Flexible Part-Time MSW Programs You Can Complete While Working

Part-time MSW programs make it easier than ever to balance your career with education. Students now have multiple options to choose from, with more than 50 part-time MSW degree programs available online compared to just over 30 full-time programs.

These flexible educational paths typically span two and a half to four years, whether you want a hybrid program with occasional in-person meetings or fully remote options. The University of Washington’s online part-time MSW program takes 3 years to complete over 9 to 11 quarters, including summers. Students visit the campus just 4 times each quarter per class. The flexible schedule still requires completion of field education requirements that range from 900 to 1,200 hours, depending on the program. UW students dedicate 8-16 hours weekly during quarters 4-7 for a total of 360 hours. Starting from quarter 8, the commitment increases to 16-24 hours weekly, adding up to 680 hours.

Online Part-Time MSW Program

Online part-time MSW programs have become more popular. They create paths for professionals who need to balance their careers with advanced education. Today, over 50 part-time MSW programs are available online compared to just 30 full-time programs. These programs give you a perfect way to improve your social work qualifications without giving up your current income or career growth.

Program overview

Online part-time MSW programs follow the same high standards as campus-based ones. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits all programs. Your degree holds the same value as traditional formats.

Programs are arranged in different ways to match your needs:

• Synchronous learning: Some programs need you to attend virtual classes at fixed times, often evenings or weekends. This lets you interact with professors and peers in real time.
• Asynchronous learning: Other programs give you more freedom through self-paced coursework with regular deadlines.
• Hybrid approaches: Many programs use both methods to balance flexibility with interactive learning.

Most programs use a cohort model. You move through courses with the same group of students, though some programs let you set your own pace. Classes stay small. Boston University, to name just one example, keeps online classes limited to 15 students. This ensures you get tailored attention even in an online format.

Program schedule and duration

Students complete most part-time online MSW programs in 2.5 to 4 years. The exact timeline depends on your previous education and program structure. Programs usually follow these formats:

• Traditional Track: Students without a Bachelor of Social Work need 60-65 credits over 3 years (9 semesters).
• Human Service Experience Track: Professionals with supervised experience in human services need the same credits but spend less time in field education.
• Advanced Standing: BSW holders can finish in 15 months to 2 years.

Programs build your knowledge step by step. Boston University’s students take courses one after another, with most lasting 7 weeks. Columbia’s part-time program spreads credits over more terms but needs the same total credits as their full-time option.

Programs often use semester systems with fall, spring, and summer terms. Some use quarters instead. Adelphi University’s online MSW runs for eight to nine semesters. Courses last 8 to 15 weeks.

Practicum requirements

Field education is the focus of all MSW programs. Online part-time programs need between 900 and 1,200 hours of hands-on experience. This usually splits between two placements.

Programs schedule field placements differently:

• Some wait until your second year so you can adjust to coursework first.
• Others mix field education throughout, starting in the second or third semester.

Working professionals should know that most field placements need availability during regular business hours. Columbia’s program points out that placements usually happen between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 6 p.m..

In spite of that, programs try to work with your schedule when possible. Boston University might let you do one internship at your current workplace. The position must be different from your current role and needs supervision from a qualified supervisor.

Program examples

Boston University School of Social Work runs an innovative online program with three tracks. Students finish the part-time program in 6-9 consecutive semesters. Field work ranges from one 1,000-hour internship for those with human services experience to two separate 1,200-hour internships for traditional students.

Columbia University’s part-time online MSW spreads over more terms with fewer credits per term. Students take one or two courses each term and spend 4-6 hours weekly in live online classes. Field placements start in the second year. Students spend 14 hours weekly at placement sites.

Rutgers University has a three-year part-time online option with self-paced classes. Students can complete assignments without fixed meeting times. The program starts practical learning in the third semester. Students spend 10 hours weekly in generalist training and 12.5 hours weekly in advanced training.

Adelphi University offers a part-time online MSW of 64 credits over three years. The program combines weekly live and self-paced online sessions with twice-yearly intensive learning residencies. Dedicated practicum coordinators help each student find suitable placements in their area.

Evening Part-Time MSW Program

Working professionals who want to advance their social work education can choose evening part-time MSW programs. These programs work well with daytime jobs and give students the chance to learn in person.

Program overview

Evening part-time MSW programs are as rigorous as full-time ones but fit around a professional’s schedule. Students get in-person teaching after business hours instead of studying online. This helps them build connections with teachers and classmates.

The University of Washington’s part-time program shows how this works. Classes meet on weekday evenings for about three hours (from 6:00 pm to 8:50 pm). You can keep your career going while you build advanced social work skills with others.

Evening programs give you several benefits:

• You move through courses with the same group
• You can use campus resources and meet faculty
• You get a structured setting that builds discipline
• You can network with other working professionals

Schedule and duration

Evening part-time MSW programs usually take three to four years because of the lighter course load each semester. Montclair University’s evening group meets Mondays from 5:20 p.m. to 8:05 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:20 p.m. to 11 p.m. Brown School offers its part-time MSW through evening, weekend, and online courses. Students complete 60 credit hours over three years.

Programs usually follow this structure:

Year 1: Foundation coursework without field placement Years 2-3: Advanced coursework with more field placement duties Summer terms: Often needed to stay on track

The University of Saint Francis gives another option with evening and weekend classes at their main campus in Joliet, Illinois. The University of Washington uses quarters instead of semesters. Part-time students attend all four quarters yearly (Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer) over 9-11 quarters.

Practicum requirements

Field work requirements stay the same whatever the evening class schedule. You need to plan for daytime hours once field placements start in the second year.

The University of Washington’s on-site practicum starts in quarters 4-7. Students work 1-2 days weekly (8-16 hours) for 360 hours total. After quarter 8, they need 2-3 days weekly (16-24 hours) for 680 more hours.

Most field placements run during business hours. Columbia University’s placements usually run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Each placement needs one hour of weekly supervision from a licensed MSW or BSW practitioner who has at least two years of experience.

This can be hard to manage for working professionals. Some programs offer ways to help:

• Work-study placements at your current job (with certain rules)
• Evening/weekend field placement options (limited spots)
• Flexible scheduling with field hours on fewer days

Program examples

Brown School at Washington University shows how evening part-time programs can work. Their program has 25 credit hours of foundation courses and practicum, plus 26 credit hours of concentration courses. Students also take 9 elective credits they can use toward special focus areas.

Montclair University lets you choose full-time (2 years) or part-time (3-4 years) evening groups. Their online track helps you finish the 60-credit MSW in three years with evening classes. Classes meet Mondays and/or Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. on Zoom.

The University of Michigan puts over $4.70 million yearly into research for their part-time MSW program. Evening/weekend students focus on Interpersonal Practice. Day part-time students can choose from eight specialized paths. Field work starts in the fourth term, and students complete 912 field hours throughout the program.

Syracuse University’s part-time MSW program needs 60 credits over 36 months. Students take 24 credits of foundation courses and 36 concentration credits. They must complete 1,000 hours of field practice in two internships starting their second year. Most placements need at least one full weekday.

Hybrid Part-Time MSW Program

Social work professionals can now choose from several flexible study options. Hybrid part-time MSW programs offer a unique blend of online convenience and face-to-face learning. This balanced format works great for people who value in-person interaction and need schedule flexibility to keep their current jobs.

Program overview

These programs combine online coursework with limited on-campus requirements. Students complete 60-80% of their work online and attend periodic in-person sessions. You get the interactive benefits of traditional education without disrupting your work schedule.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison shows this balance perfectly. Their part-time MSW program mixes online sessions with in-person classes every other Saturday on their Madison campus. The University of the Pacific has created a specialized hybrid MSW program for aspiring clinical social workers. Students attend a mix of online, hybrid, and in-person classes with weekly cohort meetings.

Most hybrid programs stick to the same curriculum as full-time options. Students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison follow a similar curriculum to full-time students. This ensures you get the same quality education across all program formats.

Schedule and duration

You’ll need about 3-4 years to complete a hybrid part-time MSW program. Most programs require around 60 credit hours. Students often move through courses with the same group of peers in a cohort model.

Programs offer different schedules:

• Weekend formats: UW-Madison runs Saturday classes starting at 9:00 am to help commuting students
• Evening sessions: Brown School spreads evening, weekend, and online courses over three years
• Monthly intensives: Some schools ask students to visit campus once or twice monthly
• Quarterly residencies: Others schedule weekend intensives several times each semester

California State University Stanislaus structures its hybrid MSW as a 60-unit curriculum. Students complete it over two years with a focus on clinical settings. NYU Silver’s Hybrid MSW takes a different approach. Students can finish in three years (eight semesters) on a part-time schedule.

Practicum requirements

Hybrid MSW programs must meet the same CSWE field education standards as traditional programs. Most programs need at least 900 field education hours. Each school sets its own specific requirements.

Students start field placements after finishing foundational coursework. The University of Washington structures practicum participation in quarters 4-7. Students work 8-16 hours weekly for 360 total hours. This increases to 16-24 hours weekly in quarter 8 for 680 hours.

Many hybrid programs offer placement flexibility. NYU Silver lets students complete their practicum at their current social service agency. Some existing work responsibilities count toward placement hours. NYU hybrid MSW students can usually complete 28 hours weekly over two semesters at their workplace.

The University of San Jose State points out an important detail. “Most internship options run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM during normal agency business hours Monday through Friday. You’ll rarely find weekend-only or evening-only internships”.

Program examples

NYU Silver School of Social Work runs a 65-credit Hybrid MSW program built for working social service professionals. Students can do their practicum with their current employer. They explore new areas while counting some regular work duties toward placement hours.

University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a hybrid part-time MSW program. Students attend in-person sessions every other Saturday along with online coursework. The program costs $800 per credit (plus fees) for all students, making it more affordable than many other options.

University of the Pacific created a specialized hybrid MSW program for future clinical social workers without a social work bachelor’s degree. Students can find field placements in their home communities and finish in as little as 16 months.

Fordham University works with Molloy University on an innovative hybrid option. Long Island students can split classes between Molloy’s campus and Fordham’s Lincoln Center location. They also have the choice to complete all coursework online.

Weekend Part-Time MSW Program

Weekend part-time MSW programs offer a unique solution we designed for busy professionals who can’t attend weekday classes but want well-laid-out in-person learning experiences. These programs run on a monthly intensive model, letting students keep their full-time jobs throughout their educational experience.

Program overview

Weekend programs create an immersive learning atmosphere through concentrated class sessions held once or twice monthly. Rutgers University’s Intensive Weekend Program brings students together just one weekend per month across New Jersey locations, including Bordentown, Jersey City, Mays Landing, and New Brunswick. Students often describe this format as a “retreat-like atmosphere” that encourages deep connections with peers.

These programs take a blended approach:

• In-person weekend sessions for dynamic, interactive learning
• Asynchronous activities between meetings
• Online components to help ongoing communication
• Cohort-based progression through the curriculum

Weekend MSW programs keep the advantages of face-to-face instruction while working around job commitments. UW-Madison runs its part-time MSW program with in-person sessions every other Saturday that go together with online components.

Schedule and duration

Weekend part-time MSW programs typically run for three years, including summer terms. Each school sets its own schedule:

Rutgers holds classes one weekend monthly, backed by asynchronous activities between sessions. Students can complete the program in three years, or just two years with advanced standing and BSW degrees.

Weekend formats mean fewer classroom hours, so programs usually add extra coursework:

• Case Western Reserve’s MSW Weekend program runs classes one weekend monthly over three years
• UW-Madison schedules classes every other Saturday, starting at 9:00 am
• Washington University’s Brown School runs weekend courses from Friday through Sunday

Practicum requirements

Field education remains the core of social work education whatever the format. Weekend programs often adjust practicum requirements to fit working professionals’ schedules.

Rutgers’ Intensive Weekend program starts the practicum in September of the first year and runs until completion. Requirements include:

• Three-year students: 8 hours weekly for 8 semesters (900 total hours)
• Advanced standing: 8 hours weekly for 5 semesters (500 total hours)

Most field placements need weekday availability. California State University Dominguez Hills points out that students must work during normal business hours (9-5 pm), and “evening and/or weekend placements” aren’t available.

Many weekend programs help solve this by supporting workplace-based practicum arrangements that differ from regular work duties in tasks, time allocation, and supervision. Your employer’s support comes first to balance both practicum and work responsibilities.

Program examples

Rutgers University leads with its Intensive Weekend Program offering monthly in-person sessions and asynchronous components between meetings. Students can specialize in Clinical Social Work or Management and Policy, with courses that meet future licensing requirements.

California State University Long Beach runs a Distance Education option on a 3-year plan with Saturday classes. This unique format has teleconferencing with campus faculty, some in-person instruction, and local field placements.

University of Washington runs a part-time, online MSW program with classes on Fridays (9:30am-4:20pm) and Saturdays (9:30am-4:20pm). The program takes 9-11 quarters (3 years, including summers) and connects to more than 600 practicum sites.

Case Western Reserve University combines their top-ranked MSW program with a flexible format for professionals. Students meet one weekend monthly with their cohort over three years.

Fully Remote MSW Program with Synchronous Classes

Remote MSW programs with synchronous classes showcase advanced social work education. They blend online learning convenience with live instruction benefits. These programs help students who want well-laid-out online education without location restrictions.

Program overview

Remote synchronous MSW programs deliver live virtual sessions where you join real-time discussions with professors and peers. The programs create an interactive digital classroom through platforms like Zoom, unlike asynchronous formats. The University of Washington provides a fully online, synchronous MSW program that helps more students in Washington State and the Pacific Northwest region get access to education.

Syracuse University leads the way with their innovative MSW program that puts advanced learning at the heart of social work education. Their program features:

• Weekly live HD classes you can access through a full-service mobile app
• Interactive online campus with break-out rooms
• Smart platform features like dark mode and closed captioning
• Immersive digital learning environments

These programs meet all CSWE accreditation requirements without campus visits. Barry University makes sure their online MSW students get the same access to award-winning faculty through live synchronous sessions as campus-based students.

Schedule and duration

Most remote synchronous programs work well with professional schedules through evening classes. The University of Washington holds classes on weekday evenings virtually for about three hours (often 6:00pm–8:50pm). Students complete the program over 11 quarters (3 years, including summers).

Syracuse University’s part-time online MSW needs 60 credits over 36 months. Cleveland State University gives you full-time options (5-6 semesters) and part-time tracks (8-10 semesters). Many programs schedule classes at different times during the week to fit various work schedules.

Practicum requirements

CSWE-accredited programs need strict field education requirements. UW students start on-site practicum in quarters 4-7 and must complete 8-16 hours weekly (360 hours total). The hours increase to 16-24 weekly in quarter 8 (680 hours total).

Field placements usually need you to be available during business hours (M-F, 8am-5pm). Wayne State University states, “Student practicum placement should be scheduled during normal business hours, which for some agencies includes evening and weekend hours. However, evening and weekend practicum opportunities are not guaranteed”.

Some schools help remote students with innovative options. Syracuse University lets students finish their first 200 hours of foundational fieldwork through virtual placement before moving to in-person sites.

Program examples

UW’s online MSW program combines evening sessions with more than 600 practicum sites. Students progress from generalist foundations to specialized clinical social work practice.

Syracuse University’s online MSW focuses on technology in social work practice. Students start with a fully remote first year before beginning field practice.

Rutgers School of Social Work provides a 100% online MSW. Students complete asynchronous assignments and join virtual discussions. The cohort model helps students build relationships while focusing on their goals.

Cleveland State University offers a 100% online asynchronous program. They help place students in 900 hours of experiential learning in their communities. Graduates can become Licensed Independent Social Workers who address human needs, social justice, and discrimination through policy practice and clinical interventions.

Part-Time MSW with Generalist and Specialized Curriculum

Part-time MSW programs build critical skills through two distinct phases. Students start with foundational coursework and then move to specialized training that aligns with their career goals.

Curriculum structure

Part-time MSW programs need 60-65 total credit hours, similar to full-time options but spread over a longer timeframe. The Brown School’s part-time MSW has 25 credit hours of foundation-level courses and practicum, plus 26 credit hours of concentration courses and practicum. Students also complete 9 elective credits they can use toward optional specializations.

Program progression follows a consistent pattern:

• Year 1: Foundation/generalist coursework
• Year 2: Continued foundation courses plus original practicum experience
• Years 3-4: Specialized coursework with advanced practicum placements

Columbia University’s part-time online program shows this approach well. Students take more generalist courses in their first two years before they begin specialized coursework in year three.

Generalist vs Specialized curriculum explained

The generalist curriculum provides essential foundations in social work practice. This coursework helps students learn transferable knowledge, values, attitudes, and skills that apply to settings and populations of all types. Every MSW student must become skilled at nine competencies specified by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). These cover areas such as engaging diversity, advancing human rights, and conducting practice-informed research.

The specialized curriculum explores deeply into advanced practice areas. Students usually select either Clinical Social Work or Management and Policy specializations. Clinical paths focus on therapeutic interventions, while management tracks emphasize program development, advocacy, and policy change. Some programs offer broader advanced generalist options that combine both approaches.

How curriculum impacts practicum and career

Your curriculum choice shapes your practicum experiences and career path. The specialized curriculum helps select placement sites that match your concentration. On top of that, it opens different career paths – clinical concentrations lead to therapeutic roles, while policy tracks prepare you for administrative or advocacy positions.

Research shows an interesting finding. Students near the end of their training managed to keep adequate preparation for professional social work even with reduced practicum hours (approximately 150 fewer hours). This shows that curriculum quality might matter more than quantity.

Field Education and Practicum Site Flexibility

The Council on Social Work Education finds field education to be the “signature pedagogy” of social work education. Students translate classroom concepts into ground skills under professional supervision through this practical component.

Importance of field education in MSW programs

MSW students must complete a minimum of 900 hours of field work to graduate. Some programs require up to 1,100 supervised practicum hours. Field education has about one-third of your social work education. This experiential learning creates significant value—more than a third of social work graduates find jobs directly through their field placements.

Examples of flexible practicum placements

Working professionals can benefit from employment-based practicums. These come in three forms:

• Same Work: Current job responsibilities count toward practicum hours
• Combo Work: Hours split between current duties and new responsibilities
• Different Work: Practicum completion in a different department with distinct tasks

Tips for balancing practicum with work

Success with work and practicum requirements needs careful planning:

• Early communication with employers about upcoming educational needs
• Leave time banking to fit field hours
• Part-time or 80% employment reduction while keeping benefits
• Family responsibility redistribution through open talks with your support system

Note that most placements need weekday availability. Evening and weekend options remain exceptionally rare.

Find Your Part-time Program Today

Getting an advanced social work education with work commitments can be challenging. The good news is that many flexible paths now make this goal possible. Working professionals can now find multiple formats in part-time MSW programs. These include online options, evening classes, weekend sessions, and hybrid approaches. All accredited programs maintain similar academic standards and practicum requirements as full-time programs, whatever format works best with your schedule.

Most part-time MSW programs share some basic features, though their structures might differ. Programs take 2.5-4 years to complete and move from generalist foundations to specialized concentrations. Field education requires 900-1200 hours. These programs also use cohort models that promote supportive communities as students progress through their studies together.

Field education is without doubt the most challenging part for working professionals because placements need weekday availability. Many programs have created innovative solutions to help. These include workplace-based practicums and flexible scheduling options where possible. The practical experience brings valuable benefits that make these arrangements worthwhile. Many graduates end up finding jobs through their field placements.

Think over your personal situation, priorities, and career goals before picking a program. Face-to-face evening formats might suit you better if you enjoy in-person interaction. Online options give you the most geographical flexibility. These flexible part-time MSW programs help you advance your social work education while keeping your current job. They are the foundations of building a bridge between your current role and future goals in social work practice.