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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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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The flexibility to both study and work.

Our online program is built to complement your busy life. Begin applying new knowledge to make an immediate impact.

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Field placement opportunities throughout the country.

VCU places online learners in field experiences throughout the country to integrate their coursework with hands-on experience.

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Online Learning Informed by Richmond and a 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.

Renowned for a Reason

No. 25

Best Schools for Social Work Nationally*

No. 1

Highest Ranked School of Social Work in Virginia

Top 15

Best Public Schools for Social Work Nationally

*2019 U.S. News & World Report

Is This Program Right for You?

Ideal for returning students (nontraditional students, career changers, and those already in the workforce) who need flexibility in their education

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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.

Overview

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60 credits
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Flexible full-time and part-time tracks available
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6 to 8 hours per week/course
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Two live sessions per class per semester
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Field placement throughout the country
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Clinical skills to become a social worker

Schedule a Consultation To Learn More

Please enter your first name.
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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.

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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

Summer 2020

Summer 2020 Deadlines
Early Decision Final Submit Term Start Synchronous Course Dates*
Full Time December 4, 2019 January 22, 2020 May 18, 2020 June 13 & 14 and July 11 & 12, 2020
Part Time February 26, 2020 March 31, 2020 May 18, 2020 June 13 & 14 and July 11 & 12, 2020

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 2020

Fall 2020 Deadlines
Early Decision Final Submit Term Start Synchronous Course Dates*
Full Time February 5, 2020 April 1, 2020 August 18, 2020 TBD
Part Time May 20, 2020 June 24, 2020 August 18, 2020 TBD

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.

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.