7 Affordable Online Social Work Degrees in Florida

Several affordable online colleges in Florida offer social work degree programs. These programs prepare graduates for impactful and successful social work professions. These 100% online programs offer the flexibility to balance education with personal and professional commitments while ensuring a high-quality, reputable learning experience.

By pursuing an affordable online social work degree program, you can gain the skills and knowledge needed to support individuals and communities in need, without needing to relocate to attend on-campus classes or incurring a large amount of debt.

Affordable Online Social Work Degree Programs in Florida

Online bachelor's degrees in social work can help students reduce their costs. These top affordable social work programs in Florida have flexible schedules and advanced tracks, making it easy to find a program that fits your goals and budget.

1. Florida State University

Florida State University (FSU) has one of the top online MSW programs through FSU Online's College of Social Work with an affordable tuition rate of around $450 per credit hour for in-state students. The program offers traditional and advanced standing options, catering to those with or without a bachelor's degree in social work.

FSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The curriculum, which emphasizes clinical social work, prepares graduates for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) exam. The program also offers field education experiences with local placements, ensuring online students gain practical skills and knowledge in real-world settings.

2. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida (USF) provides an MSW degree that prepares students for various practice settings, including clinical, individual, and community roles. The curriculum builds on core social work principles and emphasizes ethics, values, psychopathology, and professional self-awareness.

Social work students at USF can choose from a 60-credit traditional track or a 35-credit advanced standing track, designed for those who have already earned a BSW. The program offers both part-time and full-time enrollment options, providing flexibility each semester for busy professionals.

3. Barry University

Barry University offers a comprehensive master's in social work with regular and advanced standing MSW options. The advanced standing program can be completed part-time with online learning, making it a convenient option for working students.

Barry also provides a Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) program for those interested in pursuing academic or high-level leadership roles in the field.

4. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University provides both an online Master of Social Work and an online Bachelor of Social Work. The CSWE-accredited programs emphasize core social work principles, including ethics, social justice, social welfare, and community engagement.

These programs prepare students for generalist and advanced social work practice. They provide electives in various specializations and field experience opportunities, equipping students to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

5. Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University's College of Social Work and Criminal Justice offers BSW, MSW, and DSW programs. These degrees provide a thorough understanding of social work, often integrating aspects of criminal justice into the curriculum. Students benefit from comprehensive training that prepares them to address societal challenges with a well-rounded perspective.

6. University of West Florida

The University of West Florida offers an affordable master's degree in social work with accreditation from the SACSCOC. The school has a flexible transfer credit policy making it easier for students to apply previously earned credits toward their degree to save money on tuition.

The program's full-time curriculum covers essential topics such as ethics, mental health, diversity, and intervention strategies, preparing graduates to excel in various social work roles.

7. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida's College of Health Professions and Sciences provides an online MSW program that is CSWE-accredited. The program offers both traditional and advanced standing tracks and students can complete coursework part-time, making it convenient for working students.

The curriculum meets the requirements for LCSW licensure in Florida, providing a solid foundation for clinical practice, healthcare, and school social workers.

Other Affordable Online Social Work Programs in the U.S.

These affordable online social work degrees aren't located in the state of Florida but are accredited and available to Florida residents, as well as students across the U.S.

1. Capella University

Capella University's 100% online BSW program has a curriculum that includes 11 core courses covering human behavior, human rights, social environments, and social work practice, among other key concepts.

Students gain hands-on practical experience through two practicum courses that provide local field placements. The transfer credit policy allows students to transfer up to 120 credits toward the 180-credit program, reducing the time and expenses spent on the program. Capella also offers a Master of Social Work program, preparing graduates for generalist practitioner roles in social work.

2. Walden University

Walden University provides a suite of social work degrees, including BSW, MSW, and DSW programs. BSW students who earn a grade of B or higher can transition into the advanced standing MSW program which requires fewer credits, making it more affordable.

Walden's programs prepare students for social work licensure and offer scholarships and awards to help make their education more affordable.

3. Liberty University

Liberty University offers both a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and a Master of Social Work, providing students with a strong foundation in social work principles and a clear path from undergraduate to graduate studies. The curriculum emphasizes social work methodology, which covers topics like child welfare, human psychology, and intervention methods, preparing graduates to effectively assess and address client needs in numerous settings.

Similar to the other programs, Liberty's online courses give students the flexibility and convenience they need to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments while gaining the essential skills needed for successful social work careers.

FAQs About Social Work Programs

These common questions students have about pursuing an online social work degree can help guide you through your decision-making process.

How Much Does an Online Social Work Degree Cost?

The cost of an online social work degree in Florida varies depending on the institution and degree level. Undergraduate programs typically range from $200 to $300 per credit hour for in-state students, while graduate programs may cost between $285 and $450 per credit hour.

Out-of-state students can expect to pay higher tuition fees than in-state students. Financial aid, scholarships, and flexible payment plans can help make these programs more affordable.

Is an Online Social Work Degree Respected?

Yes, online social work degrees from accredited institutions are respected by employers and professionals in the social work field. Accreditation from organizations such as the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) ensures that these programs meet rigorous academic and professional standards.

These respected and accredited degrees also ensure that graduates are eligible for licensure and can gain work experience, even though they didn't attend traditional on-campus programs.

What Degree Do You Need To Be a Social Worker in Florida?

To become a licensed social worker in Florida, you need at least a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) which qualifies you for entry-level social worker roles and graduate studies.

To practice as a clinical social worker, you must earn a Master of Social Work degree and pass the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) exam. Advanced degrees, such as a Doctorate in Social Work (DSW), are also available for those aiming for social work research positions or higher-level roles in social services.

Explore Online BSWs and Other Online MSW Programs Today

With so many options available, you can find a program that aligns with your budget and career goals � and also prepares you to make an impact on the well-being of your community. Check out the affordable online BSW and MSW programs on Learn.org and reach out to the schools directly for more information.