3 Affordable Online Social Work Degrees in Maryland

A social work degree prepares students for careers in mental health, child welfare, advocacy, public policy, social justice, and education. Social workers help individuals cope with and solve life's challenges. Individuals licensed as clinical social workers diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral problems.

Earning a social work degree online is a great option for students who don't have time to attend on-campus courses. Many accredited colleges and universities offer low-cost online social work degrees. In Maryland, schools like Salisbury University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore provide budget-friendly options for students interested in studying social work online.

Below, we'll highlight affordable online degrees in Maryland. Also, we'll answer frequently asked questions about online social work programs.

Affordable Online Social Work Degree Programs in Maryland

Financial aid, scholarships, and other resources can help students reduce tuition costs. Explore the list of schools below to find affordable online social work degrees in Maryland.

1. Salisbury University

Salisbury University offers an online Master of Social Work (MSW) preparing students for careers in clinical mental health, nonprofit organizations, social justice, and the public education system. This program, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), offers two specializations: clinical social work and advocacy and social change and leadership. Coursework is delivered in asynchronous and synchronous formats.

This master's degree program is offered in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, DC. All in-state and out-of-state learners pay $436 per credit in tuition. Enrollees can qualify for financial aid to reduce costs.

2. University of Maryland, Baltimore

The University of Maryland, Baltimore's School of Social Work offers a 60-credit online MSW for students interested in clinical social work. This three-year degree delivers asynchronous and synchronous coursework for part-time students in Maryland and D.C. Non-residents, Advanced Standing program applicants, and individuals interested in a full-time program should apply for an on-campus hybrid degree.

Maryland and D.C. residents pay the in-state tuition rate of $676 per credit. Online MSW program enrollees can choose from financial aid like the General Scholarships for Incoming and Foundation Year Students and the Research Assistant (RA) Scholars Fellowship.

3. Morgan State University

Morgan State University's Online MSW (OMSW) program offers a 60-credit hour option and a 30-credit Advanced Standing option. This degree aims to help individuals in advanced social work and generalist practice address substance abuse, mental health programs, socioeconomic disadvantage, social injustice, and discrimination in urban areas. Graduate students can focus their studies on specialties like urban children, youth, and families and addictions.

Enrollment requires a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) with a 3.0 or higher GPA in social work courses. This online learning opportunity costs $667.00 per credit and is eligible for aid like the MHEC Work Place Shortage Grant and MHEC Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program.

Other Affordable Online Social Work Programs in the U.S

Do you want to explore more degree programs for online students? Discover social work degree programs offering fully online courses at schools outside of Maryland.

1. University of Texas at Arlington

Students interested in earning an online bachelor's degree in social work can apply for the Bachelor of Social Work online program at the University of Texas at Arlington. Learners from all 50 states and several US territories are eligible to apply. Coursework explores social work practice, research methods, theories of human behavior, and social welfare policy.

Online students who don't reside in Texas matriculate under the Non-Resident Distance Education Program (NRODE). NRODE students save 40% to 50% in tuition and fees paying $482.02 per scheduled credit hour (SCH) for a three-credit course and $389.39 per SCH for a four-credit course.

2. University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida students can prepare for careers as school social workers, substance abuse counselors, and healthcare social workers by enrolling in the online MSW program. This CSWE-accredited program, which has earned a top US News and World Report ranking, offers field education internships to give social work students real-world experiences. Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for state licensure exams.

Enrollees can choose from two tracks: traditional and advanced standing. Both programs feature seven-week terms and cost $487.45 per credit hour.

3. Maryville University

Maryville University offers a CSWE-accredited BSW program that is available completely online. Coursework delves into human behavior, cultural competency practice, policy reform, and research while preparing students to commit themselves professionally to the wellbeing of others. Students can gain direct practice through a practicum (field placement) in their preferred local setting.

Students who enroll in this program can pursue social service and criminal justice careers as general social workers, correctional treatment specialists, behavioral management aides, probation officers, human services managers, and more. This 128-credit program costs $540 per credit.

4. California State University, Northridge

California State University, Northridge offers a CSWE-accredited online MSW with an urban community practice focus. The program delivers live weekly classes but offers an asynchronous learning environment that lets learners watch recordings of class sessions anytime. Online classes explore human behavior, gerontology, psychosocial assessment, social work practice, and more.

Students gain field experience through the program's foundational and advanced practicums. This 60-unit online degree costs $813 per unit.

FAQs About Online Social Work Programs

Want to learn more about online social work programs? Review the following FAQs for additional information.

Is an Online Social Work Degree Worth It?

Yes, earning a degree in social work from a school of higher education is worth your time and effort. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social work is a fast-growing field. Employment for social workers is expected to grow 7% with more than 67,000 annual openings from 2023 to 2033.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Social Work Online Degree?

An online MSW degree from an accredited program can open doors to the same opportunities as in-person degrees. Careers are available in:

• community service management
• substance abuse counseling
• marriage and family therapy
• school and healthcare social work
• policy making
• research
• community advocacy
• administration
• government

How Much Does an Online Social Work Degree Cost?

Tuition for an online social work degree can vary based on factors like your degree type (BSW vs. MSW), residency (in-state vs. out-of-state), and enrollment status (part-time vs. full-time). In Maryland, you could pay as little as $436 per credit to earn your MSW from Salisbury University. Contacting your school directly can help you determine the cost of your chosen program.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Today

Are you ready to begin your career in the field of social work? Explore the accredited degree programs offered by schools featured on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges today to discover how their programs can help you reach your career goals.