collageSocial work is a helping profession that has the potential to be highly rewarding, both personally and financially. This field is growing rapidly too–the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that jobs for social workers are projected to grow by 16% in the decade between 2016 and 2026. The required credentials for clinical social workers are increasingly convenient to attain, thanks to the development of online Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. Many of these degree offerings have waived the traditional GRE requirement, making them even more accessible. In this ranking, we explore the top 25 online master of social work programs with no GRE requirement.
Rating and Ranking Methodology
Tuition
- Net Price Below $10,000: 4 points
- Net Price Below $15,000: 3 points
- Net Price Below $18,000: 2 points
- Net Price Below $20,000: 1 point
Student to Faculty Ratio
- Less than 20:1: 1 point
- Less than 15: 1: 2 points
- Less than 10: 1: 3 points
Return on Investment (ROI) According to Payscale.com
- Top 500: 1 point
- Top 300: 2 points
- Top 150: 3 points
Flexibility of the Program (asynchronous course delivery, hybrid options, part-time/full-time schedule, etc. ) – 1 point per item
Online Student Support Network (faculty mentors/advisors, etc.)— 1 point per item
Concentrations/Specializations – 1 point per item (5-pt cap)
Accreditation (School-Wide and Program-Specific) – 1 point per item
“Wow” Factor – 1 point
Rating and Ranking the Top Online Master of Social Work No GRE Programs
To develop this ranking of the top 25 master of social work online programs, our editors began with a pool of 38 online MSW programs with no GRE requirement. We then applied a tuition filter to narrow this pool to include only those programs with annual tuition costs of less than $30,000. As an additional factor, we excluded any schools not accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). To rank the remaining degree programs, we applied the methodology above using data from credible sources such as College Navigator and Payscale.com. In the case of a tie, we awarded the more affordable school the higher ranking.
#25—Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, Florida
MSW Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 6
The no GRE online master’s social work option from Saint Leo University is a full-time program designed to be completed within two years. The 62-credit hour curriculum for the program consists of foundational course titles such as Methods of Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families, Child Abuse and Neglect, Social Welfare Policy, and Social Work Research Methods. Students will also take advanced classes like Evaluation and Treatment of Trauma-Related Conditions, Social Work Practice in the Military, and Ethical Foundations in Social Work Practice. Weekly synchronous class meetings are required, making this online MSW less flexible than some of the other offerings in our ranking. A weekend campus seminar is also required. Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The school has been lauded by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 regional university in the South and a top 15 best value school nationwide.
Net Price: $20,552
#24—Western New Mexico University
Silver City, New Mexico
Master’s of Social Work Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Points: 6
Western New Mexico University offers a no GRE online master’s social work program specifically designed for students without a bachelor’s degree in social work. Core courses comprising the curriculum for the program include Group Dynamics in Social Work Practice, Theories and Techniques of Clinical Practice, and Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice, for instance. Students will also choose from elective classes such as Introduction to Social Work Practice with the Military, Integrative Social Work Therapies with Veterans and Families, Human Trafficking, and Social Work in the School Setting. An MSW field practicum is also required. Western New Mexico University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award this online master’s degree in social work, and the MSW program is separately accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Net Price: $12,500
#23—University of New Hampshire
Durham, New Hampshire
Online Social Work MSW
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 7
The University of New Hampshire’s online master of social work no GRE program is designed to be completed within 28 months of study. Students will take two online classes at a time for a total of 62 credit hours of coursework. The curriculum for the program is mostly prescribed and includes core courses like Implications of Race, Culture, and Oppression for Social Work Practice; Program and Practice Evaluation; and Data Analysis and Statistics. Students will also choose three elective classes from among options like Understanding Developmental Disabilities, Women and Aging, and Adventure Therapy: Facilitation and Processing of the Experience. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared for positions in social work like public health administrator, community health worker, medical social worker, child welfare caseworker, and more. The University of New Hampshire is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education to award this degree, and the program holds special accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education. U.S. News & World Report has placed UNH among the top 100 best value schools and the top 50 public schools in the nation.
Net Price: $22,888
#22—Edinboro University
Edinboro, Pennsylvania
Online MSW
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 7
The no GRE online master of social work program from Edinboro University can be completed either entirely online or via a hybrid model. This program is offered through the school’s College of Science and Health Professions and the Department of Social Work. The curriculum is comprehensive and features course titles such as Social Work Practice with Families, Trauma: Theory and Treatment, Mental Health Practice in Social Work, and Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment. An internship is also required as a culminating element. Students with a formal background in social work can apply to the Advanced Standing program and complete the program in just one year. Edinboro University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award this online MSW with no GRE requirement. It has been recognized as a top regional university in the North by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $15,513
#21—University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Social Work Master’s Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 7
The online master’s social work no GRE offering from the University of North Dakota is an advanced generalist program that requires just one or two campus visits. The program is offered through the school’s College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines and the Department of Social Work. Core courses required for the curriculum include Advanced Generalist Practice with Individuals, Advanced Generalist Research Methods and Analysis, and Advanced Generalist Tools for Policy, for example. A research capstone, independent study, or thesis is also required. Students can choose from the Foundation option or Advanced Standing option, depending on their academic background in social work. The University of North Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top national universities and top public schools in the country.
Net Price: $14,478
#20—Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, Indiana
Master of Social Work Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Points: 8
The online master of social work no GRE offering from Indiana Wesleyan University emphasizes clinical skills. Depending on their academic background in social work, students can enroll in either the Standard or Advanced Standing track. While students in the Standard track will earn their degrees in 24-33 months, Advanced Standing students can finish in as few as 16 months. Core courses comprising the curriculum for the program include Human Behavior and Social Environment, Generalist Practice with Communities and Organizations, Mental Health and Psychopathology, and Advanced Practice with Families and Groups. A field education component is also required. Three annual start dates add to the flexibility of this online MSW program. IWU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. U.S. News & World Report has named it a top 50 regional university and has placed it among the top 75 best value schools in the nation.
Net Price: $20,008
#19—Our Lady of the Lake University
San Antonio, Texas
MSW Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Points: 8
Our Lady of the Lake offers an online no GRE Master of Social Work program through its renowned Worden School of Social Service. The program is one of just three in the United States that emphasizes social services for Hispanic families. The curriculum for the program is comprised of foundation courses such as Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Individuals and Families, Social Welfare Policy and Services, and Generalist Social Practice with Organizations and Communities. Advanced coursework includes classes like Hispanics in the U.S.: Policy and Programs, Social Work with Hispanic Youth, and Evaluation of Social Work Practice with Hispanic Children and Families. An accelerated Advanced Standing program is available for students with a bachelor’s degree in the field. Our Lady of the Lake University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award this degree. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 100 regional universities in the West.
Net Price: $18,469
#18—University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri
Online MSW
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 8
The University of Missouri offers an online no GRE master of social work from its College of Human Environmental Sciences and the School of Social Work. Two concentration options are available: Advanced Clinical Practice and Policy, Planning, and Administration. The core curriculum for the program includes foundation courses like Social Policy and Service Delivery in Social Work, Foundations of Human Behavior, and Large Group Therapy. Depending on their chosen concentration, students will take additional classes such as Advanced Social Work Practice in Integrated Healthcare, Fundamentals of Social Work Administration, Advanced Foundations of Human Behavior for Administrators, and Management of a Social Agency. A graduate field practicum is also required. The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and its online MSW holds special accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education. The school has been named a top national university and a top 100 best value school by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $17,762
#17—Humboldt State University
Arcata, California
MSW Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Points: 8
Humboldt State University offers a no GRE master’s in social work program through its College of Extended and Global Engagement. The program is offered on a part-time basis, and students are expected to attend synchronous online class meetings once per week. In addition, there are four required campus visits over the duration of the program. The program is designed to be completed within three and a half years, but an advanced standing option allows eligible students to reduce their completion time to just two years. The curriculum for the program consists of foundation courses such as Dynamics of Groups, Agencies, Organizations, and Communities; Distributed Learning Community; Social Work Practice in Native American and Rural Communities, and Generalist Social Work Practice. Advanced coursework includes titles like Wellness and Sustainability, Child and Family Welfare, and Communities & Organizations. Humboldt State is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission and the online MSW is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The university has received very high marks from U.S. News & World Reports in its ranking of top public schools and best value schools.
Net Price: $14,140
#16—Boise State University
Boise, Idaho
Online Master’s of Social Work
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Points: 8
Boise State University offers a fully online master’s in social work with no GRE requirement through its College of Health Sciences. The curriculum for the program is comprehensive and includes foundation courses such as Foundation of Social Welfare Policy, Social Dimensions of Human Behavior, and Foundations of Research, for instance. Students will also take advanced classes like Evaluation and Treatment of Mental Disorders, Program Leadership and Management, and Advanced Social Work Interventions. An Advanced Standing track is also available for students with a substantial academic background in social work. The program prepares students for success in careers as healthcare social workers, mental health and substance abuse social workers, and child and family social workers, for example. Boise State is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. U.S. News & World Report has called the school a top national university and has ranked it among the 50 most innovative schools in the country.
Net Price: $13,363
#15—University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
Online MSW
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Points: 9
The University at Buffalo offers a part-time online master of social work with no GRE requirement from its School of Social Work. The program consists of 60 credit hours of coursework, including classes like Social Welfare Policy and History, Theories of Organizational Behavior and Development, Diversity and Oppression, and Scientific Methods in Social Work. Students may also choose from online elective classes like Social Action for Community Change, Interventions with Families, and Crisis Intervention, for example. The program is designed to be completed within three years, and an Advanced Standing Track is also available. The University at Buffalo is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award this degree. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 100 national universities and the top 60 best colleges for veterans.
Net Price: $16,120
#14—University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Master of Social Work Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 30:1
Points: 9
The University of Central Florida’s online master of social work with no GRE requirement is a 62-credit hour program offered through the school’s College of Health Professions and Sciences. The curriculum features a clinical specialization and includes core courses such as Diverse Client Populations, Foundations of Behavioral Health Policy and Social Work Research. Students will also take classes in the specialization like Psychosocial Pathology, Clinical Evaluation in Social Work Practice, and Theories for Evidence-Based Clinical Practice in Social Work. A 14-credit hour field experience is also required prior to graduation. In addition to the full program offering, a 32-credit hour advanced standing track is also available. Career opportunities for graduates include positions as clinical mental health social workers, case managers, therapists, clinical practitioners, substance abuse counselors, and more. UCF is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award this and other online degrees. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the top 10 most innovative schools in the country.
Net Price: $15,341
#13—Texas State University
San Marcos, Texas
Online Master’s Social Work
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Points: 9
The no GRE online master’s social work program from Texas State University is offered through its College of Applied Arts and School of Social Work. The program mirrors the school’s on-campus offering and is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Students enrolled in the program can expect to take courses like Human Behavior in Local and Global Social Environments, Social Work Intervention in Child Abuse & Neglect, Advanced Social Work Research, and Spirituality in Social Work Practice. Students can pursue their degree on a full-time or part-time basis, and an Advanced Standing track is available. Texas State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award this no GRE online MSW. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top national universities in the country.
Net Price: $13,579
#12—Portland State University
Portland, Oregon
Master’s Social Work Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Points: 10
The online no GRE master of social work program from Portland State University is designed to be completed within three years. The curriculum for the program is flexible and features four advanced concentration options: Practice and Leadership with Communities and Organizations; Health Across the Lifespan; Social Work with Children, Youth and Families; and Clinical Social Work Practice. An Advanced Standing option is also available. Aside from concentration courses, the curriculum is prescribed, featuring core courses like Social Welfare History and Policy, Social Justice in Social Work, and Skills for the Helping Process: Individuals and Families. Portland State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. U.S. News & World Report has called the school a top national university and has ranked it among the top 50 most innovative schools in the country.
Net Price: $13,573
#11—Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
Online Master of Social Work
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Points: 10
The no GRE online master’s of social work program from Arizona State University features a concentration in Advanced Generalist Studies. The program is offered through the ASU School of Social Work, which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Courses required for the program include Diversity and Oppression in a Social Work Context, Social Policy and Services, Assessment of Mental Disorders, and Macro Human Behavior/Social Environment. The program prepares graduates for careers as social workers, mental health counselors, community services managers, and sociologists, for example. Classes are 7 ½ weeks in length, and students must fulfill 60 total credit hours for graduation. ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award this online MSW. U.S. News & World Report has named it a top national university and ranked it among the top 100 best colleges for veterans.
Net Price: $12,947
#10—California State University-Northridge
Northridge, California
Master of Social Work Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 26:1
Points: 10
California State University- Northridge offers a full-time online master of social work no GRE program from its College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Department of Social Work. Course delivery for the program is primarily asynchronous, but there is one synchronous field education class meeting per week. No campus visits are required, though. Sample course titles comprising the curriculum for the online MSW include Social Work Practice in Multicultural Settings, Methods for Social Knowledge and Practice, Advanced Social Work Practice with Urban Families, and Urban Social Policy and Advocacy. Students can complete the coursework required for the degree within two years. CSUN is accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Schools, and the online master’s of social work program is separately accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 75 regional universities in the West and the top 25 public schools in the nation.
Net Price: $5,958
#9–Simmons University
Boston, Massachusetts
Online Master Social Work
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Points: 12
The versatile online master’s in social work no GRE program from Simmons University features four concentrations: Health Aging, Mental Health and Addictions, Trauma and Interpersonal Violence, and Child and Family. Enrolled students also have the option of pursuing an individualized course of study. Despite their chosen specialty, all MSW students will take foundation courses such as Dynamics of Racism and Oppression, Social Work With Groups, and Social Welfare Policy and Services. Advanced classes include Alcohol, Drugs, and Social Work Practice; Advanced Group Work with Diverse, Vulnerable, and Resilient Populations, and Narrative Approaches to Social Work Practice, for instance. Coursework can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis, and a field internship is also required. Simmons University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. The school has been recognized as one of the very best regional universities in the North and one of the top 5 best value schools in the nation.
Net Price: $29,690
#8—Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, New York
Online MSW
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Points: 12
Columbia University in the City of New York offers a no GRE online master of social work from its distinguished School of Social Work. Course delivery for this top-rated program is synchronous in nature, making it less flexible than some of the other offerings in our ranking. Full-time and part-time options are available, though. No campus visits are required; however, students are invited to visit the campus for orientation and graduation. Core courses required for the program include Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Advocacy in Social Work Practice, and Social Welfare Policy, for instance. Students will also take advanced clinical practice courses such as Clinical Case Evaluation, The Health Care System, and Advanced Clinical Practice. An integrative project is also required. Columbia University in the City of New York is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award this online master’s in social work with no GRE requirement. U.S. News & World Report has awarded the school it’s #3 spot in its ranking of national universities. It has also placed it among the top best value schools nationwide.
Net Price: $22,824
#7—University of Texas-Arlington
Arlington, Texas
Online Social Work Master’s
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Points: 12
The University of Texas-Arlington offers a highly flexible online master of social work no GRE program that can be completed in just 1-3 years, depending on the student’s course load and academic background in social work. Full-time and part-time options are available, and students with a bachelor’s degree in social work can opt for the accelerated, 12-month Advanced Standing track. The curriculum is also flexible, featuring concentrations in Direct Practice with Children and Families, Direct Practice in Aging, and Direct Practice in Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Students enrolled in the program will take core courses such as Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Generalist Macro Practice, and Foundations of Policy. They will also take classes in their chosen specialization, including Social Policy and Child Welfare, Seminar in Family Therapy, and Treating Parent and Child Relationships. The University of Texas- Arlington is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It has also been ranked among the top public schools and top national universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $12,533
#6—Indiana University- Bloomington
Bloomington, Indiana
MSW Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Points: 12
Indiana University-Bloomington offers an online no-GRE master’s in social work program that can be completed entirely online. Core courses comprising the curriculum for the program include Diversity, Human Rights, and Social Justice; Social Policy Analysis and Practice; Assessment in Mental Health and Addictions; and Clinical Theory and Practice. Students may also choose from elective classes like Telebehavioral Health Social Work Practice with Individuals, Foundations of e-Social Work Practice, and Mental Health and Addictions Practice: Individuals and Families. A practicum is also required prior to graduation. The program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in social work such as family service worker, clinical social worker, alcohol and drug abuse specialist, and geriatric case manager, for instance. Indiana University – Bloomington is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award this degree. The online MSW with no GRE requirement is also separately accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. U.S. News & World Report has named IU- Bloomington a best value school and has also placed it among the top 100 national universities in the country.
Net Price: $12,488
#5—Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
Online Master of Social Work
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 13
The online master of social work with no GRE requirement from Virginia Commonwealth University is available in both part-time and full-time formats. Students will focus on a Clinical Practice specialization. Graduate certificates are also available in areas such as Aging Studies, Gender Violence Intervention, and Nonprofit Management. Featured course titles for the program include Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups; Policy, Community, and Organizational Practice; and Foundations of Research in Social Work Practice. Virginia Commonwealth University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) to award this online MSW. The school has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top national university as well as one of the top 100 public schools in the country.
Net Price: About $48,000 for total program tuition and fees in-state; or $634/credit hour, plus additional fees
#4—University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
Online MS in Social Work
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Points: 13
The online master’s in social work no GRE program from the University of Louisville is an MS option offered through the university’s Kent School of Social Work. The program is one of the most versatile in our ranking, featuring six specialization options: Psychosocial Oncology, Forensic Social Work, Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Military Social Work, and Gerontology. Students enrolled in the program will take foundation courses such as Social Welfare Institutions, Policies, and Services; Issues in Policy and Service Delivery; and Research Methodology and Design, for example. Depending on their chosen specialization, students will also take additional classes like Introduction to Family Therapy Practice, Social Work and Human Sexuality, and Advanced Issues in Substance Abuse Treatment. An Advanced Standing option is available to students who already have a bachelor’s degree in social work. The University of Louisville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report has named it a top national university and placed it among the top 100 public schools in the nation.
Net Price: $17,008
#3—California State University-San Bernardino
San Bernardino, California
Master of Social Work Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 30:1
Points: 13
California State University-San Bernardino offers an online master’s social work no GRE program via its Pathway Distance Education Program. The curriculum for the program is aligned with standards established by the Council on Social Work Education and includes foundation courses such as Social Work Research, Human Behavior in the Social Environment: Birth Through Adolescence, and Foundation Micro Practice. Elective classes span titles like Public Child Welfare: Policy and Practice, Domestic Violence, and Social Work Intervention with the Elderly. The curriculum is also customizable; students are encouraged to choose a concentration in their final year of study. This concentration can be a social issue, client population, or field of practice. There are numerous options, some of which include Physical and Mental Disabilities and Rehabilitation, Social Work in the Health Care System, Substance Abuse, and Racism and Ethnocentrism, for example. CSUSB is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. The school has been ranked in the top 55 regional universities in the West and the top 45 best value schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Net Price: $8,704
#2—University of Alaska-Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska
MSW Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Points: 14
The no GRE online master’s of social work program from the University of Alaska-Anchorage is a distance-only offering featuring a concentration in Advanced Generalist Studies. The program is offered on a full-time or part-time basis and can be completed in two to four years. Advanced placement is also available for those students with a bachelor’s in social work. Students enrolled in the program will take foundation courses like Human Diversity in Social Work Practice, Foundation Research Methods, and Social Work Policy and Services, for instance. Classes in the Advanced Generalist concentration span titles like Social Policy for Advanced Generalist Practice, Program Evaluation, and Advanced Generalist Practice: Families and Groups. A practicum is also required prior to graduation. The University of Alaska- Anchorage is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities to award this MSW degree online. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 100 regional universities in the West and among the top 30 public schools in the country.
Net Price: $12,543
#1—Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Master’s Social Work Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Points: 16
Rutgers University offers a customizable online no-GRE master’s in social work program with both an Advanced Standing Track and a certificate in Violence Against Women and Children. The program is flexible as well, featuring full and part-time scheduling options and three start dates per year. Featured courses for the curriculum include Psychopathology, Field Education Practicums, and Social Welfare Policy and Services. The program is designed to prepare graduates for work in child welfare, medical/public health, substance abuse, and correctional social work, for example. Rutgers University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and the online MSW is separately accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 60 national universities and the top 30 best colleges for veterans.
Net Price: $16,016
About Online No-GRE Master of Social Work Programs
Historically, Master of Social Work (MSW) degree programs have required applicants to submit GRE—or Graduate Record Examination—scores in order to be considered for admission. This is changing, though. Increasingly, MSW programs are waiving the GRE requirement and considering other eligibility indicators instead such as undergraduate GPA and participation in an interview process, for example.
Convenient Online MSW Programs With No GRE Requirement
MSW programs offered primarily online have been some of the first to eliminate GRE scores as an admissions condition. These programs appeal to students’ desire for flexibility and convenience, so it makes sense that they would be quick to remove such a tedious standardized testing requirement.
Are No GRE Master’s in Social Work Online Programs Easy to Get Into?
Just because these online master’s in social work programs don’t require applicants to submit GRE scores doesn’t mean they’re a breeze to get into. On the contrary, many of these programs are very competitive and require other rigorous admissions requirements. For instance, you may be asked to meet a minimum GPA requirement (which varies by school), write a statement of purpose, and even interview for a spot in the program. That said, if you’re a decent student with a solid undergraduate record, then you have a good chance of being accepted into an online MSW program with no GRE scores.
Frequently-Asked Questions about Master of Social Work Online Programs with No GRE Requirement
Pursuing an online Master of Social Work degree with or without a GRE requirement is a big decision that will affect you for the rest of your life—personally, professionally, and financially. It’s understandable that you would have some questions. In the following section, we’ll attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this type of degree program. Keep in mind, though, that these programs can vary significantly from one school to the next. It’s best to speak to an admissions counselor at the college or university you’re interested in attending if you have a specific question about a particular no GRE online MSW program.
Q: Do online MSW no GRE programs have multiple start dates?
A: Many of them do. Multiple start dates add to the flexibility of no GRE master of social work programs, allowing students to begin work on their degrees at various times of the year.
Q: Can I get an online master’s in social work without a bachelor’s degree in social work?
A: Yes. There are many online MSW programs that do not require a bachelor’s in social work. A bachelor’s degree in a related field may be required though.
Q: What is the minimum GPA required for no GRE online master of social work programs?
A: The minimum GPA considered for admission into an online MSW no GRE program is a 2.5. However, most online MSW schools without a GRE requirement set the acceptable GPA for admission at 3.0.
Q: Are hybrid online master’s social work no GRE programs available?
A: Yes. A program is considered a hybrid offering if it requires multiple visits to campus prior to earning the degree.
Q: Can I enroll in an online MSW program on a part-time basis?
A: Yes. There are several online master of social work no GRE programs that allow busy students to enroll part-time, including some of the offerings highlighted in this ranking.
Q: How long does it take to complete a no GRE online master’s of social work?
A: Completion time varies by program as well as the student’s academic background in social work. You can expect to spend between 1-3 years on average working towards your social work master’s degree.
No-GRE Online Master of Social Work Concentrations
Some online master’s in social work programs with no GRE requirement provide opportunities for students to customize curriculum content by selecting an area of concentration. Several of these concentrations are listed below along with a brief description as well as some sample course titles. Students interested in pursuing one of these specialties should consider their academic interests and career goals.
Advanced Generalist Studies
The Advanced Generalist Studies concentration is one of the most common concentrations for MSW programs, including no GRE online MSW offerings. This is a broad concentration, allowing students to learn about social work duties in a variety of different industries and capacities. Classes will include titles like the following:
- Social Policy for Advanced Generalist Practice
- Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Social Services for Hispanic Families
Another increasingly popular concentration within online Master of Social Work programs is the Social Services for Hispanic Families. This specialization trains students in the unique needs of Hispanic families and children and encompasses topics such as bridging cultural differences, language barriers in social work, interventions for Latino families, and more. Sample coursework may include the following classes:
- Hispanics in the U.S.: Policy and Programs
- Evaluation of Social Work Practice with Hispanic Children and Families
- Theories and Perspectives: Hispanic Children and Families
Psychosocial Oncology
The unique Psychosocial Oncology concentration prepares master’s in social work students to serve individuals and families affected by cancer. Topics will include palliative care, psychosocial health needs of cancer patients, and program assessment and evaluation, for instance. Some sample courses required for this concentration are listed below:
- Psychosocial Practice in Oncology: Community Approaches to Promote Health Equity
- Death and Grief
- Spirituality and Social Work
Forensic Social Work
Another fairly unique concentration within the online MSW program is the concentration in Forensic Social Work. This specialty teaches social workers to handle the needs of those impacted by crime and the justice system, including both victims and perpetrators. Students enrolled in this concentration may study the following:
- Forensic Practice: Theory and Direct Practice
- Forensic Practice: Evidence-Based Practice Models
- Diversity and Social Justice: Reflexive and Ethical Social Work Practice
Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Counseling
One of the more popular concentrations amongst online MSW students, the concentration in mental health, alcohol, and drug counseling prepares graduates to provide social services for unique populations such as those suffering from mental health and substance abuse disorders. The curriculum for such programs is often comprised of course titles like those listed below:
- Individual and Family Treatment of Substance Abuse Disorders
- Group Dynamics and Mental Health Counseling
- Drugs, Medication, and Society
Military Social Work
The online Master of Social Work with a concentration in Military Social Work emphasizes the skills and knowledge necessary to provide social services to members of the military, include active members and veterans. Such programs will likely include classes like the following:
- Military and Veterans Policy and Program Management
- Military Culture and Environment
- Clinical Social Work Practice with Military Members and Veterans
Gerontology
The Gerontology concentration within a no GRE online master’s in social work program addresses the needs of older adults and the elderly in social services. Students enrolled in this type of MSW programs will take courses like those listed below:
- Social Work Assessment and Intervention in Aging
- Social Work Practice with Older Adults
- Intergenerational Justice
Direct Practice with Children and Families
Online MSW programs with a concentration in Direct Practice with Children and Families trains students to work with individuals of all ages as part of a family approach to social services. Students will explore topics such as child abuse, domestic violence, child-parent relationships, financial and economic hardships within families, and more. Course titles may include:
- Social Policy and Child Welfare
- Clinical Assessment of Child Maltreatment
- Psychosocial Development of Vulnerable Children
Trauma and Interpersonal Violence
Students enrolled in a master’s of social work program with a concentration in Trauma and Personal Violence will train to work with victims of trauma and violence such as domestic violence, natural disasters, child abuse, neglect, abandonment, and more. Classes comprising the curriculum for programs of this nature may include:
- Perspectives on Trauma
- Intimate Partner Violence: Theories, Problems, and Issues
- Child and Adolescent Trauma; Attachment, Neurobiology, and Social Work Practice
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Admissions Requirements for Online MSWs with No GRE Required
Admissions requirements differ by school and program. Typically MSW degree programs require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. Some colleges specify that candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in social work. Candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than social work may need to take additional prerequisites or show proof of work experience. Common prerequisite classes include introductory statistics courses.
Colleges also require candidates to have cumulative GPA minimums. Students may need to submit transcripts showing a cumulative 3.0 GPA for undergraduate work. Typically schools require that students have a minimum B grade-point average for the last 60 credits of undergraduate education. When applicants have lower GPAs than required, they may receive conditional admittance. Schools may also require students who have lower than acceptable GPAs to take the GRE.
Furthermore, many MSW programs offer advanced standing status for students who have completed a bachelor’s in social work. Many schools require students to submit an evaluation from a field placement instructor to enroll in advance standing programs. Additionally, schools typically require a letter of reference from a field instructor, or a letter of recommendation from the bachelor of social work director. Many advanced standing programs allow students to take accelerated coursework and graduate in one year, instead of the standard two. Admission requirements also differ for MSW and Ph.D. dual degrees.
Lastly, as a part of their MSW application, students typically must submit supplemental materials such as a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a resume.
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