VCU’s Online Master of Social Work Program Format
Virginia Commonwealth University
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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 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) or effective policy-makers, advisors or researchers who can effect system-level change (macro).
Why the Online M.S.W. Program Format?
Earn your VCU M.S.W. from anywhere in the country.
Our online program 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.
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 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 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 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 U.S.
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. 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.
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.
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 use, health care, aging and more.
Become a practitioner.
Our students and alumni aspire to work 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 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; 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 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; 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 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; 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.
Upcoming Events
Discover what an M.S.W. from Virginia Commonwealth University can do to help you achieve your career goals. Join VCU’s M.S.W. Program online format enrollment team to learn more about earning an M.S.W., the VCU School of Social Work and the university.
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READY TO GET STARTED WITH OUR ONLINE M.S.W. PROGRAM FORMAT?
Want to learn more about the program and application process? Get in touch with the form below.