Online MSW Program

Starting Online

Who Should Apply?

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 inaugural 3-year Part Time Online MSW program.  At this time, we will accept students with a Maryland address only.  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 program here.

If you believe this journey is for you, complete an application for the Fall 2023 semester.  The deadline is April 15, 2023.  If you have any additional questions about the program, please reach out to the Director of the Online MSW Program, Nakiya Schurman, at nschurman@ssw.umaryland.edu.

The Curriculum

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. 

Part-Time Online Program Structure

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.

Semester

Courses

Format

Credit

Fall 2023

 

SOWK 610: Structural Oppression and its Implication for the Social Work Environment

Synchronous; Tues evenings

3

SOWK 600: Social Welfare and Social Policy

Asynchronous

3

Spring 2024

 

SOWK 645: Human Behavior and the Social Environment

Asynchronous

3

SOWK 670: Social Work Research

Synchronous; Tues evenings

3

Summer 2024

 

SOWK 708: Integrated Behavioral Health Policy

Asynchronous

3

Fall 2024

SOWK 630: Social Work Practice with Individuals

Synchronous; Tues or Thu evenings

 

3

SOWK 631: Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations

Asynchronous

3

SOWK 635: Foundation Field Practicum and Seminar I

 

16 hour/weekly in-person Field Practicum for 8 months, with monthly 2-hour virtual seminar

3

Spring 2025

SOWK 632: Social Work Practice with Groups and Families

Synchronous; Tues or Thu evenings

3

SOWK 636: Foundation Field Practicum and Seminar II

16 hour/weekly in-person Field Practicum for 8 months, with monthly 2-hour virtual seminar

3

SWCL 700: Advanced Clinical Interventions

Synchronous; Tues or Thu evenings

3

Summer 2025

SWCL 744: Psychopathology

Asynchronous

3

Fall 2025

SWCL 794: Advanced Field Practicum I

24/hour in-person Field Practicum for 8 months or 16 hour/weekly in-person Field Practicum for 11 months

6

Advanced Clinical Methods

Synchronous; Tues or Thu evenings

3

Advanced Clinical Methods

 

Synchronous; Tues or Thu evenings

3

Spring 2026

SWCL 795: Advanced Field Practicum II

 

24/hour in-person Field Practicum for 8 months or 16 hour/weekly in-person Field Practicum for 11 months

6

Advanced Clinical Methods

 

Synchronous; Tues or Thu evenings

3

Advanced Clinical Methods

 

Synchronous; Tues or Thu evenings

3

TOTAL CREDITS

60

* Potential Advanced Clinical Methods

  • Adult Trauma and Clinical Social Work Practice
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
  • Clinical Social Work and Addictive Behavior Patterns
  • Family Therapy
Field Education

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. 

Cost

For the 2022-2023 Academic Year, tuition is currently $729 per credit hour for Maryland residents, not including the additional cost of fees.  This is subject to change for the 2023-2024 academic year.  We recommend all students to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

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