If you're deeply committed to the clinical social work field and reside in Maryland or a surrounding state, our 3-year Online MSW program offers a structured, cohort-based experience designed for students who prefer evening online classes and can complete in-person practicum hours in their local communities.


The Online MSW Program provides real-time interaction and engagement with our faculty and a cohort of peers through mostly synchronous coursework. Scheduled between 6–9 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, our synchronous courses foster active participation, discussion, and a strong sense of community. Students complete weekly readings and assignments outside of class time, and practicum placements typically occur during weekday business hours.

Applications for the Fall 2026 academic year are open. For more information about eligibility criteria and application instructions visit our Admissions Information Guide or Request more information.

If you want a 2-year program, a Spring-start, or the Leadership, Policy, and Social Change concentration, you will need to apply to one of our on-campus hybrid programs in either Baltimore or Rockville, Maryland.


Eligibility Requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university.
  • Earned a "C" or above in a minimum of two (2) three-credit courses in the behavioral and/or social sciences. These classes may include psychology, cognitive science, human development, sociology, family studies, anthropology, political science, economics, criminal justice, etc.
  • A preferred minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average (GPA). Those with lower GPAs will be reviewed, but the overall score will be adjusted accordingly.
  • Reside in Maryland or the surrounding areas.

Student Engagement

Students in the Online MSW Program progress with a cohort of peers from start to finish. This intentional design fosters a supportive learning community, allowing you to build lasting connections with your peers as you navigate this transformative journey in clinical social work. Students have access to University of Maryland Baltimore and University of Maryland School of Social Work services and student groups including:

  • The Counseling Center
  • Health Sciences and Human Services Library
  • Educational Support and Disability Office
  • Writing Center
  • Wellness Center
  • Student Organizations and Groups

Application Requirements

  • Applicants must complete their undergraduate degree before applying for admission to the MSW program. December graduates are only eligible for admission the following Fall semester.
  • Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their completed application in advance of the deadline for best consideration.
  • 3 Personal statement questions
  • 2 Professional references
  • Current, updated chronological resume
  • Official transcripts and application fee

For more information about applying to the Online MSW program, email admissions@ssw.umaryland.edu or call 410-706-3025 

Can I apply to the online program for the Spring Semester?

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

What is the structure of the program?

The Online MSW Program follows a structured, three-year plan of study. Students take synchronous evening classes and complete in-person practicum placements beginning in their second year.

Semester Course Code Course Title Credits
Fall - Year One SOWK 610 Structural Oppression and Its Implications for Social Work Practice 3
SOWK 600 Social Welfare and Social Policy 3
Spring - Year One SOWK 645 Human Behavior and the Social Environment 3
SOWK 670 Social Work Research 3
Fall - Year Two SOWK 630 Social Work Practice with Individuals 3
SOWK 631 Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations 3
SOWK 635 & 637 Foundation Field Practicum and Seminar I 3
Spring - Year Two SOWK 632 Social Work Practice with Groups and Families 3
SOWK 636 & 638 Foundation Field Practicum and Seminar II 3
SWCL 700 Advanced Clinical Interventions 3
Summer - Year Two SOWK 708 Integrated Behavioral Health Policy 3
SWCL 744 Assessment, Diagnosis, and Intervention Planning 3
Fall - Year Three SWCL 794 Advanced Field Practicum I 6
SWCL 703 Family Therapy 3
SWCL 705 Clinical Social Work with Addictive Behavior Patterns 3
Spring - Year Three SWCL 795 Advanced Field Practicum II 6
SWCL 722 Cognitive Behavioral Therapies 3
SWCL 773 Adult Trauma and Clinical Social Work Practice 3

 

How is the curricula taught; and who are the faculty?

Most courses in the Online MSW Program are taught in a synchronous format, with live virtual classes held weekly on Tuesday or Thursday evenings. These sessions foster real-time engagement, discussion, and connection with faculty and peers.


Some courses are asynchronous, meaning they do not have a live class component but include weekly readings and assignments.


Fall and Spring semesters are 15 weeks long, and the Summer semester is 8 weeks long.
Our outstanding faculty teach courses across both the online and hybrid programs.

Online Readiness Quiz

The Online MSW Program is best suited for students who can commit to evening classes and complete in-person practicum hours during the week. Take our Online Readiness Quiz to assess your preparedness for online learning. 

Minimum Technology Requirements

To succeed in the Online MSW Program, students must have access to reliable technology that supports live virtual classes and online coursework. Before applying, make sure you have:

  • A desktop or laptop computer (tablets and Chromebooks are not recommended)
  • A high-speed internet connection (wired or stable Wi-Fi)
  • A webcam and microphone for participating in synchronous classes
  • The ability to install and run software such as Microsoft Office and Zoom
  • An up-to-date operating system (Windows or macOS)
  • Regular access to a quiet, private space for attending live classes

For full details, visit the Minimum Technology Requirements.

Ready to be a Changemaker?