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Indiana University Online

Social Work, M.S.W.

The online MSW program at Indiana University prepares you for the next step in your professional journey. Our clinical practice curriculum arms you with the broad knowledge to work across social work’s continuum and be licensed for both micro- and macro-level practice. 

A case manager reviews paperwork with an elderly client.

Course Delivery: 100% Online

Total Credits: 60

In-State Tuition Per Credit: $643.00

Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $767.00

Cost of attendance may vary by campus. View the total cost calculator

A social worker speaks with a child and their foster family.

Degree Overview

Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the IU Online Master of Social Work combines general coursework with coursework in special practice areas that prepare you to work in a variety of settings. The "advanced generalist" curriculum covers foundational coursework in diversity, human rights, and social justice; social policy; and social work practice in organizations, communities, and societies. The “special practice” curriculum allows you to focus on one of five areas: military social work, e-social work, telebehavioral health social work, mental health, and addictions. 

You’ll graduate with an Indiana University degree respected by employers worldwide—and you can work on yours anytime and anywhere. Plus, you’ll enjoy personalized support services throughout your academic journey.

And the benefits start long before graduation. More than half of IU Online students advance in their careers before they complete their degree.

 

To be accepted to this program, you must have a bachelor's degree:

An undergraduate record that reflects a liberal arts perspective as demonstrated by the successful completion of a minimum of six courses in social or behavioral sciences. Courses from the following disciplines are accepted:  social work, psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, history, human services, political science, government, criminal justice, and/or languages. An undergraduate record that reflects successful completion of a college-level math course or equivalent.

To apply to this program:

Complete an online application that includes:

  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation 
  • Writing sample and statement (five pages or less, double-spaced)
  • Resume

Your IU Online M.S.W. prepares you to work in a broad range of practice settings, including community mental health agencies, nursing homes, hospitals, schools, employee assistance programs, family service agencies, and community service agencies, in such careers as:

  • Geriatric case manager
  • Family service worker 
  • Child protective services (CPS) social worker 
  • Foster care social worker 
  • Adult protective services agent
  • Youth services specialist 
  • Developmental disabilities specialist
  • Clinical social worker
  • Alcohol and drug abuse specialist
  • Hospital social worker

  • The program requires 60 credit hours for regular standing students (applicants without a BSW) and 41 credit hours for advanced standing students (applicants with a BSW).
  • The curriculum is broken down into three parts:
      • Foundational Courses (19 credit hours) (waived for advanced standing students)
      • Concentration Courses (26 credit hours)
      • Focus Area Courses (15 credit hours)

Core
Core Classes for the MSW in Social Work
Course Number Course Name Credits

SWK-D 502

Research I

3 Credits

SWK-D 505

Social Policy Analysis and Practice

3 Credits

SWK-D 506

Introduction to the SW Profession

1 Credit

SWK-D 507

Diversity, Human Rights, and Social Justice

3 Credits

SWK-D 508

Generalist Theory and Practice

3 Credits

SWK-D 509

SWK Practice: Organizations, Communities and Societies

3 Credits

SWK-D 517

Assessment in Mental Health and Addictions

3 Credits

SWK-D 518

Clinical Theory and Practice

3 Credits

SWK-D 519

Community and Global Theory and Practice

3 Credits

SWK-D 555

Practicum I

3 Credits

SWK-D 618

Social Policy and Services (Advanced Generalist)

3 Credits

SWK-D 623

Research Integrative Seminar (Practice Evaluation)

3 Credits

SWK-D 651

Practicum II

4 Credits

SWK-D 652

Practicum III

4 Credits

SWK-D 661

Executive Leadership Practice

3 Credits
Elective
Electives for the MSW in Social Work
Course Number Course Name Credits

SWK-D 676

Military Social Work: Practice Principles for Working w/Military Personnel, Veterans, and Their Families

3 Credits

SWK-D 677

Foundations of e-Social Work Practice

3 Credits

SWK-D 678

Telebehavioral Health Social Work Practice with Individuals

3 Credits

SWK-D 679

e-Social Work Practice with Groups

3 Credits

SWK-D 685

Mental Health and Addictions Practice: Individuals and Families

3 Credits

SWK-D 686

Social Work Practice: Addictions

3 Credits

Find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool.

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