Program Overview

Introduction to the Online MSW Program

The accredited online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is offered through the University of Central Florida. There are two online options available: the Online Part-Time track and the Online Part-Time Advanced Standing track.

Program Details

Overview

The traditional online MSW track is designed for students who do not have a BSW degree or who earned their BSW more than six years prior to initial enrollment. The Advanced Standing option is 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.

Program Structure

• The traditional online Master's in Social Work track takes 3 years to complete.
• The Advanced Standing track takes 16 months to complete.
• The CSWE-accredited online MSW is a 62 credit hour track.
• The Advanced Standing online Social Work masters degree is a 32 credit hour track.

Field Placement

• Everything is completed online except for the field placement.
• The university attempts to place students within a 45-mile radius of their location, unless they are located in a restricted state.

Tuition and Fees

Online MSW Versus On-Campus Tuition Comparison

Licensure and Accreditation

• The program meets the educational eligibility criteria for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of Florida.
• The Master of Social Work program at UCF is fully accredited through the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
• The University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Program Comparison

• The online MSW and the Orlando MSW tracks have the same curriculum content, regulated by the CSWE through its accreditation standards.
• The main differences between the two tracks are the method of delivery and the length of classes.
• Courses in the online program are set at an accelerated pace of 7-weeks each.

Student Support and Benefits

• UCF Online students have access and privileges to a wide range of student services.
• Some campus resources and services are supported by student fees that are waived for UCF Online students.
• The diploma will state that the student earned a Master of Social Work at the University of Central Florida, without indicating that it was an online program.

Suitability for Online Learning

• The online MSW may not be the right fit for students who:
  • Do not have unlimited access to high-speed internet
  • Cannot type or type very slowly
  • Do not have access or basic knowledge of computer and internet skills
  • Have difficulty with time-management and/or are unable to commit to 18 hours per week of coursework and an additional 10-15 hours for field placement

Work and Study Balance

• Graduate social work education is both difficult and time-consuming.
• Many students maintain employment, but it is strongly emphasized that they schedule their time wisely for both online courses and field placement.
• During field placement, students will be required to complete at least 50% of their hours during business hours (M-F, 8-5pm).