Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program empowers the next generation of social work leaders and equips them with the tools to enact the change they want to see in their communities. Designed for people with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than social work, this 60-credit, CSWE-accredited program prepares social workers committed to the values of human diversity and dignity to help others navigate life’s challenges. Students learn through live online classes and self-paced coursework, then put their skills to work through 900 hours of in-person field placements in their own communities, giving back from the very start. Students can finish in as few as 36 months, and no GRE is required.
As a Syracuse University student, you are encouraged to fully engage in the passionate Orange community. From collaborative online classes to one-on-one study sessions, you’ll experience a variety of benefits that include:
Syracuse University’s Master of Social Work online program is designed for professionals who have a bachelor’s degree in an area other than social work. Applicants should be passionate about social work, committed to social justice, and able and willing to recognize the dignity of all people.
Application requirements include:
GRE scores are not required to apply. If you are applying as an international student, please visit our international applicants page.
Featuring the same curriculum content as our on-campus program, the online M.S.W. curriculum prepares students to formulate effective interventions with clients and client systems, work with diverse communities and advance social justice within institutions. Students also choose between two concentrations that align with your social work career goals. Students can complete the 60-credit curriculum in as few as 36 months.
As an online M.S.W. student you will learn to:
Foundational coursework will help you develop a deeper understanding of social work practice at the micro, mezzo and macro levels. Each class is taught by our expert faculty with years of experience in the social work field.
Students then choose an M.S.W. concentration that aligns with your unique career goals and desired social work career. To learn more about our M.S.W. online concentrations, visit our academics page.
The online M.S.W. program prepares you to earn your social work license—which you can earn by sitting for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing examination. The ASWB exam is required to become a licensed master social worker (LMSW) in New York and most other states.
Prior to earning your M.S.W. online from Syracuse University, you are encouraged to research the licensure requirements in your particular state. To learn more about how to qualify as a licensed master social worker (LMSW) or a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in New York, visit our licensure webpage.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social workers is projected to grow 6% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations, with about 69,100 openings each year. The national median annual wage for social workers was $61,780 in May 2025 (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social Workers).
Social workers help people adjust to life changes and challenges, such as adopting a child or being diagnosed with a terminal illness. M.S.W. jobs are found in a variety of industries, and social workers work with individuals, couples and families. Here are some examples of types of social workers:
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and submit transcripts, a resume, letters of recommendation and a personal statement. GRE scores are not required. Additional guidance is available through the admissions team.
Students can complete the program in as few as 36 months. Time to completion depends on course load and scheduling preferences.
The full M.S.W. program is approximately 60 credits. It includes both foundational and advanced coursework that supports licensure readiness.
Students can pursue Advanced Clinical Practice or Advanced Integrated Practice. Each concentration supports different career pathways in clinical or leadership-focused roles.
Students complete both the generalist fieldwork and the advanced concentration field placement. These experiences help develop skills across micro, mezzo and macro practice settings.
Yes. The program is CSWE-accredited and prepares students for ASWB exams required for LMSW or LCSW licensure. Students should review requirements for their state.
What is the online learning experience like? The program combines live weekly classes with asynchronous coursework. Students also access interactive tools, group discussions and a supportive virtual community.
Choose the full M.S.W. if you do not hold a CSWE-accredited B.S.W. or your B.S.W. does not meet Syracuse’s recency requirement. This track offers both foundational and advanced training. If you already hold a BSW and it meets the requirements, be sure to check the Advanced Standing M.S.W. page for more details.
Yes. The online format is designed for working professionals and offers flexibility to balance coursework, field hours and personal commitments.
Students receive access to academic advising, field placement coordination, career support and technical assistance. Peer collaboration opportunities are also built into the program.
For the 2026-27 academic year, tuition for the online M.S.W. is $1,226 per credit hour, and the program is 60 credits. Tuition is reevaluated annually. Students are also responsible for textbooks and software. For a full breakdown, visit the program’s tuition page.
