Best Online Social Work Degrees in Washington 2025

If you live in Washington and are interested in earning a social work degree, you may be wondering about your options. Perhaps you'd like to know which schools offer the best online social work degrees in your state.

Keep reading as we discuss some top options for students in Washington, from the best online bachelor's in social work to the most affordable online social work degrees to top programs at various levels. We'll also answer a few questions you may have about becoming an online learner.

Best Online Social Work Degree Programs in Washington

Unfortunately, there are no schools in the state of Washington that offer online social work degrees at the bachelor's level or above. Students hoping to earn a degree in-state can do so by studying on-campus at schools like Eastern Washington University, Seattle University, and the University of Washington.

However, those looking to study online will have to choose schools located in other states. The good news is that, when you study online, it doesn't matter where your school is located; you can still study from the comfort of your own home.

Other Top Online Social Work Programs

Many top schools throughout the country offer social work programs for online students. Below, we'll look at some of the best schools and the programs they have to offer.

1. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is a prestigious private university located in Los Angeles. It provides an array of graduate-level online programs, including both master's and doctoral degrees in social work.

These programs provide flexible coursework students can complete on a full-time or part-time basis. Those in the master's program looking for fast online social work degrees may qualify for the advanced-standing track if they have an accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. Students complete practicums to gain real-world experience, and coursework covers topics like mental health counseling, evidence-based interventions, and clinical social work.

2. Portland State University

Portland State University is located in Oregon. It provides bachelor's and master's degrees in social work for online students. Those enrolled in these programs typically complete asynchronous coursework and graduate in an accelerated timeframe.

The bachelor's program includes 400 hours of field education, and the master's program includes additional practicums, along with the option to choose a concentration. These online degrees are the first of their kind in the Pacific Northwest, providing a top regional option for students in Washington.

3. Boise State University

Boise State University is a public school in Idaho. Students attending this school can pursue an online Master of Social Work degree.

This is one of the best online master's in social work. The degree offers both an advanced standing program and a traditional track. The flexible online coursework focuses on promoting social justice for all, helping students prepare for various social services careers.

4. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a large public school in Phoenix, AZ, known for its diverse online programs. The school provides bachelor's and master's degrees in social work for online learners.

Students in the BSW program enjoy accelerated course sessions and study foundational generalist topics in social work. Those in the MSW program gain advanced training in social work practice. Both programs help students prepare for a range of human services careers.

5. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati, located in Ohio, features a range of online degree programs. One of these is a Bachelor of Social Work degree.

The program covers crucial topics such as social work ethics, social welfare, family services, and advocacy. Students complete fieldwork requirements at locations that work for them, and flexible coursework helps them earn their degree around other responsibilities and commitments.

6. George Mason University

George Mason University is a public school in Fairfax, VA. It provides a Master of Social Work degree for remote students. This online MSW program enables students to specialize in adults and healthy aging or children, youth, and families, helping them tailor their degree to their professional interests.

Online coursework allows students to study at a pace that works for them. Highly motivated students with the proper credentials can enroll in accelerated and advanced-standing tracks to get their degrees faster.

7. Ohio State University

Ohio State University is located in Columbus, OH. This public school provides bachelor's and master's degrees in social work for online learners.

These programs provide both flexibility and structure, striving to help students from various backgrounds succeed in their education. Fieldwork placements near students' own communities are also part of each program.

Our Selection Criteria

We use a rigorous vetting process when choosing programs for our school lists. The following criteria were used to select the schools in this article:

• Accreditation: All programs maintain both institutional accreditation from a nationally recognized accrediting body and specialized accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
• Reputation: Each school has a strong reputation as a well-respected institute of higher education that provides top-ranking academics.
• Accessibility: Many of the programs feature flexible coursework, a generous transfer policy, affordable tuition rates, and financial aid opportunities to make school more accessible for students.

Steps To Choose an Online Social Work Program

Choosing the right online social work program for you may feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. As you look at the different options available, think about what is most important to you in a school. Consider factors like tuition and financial aid, school reputation, and student organizations.

Make a list of each factor that matters most to you. Then, gauge each potential school against this list of priorities. The school that best aligns with what matters to you most is likely going to provide the best learning experience for you.

Admission Requirements for Online Social Work Degrees

Social work bachelor's degrees often require various documents and standards for program admission. These requirements may include:

• high school diploma or GED
• standardized test scores
• official transcripts and cumulative GPA of more than 2.0

Master's degree programs typically have additional requirements, such as letters of recommendation, personal essays, or documented work experience. Master's degree programs also require applicants to hold a valid bachelor's degree from an accredited school.

FAQs About Online Social Work Degrees

If you still have questions about attending a school of social work online, you're not alone. Keep reading for answers to some common questions you may be asking.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Social Worker in Washington?

In Washington, you must hold at least a Master of Social Work degree to pursue provisional licensure. To earn full credentials like the Licensed Advanced Social Worker (LASW) and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), you must have a master's degree along with 3,000 hours of supervised post-graduate experience. The time it takes to qualify for these provisional and full licenses can be anywhere from six to eight years or more depending on your rate of study.

Is an MSW Worth It Financially?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers earn a modest median income and have a slightly better-than-average job outlook. Generally speaking, those with master's degrees earn higher salaries, but some may argue that the salary isn't enough to justify the cost of the degree.

That said, those with social work careers rarely enter the field for the money. If you are interested in social work because you genuinely want to help vulnerable populations, you may find that your MSW is well worth any amount of time and money you put into it.

How Much Does an Online Social Work Program Cost?

Online social work degree costs vary, but total tuition rates typically range between $30,000 and $45,000. Book costs and mandatory fees may raise the overall cost of your education even more. Fortunately, those attending online colleges that accept FAFSA and other forms of aid can often save big on their out-of-pocket expenses.

Discover Online BSW and MSW Degrees Today

If you're ready to begin your social work journey in Washington, explore the colleges and universities featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to the admissions office at any school that interests you to learn more about the available programs and admission requirements.