4 Affordable Online Social Work Degrees in Missouri

If you are a student in Missouri who is interested in studying social work online, you may be wondering about the different programs available. In particular, you're wondering which schools offer low-cost online degrees in social work.

Keep reading to find out more about affordable online colleges in Missouri. We'll also answer questions you may have about completing your coursework online.

Affordable Online Social Work Degree Programs in Missouri

There are a few schools in Missouri that offer online bachelor's degrees in social work � some even offer master's degrees in social work. Let's take a look at the top options available based on affordability.

1. Missouri State University

Missouri State University is a public college located in Springfield. It is one of the largest schools in the state by enrollment with around 23,400 students.

The school offers online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) degree programs. These programs are ideal for full-time and part-time students, as they allow you to take courses at your convenience. The bachelor's program prepares students for graduate studies and various careers, while the master's program provides both traditional and advanced standing options to build on your previous education.

These programs offer some of the most affordable tuition rates in Missouri. In-state undergraduate students pay $290 per credit hour, and graduate students pay $415. Scholarships and financial aid are available to help students save even more as they work toward their degrees.

2. University of Missouri

The University of Missouri is the state's flagship public school. Headquartered in Columbia, it has the largest student body in the state with over 31,000 students.

The university's School of Social Work provides online master's and bachelor's degrees that help students pursue career goals in healthcare, social work practice, advocacy, social policy, social justice, and more. The MSW degree provides concentrations in clinical practice and policy, planning, and administration in human services.

Full-time undergrad students pay a flat rate of $7,770 per semester for up to 18 credit hours; part-time students pay $648 per hour. Master's degree students pay $604 per credit hour. Various scholarships are available for social work students, and many other financial aid options can also reduce your financial burden.

3. Missouri Baptist University

Missouri Baptist University is a private school located in Creve Coeur. It provides online and in-person degree programs to around 5,300 students.

Online students can enroll in the online MSW program. This CSWE-accredited program provides flexible courses and teaches advanced social work research methods from a Christian perspective. Both online coursework and in-person fieldwork experiences are required to graduate. An advanced standing program is available for those who have already completed a BSW program.

This graduate degree costs $668 per credit hour. Students can pursue various financial aid options and apply for scholarships to help them cover their college costs.

4. Maryville University

Maryville University is a private school with its headquarters in Town and Country. It enrolls nearly 10,000 students, many of whom study online.

Students here can pursue a Bachelor of Social Work degree online. The program is CSWE-accredited and provides flexible online courses. There are opportunities to gain real-world experience through practicums and field education, which are built into the 28-credit program.

This online bachelor's degree costs $540 per credit hour. Students can save money on their degree by taking advantage of the school's generous transfer policy and financial aid options.

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

When studying online, you don't have to choose a school that's close to home. Let's look at some top affordable out-of-state schools that offer undergraduate and graduate programs in social work.

1. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University is a regional public school located in Hays, KS. It enrolls just over 15,000 students.

An online BSW program is available to help students prepare for generalist practice social work careers and advanced studies. An MSW is also available; it provides fully online coursework combined with the in-person field experiences required to graduate.

The school offers some of the best tuition rates not only in Kansas but throughout the country. All online students pay about $257 per credit hour for the bachelor's degree and a $338 rate for the master's degree. Financial aid and scholarships are also available to help cover costs.

2. King University

King University is a private school located in Bristol, TN. It is a small school with under 1,400 students and is known for providing affordable and flexible online degrees.

One of the degrees available is an online Bachelor of Social Work program. Online graduate students can also pursue a Master of Social Work. Both of these programs provide flexible courses designed for busy adults. The master's program provides both traditional and advanced standing options.

The bachelor's program costs $305 per credit hour, while the master's program is $610. Students can take advantage of scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid to help them cover their degree expenses.

3. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private Christian school in Lynchburg, VA. It enrolls nearly 100,000 students in its hundreds of degree programs.

Bachelor's and master's degrees in social work are both available, with the master's program providing both traditional and advanced standing options. Students in these programs study numerous topics related to human behavior and well-being, advocacy, and social change.

The bachelor's degree costs $390 per credit hour for full-time students, and the master's degree costs $565. Scholarships, financial aid, and a generous transfer credit policy make it easy for students to save money on their degree.

FAQs About Online Social Work Programs

If you still have questions about completing your BSW or MSW program online, you're not alone. Let's Look at some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.

Will My Online Degree Be Taken Seriously?

Yes, online degrees are taken seriously if they come from a school that maintains regional or national accreditation and has also been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Many students pursue online learning opportunities because they are more flexible and often more affordable than in-person programs.

Since more and more students are graduating with online degrees, employers are becoming accustomed to recognizing that they are just as credible as traditional degrees gained on campus.

What Can You Do with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work?

A social work degree can lead to numerous career paths in different settings like public health, gerontology, and other human services fields. Common social work careers include:

• mental health technician
• caseworker
• child welfare specialist
• director of social services
• substance abuse counselor

What Degree Do You Need to Be a Social Worker in Missouri?

You can pursue licensure in social work with a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, or a doctoral degree in Missouri. Licensed Bachelor Social Workers (LBSW) must have a bachelor's degree in social work. Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW), Licensed Advanced Macro Social Workers (LAMSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) must all hold a Master of Social Work or some other advanced degree in the field.

Explore Online BSW and MSW Programs Today

If you're ready to pursue your social work career goals, explore the accredited programs featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the colleges or universities that interest you to learn more about their programs, education requirements, and specializations and see which program is right for you.