Program Overview

Online Master of Social Work

The UCF Online Master of Social Work (MSW) program addresses national and global health, as well as mental health challenges that impact individuals, families, groups, and communities. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the program provides a deeper understanding of how we are all interconnected and how the challenges that affect one segment of our society or world may affect others.

Program Overview

The online MSW program is designed to promote positive change for future generations, helping students succeed in the rewarding field of social work. Students in the online MSW program get a hands-on look at social work theory, practice, and clinical skills required to address the many challenges in our communities and develop solutions for a better quality of life.

Tracks

The UCF MSW Online program offers two tracks:

• Traditional Track: Designed for students who do not have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or who completed their BSW more than six years ago. This track completes 62-credit hours within a 3-year cohort model for stronger peer support.
• Advanced Standing Track: Designed for students who have earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program within the last six years with a GPA of 3.3 in their last 60 credit hours. The track admits only one time a year in the fall semester and completes 32-credit hours over four semesters in a cohort model.

Costs

The cost per credit hour is $487.45. The program is composed of 7-week terms, with 62 credit hours required for the Traditional Track and 32 credit hours required for the Advanced Standing Track.

Highlights

• Projected job growth for social work is 12% through 2030.
• Competitively priced and ranked No. 70 in social work by US News & World Report.
• Hands-on U.S. field placement experience.
• Graduates eligible to sit for state licensure exams.

Application Deadlines

• Summer: April 1
• Fall: June 1
• Spring: November 1

Course Requirements

If you already have a BSW earned within six years of your intended start date, you'll need to complete 32 credit hours to earn your MSW degree. If social work is new to you and you'll be pursuing the Traditional Track, you'll need to complete 62 credit hours beyond your bachelor's degree.

Number of Core Classes

Based on your qualifications, you can choose from two different tracks. The Traditional Track is composed of core courses, clinical specialization courses, electives, and field experience. The Advanced Standing Track requires clinical specialization courses, electives, and field experience.

Field Experience

Required for both tracks, field experience consists of 14 credit hours. Students in the Traditional Track are required to complete a total of 1000 field hours, and students in the Advanced Track are required to complete 600 field hours.

Courses

Courses you'll take include:

• Military Culture and Social Work Practice: Provides a detailed overview of the practice of social work with military-connected clients, families, and communities.
• Clinical Practice with Individuals: Identifies and explores behavioral, crisis, and psychosocial theories applied to individuals with emotional, social, and psychological problems.
• Clinical Practice with Families: Family-focused models of intervention applied to families in transition and to problems such as divorce, single parenting, and blended families.

Skills You'll Gain

• Apply your professional knowledge with a variety of individuals, families, groups, and communities.
• Engage in ethical practice grounded in respect.
• Promote the optimal well-being of individuals and communities in need.
• Champion policies and services that foster positive transformation.

Career Opportunities

Social work is among the fastest-growing occupations in America, with a projected 12% average employment growth from 2020 to 2030. A Master's of Social Work degree can help prepare you for job positions like:

• Social and Community Service Managers
• Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
• Marriage and Family Therapists
• Child, Family, and School Social Workers
• Healthcare Social Workers

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with this degree?: At this time, our program meets the educational eligibility criteria for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of Florida.
• Do you have part-time and full-time options?: The accredited online Master of Social Work tracks are only available on a part-time basis.
• How long does the program take to complete?: The Traditional online Master's in Social Work track will take 3 years to complete. The Advanced Standing track will take 16 months to complete.
• How many credits are required to complete the online Social Work master's degree?: The CSWE-accredited online MSW is a 62-credit hour track. The Advanced Standing online Social Work master's degree is a 32-credit hour track.
• Is everything really online or will I have to visit campus?: You are absolutely welcome to visit campus if you wish, but it is not a requirement. Everything is completed online except for your field placement.
• Will I be able to work while attending the program?: Graduate social work education is both difficult and time-consuming. Many of our students maintain employment, but we strongly emphasize that you schedule your time wisely for both your online courses and for your field placement.