Online Masters in Social Work (M.S.W. Degree) Program
VCU’s Online Master of Social Work Program Format
Virginia Commonwealth University
READY TO GET STARTED WITH OUR ONLINE M.S.W. PROGRAM FORMAT?
Bachelor’s degree is required.
The mission of the VCU School of Social Work is to prepare professional social workers as practitioners, scholars and leaders; to generate research and scholarship for advancing knowledge and practice; and to contribute to the local, state, national, international and professional communities to improve quality of life. By enrolling in the online Master of Social Work Program format, you will take part in our mission by learning the social work knowledge and skills that are essential for working with individuals, families, communities and organizations. Your studies will be informed by the principles of promoting social justice, human rights, diversity, cultural competence and ethical practice.
Students will learn how to become effective clinical practitioners and policy/program administrators and advocates. The school uses an evidence-based and trauma-informed approach, and students receive the training and guidance to become licensed practitioners (clinical social work skills) or effective policy-makers, advisors or researchers who can effect system-level change (macro social work skills).
Why the Online M.S.W. Degree Program Format?
Earn your VCU M.S.W. Degree from anywhere in the country.
Our online program format brings the classroom to you. Study from home and apply your knowledge in your community through field placements.
Coursework rooted in cultural competence.
Coursework is designed to provide students with a diversity of direct learning experiences to understand how to improve the lives of all cultures in the social work profession.
Field placement opportunities close to home.
VCU places online learners in field experiences — real-world learning during business hours — to complement their online coursework.
Complete your degree at your speed.
Choose from any of our online learning options: a full-time 16-month or two-year track; part time over a three- or four-year period, or our accelerated one-year advanced standing option for B.S.W. degree-holders.
Choose the program pace that works for you.
Our part-time and full-time online program format options, with three intakes throughout the year, let you learn from anywhere in the country, and make an immediate impact on your local community.
Online learning informed by Richmond and close proximity to D.C.
Expert faculty members bring real-world experience and essential social work skills inspired by living in Richmond, VA, and the close proximity to our nation’s capital.
The Virginia Commonwealth University online M.S.W. Program format is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation. Founded in 1917, the School of Social Work stands as the first school of its kind in the South, as well as one of two programs in Virginia (and only 56 nationwide) to offer bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in the discipline. Ours is one of the largest accredited, comprehensive social work programs in the United States.
Renowned for a Reason
No. 28
Best Schools for Social Work Nationally
Top 16
Best Public Schools for Social Work Nationally
Is This Program Right for You?
The online M.S.W. Degree Program format is ideal for returning students who need the geographic flexibility of an online format, allowing them to complete their coursework from home.
Engage diversity and difference in practice.
Learn clinical and macro social work skills guided by the principles of promoting social justice, human rights, diversity, cultural competence and ethical practice through social work education.
Advance your career and the field of social work.
Unlock clinical, policy/program and leadership opportunities, and innovate to improve access and effectiveness in your field and various career paths.
Make demonstrable changes within individuals and families.
Understand how problems such as substance use, child maltreatment and mental health disorders have roots in traumatic experiences.
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Program Objectives
Make it real.
Social work knowledge is to be discovered, not recited. Gain hands-on experience to best serve individuals, families and communities.
Prepare for a variety of settings.
We’re preparing the next generation of social workers to work with populations in areas such as mental health, substance abuse, health care, aging and more.
Become a practitioner.
Our students and alumni aspire to career paths in clinical, policy/program and leadership positions to improve the lives of individuals, families, communities and organizations.
Help individuals and families live better lives.
Learn to develop a toolkit of clinical and macro social work skills essential for working with individuals, families, communities and groups.
What You Will Learn
Inclusivity and cultural competence.
Create opportunities that challenge the status quo and break through systemic inequity.
Action and efficacy.
Evaluate and implement programs and policies for measurable results in the communities you serve.
Influence and leadership.
Refine your professional skills to guide decision-making that improves lives through practice-informed research.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Deposit is due within two weeks of the official offer of admission.
Field applications for prospective full-time students are due within one week of deposit.
Synchronous Class Days
In synchronous classes, students develop essential social work skills and professional competencies such as active listening and communication skills; and participate in activities that include live presence and interaction, collaborative teamwork, team projects, presentations, and experiential activities, such as videotaping role plays and simulations. See the schedule for synchronous class days.
Deposit is due within two weeks of the official offer of admission.
Field applications for prospective full-time students are due within one week of deposit.
Synchronous Class Days
In synchronous classes, students develop essential social work skills and professional competencies such as active listening and communication skills; and participate in activities that include live presence and interaction, collaborative teamwork, team projects, presentations, and experiential activities, such as videotaping role plays and simulations. See the schedule for synchronous class days.
Deposit is due within two weeks of the official offer of admission.
Field applications for prospective full-time students are due within one week of deposit.
Synchronous Class Days
In synchronous classes, students develop essential social work skills and professional competencies such as active listening and communication skills; and participate in activities that include live presence and interaction, collaborative teamwork, team projects, presentations, and experiential activities, such as videotaping role plays and simulations. See the schedule for synchronous class days.
Deposit is due within two weeks of the official offer of admission.
Field applications for prospective full-time students are due within one week of deposit.
Synchronous Class Days
In synchronous classes, students develop essential social work skills and professional competencies such as active listening and communication skills; and participate in activities that include live presence and interaction, collaborative teamwork, team projects, presentations, and experiential activities, such as videotaping role plays and simulations. See the schedule for synchronous class days.
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READY TO GET STARTED WITH OUR ONLINE M.S.W. PROGRAM FORMAT?
Bachelor’s degree is required.