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MSW Degree

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Transform Lives and your Career with a Purpose-Driven MSW Degree

Carlow University’s CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) is designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers. The program offers a flexible hybrid format designed to accommodate students’ work life.

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  • Duration 18-48 months
  • Cost per Credit $670
  • Credit Hours 39-60

Program Benefits

  • CSWE-Accredited
  • Advanced Standing and Traditional Student Tracks
  • 2 Specializations Available
  • Trauma-Focused Curriculum
  • Flexible Hybrid Format
  • Experienced, Practitioner Faculty
  • Prepare for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Exam & Licensure

Create Change with Compassion through Carlow’s MSW Program 

Earning your Master of Social Work allows you to make a difference in your career. Offering two specialization tracks in direct practice or macro practice, the MSW program’s trauma-informed curriculum equips you with the knowledge, training, and confidence to serve as a compassionate, ethical social worker. 

An advanced standing track is available for students who have a BSW, allowing them to complete the degree in as few as one and a half years. A traditional track is available for those who don’t have a BSW but want to pursue a career in social work. Customize your field experiences to align with your goals and graduate prepared for licensure and meaningful service. 

Dual MSW MBA Degree Program

For those looking for further specialization, Carlow also offers a dual MSW/MBA—a unique interdisciplinary degree combining leadership in business with a foundation in social work. This dual degree requires 27 additional credits in business beyond the MSW curriculum. 

Accreditation

Carlow University’s Master of Social Work program is officially accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) following the June 2020 program review. CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation and ensuring that social work programs meet them. CSWE administers a multistep accreditation process that involves program self-studies, site visits and program reviews. 

Please note that Social Work programs cannot accept life experience or work experience for credit.

Resources

MSW Mission Statement

Carlow’s MSW program educates and prepares ethical, compassionate professionals devoted to building a more just and merciful world. The program emphasizes a trauma-informed, research-based approach to social work practice to promote human and societal well-being and human rights. The program is committed to preparing exemplary leaders to critically engage in service to and advocacy for diverse communities and systems through a lens of cultural humility and purpose-driven leadership. 

“I would recommend this program to anyone interested in pursuing their MSW. The faculty at Carlow University are wonderful. Each of my professors has truly cared about my success in and out of the classroom.”

– Online MSW Student

“I chose online learning because I work full time and have a family. This option enables me to get a degree while still maintaining my income and responsibilities. I am so grateful that all the MSW professors are very understanding of the busy lifestyles of working, online learners.”

– Online MSW Student

social worker at door to meet clients

Curriculum

Choose a specialization in Macro or Direct Practice to shape your career around impact and service. 

After completing 39 credit hours for advanced standing students or 60 credit hours for traditional students, you’ll graduate as a well-prepared social worker with a trauma-informed approach to effectively treating diverse populations and influencing systems, and advocate for lasting, community-centered change. 

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Program Outcomes

  • Practice as a highly capable social work professional in your chosen advanced specialty
  • Provide competent and compassionate service to clients and the community
  • Demonstrate ethical and reflective leadership as an agent of change for social justice
  • Achieve a level of confidence and preparation to be a sound and skilled social worker
  • Understand trauma and how trauma impacts life

Career Outlook

Employment of social workers is expected to grow 9 percent between 2021 and 2031, resulting in 74,700 new jobs.1 Master’s degrees are preferred for most clinical social workers. Learn to advocate for the profession and prepare for a variety of careers.

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Choose from Two Specializations

In Carlow’s MSW program, we offer two in-demand specializations.

MSW: Direct Practice

The hybrid, CSWE-accredited online MSW degree in direct practice prepares students for clinical work focusing on individuals, families and groups.

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MSW: Macro Practice

The hybrid, CSWE-accredited online MSW degree in macro practice focuses on human rights and justice at community and organizational levels.

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Admissions Requirements

To apply for the MSW program, you’ll need:

  • A completed online application.
  • Traditional MSW: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Advanced Standing: Applicants must have earned a BSW from a CSWE Accredited program within the past 7 years.
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Official copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
  • A personal essay describing academic objectives.
  • A current résumé or curriculum vitae (CV).
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • An interview with an admissions committee member (may be required).
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Tuition Details

The Master of Social Work program at Carlow University consists of 39-60 credit hours and costs $650 per credit hour.

Carlow is committed to helping make your education affordable. Our team is here to provide any assistance you need as you pursue your master’s degree in our program.

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Faculty

Our responsive faculty and supportive community care deeply for students and work hard to help you meet your goals. Our full-time instructors have extensive experience in social work, which they apply to their teaching.

Meet Our Faculty

An Online Learning Experience Like No Other

When you join the Carlow family, you get an experienced and compassionate team dedicated to your personal and professional growth. Online learning at Carlow offers the flexibility you need while connecting you to a vibrant, close-knit and supportive community of instructors and learners.

Discover Carlow Online

Financial Aid

We understand that pursuing higher education is an investment. Carlow’s staff is always available to answer questions and connect you to resources for loans, grants, scholarships and employer benefits.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our frequently asked questions for in-depth answers. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, reach out to us.

Yes. The MSW program is CSWE accredited.

At Carlow, we offer two start dates throughout the year, in January and August. Students with advanced standing may be able to start in May.

Yes. You will be prepared to sit for licensure upon graduation.

Yes. Students must choose between a Macro Practice specialization or Direct Practice specialization.

Yes. The program can be completed in a part-time or full-time format, depending on your needs. 

There is a $16 per credit university fee.

Visit our FAQ page

Sources

  1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm