social issues and support individuals and communities in need. The program offers the flexibility of an online format and is taught by expert faculty members.

Program Overview

The MSW program emphasizes mental health, social justice, and community well-being, and is rooted in the Advanced Generalist perspective. This allows students to develop the flexibility to work across micro, mezzo, and macro levels of social work. The program also offers the opportunity to apply what is learned in real-world settings through supervised practice in local field placements.

MSW Pathways

The program offers three paths to earning an online MSW:

• Advanced Standing: For students who already hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), this 45-credit program can be completed in just one year.
• Two-Year Standard: This 60-credit program provides comprehensive training over two years of full-time study for those without a BSW.
• Three-Year Standard: This 60-credit program extends the timeline of completion to three years and reduces the number of credit hours taken each semester, making it more optimal for working professionals.

Degree Requirements

The degree requirements for each pathway are as follows:

Two-Year, Full-Time Online MSW

• Complete 60 graduate credits over four semesters (15 credits per semester)
• Earn a minimum grade of C+ in each course and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Engage in two required practicums: 400 hours in the first year and 550 hours in the second year

Three-Year, Online MSW

• Complete 60 graduate credits over 7 semesters (9-10 credits per semester)
• Earn a minimum grade of C+ in each course and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Engage in two required practicums: 400 hours in the second year and 550 hours in the third year

Advanced Standing Online MSW

• Complete 45 graduate credits over three semesters (15 credits each)
• Earn a minimum grade of C+ in each course and maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA
• Fulfill one practicum: 550 hours completed over the fall and spring semesters

Tuition & Scholarships

Tuition for the social work master's degree program is $620.25 per credit hour for residents and nonresidents and is subject to change without notice. The program qualifies for the U of U employee reduced tuition benefit.

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required, but applicants with lower GPAs may be considered case-by-case
• Prerequisite Course in Research Methods, completed with a grade C+ or better

Career Outcomes

A social work master's degree unlocks more opportunities to influence change and make an impact across social service fields. With this advanced degree, graduates can pursue licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and find positions such as:

• Clinical Social Worker
• Community Outreach Specialist
• Medical Social Worker
• Mental Health Therapist
• School Social Worker
• Social Work Administrator
• Substance Abuse Counselor

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 7% growth in demand for social workers from now through 2033, with approximately 67,300 new social work positions becoming available each year. The median annual wage for social workers is $58,380, according to the BLS. Pursuing a graduate degree can enhance qualifications, often leading to increased earning potential.