15 Best Online MSW Programs with No GRE Requirement

Online Master’s in Social Work programs with no GRE requirement are making higher education available to passionate people like you. Your emotional intelligence, commitment to justice, and desire to help others make you an excellent social worker – not knowing how to ace a standardized test.

The field offers amazing opportunities. Jobs for social workers will grow by 7% between 2023 and 2033, with top professionals earning more than $99,500 annually. This growth comes at a significant time as a nationwide shortage of mental health professionals continues to drive the need for qualified social workers.

The last decade has seen a remarkable rise in online MSW programs that don’t require the GRE. These available MSW options take two years of full-time study to complete, making them perfect for working professionals. Many affordable online MSW programs without GRE requirements have emerged to provide flexible pathways that advance your career without the stress and expense of standardized testing.

This complete guide gets into the 15 best online MSW programs that don’t require the GRE you can find today to help you find the perfect fit for your educational goals and career aspirations.

1. Rutgers University

GRE Required: No

Rutgers University stands out among online master’s in social work programs with its detailed curriculum and flexible learning options. Their MSW program helps enhance individual and family well-being through a social justice lens based on Barbara Love’s liberatory consciousness framework.

Program Overview

The program helps students develop their interpersonal and listening skills through a Direct Practice Immersion Sequence. Students learn about professional relationships and how micro and macro-level interventions connect. The coursework includes Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups; Practice with Communities and Organizations; Practicum Learning Seminar; and Reflective Practice Seminar. The university’s curriculum matches nine core competencies from the Council on Social Work Education. They’ve added a tenth Rutgers-specific competency about developing liberatory consciousness.

Specializations Offered

Students pick between two specializations:

• Clinical Social Work: You’ll learn detailed skills in engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation when working with individuals, families, and groups. The program sees clinical work as more than just traditional psychotherapy. It includes work with various client groups and settings.
• Management and Policy: This track gives future leaders of nonprofit and public service organizations the skills they need in planning, organizing, supervision, and policy. Graduates can work in government agencies, nonprofits, healthcare institutions, and educational settings.

Online MSW No GRE Format

The program runs 100% online with asynchronous learning. You can complete assignments at your own pace without fixed meeting times. Students stay involved through interactive quizzes, modules, and discussions. You can choose a two-year full-time option (60 credits) or take three years part-time. Advanced standing students need only 39 credits. The program lets you start at several points throughout the year.

Field Placement and Practicum

Practicum learning plays a key role in MSW education. Students complete between 400-500 hours based on their program track. The university works with agencies across the country, so you’ll get hands-on experience wherever you live. Each student gets weekly one-hour supervision from a qualified MSW who has at least two years of post-graduate experience.

Accreditation and Recognition

The Council on Social Work Education accredits Rutgers’ MSW program. U.S. News & World Report ranked it 12th out of 319 programs nationally. The program ranks #1 in New Jersey and #2 among Big Ten schools.

Tuition

Online MSW students pay $1,047 per credit whatever their residency status. Semester costs range from $4,711 to $11,517 depending on credit load. Students automatically get considered for merit-based scholarships when they apply. Many other funding options are also available.

2. University of Southern California

GRE Required: No

The University of Southern California’s Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work offers an online master’s in social work program that combines academic excellence with hands-on field experience. The program has been CSWE accredited since 1922, making it a pioneer in social work education.

Program Overview

USC’s MSW program needs 48 semester units and guides students toward specialized practice areas. The curriculum splits into two parts: foundational knowledge through generalist courses and advanced intervention skills for working with people from different backgrounds. The program champions social justice while giving students broad knowledge about health and social welfare challenges.

Specializations Offered

Students choose from five specialized tracks:

• Adult Mental Health and Wellness
• Children, Youth and Families
• Military Social Work and Veteran Services
• School Social Work
• Social Change and Innovation

Each path prepares graduates for unique careers in clinical settings, community organizations, or policy development.

Format

Students can complete the program in 12-36 months, offering great flexibility. The program features weekly live, online, face-to-face classes with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. Students work on research, readings, and case studies between sessions through interactive methods like video and webcam discussions.

Field Placement and Practicum

Field education is the basis of USC’s program, requiring 1,200 hours of practicum training. Students start with a 250-hour Virtual Practicum where they work with actors who portray clients in crisis under faculty supervision. They then complete 890 hours at community-based agencies, with USC’s dedicated team arranging placement.

Accreditation and Recognition

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits the program. This accreditation will give students quality education and prepare them for licensure exams through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and Association of Social Work Boards.

Tuition and Affordability

The 2025-2026 tuition costs $2,256 per unit for 1-14 units or $33,845 flat rate for 15-18 units. While tuition is nowhere near as affordable as similar programs, more than 65% of incoming on-ground MSW students receive scholarships. USC also provides federal student aid options including loans and work-study programs.

3. Simmons University

GRE Required: No

119 years old, Simmons University launched the nation’s first clinical school of social work. Their online MSW program carries forward this legacy of excellence with a curriculum that blends clinical skills in a multicultural context.

Program Overview

The clinically focused curriculum readies students for advanced practice by combining social justice values with multicultural points of view. The program aims to develop master’s level practitioners who can handle clinical social work using knowledge from scientific research and field-informed practice. Students graduate ready to tackle social issues and work with people in a variety of backgrounds using advanced-level flexible interventions.

Specializations

Students choose from four specialized study areas after finishing their foundation courses:

• Child and Family Wellbeing
• Trauma Practice
• Mental Health Practice
• Health and Aging

Online students can also earn certificates in Military Clinical Social Work, Mental Health Practice, and Trauma Practice.

Format

This online MSW option gives students exceptional flexibility with multiple tracks:

• Advanced Standing (for BSW graduates): 34 credits, completable in as few as 9 months
• Accelerated: 65 credits, 16 months
• Full-time: 65 credits, 23 months
• Extended: 65 credits, 32 months

Students experience the same faculty, curriculum, and rigorous standards as on-campus learners.

Field Placement and Practicum

Traditional MSW students complete over 1,000 hours of practical experience, and Advanced Standing students complete 672 hours. Students start with a Simulated Practicum Experience before moving to community-based placements. Qualified practitioners provide weekly one-hour supervision throughout students’ fieldwork.

Accreditation

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits the program, and the New England Commission of Higher Education accredits Simmons University.

Tuition and Affordability

Tuition for 2025-2026 costs $1,185 per credit. The traditional 65-credit program totals $77,025, and the Advanced Standing 34-credit option costs $40,290. Students pay additional fees of $75 for practicum education per placement and $75 student fee per term. Simmons helps offset costs through scholarships like the Future Leaders Scholarship and Dean’s Scholarship for top academic performers.

4. University of Denver

GRE Required: No

The University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work enables students to drive social change through its online Master’s in Social Work program. The school takes a fresh approach to tackle pressing issues like housing security, ecological justice, and culturally competent mental health care.

Program Overview

The University of Denver ranks #12 among social work graduate programs nationwide according to U.S. News & World Report. Students learn critical thinking skills to advance equity across communities in both traditional and nontraditional settings. The program develops a community of scholars and solution-seekers who make meaningful contributions to social change.

Specializations Offered

The Advanced Social Work Practice concentration adapts to match students’ personal interests and career goals. Students can choose between two main paths:

• Mental Health and Trauma: Students learn full assessment methods and trauma-informed care
• Health, Equity and Wellness: The focus lies on health disparities and culturally competent practice

Program Structure

The MSW program provides flexible study options:

• Traditional Online MSW: Students complete 81 credits in 21 months (accelerated) or 27 months (full-time)
• Advanced Standing Online MSW: Students finish 54 credits in 12 months (accelerated) or 18 months (full-time)

Students attend weekly live classes, complete self-paced assignments, and access content through a mobile app.

Field Placement and Practicum

Field education stands at the heart of learning. Traditional students must complete two internships totaling 900 hours. Advanced standing students complete one 500-hour internship. A dedicated team helps students find appropriate internship sites, with a 100% placement rate across all 50 states.

Accreditation and Recognition

The Higher Learning Commission and the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredit the program. This accreditation ensures high educational standards and prepares students to meet licensure requirements.

Tuition and Affordability

Each credit hour costs $1,200 with an additional $4 technology fee. The traditional affordable online MSW program total cost reaches $97,200, while advanced standing students pay $64,800. Students can access various financial aid options, including federal loans and scholarships.

5. Indiana University

GRE Required: No

Indiana University’s MSW Direct program offers a unique online MSW experience with seven campus locations and a fully online option. The program takes an integrated approach to social work practice that’s backed by evidence across multiple dimensions.

Program Overview

The program gets you ready for licensure by using current practices such as trauma-informed care and evidence-based methods. Their curriculum shows a steadfast dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion while giving a complete framework to tackle complex social challenges. The program aims to boost the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities through community practice, advocacy, and research.

Specializations Offered

The MSW program has six focus areas:

• Health
• Mental Health and Addictions
• School Social Work
• Children, Youth, and Families
• Special Practice Areas in Social Work
• Community & Organizational Leadership

You can also earn the nation’s first e-Social Work Practice Graduate Certificate without adding extra time to your degree.

Format

The online MSW program gives you amazing flexibility with courses usually available every semester. You can pause and resume your studies when needed, as long as you finish your degree within six years. The program has foundational courses (19 credit hours), concentration courses (26 credit hours), and focus area courses (15 credit hours).

Field Education

Field education is the foundation of learning, where students complete a minimum of 900 supervised hours during their practicums. MSW 555 needs 300 hours while MSW 651/652 requires 600 hours. Your placement time dedicates 75% to direct client activities, plus mandatory one-hour weekly supervision.

Accreditation

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits the program. This accreditation means your degree meets national standards for social work education and prepares you for licensure exams.

Tuition and Affordability

This online program option has different tuition rates by campus. Bloomington’s graduate students paid around $11,120 for Indiana residents and $31,408 for non-residents in 2025-2026. The Indianapolis campus, which runs the online program, has different rates. You can find fellowships and assistantships that often cover most of your tuition costs.

6. University of Central Florida

GRE Required: No

Clinical excellence is the hallmark of the University of Central Florida’s online program. Ranked in the top 30% of social work programs by U.S. News & World Report, UCF helps future practitioners tackle national and global health challenges.

University of Central Florida Program Overview

UCF’s MSW program prepares students to become licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs). Students learn evidence-based clinical practices to promote optimal well-being among individuals, families, and communities facing health and mental health challenges. The program aligns with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics throughout the learning experience.

University of Central Florida Specializations Offered

Students can pick from two valuable concentrations:

• Behavioral Health: Students get therapeutic approaches for mental health and substance abuse treatment settings
• Child Welfare Services: Students learn to work with vulnerable children and families

The clinical specialization has psychosocial pathology courses that look at dysfunctional behavior patterns and evidence-based intervention frameworks like cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused approaches.

University of Central Florida Online MSW No GRE Format

This online MSW program option has two flexible tracks:

• Traditional Track: Students complete 62 credits over three years in a cohort model for better peer support
• Advanced Standing Track: Students with a BSW earned within the last six years and a 3.3 GPA can complete 32 credits over four semesters

Students take one asynchronous course at a time in convenient 7-week terms.

Field Placement

Field education is the signature teaching method in the MSW curriculum. Traditional students must complete 1,000 hours (400 generalist + 600 clinical) while advanced standing students need 600 clinical hours. The Field Education Office works with over 800 agencies to provide diverse placement settings such as hospitals, hospice, schools, veterans facilities, and mental health centers.

Accreditation

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits the program. This accreditation means graduates meet Florida’s educational requirements for licensure. UCF provides verification letters to help graduates get registered clinical social work intern credentials.

Tuition and Affordability

The 2024-2025 tuition costs $487.45 per credit hour for all students, regardless of residency. Traditional students pay approximately $30,222 for the full program, while advanced standing students pay $15,598. Students can access graduate assistantships, research positions, and various scholarships for financial support.

7. University of New Hampshire

GRE Required: No

The University of New Hampshire offers a flexible online MSW program that prepares graduates through strengths-based models to become advanced generalist practitioners. Students can realize their full potential to help individuals, families, and communities through this Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program.

Program Overview

UNH’s MSW program emphasizes advanced generalist practice with a strong focus on social justice. Expert faculty members teach practical skills that are vital for professional social work. Students build competencies in ethical behavior, diversity, human rights, policy practice, research, and learn to work with individuals and communities.

Specializations Offered

Students can choose three electives in these specialized areas after completing core coursework:

• Health and mental health
• Addictions and substance abuse
• Children, youth, and families
• Disabilities
• Self-designed field of practice

Students interested in dual degrees can combine their MSW with a JD from UNH School of Law or an MS in Adventure Therapy (Kinesiology).

Format

The online MSW program path takes 28 months with eight-week terms. Students attend weekly online classes on Monday or Wednesday evenings without any campus visits. The program offers three yearly start dates (fall, spring, summer).

Fieldwork

Students complete two year-long internships totaling 1,240 hours. First-year students work two days weekly in field placements, while second-year students work three days. The internship office helps find suitable sites in your local area.

Accreditation

The program holds full CSWE accreditation. This recognition means your degree meets professional licensure requirements and academic standards.

Tuition and Affordability

UNH offers this affordable online MSW program with straightforward tuition rates that vary by residency status. Graduate students can apply for scholarships and assistantships to help with program costs.

8. Boise State University

GRE Required: No

Boise State University delivers a practical online Master’s in Social Work program that prepares you for advanced practice with individuals and families. The program, 32 years old, gives you the clinical, organizational, and policy skills to promote social justice and enhance quality of life.

Program Overview

The School of Social Work runs both Regular and Advanced Standing MSW programs online. Students with bachelor’s degrees in other disciplines can join the Regular Program. The Advanced Standing option works best for those with accredited BSW degrees. You’ll develop deep knowledge of social work practice that leads to competent, self-evaluative, and independent practice.

Specializations Offered

We focused on advanced social work practice with individuals and families in the coursework. Advanced practice level students learn diagnosis, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and mental health evaluations. The program teaches you to work with others to create lasting systemic change.

Boise State University Online MSW No GRE Format

This online MSW program adapts to your schedule:

• Regular Program: 61 credits (43 academic credits + 18 field work credits)
• Advanced Standing: 37 credits (25 academic credits + 12 field work credits)

Regular Program students finish in two years full-time or three years part-time. Advanced Standing students complete their degree in 12 months full-time or 21 months part-time.

Field Placement

Regular Program students need 1,000 supervised hours (400 foundation + 600 advanced). Advanced Standing students complete 600 hours. Students must work under an experienced master’s level social worker’s supervision in an agency setting. These experiences prepare you for professional social work practice.

Accreditation and Recognition

The Council on Social Work Education has accredited the program since 1992. Your degree will meet all professional licensure requirements in every state.

Tuition and Affordability

This affordable online MSW program costs $495 per credit hour whatever your residency status. Regular Program students invest about $30,195, while Advanced Standing students pay around $18,315.

9. University of Alaska Anchorage

GRE Required: No

The University of Alaska Anchorage runs Alaska’s only CSWE-accredited MSW program. Their online Masters in Social Work program tackles the state’s unique social challenges head-on. The university sits on the ancestral homelands of the Dena’ina, Ahtna, Alutiiq/Sugpiak, and Eyak/dAXunhyuu Peoples. Students learn clinical practice, policy advocacy, and leadership skills they can use in both rural and urban communities.

Overview

The advanced generalist curriculum model serves Alaska’s complex workforce needs perfectly. Students build their knowledge through five key areas: social work practice, policy, human behavior, research, and practicum education. The program aims to develop MSW professionals who champion human rights and anti-racist practice while working toward justice and equity.

Specializations

Students can enhance their advanced generalist focus with a School Social Work Specialization. This path leads to Type C Certification with the Alaska Department of Education. The requirements are straightforward:

• 3 graduate semester hours of school social work
• 3 semester hours of approved education coursework
• Practical experience in school settings

Format

This online MSW program delivers 100% of its content online. Students can join from any location in Alaska. The program structure is simple:

• Traditional Program: 61 credits maximum
• Advanced Standing: 31 credits minimum (for BSW graduates)

Every student pays resident tuition rates, whatever their location in Alaska.

Field Placement

The program requires:

• 960 total field hours for traditional students
• 480 hours for advanced standing students

A dedicated Practicum Education Coordinator helps students find suitable placements in a variety of Alaskan communities.

Accreditation

The program holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This credential will give a quality standard through peer review and regular assessment. UAA graduates showed their excellence in 2022 with a 96% pass rate on the Licensed Clinical Social Worker exam.

Tuition and Affordability

This affordable online MSW program costs $528 per credit hour for residents. The good news is that all online MSW students pay resident tuition rates. Students from certain western states can get financial aid through the Western Regional Graduate Program.

10. University of Texas Arlington

GRE Required: No

University of Texas Arlington ranks #1 for social work majors in Texas. The school offers an online MSW program that combines academic excellence with affordable tuition. Their national recognition comes from outstanding academic quality and accessibility, making them a top choice for future social workers nationwide.

Program Overview

The MSW program gives you the tools for one of the fastest-growing careers with a projected 16% increase in jobs. Graduates work as counselors and leaders in organizations of all types. Students can complete 61 semester hours of graduate work and field instruction within four semesters. You don’t need a BSW degree—half of all MSW students come from different academic backgrounds.

Specializations Offered

Students choose from five specialty areas after completing foundation courses:

• Direct Practice in Mental Health & Substance Misuse
• Direct Practice in Aging
• Direct Practice with Children & Families
• Direct Practice in Health
• Community and Administrative Practice (CAP)

Students studying online can pick from four specializations: Mental Health and Substance Misuse, Aging, Children and Families, or Community and Administrative Practice.

Format

The MSW program doesn’t require GRE scores for admission. Students can choose between two paths:

• Advanced Standing: Students with a CSWE-accredited BSW earned within six years before enrollment need 31 credits minimum
• Traditional Program: Non-BSW graduates complete up to 61 credits

Students can enroll full-time or part-time. Advanced Standing students finish in 12 months full-time, while Traditional students usually take 24 months.

Field Placement

Field education is crucial for graduation, licensure, and career success. Practicum Education Specialists help students find agencies that match their career goals. Students within an hour’s drive of campus are In-Area students. Those living farther away, including other states, complete their training at approved local agencies.

Accreditation and Recognition

The Council on Social Work Education fully accredits both BSW and MSW programs. The school’s BSW program ranks as the third most popular in the country. The MSW program stands out as the most affordable CSWE-accredited option nationwide. UTA also ranks fifth in the country for military veteran friendliness.

Tuition and Affordability

This affordable online MSW program costs $11,044 per year for all full-time students, regardless of residency. Students outside Texas can save 40-50% on tuition through the Non-Resident Distance Education Program (NRODE) compared to standard non-resident rates.

11. University of Louisville

GRE Required: No

The Kent School of Social Work and Family Science at University of Louisville offers an online MSW program that supports vulnerable and marginalized populations. Students learn ethical, evidence-informed practices through anti-oppressive approaches to tackle complex social problems.

Program Overview

This Master of Science in Social Work program helps you become a licensed clinical social worker. The curriculum builds on the NASW Code of Ethics. Students develop critical thinking skills to handle complex social challenges and support vulnerable client systems. The program uses proven theoretical and empirical teaching methods in online instruction and transformative learning.

Specializations

Students can choose from several notable concentrations:

• Alcohol and Drug Counseling (meets many CADC program requirements)
• Forensic Social Work (covers legal systems and vulnerable populations)
• Mental Health (teaches diagnostic assessment and evidence-based approaches)
• Military Social Work (helps with service members’ unique challenges)
• Psychosocial Oncology (first program of its kind nationwide)
• School Social Work (meets Kentucky’s certification requirements)

Online MSW Format

Students can choose between two flexible pathways:

• 60-credit Regular Program (non-BSW graduates can complete in 2-4 years)
• 30-credit Advanced Standing Program (recent BSW graduates can finish in 1-2 years)

Students can work at their own pace with asynchronous courses that follow standard term lengths.

Field Placement

Field education serves as social work education’s signature teaching method. Students must complete two consecutive semester placements at the same agency. First-year students complete 450 total hours (about 16 hours weekly). Specialized students need 500 hours (about 18 hours weekly). A dedicated Practicum Coordinator manages agency relationships and ensures learning experiences match your interests.

Accreditation and Recognition

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits this program. This credential shows the program meets or exceeds standards for professional social work preparation at both generalist and specialized levels.

Tuition and Affordability

Graduate tuition costs $850 per credit hour for all online students whatever their residency. Active-duty military members pay just $250 per credit hour. Federal Government employees may qualify for a 10% reduction. Students can access federal loans and special scholarships if they plan to work in rural Kentucky or gerontology fields.

12. California State University Northridge

GRE Required: No

California State University Northridge (CSUN) offers an online master’s in social work with a focus on urban community practice. Students learn to tackle social challenges in metropolitan areas through a multicultural, anti-racist, and trauma-informed approach.

Overview

The MSW program gives you the skills to provide social services in the San Fernando Valley and beyond while championing social justice. Your first year builds core knowledge in micro, mezzo, and macro practice. The second year delves into specialized content. The curriculum includes multicultural practice, DSM diagnosis, and social welfare policy in year one. Values, ethics, and social justice become the focus in year two.

Specializations

The program features one specialization: advanced generalist practice with urban communities. Students learn to work with diverse populations through targeted coursework. Classes cover urban family practice, trauma, advanced research methods, and urban social policy advocacy.

Online MSW No GRE Format

The online MSW no GRE program uses a cohort model. Students move through their courses together as a supportive learning community. Two options are available:

• Two-year full-time program (60 credits)
• Three-year part-time program with evening classes spanning eight semesters

Students can complete most coursework at their own pace. The only exception is a weekly one-hour online practicum education class.

Field Placement and Practicum

Students spend 16-20 hours weekly at community agencies. The annual requirement ranges from 450-600 hours based on cohort and year. Regular business hours (8am-6pm, Monday-Friday) are mandatory for placements. Evening and weekend options aren’t available.

Accreditation and Recognition

CSWE fully accredits the program. CSUN is the top talent provider for social work positions in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Anaheim.

Tuition and Affordability

Current tuition runs $813 per unit starting Fall 2025. The complete 60-unit program costs $48,780. Students must also pay a $70 application fee and $47 graduation fee. Financial aid options are available. Early applications receive priority processing.

13. Arizona State University

GRE Required: No

Arizona State University’s School of Social Work ranks among the largest and most diverse social work programs worldwide. The school offers an online MSW program that champions compassionate care and social justice principles. Students learn to create practical solutions for society’s most challenging issues while promoting equity in a variety of communities.

Overview

The program builds your foundational knowledge in social work through courses about mental health, human behavior, cultural humility, and ethical practice. Your second year combines advanced generalist coursework that blends micro skills for direct practice with mezzo and macro skills in policy, administration, and community organization. This preparation helps you become a skilled practitioner who can deliver culturally-adapted interventions and create meaningful social change.

Specializations Offered

Students can choose between two distinct online classroom experiences:

• Advanced Generalist: Available through ASU Online in an asynchronous format
• Advanced Direct Practice: Offered via ASU Sync in a synchronous format

Format

The standard MSW needs 60 credits through 20 courses. Each course runs for 7.5 weeks and students can access materials throughout the week. Students typically take two classes at once and complete their degree in two or three years.

Field Placement and Practicum

Students must complete 960 hours of practical experience through two separate, year-long internships. The first two semesters focus on a generalist internship that teaches foundational skills. An advanced practice internship follows, matching your career goals. These placements need about 16 hours weekly each semester.

Accreditation and Recognition

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has fully accredited the program since 1965. U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 rankings place ASU at #20 among best graduate social work programs.

Tuition and Affordability

Each credit hour costs $786.50, bringing the total program cost to approximately $47,190. Students can access various financial aid options including Pell Grants, work-study employment, student loans, and scholarships.

14. Portland State University

GRE Required: No

Portland State University leads the Pacific Northwest with its groundbreaking online master’s in social work program. This initiative makes quality education available to students who might not fit traditional campus-based programs. The program balances academic excellence with flexibility that working professionals need to advance their careers without standardized testing requirements.

Program Overview

PSU’s nationally ranked program combines innovative teaching methods with student-centered learning to help students balance family, work, and education. The curriculum matches campus-based content but features a redesign that works better in an online environment. Students start with foundation courses and then move to specialized training that prepares them for social service roles.

Specializations

The program offers two main concentrations after completing foundation coursework:

• Advanced Macro Practice (focusing on community leadership and organizations)
• Advanced Clinical Practice

Students can also earn additional credentials such as the Preliminary School Social Work License, Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, or a dual Master of Public Health/MSW degree. While some specialized options need campus visits, distance learners can usually find approved alternatives.

Format

Canvas hosts the 11-week courses that need about 10 hours of weekly work per course. Students can complete the 78-credit degree in two or three years. Two-year students take 13 credits each term, while three-year students take 6-10 credits. The program includes annual two-day virtual intensives each September that build community and provide instruction.

Field Placement

The program requires two placements that total 900 hours – students complete a 400-hour generalist internship at 12 weekly hours and a 500-hour advanced internship at 16 weekly hours. Strategic collaborations with over 500 agencies provide learning opportunities in a variety of settings.

Accreditation

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits the program, which ensures consistent quality standards through regular evaluations.

Tuition and Affordability

The 2025-2026 tuition rates are $566 per credit for Oregon residents and $812 for non-residents. Oregon residents completing the full 78-credit program can expect to pay between $49,158 and $50,589.

15. Western New Mexico University

GRE Required: No

Western New Mexico University’s School of Social Work runs an online MSW program that focuses on serving rural and diverse communities. Students at the Silver City campus receive quality social work education with an emphasis on culturally-competent practice. The program offers flexible pathways for career advancement.

Program Overview

The MSW program builds on liberal arts foundations to prepare social workers who can lead service development at multiple levels – from individuals to organizations. Students learn through an advanced generalist approach that gives graduates the tools to support populations of all types while taking leadership roles in community social services. The curriculum starts with foundation courses and progresses to advanced practice content that covers both direct client work and systems-level interventions.

Specializations Offered

Students can customize their education through specialized electives in these areas:

• Child welfare
• Gerontology
• School social work
• Military social work

Graduate certificates help improve your credentials in Rural Community Social Work Services, Social Work Services for Military Families, School Social Work, or Outdoor Behavioral Health.

Format

This affordable online MSW program comes with three flexible paths:

• Advanced Standing (for BSW graduates): 39 credits completable in one year
• Two-Year Program: Full-time study with four classes per semester
• Three-Year Program: Part-time option across six semesters and two summers

Students attend classes through asynchronous online formats combined with evening and weekend web conferences.

Field Placement

Traditional students must complete 900 hours of field practicum (225 hours per semester for four semesters). Advanced standing students need 450 hours. Social service professionals can use their workplace for field placement if they’ve worked there for at least six months and passed probation.

Accreditation

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits the program. This accreditation ensures graduates meet educational requirements for advanced practice state licensure.

Tuition

New Mexico residents pay $287.57 per credit hour while non-residents pay $371.73. Traditional students’ total investment comes to approximately $17,254 (residents) or $22,304 (non-residents). Advanced standing students pay around $11,215 (residents) or $14,497 (non-residents). Online students should factor in additional fees of approximately $417 per credit hour.

Comparing MSW Programs that Don’t Require a GRE

Start Now

Getting an online MSW degree without taking the GRE opens up new possibilities for aspiring social workers. These programs look at your hands-on experience, emotional intelligence, and dedication to social justice rather than test scores. The job market looks promising with a 16% growth forecast and yearly earnings that could reach $99,500. This makes social work a career path that’s both meaningful and rewarding.

These 15 CSWE-accredited programs give you detailed information about specializations, field requirements, teaching methods, and costs. Each program brings something special to the table. Rutgers shines with its social justice approach, USC stands out with virtual practicum options, and Western New Mexico University leads in affordability.

Your choice depends on several key factors. Start by thinking over your career goals and which specialty matches your interests – clinical practice, community work, or policy advocacy. Then review how each program works and decide if you want live online classes or self-paced learning. The field placement options are important too, especially if you want to do your practicum at your current workplace.

Money matters are a big part of the decision. Tuition varies substantially from $287 per credit at Western New Mexico University to $2,200 at USC. While cost is crucial, many programs help with scholarships, assistantships, and financial aid packages just for social work students.

Becoming a licensed social worker is more accessible now than ever before. These no-GRE programs remove extra hurdles but keep high academic standards through CSWE accreditation. Your drive to help others, dedication to social justice, and wish to make real change are nowhere near as important as a test score.

The social work field needs passionate people like you to tackle our communities’ tough challenges. With this knowledge about these excellent MSW programs, you can take your next step confidently toward a career that improves lives and creates positive change in society.