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, you will take part in our mission by learning the clinical skills that are essential for working with individuals and families. 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 through the development of an evidence-based and trauma-informed approach in their work and receive the training and guidance to become licensed practitioners.

Why the Online M.S.W.?

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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.

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Complete your degree at your speed.

Choose our full-time program, on a 16-month or two-year track, study part time to earn your M.S.W. over a three- or four-year period, or pursue an accelerated degree with our one-year advanced standing program.

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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 individuals and families.

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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.

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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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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.

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The Virginia Commonwealth University Online M.S.W. 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

No. 1

Highest Ranked School of Social Work in Virginia

Top 16

Best Public Schools for Social Work Nationally

Is This Program Right for You?

The Online M.S.W. is ideal for returning students who need the geographic flexibility of an online program, allowing them to complete their coursework from home.

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Engage diversity and difference in practice.

Learn clinical skills guided by the principles of promoting social justice, human rights, diversity, cultural competence and ethical practice.

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Make demonstrable changes within individuals and families.

Understand how problems such as substance abuse, child maltreatment and mental health disorders have roots in traumatic experiences.

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Advance your career and the field of social work.

Unlock clinical and leadership opportunities, and innovate to improve access and effectiveness in your field.

Schedule a Consultation To Learn More

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Bachelor's degree is required to attend.
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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 and communities.

Become a practitioner.

Our students and alumni aspire to work in clinical and leadership positions to improve the lives of all individuals.

Prepare for a variety of settings.

We’re preparing the next generation of social workers in Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Healthcare, Aging and more.

Help individuals and families live better lives.

Learn to develop a toolkit of clinical skills essential for working with individuals, families 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.

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Key Dates and Deadlines

Spring 2023 Deadlines
Early Submit Final Submit Field Submit Term Start Synchronous Class Days*
Full Time June 15, 2022 Aug. 10, 2022 Sept. 21, 2022 Jan. 17, 2023 View Here
Part Time July 27, 2022 Oct. 5, 2022 Jan. 17, 2023 View Here

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.

*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 role plays and videotaping of clinical simulations.

Summer 2023 Deadlines
Early Submit Final Submit Field Submit Term Start Synchronous Class Days*
Part Time Dec. 1, 2022 March 1, 2023 May 22, 2023 View Here
Advanced Standing Nov. 2, 2022 Feb. 8, 2023 March 29, 2023 May 22, 2023 View Here

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.

*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 role plays and videotaping of clinical simulations.

Fall 2023 Deadlines
Early Submit Final Submit Field Submit Term Start Synchronous Class Days*
Part Time Jan. 11, 2023 May 31, 2023 Aug. 22, 2023 View Here
Full Time Jan. 11, 2023 March 22, 2023 May 19, 2023 Aug. 22, 2023 View Here
Advanced Standing Dec. 1, 2022 Feb. 8, 2023 April 7, 2023 Aug. 22, 2023 View Here

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.

*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 role plays and videotaping of clinical simulations.

Upcoming Events

VCU M.S.W. Discovery Day
August 10, 2022
07:00 PM ET
The VCU School of Social Work presents online M.S.W. Discovery Days. M.S.W. Discovery Days are experiential opportunities for students interested in learning more about earning an M.S.W., the VCU School of Social Work, the program and city so that students may make the best graduate school decision. M.S.W. Discovery Days are offered several times throughout the semester so that students can choose the date and time that best fit their schedule.
Register for Event
VCU M.S.W. Discovery Day
September 14, 2022
07:00 PM ET
The VCU School of Social Work presents online M.S.W. Discovery Days. M.S.W. Discovery Days are experiential opportunities for students interested in learning more about earning an M.S.W., the VCU School of Social Work, the program and city so that students may make the best graduate school decision. M.S.W. Discovery Days are offered several times throughout the semester so that students can choose the date and time that best fit their schedule.
Register for Event

READY TO GET STARTED ON YOUR ONLINE M.S.W.?

Want to learn more about the program and application process? Get in touch with the form below.

Please enter your first name.
Please enter your last name.
Please enter a valid email address.
Please enter a valid phone number (numbers only).
Please enter a valid postal code.
Bachelor’s degree is required to attend.
By providing my information and clicking the “Submit” button, I consent to be contacted via telephone (including a cell phone, if provided), email, and text message.

Thank you!

A program representative will be reaching out to you shortly.