Top 8 Part-Time Master's in Social Work Degrees 2025

Social workers are dedicated to improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities through advocacy, resource coordination, and counseling. If you're a working professional interested in social work, you may be curious about part-time social work master's degree programs.

Continue reading to learn more about flexible degree programs and how you can grow your career in this important profession.

Can You Earn a Master's in Social Work Degree Part-Time?

Yes, you can earn your part-time master's in social work. Many graduate students are also working adults who must balance their professional commitments with their studies. Generally speaking, online degree programs offer a flexible approach to continuing education and are an ideal choice for part-time students.

How Long Does It Take to Finish a Master's in Social Work Part-Time?

Traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) degree programs are about 60 credit hours. Full-time students typically earn their master's degree in two years.

Part-time students will take longer to complete their MSW program. Depending on your course load and transfer credits, you may need three or more years to earn your master's degree. If you already hold your Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), you may be eligible for advanced standing and can earn your MSW at a faster pace.

How Does a Social Work Master's Part-Time Program Work?

Online master's degree programs are often more flexible than their in-person counterparts. Online programs can include asynchronous courses, which means you can take these courses according to your own schedule.

Some programs offer synchronous courses during the evenings and weekends. Programs that have in-person components may allow you to complete these projects in your local community.

Best Part-Time Master's in Social Work Degree Programs

The following schools offer online programs for working adults looking to pursue a part-time social work master's degree. All schools are accredited institutions that have financial aid opportunities for graduate students.

1. Florida State University

Located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University (FSU) is a large public school with an online MSW program. U.S. News & World Report ranks FSU's program among the top 12% of social work graduate programs in the nation.

This degree program prepares students to become licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs). Core courses cover human behavior and the social environment, mental health and child welfare, and social welfare policy and services.

• Estimated tuition cost: $444 per credit hour (in-state); $625 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

2. Georgia State University

Georgia State University (GSU) is a public institution based in Atlanta, GA, offering a part-time, hybrid MSW program. GSU's MSW program is tailored for working professionals, with most coursework conducted online and one visit to campus per month.

Graduate students develop advanced knowledge of social and economic justice, social work values and ethics, and diversity. Students may choose to follow a general MSW track or specialize in community partnerships.

• Estimated tuition cost: $450 per credit hour
• Accreditation: CSWE

3. Liberty University

Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University (LU) offers an MSW conducted entirely online, complete with one virtual intensive component. You may opt for the general MSW track or specialize your degree in individual and family clinical.

The curriculum includes core courses such as generalist social work concepts, applied research and ethics, and social justice, policy, and advocacy.

• Estimated tuition cost: $645 per credit hour
• Accreditation: CSWE

4. University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo (UB) is a large public school located in Buffalo, NY. UB offers an online MSW for both traditional and advanced standing students. Most part-time students earn their MSW within three years.

The online degree program consists of both asynchronous and synchronous courses. The synchronous, or live, courses are typically taught in the evenings. Courses include social welfare policy, diversity and oppression, and perspectives on trauma and human rights.

• Estimated tuition cost: $711 per credit hour (in-state); $820 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CSWE

5. National University

National University is a private school headquartered in San Diego, CA, with satellite campuses around the country and an extensive online learning platform. National University offers an online MSW program that can be completed on a generalist track or via advanced standing.

The curriculum includes courses such as social work in interdisciplinary settings, social welfare policy, and advanced leadership skills for clinical practice. Part-time students have up to five years to complete the program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $776 per credit hour
• Accreditation: CSWE

6. George Mason University

Located in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University (GMU) is a large public school that offers an online MSW through its College of Public Health. The program is 60 credit hours, and students can choose from two degree specializations: adults and healthy aging or children, youth, and families.

All coursework is conducted online. The curriculum consists of core courses, electives, and practicums. Courses include human behavior and social systems, forensic social work practice, and organizational leadership for social workers.

• Estimated tuition cost: $795 per credit hour
• Accreditation: CSWE

7. University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky (UK) is a Lexington, KY-based university with an online MSW program. UK offers an advanced standing track that is 30 credit hours and a regular standing track that is 60 credit hours. Both programs prepare students for clinical licensure; UK's program boasts one of the highest pass rates in the U.S.

MSW students customize their degree specialization to fit their professional interests. Students can supplement their studies by earning certificates in areas like child welfare practice, substance use disorder, and military behavioral health.

• Estimated tuition cost: $790 per credit hour
• Accreditation: CSWE

8. Rutgers University

Rutgers University (Rutgers) is a large public school located in New Brunswick, NJ, that offers an online MSW that students may take on a full-time or part-time basis. Part-time students follow a three-year track to completion.

Students in Rutgers' program choose to concentrate their degree in either the clinical specialization or the management and policy specialization. All courses are conducted online in an asynchronous format.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,099 per credit hour
• Accreditation: CSWE

How We Rank Schools

We use several criteria when determining which schools to highlight, including program reputation and accreditation status.

• Accreditation: All of the colleges and universities listed are regionally accredited institutions. Each MSW program has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Program flexibility: These programs offer part-time or self-paced options and are primarily designed for working professionals.
• Program reputation: A program's reputation is determined by its accreditation status, curriculum options, experienced faculty, and any industry awards or special recognition.

FAQs About Part-Time Master's in Social Work Degrees

Below, we'll answer questions related to master's degrees in social work, including career opportunities, degree costs, and program timelines.

How Much Does a Part-Time Master's in Social Work Cost?

The cost of earning a Master of Social Work can range between $26,000 and $100,000 or more. Many factors affect cost: the type of school and length of program, student residency status, transfer credits, and financial aid opportunities. For example, public schools are typically less expensive than private schools, and in-state residents may benefit from reduced tuition rates.

What Careers Can I Pursue With a Part-Time Master's in Social Work Degree?

Once you have earned your MSW, you are eligible to work in a wide array of social work settings. These settings include international nonprofits, advocacy organizations, family assistance programs, and school counseling programs. Job opportunities include:

• clinical social worker
• mental health therapist
• behavioral health specialist
• case management supervisor
• community outreach specialist

What Is the Shortest MSW Program?

Many colleges and universities offer two pathways to earn your MSW: a traditional track and an advanced standing track. Traditional tracks are about 60 credit hours; advanced standing tracks are closer to 30 credit hours.

These shorter MSW programs are designed for students who already hold their BSW. Having an educational background in social work enables these students to move directly into more advanced studies and graduate at an accelerated pace.

Is It Worth Getting a Master's Degree in Social Work?

A career in social work can be fulfilling at both the professional and greater societal levels. However, pursuing your master's degree is a significant investment in time and money. You must carefully weigh your professional goals with your personal capacity before committing to a graduate school program.

What Is the Highest Paying Job With a Master's in Social Work?

Generally speaking, the highest-paying jobs in social work are managerial or leadership positions. Higher-earning job roles include director of social work, corporate social responsibility manager, and clinical mental health supervisor. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), health services managers earned a median salary of $117,960 in 2024.

Discover Flexible Master's Degrees

There are many degree programs that can help you achieve your professional goals. Reach out to our partner schools on Learn.org and discover which pathway best supports your journey.