Employment of social workers projected to grow 7% by 2033 (BLS).
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Build a Better Future with NU’s Master of Social Work
Program Overview
Whether you’re called to advocate, serve, or lead, NU’s flexible Master of Social Work program helps you prepare for licensure and gain real-world experience in your own community while balancing school with your life.
Flexible 8-Week Courses
Stay focused on one course at a time.
100%-Online Coursework
Complete your studies on your own schedule.
Year-Round Enrollment
Our admissions team reviews applications year-round.
Licensure Preparation
CSWE-accredited program aligns with licensure requirements.
Career Opportunities
More than 20,000 job openings just last year.*
About the MSW Program
Weekly Start Dates
·
Year-round enrollment
Program tracks
Generalist Track
(Finish in 48 months)
Ideal for those new to social work, this track provides foundational knowledge and hands-on experience through local practicum placements.
Advanced Track
(Finish in 24 months)
Designed for BSW graduates, this track builds upon prior education, focusing on advanced generalist practice with fewer required courses.
Key Courses
Research Methods in Social Work
·
Social Welfare Policy
Advanced Leadership Skills for Clinical Practice
Is a Master of Social Work Right for You?
An MSW is designed for compassionate, driven individuals who want to expand their ability to serve others and step into leadership roles in the field of social work. Whether you’re already working in social services or just beginning to explore advanced opportunities, NU’s MSW program gives you the tools to make a bigger impact.
Already in community or government services? Take the next step into licensed clinical practice or supervisory roles.
You support individuals and families today — now earn the credentials to provide guidance and higher-level interventions.
Strengthen your impact in the community and open doors to leadership with a graduate degree.
Looking for flexibility? Our accredited, fully online MSW fits around your work and family responsibilities.
Career-Ready Skills
Throughout NU’s Master of Social Work program, you’ll gain the knowledge, hands-on experience, and confidence to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Licensure Preparation — CSWE-accredited program that prepares graduates for licensure.
Hands-On Experience — Fieldwork and practicum placements in your own community .
Flexible Format — 100%-online coursework with faculty support and student services.
Career Growth—Social work jobs projected to grow 7% by 2033 (BLS).
Diverse Work Settings — Opportunities in schools, hospitals, nonprofits, and community agencies.
Career Opportunities
With a Master of Social Work degree, you’ll have the skills and qualifications to pursue a range of meaningful careers**:
Healthcare social workers
20,664 open positions in the last year
$68,106
Median Salary
Mental health and substance abuse social workers
14,675 open positions in the last year
$61,118
Median Salary
Healthcare social workers
20,664 open positions in the last year
$68,106
Median Salary
Child, family, and school social workers
38,346 open positions in the last year
$58,570
Median Salary
**Average U.S. salary per bls.gov, 2025
Our Students.
Their Success Stories.
“This degree will not only help me advance in my field, but also to better serve my clients and touch more lives.”
Cory B. – Class of 2024
“It was important for me to find a school that matched my busy life as a nontraditional student.”
Asya W. – Class of 2019
“We had our own little cohort while learning new curriculum. I’m so thankful for them, and that they pushed me along.”
Abigail J. – Class of 2017
Tuition and Financing
Calculate total cost with our tuition estimator
Check out full cost and possible price reductions based on your background, family size, and other factors.
POSSIBLE REDUCTIONS
Graduate faster with credit transfers or prior industry experience
Transfer credits from previous colleges or work experience in a relevant field may make you eligible for tuition discounts or employer sponsorship.
Why National University
National Univeristy offers a holistic approach to student support, ensuring nothing sands between ANDers and success.
Financial
1:1 assistance for navigating the financial aid process, generous transfer credit policy, needs-based tuition reduction grant, and $77+ million in scholarships.
Academic
4-week and 8-week online classes, unlimited free tutoring, individual coaching, writing center, and 150+ degree programs, credentials, and certificates.
Career Support
NU Mentoring Network for individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, access to job listings, and customized career support.
Wellness
Free virtual mental health counseling, access to wellness resources, and Student Wellness Center offering 1:1 support for life challenges.
Family and Community
Web-based student networking platform, student clubs and community service events, plus convenient course formats and flexible online options to balance work and family.
Frequently asked questions
With a Master of Social Work degree, you can join or advance in the growing field of social work. According to the BLS, between 2023 and 2033, the social work field is expected to grow 7%. The national median salary for social workers is around $61,330 and the highest 10% earned more than $99,500 in May 2024. *
Here are just a few career opportunities:
- Mental health social worker and addictions social worker
- Aging and eldercare and hospice social worker
- Healthcare or medical rehabilitation social worker
- Social and community agency administrator and policy specialist
- Human services and administrator
- Drug court, probation, victims’ assistance, or correctional treatment specialist
- Employee assistance programs
And many more, in public and private facilities of all different sizes!
*Source: Social Workers: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (viewed Aug 8, 2025). Cited projections may not reflect local and short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee job growth.
Positions may require additional experience, training, and other factors beyond successfully completing this degree program. Many roles may also require state licensure, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all licensure requirements are met.
If you want to advance in the field of social work, then yes, a master’s is worth it. NU’s accredited MSW may be right for you if you are also motivated to tackle the challenges of a graduate degree.
Admission to an NU master’s program requires a conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited academic institution or an international institution that is determined to be equivalent through an approved evaluation service. Admission into MSW — Advanced Standing requires a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
