Applications for the Fall 2026 semester is closed! Contact: admissions@ssw.umaryland.edu or call 410-706-3025.

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.