Arizona State University Online MSW Program

One of the largest and most diverse social work programs in the world calls Arizona State University home. The school sits within the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Students learn to tackle social challenges through a mix of teaching, research, and service. Since launching its online MSW program in 2014, ASU’s reputation keeps growing stronger.

Leading scholars who wrote many social work textbooks used nationwide make up the school’s faculty. The talented academic team boasts seven Fellows of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare, eleven Fellows of the Society for Social Work and Research, and five Fulbright Scholars. These experts bring their knowledge straight to students, whether online or on campus.

ASU’s School of Social Work earned top spots in rankings recently. U.S. News & World Report ranks the School of Social Work at #25, putting it in the top 10% among 260 schools nationwide. The graduate social work program also landed at #20 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 rankings.

The online MSW program’s popularity shot up since it began. It now ranks among ASU’s five most enrolled online graduate programs. This shows how well the school delivers quality education that stays available and affordable.

Foundation Professor and School Director Elizabeth Lightfoot points out that ethical integrity runs through every aspect – from how they recruit and admit students to helping them handle money matters. Students get the same high standards whether they study online or on campus.

Students can find ASU’s School of Social Work in downtown Phoenix, West campus, Yuma, and Tucson. The online program breaks down location barriers so students can finish coursework and internships without moving. This matches ASU’s charter perfectly – they focus on who they bring in rather than keep out, and how well those students do.

ASU’s School of Social Work gives future social workers a rock-solid foundation. With outstanding faculty, national rankings, and dedication to student success, it paves the way for professional growth.

Programs offered

Arizona State University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) comes in several formats that fit student needs and career goals. Students can choose between two main paths—the Standard MSW and the Advanced Standing MSW. Each path offers specialized concentrations to prepare students for different social work environments.

The Standard MSW program needs 60 credits and 960 hours of field experience. Students with undergraduate degrees in any field except social work will find this program suitable. They can finish it in two years (full-time) or three years (part-time). The program has 24 credits of Foundation classes, 18 credits of Advanced classes, 6 credits of Professional Training, and 12 credits of clinical practicum.

BSW graduates can take advantage of the Advanced Standing MSW program’s optimized path. This faster option welcomes students who earned their Bachelor of Social Work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program. Students must have graduated within the last six years with a minimum 3.2 GPA. The program starts in May each year. Students can complete it in just one year with 39 credit hours, including a capstone course. Students must complete one 480-hour internship over two consecutive semesters during this intensive program.

Both programs offer specialization options that match your career goals:

1. Advanced Generalist – The online format prepares you to work in multiple settings with various populations
2. Advanced Direct Practice (ADP) – Builds clinical skills in four specialized areas: children/youth/families, health, behavioral health, and child welfare
3. Policy, Administration and Community Practice (PAC) – Develops leadership, program development, and policy work skills

Students can choose from flexible delivery formats. Campus-based options are available at ASU’s Downtown Phoenix, West, Tucson, and Yuma locations. The online MSW provides two distinct classroom experiences:

• Asynchronous – Students access materials and lectures throughout each week, completing coursework on their schedule
• Synchronous (ASU Sync) – Students attend live online classes with their professor and classmates

ASU also offers concurrent degree options. Students can combine their MSW with American Indian Studies (Indigenous Rights and Social Justice, MS), Juris Doctor (JD), or Public Administration (MPA).

Field education serves as the substance of social work training. Standard program students complete two 480-hour field practicums at different agencies. Advanced Standing students finish one 480-hour practicum. ASU’s Field Education Office helps students find placements in their area that meet CSWE standards.

Graduates qualify for licensure through the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. This opens career opportunities in both public and private sectors.

About the online program

ASU’s online Master of Social Work program provides detailed social work education through a flexible virtual classroom. The program works well for working professionals and students who need adaptable schedules. Students get the same high academic standards as the on-campus program with better accessibility.

Students use Canvas, an easy-to-use learning management system, to access their coursework. Canvas organizes weekly content into modules and offers discussion forums where students interact with peers. The system tracks assignment due dates and makes instructor feedback easier. The program features accelerated courses that run for 7.5 weeks in fall and spring semesters, and 6 weeks in summer. Students can choose from six program start dates each year.

Most courses follow an asynchronous format. You can access materials and complete assignments based on your schedule, provided you meet the syllabus deadlines. This setup works great especially when you have work, family responsibilities, or other commitments.

The program covers these vital topics:

• Mental health and behavioral health services
• Policy development and analysis
• Legal issues in social work
• Community organization
• Direct service provision

Field education is the cornerstone of your MSW experience. Standard program students must complete 960 hours of applied practicum education at two different internship sites. Advanced Standing students need 480 hours at one agency over two consecutive semesters. ASU’s Practicum Education Office helps students find suitable placements in their geographic area that meet CSWE standards.

The program’s faculty members are among the most productive social work researchers in the nation. Many have authored textbooks used in social work programs of all sizes. Students learn from recognized experts who shape the field.

ASU Online built a resilient support system for distance learners. Students get 24/7 technical help and customized success coaching. This integrated approach has got positive feedback from students who value both the rich academic experience and life skills development.

Graduates can work in various social work roles – from behavioral health organizations and hospitals to schools and government agencies. The program’s flexible yet thorough structure will give a solid foundation to make meaningful contributions in communities of all types.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a vital quality indicator for aspiring social work students. ASU’s online MSW program has earned two important accreditations that confirm its academic excellence and will give graduates the professional standards they need.

ASU maintains institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association. The university has held this status since 1931. This recognition proves education quality and links directly to financial aid eligibility, professional licensure requirements, and academic standards.

ASU’s School of Social Work also holds program-specific accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). We received this specialized accreditation for the MSW program in 1965, and the BSW program picked up on this in 1974. Both in-person and online MSW options carry this CSWE accreditation. Students get the same recognized qualification whether they study online or on campus.

CSWE accreditation is an essential requirement for social work professionals. Every state demands graduation from a CSWE-accredited program for social work licensure. Students cannot pursue professional licensing without this credential, whatever their academic performance or GPA.

ASU Online arranges its programs with industry and national standards through the accreditation process. Quality Matters (QM) standards guide the university’s online course design. These guidelines help promote student engagement and retention effectively.

Students should know that ASU’s academic programs meet Arizona’s requirements primarily. Program completion might not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states automatically. Students who plan to practice outside Arizona must check their state’s credentialing requirements before enrolling.

International students need to take similar steps. Those living or working outside the United States should ask appropriate certifying agencies about credential requirements. This confirmation needs to happen before enrollment to ensure the online MSW program meets their country’s employment standards.

HLC and CSWE accreditations prove that ASU’s online MSW program delivers top-quality education. These credentials prepare graduates thoroughly for successful careers as licensed social workers.

Admission Requirements

Arizona State University’s online MSW program admission depends on specific requirements from both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

Students must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. The program requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) during the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate studies. Students without a social work degree need an undergraduate degree with at least 30 credit hours in liberal arts courses.

The application package must include:

• Graduate admission application with application fee
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended
• Three professional or academic references (no personal references accepted)
• Professional resume detailing work and volunteer experience
• Personal statement outlining educational and career goals
• Proof of English proficiency (for non-native English speakers)

Students without social service work experience must complete 240 hours of volunteer work in social services. This requirement spans a six-month period within five years before application. The experience will give a practical understanding of the field.

The Advanced Standing program has additional requirements. Applicants need a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program that’s no more than 6 years old. They must also maintain a minimum 3.20 GPA in their BSW program’s last 60 hours.

Application deadlines vary by program type. The Standard MSW online program accepts applications until June 1st for fall entry and November 1st for spring entry. Supplemental materials must arrive two weeks after these deadlines. The Advanced Standing program follows rolling admission from September 1st, with applications due by February 1st.

Most applicants don’t need test scores. However, students with a junior/senior GPA below 3.20 must submit GRE or Miller Analogies Test scores. The admissions committee takes an integrated approach to review each application. They look at academic performance and professional experience to determine potential success.

Tuition

The cost of your MSW degree at Arizona State University needs careful planning. Your educational expenses will vary based on program type, transfer credits, and course load.

ASU makes it easy to estimate your costs with their tuition calculator. This tool helps you see full-time or part-time tuition fees before any financial aid. You’ll get a clear picture of your potential expenses to make smart decisions about your education investment.

The online MSW program costs $786.50 per credit hour, which adds up to $47,190 for the complete program. These rates might change yearly with Arizona Board of Regents approval. ASU’s program costs remain competitive when compared to other schools.

Students need to budget for these mandatory fees:

• Student Initiated Fee that covers clubs, organizations, and health services
• Graduate Student Support Fee that pays for resources, technology, and instructional expenses

Good news about financial aid – 80% of all ASU students get some type of financial help. ASU gives out nearly $700 million in financial aid each year. Online students can access federal grants, loans, and special programs through ASU Online partnerships with companies like Starbucks and Uber.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens doors to most financial assistance programs. Your FAFSA submission determines if you qualify for federal aid, state grants, and need-based scholarships.

Some students might qualify for special financial support. The Title IV-E Child Welfare Field Education project pays in-state tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students. Students from certain Western states can apply for in-state tuition through the Western Regional Graduate Program. This program helps cut costs significantly for out-of-state students.

Your final costs could be much lower than the listed tuition rates once you factor in financial aid, scholarships, and grants.

Additional Information

ASU’s online MSW program offers complete support services beyond regular coursework to help you succeed. Online students get access to 24/7 counseling, physical and mental health resources, and exclusive content through 360 Life Services. These services help manage anxiety, handle crises, and deal with stress – vital elements to stay balanced during graduate studies.

The academic support system is equally strong. ASU provides:

• Academic advisors and success coaches
• Online tutoring and writing center services
• Library resources with research databases
• Professor office hours
• Technology support

Social work jobs continue to show promising growth, with employment expected to rise 9% from 2021 to 2031. This rate exceeds the average across all occupations. ASU’s career services help students with job opportunities, professional certifications, resume building, and virtual career fairs.

Military students receive specialized help with education benefits through the Pat Tillman Veterans Center, including GI Bill support and tuition assistance. Students also get free access to essential tools like Adobe Creative Cloud, Canvas, Dropbox, Google Workspace, and Zoom.

Students dealing with personal challenges can access up to three free counseling sessions for each issue annually. These wide-ranging services show ASU’s dedication to supporting both academic success and personal well-being throughout your social work education.