Last updated: October 2, 2026

Best Online MSW Programs for Working Professionals

Eight CSWE-accredited online MSW programs with documented part-time paths, ordered by how well each one fits around a work schedule.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle

Best Online MSW Programs for Working Professionals

Key Takeaways

  • Every program on this list is an online MSW that publishes a part-time pathway on its own official page.
  • Part-time usually means about three years for a traditional degree and about two years for advanced standing, which requires a BSW.
  • Live sessions are the biggest scheduling difference. Some schools meet on weeknight or Sunday evenings, and others rely mostly on asynchronous work.
  • Every online MSW still requires in-person field placement near you. Ask how many placement hours must fall during the workday.
  • Check the current handbook of any school before you apply, because schedules, start dates, and tuition change each year.

The best online MSW programs for working professionals are the ones that fit around a job instead of replacing it. That means a real part-time track, class meetings you can attend after work, and coursework you can finish on your own schedule. It also means being honest about the part that cannot move: your field placement.

We reviewed official program pages and kept only schools that document a part-time path. Then we compared how flexible each one is, so you can see why one school ranks above another. If you need the fastest route instead, see our accelerated online MSW programs. For a broader comparison, start with the best online MSW programs.

How We Ranked Online MSW Programs for Working Professionals

A school qualified only if its official page documents a part-time pathway for a CSWE-accredited online MSW. Each school was then compared on features that make a job and a degree easier to combine, and the order is calculated from that comparison. Ties go to the lower per-credit tuition. The ranking measures schedule flexibility only. It does not rate teaching quality or outcomes.

  1. Part-time traditional track. The standard degree can be completed part-time.
  2. Part-time as the standard format, or three or more pacing tracks.
  3. Asynchronous coursework. Some or all work can be done on your own time.
  4. Evening or recorded live sessions. Live meetings are scheduled after work hours or recorded.
  5. Three or more start dates a year.
  6. Part-time advanced standing path. A shorter part-time route for BSW holders.
Read full methodology →

Online MSW Programs for Working Professionals Compared

# School Tuition Length Format
1 Boston University $1,261/credit 65 credits; about 3 to 4 years part-time Part-time online; weekly live sessions on Sunday and Monday evenings plus asynchronous coursework
2 University of Central Florida $487.45/credit (2026-27) 62 credits, about 3 years; advanced standing 32 credits, 16 months Part-time only; asynchronous courses in 7-week terms
3 University at Buffalo (SUNY) $711.16/credit NY; $820.16/credit nonresident (2026-27) 60 credits, about 3 years part-time Part-time only; synchronous weeknight sessions plus asynchronous coursework
4 University of Denver $1,200/credit 81 credits part-time over 36 months; advanced standing 54 credits over 24 months Online; live Zoom seminars plus independent coursework
5 Baylor University $1,100/credit 58 credits (advanced standing 30); 16, 24, 32, or 40-month tracks 100% online; live classes in afternoons and evenings
6 Simmons University $1,205/credit (2026-27) 65 credits; 32-month Extended track (advanced standing 34 credits, 9 to 12 months) Online live classes of 20 or fewer; recordings available
7 Boise State University $565/credit (2026-27) Regular standing 2 to 3 years; advanced standing under 2 years part-time 100% online coursework; in-person field work in your community
8 Florida State University $444/credit Florida; $625/credit out-of-state 39 credits; 16 months full-time or 2 years part-time (advanced standing) 100% online coursework; one field placement

Online MSW Programs Built Around a Work Schedule

Best programs for…

Part-Time Only Program

Boston University

Rank #1

Asynchronous Part-Time Format

University of Central Florida

Rank #2

Weeknight Live Sessions

University at Buffalo (SUNY)

Rank #3

Four Start Dates a Year

University of Denver

Rank #4

Four Pacing Tracks

Baylor University

Rank #5

Small Live Classes

Simmons University

Rank #6

Part-Time Load Options

Boise State University

Rank #7

Part-Time Advanced Standing

Florida State University

Rank #8
1

Boston University

Boston, MA Part-time online; weekly live sessions on Sunday and Monday evenings plus asynchronous coursework CSWE-Accredited
Part-Time Only Program

Tuition

$1,261/credit

Length

65 credits; about 3 to 4 years part-time

Format

Part-time online; weekly live sessions on Sunday and Monday evenings plus asynchronous coursework

Accreditation

CSWE-Accredited; NECHE Accredited

Why We Chose This

Boston University's online MSW is part-time only, which suits anyone keeping a full-time job through the degree. Weekly live sessions run on Sunday and Monday evenings, and the rest of the coursework is open around the clock on the BU Online Campus. Traditional students take about three to four years, and a national network of more than 2,000 field agencies helps you find an internship near home. Ranks #1 because it holds live sessions on Sunday and Monday evenings, offers a part-time traditional track of about 3 to 4 years, is part-time only and opens coursework around the clock on the BU Online Campus.
  • Part-time only, so there is no full-time track to feel behind
  • Weekly live Classroom sessions on Sunday and Monday evenings
  • Fall, spring, and summer start terms
  • Advanced standing takes about two years part-time (43 credits)
View Boston University's Online MSW
2

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL Part-time only; asynchronous courses in 7-week terms CSWE-Accredited
Asynchronous Part-Time Format

Tuition

$487.45/credit (2026-27)

Length

62 credits, about 3 years; advanced standing 32 credits, 16 months

Format

Part-time only; asynchronous courses in 7-week terms

Accreditation

CSWE-Accredited; SACSCOC Accredited

Why We Chose This

UCF built its online MSW for people who cannot step away from work. It is offered part-time only, with asynchronous courses in seven-week terms so you take one course at a time. The traditional track runs about three years and the advanced standing track about 16 months. Plan ahead for field placement, because at least half of your hours must fall during weekday business hours. Ranks #2 because it admits students in spring, summer, and fall, offers a part-time traditional track of about 3 years and is part-time only, and costs less per credit than University at Buffalo (SUNY), which matches it on the other factors we compare.
  • Part-time only, with seven-week asynchronous terms and one course at a time
  • Traditional track: 62 credits and 1,000 field hours over about three years
  • Advanced standing: 32 credits and 600 field hours in about 16 months
  • At least 50 percent of field hours fall Monday to Friday, 8 to 5
View University of Central Florida's Online MSW
3

University at Buffalo (SUNY)

Buffalo, NY Part-time only; synchronous weeknight sessions plus asynchronous coursework CSWE-Accredited
Weeknight Live Sessions

Tuition

$711.16/credit NY; $820.16/credit nonresident (2026-27)

Length

60 credits, about 3 years part-time

Format

Part-time only; synchronous weeknight sessions plus asynchronous coursework

Accreditation

CSWE-Accredited; MSCHE Accredited

Why We Chose This

The University at Buffalo online MSW is part-time only and spreads the traditional 60 credits over about three years. Live sessions typically meet on weeknight evenings, Eastern Time, so they fit around a day job. Know the trade-off before you apply: the 900 practicum hours happen in person near home, with at least 15 hours a week during weekday daytime. Ranks #3 because it holds live sessions on weeknight evenings, Eastern Time, offers a part-time traditional track of about 3 years and is part-time only, and costs less per credit than University of Denver, which matches it on the other factors we compare.
  • Part-time only; traditional MSW is 60 credits over about three years
  • Live sessions typically on weeknight evenings, Eastern Time
  • Practicum is in person near where you live: 420 foundation and 480 advanced hours
  • Advanced standing path for applicants with a CSWE-accredited BSW
View University at Buffalo (SUNY)'s Online MSW
4

University of Denver

Denver, CO Online; live Zoom seminars plus independent coursework CSWE-Accredited
Four Start Dates a Year

Tuition

$1,200/credit

Length

81 credits part-time over 36 months; advanced standing 54 credits over 24 months

Format

Online; live Zoom seminars plus independent coursework

Accreditation

CSWE-Accredited; HLC Accredited

Why We Chose This

Denver gives working adults three speeds: full-time, accelerated, or part-time over 36 months for the traditional degree and 24 months with advanced standing. Classes pair live Zoom seminars with independent work between meetings, and four cohorts start each year, so you are never waiting long for the next one. The traditional path totals 81 credits and 900 field hours. Ranks #4 because it pairs live Zoom seminars with independent coursework, offers a 24-month part-time advanced standing path, offers a 36-month part-time traditional track and lets you choose full-time, accelerated, or part-time pacing.
  • Part-time pace: 36 months traditional, 24 months advanced standing
  • Live Zoom seminars with independent coursework between meetings
  • Four cohorts a year: January, March, June, and fall
  • Traditional: 81 credits and 900 field hours; advanced standing: 54 credits and 500 hours
View University of Denver's Online MSW
5

Baylor University

Waco, TX 100% online; live classes in afternoons and evenings CSWE-Accredited
Four Pacing Tracks

Tuition

$1,100/credit

Length

58 credits (advanced standing 30); 16, 24, 32, or 40-month tracks

Format

100% online; live classes in afternoons and evenings

Accreditation

CSWE-Accredited; SACSCOC Accredited

Why We Chose This

Baylor lets you pick your own pace with four track lengths: 16, 24, 32, or 40 months. Live classes meet in the afternoons and evenings, which helps if you work a standard day, and cohorts start in spring, summer, and fall. Internships are placed within 75 miles of where you live. The standard program is 58 credit hours, and advanced standing is 30. Ranks #5 because it offers a 40-month track for the standard degree, offers 16-, 24-, 32- and 40-month pacing tracks and holds live classes in the afternoons and evenings, and costs less per credit than Simmons University, which matches it on the other factors we compare.
  • Choose a 16, 24, 32, or 40-month track
  • Live classes in the afternoons and evenings
  • Internships placed within 75 miles of home
  • Spring, summer, and fall starts with rolling applications
View Baylor University's Online MSW
6

Simmons University

Boston, MA Online live classes of 20 or fewer; recordings available CSWE-Accredited
Small Live Classes

Tuition

$1,205/credit (2026-27)

Length

65 credits; 32-month Extended track (advanced standing 34 credits, 9 to 12 months)

Format

Online live classes of 20 or fewer; recordings available

Accreditation

CSWE-Accredited; NECHE Accredited

Why We Chose This

Simmons offers an Extended part-time track of 32 months for its 65-credit degree, next to full-time, accelerated, and advanced standing options if your situation changes. Classes are live online in groups of 20 or fewer, and full class recordings let you rewatch a session. Three cohorts begin each year with rolling admissions, so you can plan around work and family. Ranks #6 because it offers full-time, accelerated, and Extended pacing, records full live classes for rewatching, offers a 32-month Extended part-time track and runs three cohorts a year.
  • Extended (part-time) track: 32 months for 65 credits
  • Live online classes of 20 or fewer students with class recordings
  • Three cohort start dates a year, rolling admissions
  • Advanced standing: 34 credits in 9 to 12 months
View Simmons University's Online MSW
7

Boise State University

Boise, ID 100% online coursework; in-person field work in your community CSWE-Accredited
Part-Time Load Options

Tuition

$565/credit (2026-27)

Length

Regular standing 2 to 3 years; advanced standing under 2 years part-time

Format

100% online coursework; in-person field work in your community

Accreditation

CSWE-Accredited; NWCCU Accredited

Why We Chose This

Boise State offers full-time and part-time enrollment in its online MSW, with a regular-standing degree that takes two to three years depending on your course load. Applicants with a CSWE-accredited BSW can finish advanced standing in under two years part-time. Coursework is online, but fieldwork happens in person in your own community, and admission opens in spring, summer, and fall. Ranks #7 because it lets you take the regular-standing degree part-time in two to three years, admits students in spring, summer, and fall and offers advanced standing in under two years part-time.
  • Full-time and part-time enrollment
  • Regular standing in two to three years depending on course load
  • Advanced standing in under two years part-time
  • Spring, summer, and fall admission
View Boise State University's Online MSW
8

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL 100% online coursework; one field placement CSWE-Accredited
Part-Time Advanced Standing

Tuition

$444/credit Florida; $625/credit out-of-state

Length

39 credits; 16 months full-time or 2 years part-time (advanced standing)

Format

100% online coursework; one field placement

Accreditation

CSWE-Accredited; SACSCOC Accredited

Why We Chose This

Florida State's online advanced-standing MSW usually runs 16 months full-time, but a part-time version can be completed in two years, which helps if you already hold a BSW and want to keep a job. It is 39 credits with one field placement. Florida residents pay $444 per credit and out-of-state students pay $625. A BSW is the entry ticket here. Ranks #8 because it offers a two-year part-time advanced standing path.
  • Part-time advanced standing completed in two years
  • 39 credits with one field placement
  • Florida residents $444 per credit; out-of-state $625
  • Built for applicants who already hold a BSW
View Florida State University's Online MSW

How to Choose an Online MSW While You Work

Start with your week, not the brochure. Write down which evenings you can protect, how many hours you can give a placement, and whether your employer will let you attend a daytime internship. Then compare how each school handles live classes and field hours.

  • Ask how many field hours must happen during weekday business hours and whether any can be completed at your current employer.
  • Compare live session times against your shift schedule, including time zone.
  • Decide between a three-year part-time route and a faster pace you can sustain for a limited time.
  • If you hold a BSW, ask whether advanced standing can be done part-time.
  • Request a written estimate of total tuition and fees, since per-credit rates differ across credit counts.

How to Apply to a Part-Time Online MSW

Part-time applicants usually apply for a specific start term, and deadlines arrive months earlier than classes. Start your application early so you have time to line up recommendations and your work schedule.

  1. 1 Choose the start term that gives you the longest runway before classes begin.
  2. 2 Gather transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and recommendation letters.
  3. 3 Confirm whether you need relevant experience, and whether you qualify for advanced standing with a BSW.
  4. 4 Talk with your supervisor early about field placement hours.
  5. 5 Ask the school which placement site options exist near your home.

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Online MSW for Working Professionals FAQs

Many students do, especially on part-time tracks that spread the degree over about three years. The hardest part is field placement, which requires in-person hours near you and may need weekday daytime availability. Ask each school how many hours must fall during business hours.
Traditional part-time tracks on this list run about two to four years. Part-time advanced standing for BSW holders takes about two years. Your pace and the school you choose will change this.
It varies. Several schools combine weekly live sessions with asynchronous work, and some meet on weeknight or Sunday evenings. UCF stands out for asynchronous seven-week terms. Check each program page for the current schedule.
Advanced standing shortens the degree for applicants with a CSWE-accredited BSW. Florida State and several other programs here offer part-time versions, usually completed in about two years or less.
Yes. Online MSW programs deliver coursework online but require supervised, in-person practicum hours at an agency near where you live. Schools generally help with placement, but you should plan around those hours.
Every program on this list is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which most state licensing boards require for social work licensure. Confirm your own state rules before enrolling.