Our Program at a Glance
60 /42 Credits
Students in the regular standing pathway complete 30 generalist credits and 30 concentration credits.
Students in the advanced standing pathway complete 42 credits: 12 bridge credits and 30 concentration credits.
Two Concentrations
Specialize in Clinical Social Work Practice or Macro Practice.
Five Pathways
Earn your degree at a pace that works for you.
No. 28
Study at a renowned school of social work. We’re ranked No. 28 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Graduate Schools for Social Work (2024).
100+
Benefit from our 100+ years of educating social work students.
Program Overview
At a time when the need for social workers is greater than ever, the VCU School of Social Work is dedicated to:
Preparing professional social workers as practitioners, scholars and leaders
Generating research and scholarship to advance knowledge and practice
Contributing to local, state, national, international and professional communities to improve quality of life
As a student in the Master of Social Work Program online option, you’ll develop the expertise to analyze complex situations, make informed decisions and respond to the needs of individuals, families, communities and organizations with innovative solutions — all while upholding the principles of social justice, human rights, diversity, cultural competence and ethical practice.
We integrate evidence-based practice throughout your training, ensuring you gain experience while applying the most current, research-supported methods. This approach equips you with proven tools and techniques to achieve the best outcomes for people in their environments.
The VCU Master of Social Work Program offers concentrations in Clinical Social Work Practice and Macro Practice — and multiple pathways to earn this degree designed to match your unique needs. We understand the challenge of balancing work, school and life, which is why we’ve created options that allow you to pursue your career goals at a pace that works best for you. Whether you prefer an accelerated track or need more time to complete your studies, we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Why the Online M.S.W. Program?
Earn your VCU M.S.W. degree from anywhere in the country
Our online option brings the classroom to you. Whether you’re in Virginia, Oregon, or anywhere in between — urban or rural — you’ll receive a first-class education and a valuable placement experience. Pursue your passion for social work from wherever you call home.
Find Out More About Online Learning
Coursework rooted in cultural competence
Our coursework provides you with a diversity of direct learning experiences, helping you understand how to improve the lives of all cultures in the social work profession.
Explore Our Course Offerings
Field placement opportunities close to home
VCU places you in community-based agencies and organizations — real-world learning during business hours — to complement online coursework.
Learn About Field Education
Complete your degree at your own pace
Choose from five learning pathways: part-time (four years), accelerated part-time (three years), full-time (two years), accelerated full-time (16 months) and advanced standing (12 months).
Review Our Pathways
Advanced standing pathway
Program candidates with a B.S.W. no more than five years old from a CSWE-accredited institution, an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and who received an “A,” “B” or “pass” in senior field placement are eligible to apply.
Learn About Advanced Standing
Online learning informed by real-world experience
Our expert faculty members bring essential social work skills inspired by decades of experience working as practitioners locally and nationally.
Meet Some of Our FacultyAchieve Career Success as a Skilled Practitioner and Lifelong Learner
At VCU, you can learn to become an effective clinical practitioner, policy/program administrator, advisor, researcher or advocate. We emphasize thorough preparation to ensure you are well-equipped for your social work career. Our curriculum is designed to build strong foundational knowledge and practical skills, preparing you to excel in diverse professional settings.
No matter which career path you follow, now is an excellent time to earn your Master of Social Work, as it is a strong labor market for M.S.W. graduates. Between now and 2033, employment of social workers is forecast to grow by 7 percent nationally (almost twice the average growth rate for all occupations),1 and the demand for trained social workers is high.
Among M.S.W.-aligned job postings, there is a significant gap between the skills employers seek and the expertise candidates possess — with the top skills gaps in social work (62 percent), treatment planning (21 percent), discharge planning (17 percent), psychosocial assessments (16 percent) and case management (15 percent).2
VCU’s Master of Social Work Program online option can prepare you with the knowledge and tools to compete in this expanding job market, where M.S.W.-holders earn an average of $20,500 more annually than those without master’s in social work degrees.3
Is This Program Right for You?
The M.S.W. online option is ideal for students seeking geographic flexibility, allowing you to complete coursework from home, study on your own schedule and collaborate with faculty and peers.
Engage diversity and difference in practice
Learn evidence-based clinical and macro social work skills guided by the principles of promoting social justice, human rights, diversity, cultural competence and ethical practice.
Advance your career — and the field
Unlock clinical, policy/program and leadership opportunities, and innovate to improve access and effectiveness in the field.
Make demonstrable changes in individuals and families
Understand how problems such as substance use, child maltreatment and mental health disorders have roots in traumatic experiences.
Learn MoreProgram Objectives and Outcomes
Actionable Leadership and Impact
Build leadership skills to implement programs that produce measurable, positive outcomes, guided by practice-informed research.
Explore Our CurriculumHands-on Experience Across Diverse Settings
Gain real-world experience serving diverse populations in areas such as mental health, substance use, healthcare, aging and more.
Learn About Field EducationComprehensive Skill Development for Career Success
Prepare for clinical, policy, program and leadership roles by developing a versatile toolkit of clinical and macro skills.
Explore Our BlogYour Future in Social Work Starts Here
The VCU School of Social Work prepares students to make a positive impact in their communities and excel as world-class practitioners, scholars and leaders. Taught by expert faculty members with extensive real-world experience, the program features small class sizes, challenging and relevant coursework and convenient field placements. Are you ready to learn more?
Key Dates and Deadlines
Spring 2026
Summer 2026
Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
The Virginia Commonwealth University Master of Social Work Program online option is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of quality and rigor in social work education. This accreditation underscores our dedication to providing a comprehensive and respected educational experience.
Founded in 1917, VCU’s 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 53 nationwide) to offer bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in this discipline. Ours is one of the largest accredited, comprehensive social work programs in the United States.
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
2 Lightcast Job Postings, March 2023–Feb. 2024
3 Lightcast and Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
Factors such as experience, location and type of position can influence individual salaries.