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Master of Social Work (MSW) Online

Make an impact on your community

MSW Program Details

Degree Length: Approximately 2 Years 

Credits: 30-48 Credit Hours 

Next Start Date: Sept 01

Location: 100% Online

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Earn Your Master's Degree in Social Work in less than 2 years

Accredited Master of Social Work Degree Program

The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program at Chamberlain University is aimed at developing and empowering students to be agents of social change in their communities and throughout the world. Our online MSW program offers:

  • Degree and track options to meet the needs of social work education and the industry at large
  • Flexible online learning options available 24/7
  • Committed faculty with hands-on social work experience
  • No GRE or Letters of Recommendation
  • Virtual practice opportunities
  • Receive up to 10% in tuition savings on MSW programs*
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MSW Degree Program Overview

Our online MSW degree program prepares students for generalist or specialized practice. Specialized practice builds on generalist practice as described in the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. It emphasizes adapting and extending the Social Work Competencies for practice with specific populations, problem areas, methods of intervention and perspectives or approach to practice. Specialized practitioners advocate with and on behalf of clients and constituencies within their specialty. 

Our culturally responsive curriculum prepares each MSW student with the knowledge, values and skills to work with:

  • Individuals
  • Families
  • Groups
  • Organizations
  • Communities 
Request information to learn more about the Master of Social Work degree program.

 

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Explore MSW Options

Review the full curriculum for a breakdown of courses and tracks.

See Full Curriculum

Master of Social Work Curriculum

As you earn your Master’s in social work online with Chamberlain, you will engage directly with your professors thanks to smaller class sizes, gain simulation experience with a virtual client, and partner with social work agencies that set you up for success before you graduate. That's why we offer both advanced standing and traditional options, along with four tracks.

Traditional Option

Traditional Option is for students who have earned a baccalaureate degree. The option can be completed in less than 2 years at a full-time pace, or 3 years at a part-time pace.

A degree at the bachelor’s level or higher with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale from an institution accredited by an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education*. Degrees earned from non-U.S. schools will be considered based on evaluation of transcripts by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) approved evaluating agency or Chamberlain's internal Global Transcript Evaluation Services.

Advanced Standing Option

A degree in social work at the bachelor's level or higher with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from an institution accredited by an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education and accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Applicants with foreign transcripts must have graduated from an accredited international program in social work where the accrediting body has a memorandum of understanding with CSWE or whose degree has been evaluated and approved by the CSWE International Social Work Degree Recognition Service.

MSW Practicum

Chamberlain University is committed to providing you with the support needed for you to graduate with your Master of Social Work (MSW) and become a competent social work practitioner. 
Practice Education is the signature pedagogy of the social work profession-- the primary method used to guide students in becoming competent practitioners. The MSW Practicum provides a hands-on opportunity to apply the skills you have learned in your coursework in an actual social work setting. Your Practicum course instructors will guide your Practicum experiences while offering a space for reflection and feedback.
 
Preparing for your practicum involves a lot of planning and thoughtful time management. Early preparation can help save you time in the long run and help ensure you have an extraordinary practicum experience. This is a student-driven process, but we are here to support you on your journey. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a master’s degree in social work worth it?

Earning your Master of Social Work (MSW) degree can significantly increase your earnings and  prepare you for higher-level roles in the field of social work.

Chamberlain’s MSW program offers three tracks, allowing you to further specialize in your field of interest: Choose a specialization in medical social work, crisis and response interventions, or trauma.

And for students who already have a social work baccalaureate degree and active social work license in good standing, Chamberlain offers the option to complete your MSW in just one year.

Is an online MSW respected?

Just as remote work is becoming more and more the norm, online degrees from accredited institutions are well-respected by employers and other institutions. Chamberlain University has been preparing healthcare professionals for 130 years, and our online programs are well-established and widely known for producing excellent healthcare professionals.

Which undergraduate degree is best for an MSW?

Any undergraduate degree can be paired with Chamberlain’s MSW program.

At Chamberlain, students who earned a bachelor’s degree in social work can opt for our Advanced Standing Option, allowing you to accelerate the pace of your program to one year.

Students with a non-social work baccalaureate degree are eligible for our Traditional Option, which can be completed in less than two years.

What do you need for a master’s in social work?

Chamberlain’s MSW program is designed for students who have earned a baccalaureate degree. If your bachelor’s degree was also in social work, you may be eligible for our Advanced Standing option, which can be completed in as little as one year.

Our MSW program offers three tracks, so you can customize your degree to meet your goals by specializing in medical social work, crisis and response interventions, or trauma.

And whether you take advantage of Chamberlain’s Advanced Standing or Traditional option, you’ll also complete the MSW Practicum, where you will apply the skills you have learned through your coursework in a real social work setting.

Medical Social Work Track

Medical social workers help patients understand their diagnosis and make the necessary adjustments to their lifestyle, housing, or healthcare.

Crisis and Response Interventions Track

Crisis social workers help vulnerable populations with crisis de-escalation, emotion management, and therapeutic techniques.

Trauma Track

Trauma social workers generally help clients cope with traumatic events in their lives through a combination of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing.

Design Your Own Focus

Students have the freedom to customize their curriculum by selecting courses that apply to how they want to practice in the field of social work.

MSW Tracks

Tracks within our MSW degree program allow students to customize their learning to help meet their professional goals. The tracks are designed to deliver a focused learning experience, giving students the opportunity to master a specific area within social work that they are passionate about.

In addition, the tracks directly respond to contemporary issues affecting at-risk and marginalized populations, communities, organizations and institutions.

 

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Chamberlain's MSW eBook Guide

Whether you are exploring how to become a social worker or looking for opportunities to be an agent of change, this MSW eBook guide was created to assist you in answering all of the questions that may be on your mind as you consider options for fulfilling your passions

Download the eBook
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MSW Degree Program Support Explained

When considering Master of Social Work (MSW) degree programs, it’s important to explore how a potential school supports its students.

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Why MSW?

Chamberlain’s accredited MSW program focuses on developing exceptional social work professionals who maintain a passion for advancing human rights and social, economic and environmental justice. Students pursuing an MSW degree at Chamberlain, will work with student advisors to create a standardized scheduling approach to help them stay on track with their studies, making their coursework a top priority. Our experiential learning coordinators will support students in their practicum journey and set expectations early on to become social determinants of health. 

The Master of Social Work degree can be applied in a variety of roles:

  • Medical Social Worker
  • Family Counselor
  • Mental Health Therapist
  • Case Manager
  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Psychotherapist
  • Clinical Manager

 

Classes Start  Sept 01

Call 877.751.5783 to learn more, or request information to speak with an enrollment representative.

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Ask a Student

What did you learn in the MSW Trauma Track?

"As a student in the Chamberlain University in MSW program, I gained both the skills and confidence to thoughtfully use a variety of quantitative approaches in my future work. The instructors in each course were patient, kind, and understanding, and highly skilled. Chamberlain University's fantastic MSW program truly changed my future career trajectory for the better."

Peace Izabayo
MSW, August 2021 graduate

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Ask a Student

What was your experience in the MSW Trauma Track like?

"The Advanced Standing Trauma focused track was the best decision for me, I had some great knowledgeable and dedicated professors. Each week my understanding of trauma strengthened and gave me a better perspective of how trauma affects many across the lifecourse journey preparing for my upcoming clinical practicum."

Aleatha Mack
MSW Advanced Standing Track, September 2021 graduate

Meet Our Faculty

Chamberlain's Master of Social Work program is led by diverse, active faculty who serve as thought leaders and experts in the social work field. With many years of experience and a passion for making a global impact, our faculty are dedicated to ensuring our students have a meaningful experience throughout the program. 

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Stacey Borasky, EdD, MSW

Dean, Master of Social Work Degree Program

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Amanda Morgan, MSW, LCSW-C

Director, MSW Practicum Director, College of Health Professions

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Kiana Battle

Kiana Battle, PhD, LMSW

Associate Dean of Social Work Faculty and Associate Professor

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Christopher Rocchio

Christopher Rocchio, PhD, LCSW, MSW

Assistant Professor, MSW Degree Program

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sarah pilgrim

Sarah Pilgrim, Ph.D., LMSW

Assistant Professor, MSW Degree Program

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I have always been a helper by nature. Social work is a helping profession and social workers are problem-solvers, movers and shakers, the doers. With an MSW degree, I can take what I have learned along with my own natural desire to serve others to make a difference in my community.
Jenna Caslin2023 MSW Graduate
Ready to Get Started?

Complete your application for admission and interview with a Chamberlain admission representative. 

Apply Online

Admissions

Traditional Option Admission Requirements

  • A degree at the bachelor’s level or higher with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale from an institution accredited by an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education*. Degrees earned from non-U.S. schools will be considered based on evaluation of transcripts by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) approved evaluating agency or Chamberlain's internal Global Transcript Evaluation Services.

Advanced Standing Option Admission Requirements

  • A degree in social work at the bachelor’s level or higher with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from an institution accredited by an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education and accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Degrees earned from non- U.S. schools will be considered based on evaluation of transcripts by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) approved evaluating agency or Chamberlain's internal Global Transcript Evaluation Services.  Applicants with foreign transcripts must have graduated from an accredited international program in social work where the accrediting body has a memorandum of understanding with CSWE or whose degree has been evaluated and approved by the CSWE International Social Work Degree Recognition Service.

Degrees earned in excess of 5 years require an active social work license in good standing with a state board in the U.S.*

*Chamberlain reserves the right to admit candidates with equivalent educational qualifications from accreditors that are not recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education, as determined by an independent transcript evaluation.

Social Impact Grant

Looking for additional savings? Chamberlain’s NEW Social Impact Grant now provides eligible students** with a 10% savings
($3,336 off tuition for traditional, $2,085 off tuition for advanced standing) on MSW coursework for the duration of their enrollment. Request more information to speak with a student finance advisor for deadline details.

**The grant availability for new students will be evaluated each session.

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Tuition & Expenses

MSW Program Costs

Chamberlain provides you with individualized support throughout your educational journey beginning with the admissions process. Your enrollment representative will work with you to build a schedule that will work with your life and finances, whether that's one class or three.

View tuition and expenses and total cost information for the Master of Social Work degree program.

Partner Tuition Rates

Chamberlain partners with healthcare institutions, community colleges and associations to provide accessible educational opportunities for registered nurses.

Looking to build your professional network? See if your employer, community college or association has an education partnership with Chamberlain that could provide you with tuition savings.

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Accreditation

Chamberlain University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Chamberlain University confers online degrees from its Main Campus in Addison, IL.

See accreditation and state authorization information or view a full list of program approvals by state.

Program Outcomes

Chamberlain University’s Master of Social Work degree program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA). 

Accreditation of a master’s social work program by the CSWE-BOA indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process.  An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals, and the BOA has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. 

Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.  

For more information about social work accreditation, you may contact Accreditation.

 

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Phi Alpha Honor Society

Chamberlain University is proud to be the Alpha Beta Gamma Chapter of the Phi Alpha Honor Society. Phi Alpha is social work’s internationally recognized honor society and is certified by the Association of College Honor Societies. With membership, eligible students can enjoy a number of benefits including:

  • a vast network of professionals passionate about social work
  • volunteer and humanitarian opportunities
  • access to social work grants and awards
  • national presentation opportunities

For more information, contact our Admissions team at 888.556.8226, option 1.

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