Online MSW Program

Prospective students who show a commitment to the social work field and have an interest in online learning and virtual engagement should consider applying for a seat in the 3-year Part Time Online MSW program. Preference will be given to candidates currently working in the field of social work who want to grow their skill base. 

Students interested in a 2-year full-time program, the Macro concentration, or the Advanced Standing program should apply to our on-campus hybrid programs in either Baltimore or Rockville, Maryland.

Take our Online Readiness Quiz to see if you are ready to take online courses. 

The admissions criteria is the same for students applying to take classes at the USG and Baltimore campuses, however, there is a separate application specifically for the online program that includes an additional personal statement.   

Information about application deadlines and program requirements can be accessed on our Admissions home page.

At this time, we are not offering a Spring start for the online program.

At this time, we are not offering the online program in a full-time, 2-year format.

At this time, we are not accepting Advanced Standing students to the online program. 

No. Students who are admitted to the program can only take the specified coursework developed for the Online program. See the Sample Plans of Study. 

Our 60-credit curriculum will focus on the Clinical concentration, which provides a comprehensive gateway into the world of clinical social work. The goal is to provide an education and field practicum that prepares graduates to provide a range of therapeutic services to children, adolescents, adults, older adults and their families across multiple settings using a diversity of treatment modalities.

Our program is sequenced and structured, allowing students to not only build upon their knowledge each semester, but also build relationships with their fellow peers in this cohort model. 

Our rigorous social work education is provided in both asynchronous and synchronous virtual formats.  Our synchronous courses will meet weekly either on Tuesday or Thursday evenings.  Our asynchronous courses have no mandatory face-to-face component, but will have weekly readings and assignments. 

Fall and Spring semesters are 15 weeks long, and the Summer semester is 8 weeks long.

Field practicum experiences, in the second and third year of the program, are tailored to the student’s academic and professional experiences and are located within or near their geographic area.

Candidates currently working in the social work field may be able to complete one of their two internships at their place of employment.  Our Field Education office works with each individual student to ensure an appropriate and engaging Field Practicum experience.

If a student is not pursuing an employment-based field practicum, they will need to be available for at least two weekdays during business hours for both their Foundation and Advanced Field practicums. 

For the 2023-2024 Academic Year, tuition is currently $676 per credit hour for Maryland residents, not including the additional cost of fees.  We recommend all students to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The online program is designed as a cohort model, which allows the development of a shared learning experience within a community.  Additionally, many of our on-campus student organizations hold meetings virtually, allowing our online students to connect with not just the online program students, but those across programs and even schools.   

Many of the services offered by the University of Maryland Baltimore have virtual options, including, but not limited to, the Counseling Center, the HSHSL Library, the Educational Support and Disability Service Office, the Writing Center and the Wellness Center.