Master of Social Work

Program Description

Develop your passion for helping others with George Mason University’s online Master of Social Work (MSW)*. Our interdisciplinary approach focuses on social justice to give you the latest understanding of equity and human rights in social work. As you learn, take advantage of Mason’s established community connections and explore rich fieldwork opportunities for hands-on learning with a variety of organizations.

When you complete your MSW with George Mason University, you’ll be ready to:

Take the next steps toward becoming a licensed social worker and working directly with clients
Integrate intersectionality and diversity into your practice
Advance human rights and social and economic justice
Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research
Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment to your work

Learn online and advance your career at a pace that works for you. Graduate prepared to enter practice as a social worker in any community, ready to meet the diverse needs of all kinds of people.

Focus on Social Justice and Empowerment

With an emphasis on empowerment and systems transformation, George Mason University’s Master of Social Work program will prepare you to meet the needs of underserved populations and advance the ideals of social justice.

The 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

Mason’s faculty is made up of active researchers and social workers with years of 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.

Self-Service Counseling Tools

Knowing that every social worker needs access to their own mental health tools, Mason has partnered with Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) to provide our students with the access they need to help reduce the high stress of their environment. TAO is a free and confidential web-based tool that provides 24/7 support to the Mason community. Click here for more information

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. Applicants for the on-campus MSW should apply here.

*Our online MSW program is currently under review for CSWE accreditation.

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Who should apply?

Mason’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.

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.

Why choose Mason?

Students choose Mason’s online MSW because of its:

Renowned faculty of experts and researchers with years of experience
Curriculum developed around social justice and systems transformation
Flexible online format designed to accommodate busy working students
Competitively priced value for a respected master’s degree program
Financial aid programs and lifetime access to Mason’s career services

Program requirements for the online Master of Social Work are subject to change.

Requirements: 60 total credit hours

Courses for George Mason University’s online MSW are offered in a convenient, part-time, online format that’s asynchronous so you can study when and wherever works best for you. Students will also complete two supervised field practica to apply their social work learning to real-world practice. The online curriculum mirrors Mason’s on-campus program.

Certification

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.

Required Courses:

SOCW 600–Foundations of Social Work
SOCW 623–Human Behavior and Social Systems I
SOCW 624–Human Behavior and Social Systems II
SOCW 651–Social Policies, Programs and Services
SOCW 652–Influencing Social Policy
SOCW 671–Research Methods for Social Workers
SOCW 657–Direct Social Work Practice I
SOCW 658–Direct Social Work Practice II
SOCW 672–Generalist Field Practicum and Seminar I
SOCW 673–Generalist Field Practicum and Seminar II
SOCW 640–Advanced Clinical Practice
SOCW 674–Psychopathology
SOCW 645–Community-Centered Clinical Practice
SOCW 688–Program Evaluation for Social Workers
SOCW 692–Clinical Practice Practicum I
SOCW 693–Clinical Practice Practicum II

Elective Courses:**

SOCW 675–Clinical Practice with Children and Families
SOCW 678–Trauma and Recovery
SOCW 682–Substance Abuse Interventions
SOCW 665–Integrated Behavioral Health Policy

*Licensing requirements differ by state, but the MSW degree is the qualifying degree for any state license.
**Elective curriculum is subject to change.

Tuition & Fees (2019–2020):

Tuition is $775.00 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.

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

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

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).

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: 703-348-5006
Email: online2@gmu.edu

How do I apply?

Applicants for the online MSW should apply here. Applicants for the on-campus MSW should apply here.

Admission FAQs

How long does it take to complete the program?

The part-time online MSW is 60 credit hours and can be completed in 3 years.

How much does the program cost?

$775 per credit hour, with a $35 Distance Learning fee per credit hour, for a full tuition cost of $48,600.

When are classes held?

MSW classes for part-time online students are offered in an asynchronous format, meaning they can be viewed interactively at your convenience. However, there may be opportunities for synchronous participation in some courses.

What accreditations do George Mason and the MSW program hold?

The MSW online option is pending approval 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.

How much does it cost to apply?

While there is a $75 application fee, there are multiple times throughout the year that the fee may be waived.