Mason OnlineProgram Description
Develop your passion for helping others with George Mason University’s online CSWE accredited 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 field practicum opportunities for hands-on learning with a variety of organizations.
The Master of Social Work offers a choice between two specialized practices in either Adults & Healthy Aging or Children, Youth, & Families. 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.
Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), 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. Click here to learn more from Emily Ihara, Ph.D., MSW, FGSA – Chair of the Department of Social Work at George Mason University.
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.
MSW Advanced Standing
The 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 program gives those who qualify the opportunity to complete their Master of Social Work in less time.
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.
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.
Learning Online
Learning online in an asynchronous format means that you can complete your degree at times and in locations that are best for you. Avoid commute times or “traditional” classroom hours, so you can complete your degree and advance your career even if you travel for work, have kids at home, or keep a busy or non-traditional schedule.
Coursework is delivered through a variety of prepared video lessons, readings, or engagement-orientated learning tasks that you’ll complete by predefined dates, but this doesn’t mean you learn alone. You’ll participate in lively conversations with peers and faculty in discussion posts, and many students form study groups with peers.
From time to time, you may need to participate in synchronous online meetings with the entire class or specific workgroups. These opportunities allow you and your peers to all log in at the same time to hold discussions or watch a live lecture together.
Faculty act as mentors throughout your program to ensure you’re on the right path to meet your career goals. You’ll get to know them well by phone, video conferences, emails, and through their thought-provoking questions and commentary within the course.
*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.
