Affordable Online Social Work Degrees in Washington

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 18,000 social workers in Washington State. The highest demand here for professionals is in mental health and substance abuse. This is an incredibly important field, but it can be hard for students to make the time or find the funds to pay for a social work degree.

Luckily, many colleges and universities offer affordable online social work degrees that allow students to develop social work competencies in a flexible format. Keep reading to discover affordable online colleges in Washington that offer a variety of degrees, including online social work bachelor's programs, as well as others available across the U.S.

Affordable Online Social Work Degree Programs in Washington

There are no colleges or universities in Washington State that offer completely online social work degrees, but there are a few that offer hybrid options. We've listed these below.

1. Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University is a public institution in Cheney, WA. It offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) with three hybrid learning options:

• Full-time, advanced standing program: This program is for students who hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and it takes three quarters to complete. Core courses are held on-campus in Spokane in four-hour blocks and electives are offered online.
• Part-time program at the Spokane campus: This program takes six quarters to complete. This combines online classes as well as in-person courses three weekends per quarter.
• Part-time program at the Everett campus: This also takes six quarters to complete, with online courses in addition to in-person classes twice a week every other week.

All three programs include in-person practicums. Washington residents pay $4,245.89 per quarter when studying full-time or $429.59 per credit when studying part-time, and social work scholarships are available.

2. Heritage University

At Heritage University, students can earn a hybrid MSW degree that includes online courses and in-person classes on Saturdays. Both an advanced standing and a traditional program are available, each requiring practicum hours.

Heritage University is a private, nonprofit institution on the Yakama Indian Reservation in Toppenish, WA. It charges full-time students $10,620 per year and part-time students $855 per credit hour.

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

The benefit of being an online student is that you can study through online programs across the U.S. Below, we've highlighted some affordable online social work programs in the U.S., all accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research institution in Tempe, AZ. It offers an online Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work (MSW).

The bachelor's degree covers core social work practice and offers electives in various topics, including child welfare, domestic violence, substance abuse, and criminal justice. Out-of-state students pay $683 per credit hour.

The online master's degree offers a standard track, as well as an advanced standing track for those with a BSW. This program costs $885 per credit hour.

2. Eastern New Mexico University

Through Eastern New Mexico University, students can earn an online Bachelor of Social Work degree. This degree provides a foundation in human behavior and social welfare policies and includes field education.

ENMU is a public university based in Portales, NM. Full-time, out-of-state students pay a tuition rate of $3,087 per semester.

3. Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State University of Denver offers an online bachelor's and master's degree in social work. MSU-Denver is a public university in Denver.

The bachelor's degree program offers full-time and part-time schedules, and while it requires in-person practicums, these can be done at a site near where you live. The university participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), which offers a reduced tuition rate to students in certain Western states, including Washington. WUE students pay $630.80 per credit hour.

The master's degree can also be done full-time or part-time and offers a traditional or advanced standing track. Washington residents pay a tuition rate of $500 per credit hour.

4. Portland State University

Portland State University is a public research institution in Portland, OR. Its School of Social Work offers an online bachelor's and master's in social work.

The bachelor's degree includes courses on social justice, advocacy, and generalist practice. Online learning is primarily through asynchronous courses, and the field experience can be done at a site near the student. PSU offers a discounted tuition rate for Washington students, and the cost for this program is $13,461 per year for full-time students.

The online MSW program offers a two-year and a three-year track, in which students can choose a specialization in generalist social work, clinical social work, or macro practice. Washington students pay $580.80 per credit hour for this program.

5. Touro University Worldwide

Through Touro University, students can earn an online BSW or MSW. Touro University is a private, nonprofit school based in New York City, but its California-based Worldwide campus offers programs to students all over the country.

The online BSW program includes courses on child and family services, substance abuse, victim advocacy, and more. It includes local field placements and costs $500 per credit.

The online master's degree is offered through the Graduate School of Social Work in New York City and offers a foundational and an advanced standing program. Social work students pay $855 per credit hour.

6. UMass Global

UMass Global offers a bachelor's in social work and a Master of Social Work program online. UMass Global is a private, nonprofit university based in California and affiliated with the nonprofit University of Massachusetts System.

The bachelor's degree includes coursework that covers topics like mental health, human services, and case management. Field practicums are required and the program costs $500 per credit hour.

In the master's program, students focus on advanced generalist social work practice and participate in several practicum seminars. The tuition rate for this program is $730 per credit hour.

7. University of Memphis

The University of Memphis is a public research institution in Memphis, TN. It offers a bachelor's and a master's degree in social work online through its Global campus.

The BSW offers a core curriculum focused on the general social work field but also includes a concentration for those wanting to become school social workers. Online students pay $447 per credit hour for this program.

The online master's degree can be taken as a full-time or part-time program and offers an advanced standing option. It costs $646 per credit hour.

FAQs About Online Social Work Programs

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online social work degree programs.

What Is the Average Cost of an Online Social Work Degree?

The cost of an online social work degree depends on many factors, including:

• what level of degree you're earning
• whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• whether you study full-time or part-time
• the financial aid you qualify for

Of the programs listed above, bachelor's degrees range from $450 to nearly $700 per credit, while master's programs range from $500 to $900 per credit hour.

What Are the Accreditation Requirements for Online Social Work Degrees?

Those wanting to become licensed social work professionals must complete their studies through a CSWE-accredited program. The CSWE is responsible for accrediting higher education programs in social work to ensure they cover specific topics and meet the council's educational requirements. You can find a list of CSWE-accredited programs on the CSWE website.

In addition, your school should be regionally accredited. Regional accreditation agencies vary by state. However, the CSWE generally does not accredit programs from schools that are not regionally accredited.

What Can I Do With a Master's in Social Work?

There are several things that you can do with a master's in social work. Some jobs include:

• clinical social worker
• community service coordinator
• healthcare social worker
• mental health and substance abuse social worker
• school social worker
• social service administrator

Note that some of these roles may require licensure. To become a licensed social worker, you may need a social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program, a certain number of years of experience in a supervised social work setting, and to pass a social work exam.

Discover Online BSW and MSW Degrees Today

If you're an online learner interested in social work, check out the accredited programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual colleges for more information on affordability and enrollment.