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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.

By submitting this form, I agree to be contacted via email, phone or text to learn more about the programs at Virginia Commonwealth University.
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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.

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Coursework rooted in cultural competence.

Coursework is designed to provide students with a diversity of direct learning experiences to support their understanding of how to improve the lives of all people and cultures.

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Field placement opportunities close to home.

VCU places online learners in field experiences — real-world learning during business hours — to complement their online coursework.

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Complete your degree at a part-time, full-time or accelerated pace.

Choose from any of our online learning options. We offer a full-time 16-month or two-year track, a part-time track over a three- or four-year period, or an accelerated one-year advanced standing option for B.S.W. degree holders.

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Advanced standing option.

Program candidates holding a B.S.W. no more than five years old, an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, and who received a “B” or “pass” in senior field placement are eligible to apply. If the applicant has not completed their senior field placement, one of their letters of recommendation should be from someone who can assess their potential to succeed in a field placement.

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Expert faculty with deep connections to the field.

Expert faculty members bring real-world experience and essential social work skills inspired by decades of experience working as practitioners locally and nationally.

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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.

No. 28

Best Graduate Schools for Social Work
(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)

100+

100+ years of educating social work students

The online M.S.W. Degree Program format is ideal for returning students who need its geographic flexibility, allowing them to complete their coursework from home.

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Engage diversity and difference in practice.

Learn clinical and macro social work skills1 guided by the principles of promoting social justice, human rights, diversity, cultural competence and ethical practice through social work education.

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Advance your career and the field of social work.

Unlock clinical, policy/program and leadership opportunities,1 and innovate to improve access and effectiveness in your field and various career paths.

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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.

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 positions1 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 skills1 essential for working with individuals, families, communities and groups.

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.

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Check back soon for more upcoming events.

Bachelor’s degree is required.

By submitting this form, I agree to be contacted via email, phone or text to learn more about the programs at Virginia Commonwealth University.