Social Work (MSW)
Program Summary
100% Online
Duration: 10 semesters
Credits: 60 total
Cost Per Credit: $795
Degree: MSW
Accreditation: CSWE
College/School: College of Public Health
Next Start Date: 1/11/2027
Find Your Calling
Program Description
- Develop your passion for helping others
- Gain the latest understanding of equity and human rights in social work
- Take advantage of George Mason’s established community connections and explore interactive learning opportunities through our Practicum Education Program
- Choose between two specializations: 1) Adults & Healthy Aging or 2) Children, Youth, & Families
- Learn to integrate intersectionality in social work practice with diverse populations
- Learn online and advance your career at a pace that works for you
- Prepare to meet the diverse needs of different populations
- By completing this program, you may be eligible to sit for one of these national licensing exams:* Licensed Social Worker or Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Advanced Standing requires that the BSW have been earned in the last five years
Focus on Social Justice and Empowerment
- Emphasis on empowerment and systems transformation
- Preparation to meet the needs of underserved populations and advance the ideals of social justice
- Curriculum is built around a Social Justice Core, delivering interdisciplinary perspectives on topics like human behavior, social policy, research methods, and clinical practice
Learn From Faculty With Real-World Experience
- Learn from current research findings, develop an evidence-based practice, and establish strong relationships with practicing social workers, some with extensive international experience that will lend a global perspective to your education
MSW Advanced Standing
George Mason University’s Online Master of Social Work is now offering an Advanced Standing program for those qualified with a Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution. This competitive program gives those who qualify the opportunity to complete their Master of Social Work in less time, in 33 credit hours.
MSW Accelerated Track
George Mason University’s online Master of Social Work program is now offering an accelerated track that allows students to take 9 credits per semester, thereby finishing the degree at a faster rate.
Stipend Program Available
- Child Welfare Stipend Program (CWSP): Specialized training program aimed to prepare social work students for a career in public child welfare. Each CWSP recipient will receive a $10,000 stipend per academic year, with a work payback requirement. Specific requirements and more information can be found here.
Practicum Education Program
We offer two types of practicum placements:
- Traditional: Get matched with affiliated agencies.
- Employment-Based Practicum (EBP): Through your current company
Our Practicum Education Program Office works to support students by placing them in a broad range of interdisciplinary social work settings where they gain hands-on experience. These structured interactive learning experiences prepare students for professional practice in environments that provide a globalized approach to learning.
Students will have opportunities to demonstrate social work competencies in their home communities through local, in-person internships. We work with over 400 practicum agencies in Northern Virginia, the Washington Metropolitan area (DMV), and within the United States (50 states) to ensure our students have access to organizations that span beyond the traditional divisions of social work.
We offer two types of practicum placements:
- Traditional: The Practicum Education Program Office matches students with affiliated agencies who are a part of a large data base of agencies that have worked with our students. This data base also includes agencies in other states that have worked with George Mason University online students. Practicum hours must mirror the agency’s hours of operations. Programs, Instructors, and Supervision must be available during this time.
- Employment-Based Practicum (EBP) Requirements
- A student holds full-time employment with an eligible social service agency with social work-related job responsibilities.
- A student has worked for the agency for at least six months and/or completed the employment probation period by the start of their practicum.
- Letters of reference from the Program Director and Supervisor stating the support of the EBP arrangement.***
Application Details
Who Should apply?
George Mason University’s online MSW program is ideal for students of all academic backgrounds. Whether you are a current social work professional looking to build on your Bachelor of Social Work or you’re new to the field, this program is designed to help you take the next step toward a career in advancing social justice through direct client service. Work experience is not required, just a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning is required.
Graduates are prepared to enter a variety of social work settings including, but not limited to, aging and disability services, family assistance, alcohol and drug abuse counseling, international NGOs, child protection, lobbying and advocacy, poverty alleviation, employee assistance, and school social work.
Application Deadline
The online MSW program accepts applications on a rolling basis and is currently accepting applications. Applicants for the online program should apply here.
What are the admissions recommendations?
- Completed online application
- $75 application fee
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose essay
- Undergrad GPA-minimum 3.0
- GPA Addendum Essay if undergrad GPA below 3.0
- All official undergraduate and graduate transcripts*
- Resume
- Required courses Statistics, English Composition, History or Government, Social Science – listed in Experience Grid
- Work or volunteer experience in related field highly recommended
- One Letter of Recommendation must be from a supervisor
How do I apply?
Career Opportunities
George Mason’s MSW graduates go on to fill roles in a wide variety of fields, including:
- Aging/Gerontology
- Family Services
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services
- International Governmental and NGOs
- Child Protection, Foster Care and Adoption
- Housing/Homelessness Programs
- Community Development
- Health and Mental Health Practice
- Forensic Social Work
- Lobbying and Advocacy
- Disabilities
- Nonprofit Agency Management
- Domestic Violence
- Poverty and Welfare
- Employee Assistance
- School Social Work
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for social workers is high and expected to grow 16 percent by 2026—a rate more than double that of all other positions.1
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social Workers, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm (visited October 28, 2018).
Courses
Specializations
George Mason University’s MSW program offers a choice between two specializations: 1) Adults & Healthy Aging or 2) Children, Youth, & Families. To graduate with the MSW degree, students must successfully complete the generalist courses and the courses for one specialization. Before beginning specialization courses, students must complete all generalist courses.
Generalist Courses:
- SOCW 600 Foundations of Social Work and Social Welfare
- SOCW 623 Human Behavior and Social Systems
- SOCW 644 Community Practice Across the Life Course
- SOCW 656 Poverty, Oppression, and Inequity
- SOCW 659 Organizing and Advocating for Change
- SOCW 660 Foundations of Direct Practice
- SOCW 671 Research Methods for Social Workers
- SOCW 672 Generalist Practicum and Seminar I
- SOCW 673 Generalist Practicum and Seminar II
- SOCW 674 Psychopathology
Specialization in Children, Youth, and Families (CYF)
Core Courses:
- GCH 500 Foundations of Public Health
- SOCW 630 Forensic Social Work Practice
- SOCW 650 Advanced Social Work Policy Practice Skills
- SOCW 683 Clinical Practice with Children, Youth, and Families
- SOCW 688 Program Evaluation for Social Workers
Elective Courses:**
Select at least 1 or up to 4 courses from the following:
- SOCW 653 Immigration Policy
- SOCW 654 Social Policy for Children and Youth
- SOCW 655 Aging Programs and Policies
- SOCW 663 Global Human Rights Policy
- SOCW 676 Selected Topics in Social Work and Social Change
- SOCW 684 Social Work and the Law
- SOCW 685 Organizational Leadership for Social Workers
- SOCW 664 Creative Arts in Social Work Practice
- SOCW 667 Advanced Group Theory and Practice
- SOCW 675 Selected Topics in Clinical Practice
- SOCW 677 Family Therapy
- SOCW 678 Trauma and Recovery
- SOCW 679 Military Social Work
- SOCW 682 Substance Abuse Interventions
- SOCW 710 Behavioral Health Interventions
Specialization in Adults and Healthy Aging (AHA)
Core Courses:
- GCH 500 Foundations of Public Health
- SOCW 640 Clinical Practice with Adults
- SOCW 650 Advanced Social Work Policy Practice Skills
- SOCW 688 Program Evaluation for Social Workers
- SOCW 689 Clinical Practice with Older Adults
Practicum Courses
Generalist Practicum Courses:
- SOCW 672 Practicum Education and Seminar I
- SOCW 673 Practicum Education and Seminar II
Specialized Practicum Courses:
- SOCW 696 Practicum Education and Seminar I
- SOCW 698 Practicum Education and Seminar II
Advanced Standing
Courses:
- 33 total credit hours
- 1 MSW Generalist Course
- Specialization Core Courses
- 12 total credit hours of elective courses (at least one must be a macro elective)
New to online learning? Visit our Online Learning Tips and Strategies page to learn more about what to expect and how to succeed in an online course at George Mason.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees (2025–2026):
Tuition is $795 per credit hour. An additional charge of $35 per credit hour applies for a Distance Learning fee.
Financial Aid:
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers, and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department.
Study at the First and Only College of Public Health in Virginia
The College of Public Health at George Mason University is the first and only College of Public Health in Virginia and a national leader in inclusive, interprofessional, public health research, education, and practice. The College's transdisciplinary research seeks to understand the many factors that influence the public's health and well-being throughout the lifespan.
With more than 500 partners, the College serves the community through research, practice, and clinical care with a focus on the social determinants of health and health equity. Our graduates are uniquely prepared to thrive in an increasingly multi-cultural multidisciplinary, community-focused public health landscape.
- Renowned faculty of experts and researchers with years of experience
- Curriculum developed around social justice and systems transformation
- Advanced Standing option available for those qualified
- Practicum Education Program that provides comprehensive, hands-on skill development
- Competitively priced value for a respected master’s degree program – Ranked a top 10 Best Online MSW Programs of 2022 by Forbes Advisor
- Financial aid programs and lifetime access to George Mason’s career services
- Program requirements for the online Master of Social Work are adapted to face the challenges of social work practice
Frequently Asked Questions
Which MSW specialization should I choose: Children, Youth & Families or Adults & Healthy Aging?
At George Mason University, Children, Youth, and Families (CYF) is the right track if your career goal involves child protection, foster care and adoption, school social work, or family services. Adults and Healthy Aging (AHA) is built for students headed toward gerontology, aging services, or adult clinical practice.
Both specializations require the same generalist core coursework first, so you have time to confirm your choice before you commit. An engagement specialist can help you compare based on your target practicum setting and career goals.
How do I plan for the practicum courses?
Practicums are structured in-person learning experiences completed in your local community. Students should generally plan to be available during regular business hours, as that is when most sites and supervisors are available to host practicum students. If you’re currently employed by a social service agency and in a role that allows for the development and demonstration of social work competencies, an Employment-Based Practicum (EBP) may let you complete hours through your current job instead of a new placement.
Are there additional requirements for Advanced Standing?
Yes. Advanced Standing requires a Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program, two letters of recommendation (one from your BSW program director or full-time faculty), your BSW practicum evaluation, and a minimum 3.2 undergraduate GPA. Students who qualify complete the MSW in 33 credit hours instead of the standard 60.
What are the admissions requirements?
In addition to holding an accredited undergraduate degree from an institution of higher education, applicants must have a minimum of 30 undergraduate credits in the liberal arts with at least 3 credits in each of the following: English composition, history or government, social sciences, and statistics.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The MSW program is 60 credit hours and typically takes 10 semesters to complete.
How much does the program cost?
Tuition for the MSW program is $795 per credit hour, plus a $35-per-credit distance learning fee. A $75 application fee applies (waived at various points during the year).
Virtual Open House
The George Mason University faculty dedicates time throughout the year to hold interactive sessions online for those who want to learn more about the programs we offer. If you would like to find out more about what you can expect from an online Master of Social Work, visit our pre-recorded Virtual Open House and watch at your convenience. For information on upcoming sessions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Learn More
Accreditation
The MSW is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). George Mason University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
*The MSW online option was approved by CSWE in June of 2019.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
This program has been identified by George Mason University as one that may lead to a career requiring professional licensure/certification. Federal regulations require Mason to disclose information as to whether this program meets/does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in your state, or whether such a determination has not been made. Please consult our Licensure Disclosure Tool (https://provost.gmu.edu/licensure) for the disclosure statement specific to your desired state/program combination.
Contact
If you are unable to find the answers to your questions, submit a Request For Information form or contact our admissions representative via the contact information below.
Phone: 844-851-0923
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