Online Master
of Social Work
60-Credit
Hour Program
Improve lives while promoting social,
economic, and environmental justice.
30+ Months
18 Courses
60 Hours
$625/CH
The online Master of Social Work from the University of Oklahoma is a highly desirable degree that prepares graduates for careers as Advanced Integrative Practitioners. Graduates of the program improve the lives of children, families, adults, and communities while promoting social, economic, and environmental justice.
Our online MSW degree program combines online learning with synchronous sessions to ensure students have a meaningful experience and connection to faculty and peers. The program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and graduates are prepared to begin the process of application for licensure in all 50 states.
The MSW 60-credit hour program is for students who have earned an undergraduate degree in any field.
Admissions Deadline
Rolling admissions*
*This program typically has an earlier application deadline than the standard 14 days prior to intended start. Please check directly with the program to ensure your application is received in time.
Program Start Terms
Fall, Spring, Summer
Academic Term
Stay up to date with OU holiday closings, deadlines, and more.
Become a Competitive Candidate
Students learn about practice, theory, research, and policy in the classroom, but also have individualized field opportunities to work directly in social work practice and demonstrate their skills in professional settings.
Strong Career Growth
The demand for social workers is growing at a rate of 16% per year – much higher than the 7% average growth across all industries. There are currently 682,100 social workers in the United States and an additional 109,700 jobs are expected to be created by 2026.
Flexible Format
Learn in a flexible, online program designed for working adults. You’ll engage in discussions with professors and fellow students while you gain practical experience in the social work field. You will have two opportunities in the program to directly learn under the supervision of an experienced social worker.
OU Online graduates find employment within six months after graduation*
OU Online graduates report earning an annual salary of $75,000 or more*
OU Online students say the skills they gained in their program made them more competitive in their career field*
*Source: OU Online Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2023
Pursue your
Social Work
Master's degree
The Master of Social Work program focuses on providing a practical learning experience. Field Education is the signature pedagogy of social work. As a student in the program, you will have two opportunities to experience meaningful direct learning within an agency under the supervision of an experienced social worker.
The Field Education team works with students, sites, field instructors, and field liaisons to coordinate placement in hundreds of affiliated agencies to ensure every student has direct learning opportunities with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Student interests and needs are considered, and placements occur in a wide variety of settings, including agencies that focus on health, children and families, corrections, community organizing, public health, disability advocacy, and public policy.
Field placements ask students to adjust work schedules for daytime hours so they are involved in crucial learning opportunities. Workplace flexibility is expected for students with full-time employment.
Course Offerings
The 60-hour online MSW program begins in August and January and is designed to be completed in approximately 2.5 years. The program consists of 30 credit hours of foundation coursework and 30 credit hours of concentration coursework in Advanced Integrative Practice.
Core Courses:
- Professional Social Work
- Human Lifespan Development
- Human Diversity and Societal Oppression
- Social Work Research Methods
- Policy Practice in Social Work
- Theory, Practice, and Evaluation with Individuals
- Theory, Practice, and Evaluation with Families and Groups
- Theory, Practice, and Evaluation with Organizations and Communities
- Social Work Practicum I/II
- Client-Centered Direct Practice
- Macro Systems in Practice
- Social Work Practicum III/IV
- Advanced Integrative Seminar
Elective Courses (9 hours):
- Mental Health Assessment and Diagnosis
- Child Abuse and Neglect
- Substance Use Disorders
- Social Work with American Indians
- Other elective options are available
Getting Started Today
To apply to the online Master of Social Work program, applicants are asked to submit the following:
- Online application
- Resume or CV
- Three Letters of recommendation (professional contacts, supervisors, faculty)
- Official undergraduate transcript(s) from an accredited institution
- Note: A bachelor’s in social work is required for the Advanced Standing program, and your transcript must be from a CSWE-accredited institution.
- Five essay questions
- TOEFL or IELTS score (international applicants only)
Application Timeline
The admissions committee operates under a rolling admissions process, and admissions may continue until two weeks before the start of classes. However, some programs may have an earlier application deadline. The committee strives to respond to all applicants within two weeks from the time a completed application is submitted.
Questions about Admissions?
For more information on the admissions process, please complete the contact form below, and an admissions counselor will be in touch shortly.
Paying for School
If you would like to compare the estimated cost of your program with a typical financial aid package, use the cost calculator on our OU Online financial aid page.
Graduate tuition waivers cannot be applied to OU Online programs. OU Online programs qualify for the OU Faculty/Staff Tuition Waiver & Fee Exemption, and we encourage you to check your eligibility.
Tuition waiver and fee exemption package application
If you have questions regarding financial aid for your online program, please get in touch with the Online Aid office by emailing onlineaid@ou.edu or calling 405-325-2929.
same academic excellence
Earning a Master of Social Work from OU Online gives you the skills to succeed in a growing and evolving field. It also gives you access to career support and an expanded professional network as part of the global OU alumni community. Stand out where the industry is moving while enjoying the potential for higher pay, career advancement, and new opportunities.
Tuition and fees for the program are $625 per credit hour. Total tuition for the 60-Credit Hour program is $37,500. Books and additional materials are not included.
Once accepted into the program, students must submit a $350 nonrefundable deposit within two weeks. Deposits are applied toward tuition expenses and secure a student’s place in the upcoming class. There is no application fee for this degree.
Tuition Calculator
Our tuition calculator can help you estimate your tuition and financial aid for your program of interest.
Why OU Online?
We are a top-tier public institution offering high-quality, affordable, professional undergraduate and graduate programs committed to maintaining academic excellence online.
Our Online Programs
Every OU Online program is built on the foundation of world-class faculty mixed with professors of practice providing valuable instruction. By linking industry experts with our online programs, we offer the most advanced curriculum and prepare students for future career success.
Our OU Family
When you graduate from an OU Online program, you’ll join the network of 250,000 OU alumni and be forever part of the OU family. Become part of the tradition of excellence that OU has established in its 130-year history.
