Verified September 2026

Part-Time MSW Programs

What Are the Best Part-Time MSW Programs?

Part time MSW programs spread the same 60-credit median degree over about three to four years, so you can keep working while you train. Of 530 MSW options checked in September 2026, 349 at 290 schools offer a part-time plan, 177 of them with an online option. Estimated tuition starts at $11,070 at the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Maestría en Trabajo Social and $16,624 for East Carolina's part-time online MSW, against a median of $40,500.

programs
349
schools
290
CSWE-accredited
322
offer advanced standing
316
median estimated tuition
$40,500
median credits
60
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What Part-Time MSW Programs Look Like

A part-time MSW is the same degree on a slower schedule. You take fewer credits each term, usually two courses instead of four, and stretch the program from two years to three or four. The credit total does not shrink: the median is 60 credits whether you study full or part time.

CSWE holds every accredited program to the same standards regardless of delivery method, and notes that many schools run part-time, extended-day or evening courses. The diploma does not say “part time,” and the license path is identical.

What changes is the calendar. Ohio State’s traditional MSW runs two years full time or three to four part time. Southern Maine’s Portland campus program takes four years part time. Walden’s online MSW allows five.

Who a Part-Time MSW Suits

Part-time study fits you if you need to keep a paycheck, carry caregiving duties, or already work in human services and want to move into a licensed role without quitting.

  • Working in a social service agency now. NYU’s 32-month evening and weekend plan is built for applicants with three or more years of experience. Its Hybrid MSW lets your single 900-hour placement be with your employer.
  • Needing weekend-only classes. Bridgewater State runs a three-year Saturday option alongside its weekday part-time plans.
  • Living far from campus. 177 part-time programs have an online option, from East Carolina’s three-year online plan to Rutgers’ fully online MSW.
  • Holding a BSW. 316 part-time programs also offer advanced standing, which usually cuts a part-time plan to about two years.

It suits you less if you want to be licensed fast. Clinical licenses require supervised practice after the degree (two years of post-master’s experience in Florida, for example), and that clock starts only when your part-time MSW is finished.

Part-Time MSW Programs by the Numbers

Part-time study is widely available: 349 of 530 MSW options offer it, at 290 schools across 52 states and territories. Of these, 322 are CSWE accredited and 26 are in candidacy.

  • Format: 186 have a campus option, 177 an online option and 55 a hybrid option.
  • Credits: a median of 60 for the full degree and 33 with advanced standing.
  • Per-credit tuition: $205 to $2,322, with a median of $690 among the 243 programs that publish a rate.
  • Estimated tuition (published per-credit rate times credits, before fees): $11,070 to $116,155, median $40,500.
  • Field education: a median of 900 hours, the CSWE minimum for a master’s.
  • Admissions tests: 113 state no test requirement, 17 allow a waiver and 2 require one.

The spread is the story. NYU’s 65-credit MSW carries an estimated $116,155, while East Carolina’s 60-credit part-time online program comes to $16,624 at the resident rate.

15 Most Affordable Part-Time MSW Programs

How this list is ranked: lowest estimated tuition first. Estimated tuition is the school's published per-credit rate times the credits it states, before fees, or the school's own published program total, for programs that publish those figures (one program per school). General graduate rates and cost-of-attendance figures are left out. Rates were read on each school's site in September 2026.

  1. University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras: Maestría En Trabajo SocialMaestría En Trabajo Social

    $11,070estimated tuition

    University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras (San Juan, PR, public) offers this on campus Social work master's in 54 credits (two consecutive years full time; about 3.5 years part time (regular); 1.5 years full time or 2 years part time (accelerated)). At $205 per credit, estimated tuition is $11,070 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (42 credits (Programa Acelerado), 1.5 years full time; 2 years part time), about $8,610 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. Field education: 900 hours of supervised practicum (600 hours in the accelerated program). CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $205 per credit (master's level, 2024-25 cost schedule linked from the UPRRP admissions page)

    University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras MSW credits, field hours and tuition · Total cost of University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras's MSW with loans

  2. Appalachian State University: Master of Social Work, Advanced Standing (App State Online)Master of Social Work, Advanced Standing (App State Online)

    $11,359estimated tuition

    Appalachian State University (Boone, NC, public) offers this online MSW in 33 credits (1 year full time; 2 years part time). At $344 per credit, estimated tuition is $11,359 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (33 credit hours, 1 year full time; 2 years part time), about $11,359 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. GRE: GRE scores required unless waived. Field education: face-to-face practicum with an online seminar. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: App State Online graduate, Fall 2026/Spring 2027: NC resident $306.95 tuition plus $37.33 fees ($344.21 per credit hour); non-NC resident $1,291.00 tuition plus $37.33 fees ($1,328.33 per credit hour) (2026-27)

    Admission rules for Appalachian State University's MSW · Can federal loans cover Appalachian State University? · Compare Appalachian State University's other formats

  3. Fort Valley State University: Master of Social Work (Online)Master of Social Work (Online)

    $12,474estimated tuition

    Fort Valley State University (Fort Valley, GA, public) offers this online MSW in 54 credits (2 years full time; 3 years part time). At $231 per credit, estimated tuition is $12,474 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (30 credit hours, 1 year), about $6,930 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. In CSWE candidacy (not yet accredited).

    School's tuition wording: $231 per credit hour (FVSU Online graduate rate) plus an Online Learning Fee of $380 for students in all-online classes (2026-27)

    How the Fort Valley State University MSW is structured · Monthly payment on a Fort Valley State University MSW

  4. Valdosta State University: Master of Social Work (Hybrid)Master of Social Work (Hybrid)

    $16,380estimated tuition

    Valdosta State University (Valdosta, GA, public) offers this hybrid MSW in 60 credits (2-year or 3-year option). At $273 per credit, estimated tuition is $16,380 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (33 semester hours plus one field practicum, 1 year), about $9,009 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: MSW Professional Program rate: $273 per credit hour in-state; $1,044 per credit hour out-of-state (on-campus); MSW online tuition $273 per credit hour; mandatory fees extra (effective Fall 2026) (2026-27)

    Valdosta State University MSW format and advanced standing · Valdosta State University MSW cost with fees and living costs

  5. East Carolina University: Master of Social Work, Part-Time Online (Regular Pathway and Advanced Standing)Master of Social Work, Part-Time Online (Regular Pathway and Advanced Standing)

    $16,624estimated tuition

    East Carolina University (Greenville, NC, public) offers this online MSW in 60 credits (3 years part time). At $277 per credit, estimated tuition is $16,624 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (42 credit hours, 3 years part time), about $11,637 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. Field education: 1,032 hours of field education (regular pathway); 672 hours (advanced standing). CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: Fall 2026 distance education graduate tuition: resident $277.06 per credit hour; non-resident $1,044.06 per credit hour; plus $45.00 per credit hour additional tuition for all MS of Social Work programs and DE fees (2026-27)

    What the East Carolina University MSW asks of applicants · Loan gap at East Carolina University under 2026 limits · Compare East Carolina University's other formats

  6. University of Alaska Anchorage: Master of Social Work (Distance-Delivered)Master of Social Work (Distance-Delivered)

    $17,019estimated tuition

    University of Alaska Anchorage (Anchorage, AK, public) offers this online MSW in 31 credits (as little as 12 months (advanced standing)). At $549 per credit, estimated tuition is $17,019 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing. A part-time plan is offered. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $549 per credit resident graduate tuition (600-level courses); all admitted online MSW students qualify for the resident rate (2026-27)

    University of Alaska Anchorage MSW credits, field hours and tuition · Total cost of University of Alaska Anchorage's MSW with loans

  7. Purdue University Northwest: Master of Social WorkMaster of Social Work

    $18,810estimated tuition

    Purdue University Northwest (Hammond, IN, public) offers this on campus MSW in 57 credits (two years (traditional); one year (advanced standing)). At $330 per credit, estimated tuition is $18,810 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (36 credits, one year), about $11,880 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. In CSWE candidacy (not yet accredited).

    School's tuition wording: $330 per credit hour (Indiana resident); $526.50 (non-resident); $773.75 (international); includes composite fee (2026-27)

    Admission rules for Purdue University Northwest's MSW · Can federal loans cover Purdue University Northwest?

  8. Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus: Master of Social WorkMaster of Social Work

    $19,020estimated tuition

    Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus (Portales, NM, public) offers this online MSW in 60 credits (2 years full time; part-time available). At $317 per credit, estimated tuition is $19,020 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (30 credit hours, 1 year), about $9,510 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. In CSWE candidacy (not yet accredited).

    School's tuition wording: $317 per credit hour (New Mexico resident graduate); $415.50 per credit hour for non-residents enrolled in more than 6 credit hours ($317 at 6 or fewer); registration fee $35-$60 per term

    How the Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus MSW is structured · Monthly payment on a Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus MSW

  9. Texas Woman's University: Master of Social WorkMaster of Social Work

    $19,380estimated tuition

    Texas Woman's University (Denton, TX, public) offers this hybrid MSW in 60 credits (2 years full time (Generalist)). At $323 per credit, estimated tuition is $19,380 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (30 credit hours, 1 year full time), about $9,690 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: Graduate tuition Fall 2026-Summer 2027: $323 per credit hour resident; $751 per credit hour non-resident; plus a $50 per credit hour surcharge on graduate social work courses (2026-27)

    Texas Woman's University MSW format and advanced standing · Texas Woman's University MSW cost with fees and living costs

  10. University of North Carolina Wilmington: Master of Social Work (Full-Time, Extended Three-Year and Advanced Standing)Master of Social Work (Full-Time, Extended Three-Year and Advanced Standing)

    $19,530estimated tuition

    University of North Carolina Wilmington (Wilmington, NC, public) offers this on campus and hybrid MSW in 61 credits (full-time: two years (four semesters); Extended Three-Year: three years including summers). At $320 per credit, estimated tuition is $19,530 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (37 credit hours, one year, May to May), about $11,846 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. No GRE required. Field education: 900 hours of field placement over three semesters (Full-Time program). CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: 2026-27 main campus graduate tuition: NC resident $320.17 per credit hour; non-resident $1,295.84 per credit hour; plus per-credit Ed & Tech, security and university fees

    What the University of North Carolina Wilmington MSW asks of applicants · Loan gap at University of North Carolina Wilmington under 2026 limits

  11. Northeastern State University: Master of Social Work (In-Person and Online Options)Master of Social Work (In-Person and Online Options)

    $19,865estimated tuition

    Northeastern State University (Tahlequah, OK, public) offers this on campus and online MSW in 58 credits (2 years full time; 3 or 4 years part time). At $343 per credit, estimated tuition is $19,865 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (32 hours, 1 year full time; 2 years part time; summer start), about $10,960 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. Field education: 900 hours of field practicum (Traditional Pathway); 500 hours of advanced field practicum (Advanced Standing). CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: Graduate tuition and fees per credit hour: $342.50 Oklahoma residents; $707.75 non-residents for graduate division courses; $343.50 non-residents for graduate online-only (2026-2027) (2026-27)

    Northeastern State University MSW credits, field hours and tuition · Total cost of Northeastern State University's MSW with loans

  12. California State University-San Bernardino: Master of Social Work (San Bernardino and Palm Desert Campuses: 2-Year, 3-Year and Advanced Standing Options)Master of Social Work (San Bernardino and Palm Desert Campuses: 2-Year, 3-Year and Advanced Standing Options)

    $20,272published program total

    California State University-San Bernardino (San Bernardino, CA, public) offers this on campus MSW in 60 credits (2 years (4 semesters) or 3 years (6 semesters)). The school publishes a program total of $20,272. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (35 units, 1-year option (within 12 months) or 2-year option (5 semesters)). A part-time plan is offered. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: Estimated tuition and fees (AY25-26): 1-Year Advanced Standing $12,630.37; 2-Year Advanced Standing $21,074.46; 2-Year MSW $20,272.18; 3-Year MSW $30,408.27 (2025-26)

    Admission rules for California State University-San Bernardino's MSW · Can federal loans cover California State University-San Bernardino? · California State University-San Bernardino school profile and CSWE status

  13. Albany State University: Master of Social Work (Online)Master of Social Work (Online)

    $20,288estimated tuition

    Albany State University (Albany, GA, public) offers this online MSW in 64 credits (generalist Practice Year and Specialized Clinical Practice Year; all requirements within four years of admission). At $317 per credit, estimated tuition is $20,288 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing. A part-time plan is offered. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $317 per credit hour (ASU 100% Online graduate rate) plus $505 online fee (2026-27)

    How the Albany State University MSW is structured · Monthly payment on a Albany State University MSW

  14. University of North Dakota: Master of Social Work, Advanced Generalist Specialization (on Campus)Master of Social Work, Advanced Generalist Specialization (on Campus)

    $20,403estimated tuition

    University of North Dakota (Grand Forks, ND, public) offers this on campus MSW in 36 credits (3-4 semesters full time). At $567 per credit, estimated tuition is $20,403 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (36 credits, 3-4 semesters), about $20,403 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. Field education: 500-hour advanced generalist field placement. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: Social Work graduate on-campus tuition and fees per credit: $566.75 North Dakota residents; $719.78 Minnesota residents; $850.12 US non-residents (2026/2027) (2026-27)

    University of North Dakota MSW format and advanced standing · University of North Dakota MSW cost with fees and living costs · Compare University of North Dakota's other formats

  15. University of North Carolina at Charlotte: Master of Social Work Online (2-Year, 3-Year, 1-Year and 2-Year Advanced Standing)Master of Social Work Online (2-Year, 3-Year, 1-Year and 2-Year Advanced Standing)

    $20,473estimated tuition

    University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Charlotte, NC, public) offers this online MSW in 60 credits (2 or 3 years (summer, fall and spring semesters)). At $341 per credit, estimated tuition is $20,473 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (39 credit hours, 1 year (May to May, full time) or 2 years (part time)), about $13,307 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. No GRE required. Field education: 16 hours per week of in-person practicum during fall and spring semesters; 464 hours per academic-year placement. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: NC resident $341.21 per credit hour; non-resident $1,305.87 per credit hour; plus College of Health and Human Services fee of $30 per credit hour

    What the University of North Carolina at Charlotte MSW asks of applicants · Loan gap at University of North Carolina at Charlotte under 2026 limits · University of North Carolina at Charlotte school profile and CSWE status

All 349 Part-Time MSW Programs

Filter by format, schedule, advanced standing, specialization, the GRE and state; tick up to three programs to compare them side by side.

349 programs

Program facts come from each school's own pages, reviewed September 2026. Estimated tuition is the published per-credit rate times the stated credits, before fees, or the school's published program total; "resident rate" means the school charges nonresidents more. CSWE status comes from CSWE's directory of accredited programs.

Most Affordable Part-Time MSW Programs Compared

Figures are estimated tuition: the published per-credit rate times program credits, before fees, unless marked as the school’s published program total. Where a school lists resident and nonresident rates, the figure is the resident rate.

Program Format Credits Part-time length Estimated tuition CSWE status
UPR-Rio Piedras Maestría en Trabajo Social (PR) Campus 54 About 3.5 years $11,070 Accredited
Fort Valley State online MSW (GA) Online 54 3 years $12,474 Candidacy
Valdosta State hybrid MSW (GA) Hybrid 60 3-year option $16,380 Accredited
East Carolina part-time online MSW (NC) Online 60 3 years $16,624 Accredited
Purdue University Northwest MSW (IN) Campus 57 Part time offered $18,810 Candidacy
Eastern New Mexico University online MSW (NM) Online 60 Part time offered $19,020 Candidacy
UNC Wilmington Extended Three-Year MSW (NC) Campus or hybrid 61 3 years with summers $19,530 Accredited
Northeastern State University MSW (OK) Online or campus 58 3 or 4 years $19,865 Accredited
Cal State San Bernardino MSW (CA) Campus 60 3 years $20,272 (published two-year total) Accredited
Albany State online MSW (GA) Online 64 Within 4 years of admission $20,288 Accredited
UNC Charlotte online MSW (NC) Online 60 3 years $20,473 Accredited
Cal State Dominguez Hills part-time MSW (CA) Campus 60 3 years $24,000 Accredited

Two details change the math. Cal State San Bernardino publishes $30,408.27 for its three-year plan, above the two-year total, so part time can cost more at the same school. And a few schools charge one rate to everyone: Southern Maine charges $601 per credit to in-state and out-of-state MSW students, and Ohio State bills all online students at in-state rates. Run your own numbers in the MSW cost calculator or read the MSW cost guide.

How Long a Part-Time MSW Takes

Part-time length depends on how many credits you take each term and whether the school runs classes in summer. This table compares full-time and part-time plans in each school’s own terms.

Program Full-time length Part-time length
Walden University online MSW At least 2.5 years 5 years
University of Denver campus MSW 6 to 7 quarters 3.5 years (14 quarters)
Ohio State traditional MSW 2 years 3 or 4 years
University of Southern Maine MSW 2 years 4 years
Howard University Flagship MSW 4 semesters over 1.5 years 9 semesters over 3 years
USC campus and hybrid MSW 4 semesters 28 months to 4 years
Tulane online MSW 16 months 32 months
Fordham online MSW 16 months 2 years to 32 months

Watch for completion caps. The University of Hawaii at Manoa and UNLV both require you to finish within four years of admission, which rules out the slowest pace.

Part Time With Advanced Standing

If you hold a CSWE-accredited BSW, you can combine both options. Tulane’s advanced standing track runs 12 months full time or 24 months part time. Adelphi’s low-residency online MSW takes 15 months part time, and Fordham’s 16. Ohio State’s 43-credit advanced standing plan takes six semesters part time. Compare eligibility rules on the advanced standing MSW programs page.

Field Placements When You Work Full Time

The field placement is the hardest part of a part-time MSW to fit around a job. CSWE requires at least 900 field hours for a master’s, and most placements happen during agency business hours.

Weekly loads give you a sense of scale. UNC Charlotte asks for 16 hours a week of in-person practicum in fall and spring, 464 hours per academic year. Ramapo College’s 1,000 hours work out to about 17 hours a week by the school’s own figure. Cal State LA expects 16 hours a week in the first practicum and 20 in the advanced year.

Two things make it workable. First, CSWE’s 2022 standards let each program set its own policy on employment-based placements, and CSWE says paid placements are allowed. Second, some programs design around working students: NYU’s Hybrid MSW allows your placement with your employer.

Evening, Weekend, Online and Hybrid Schedules

Part-time programs come in four common shapes.

  • Evening and weekend campus classes. NYU’s 32-month plan and Bridgewater State’s Saturday option keep weekdays free.
  • Fully online. Rutgers’ 100% online MSW runs three years part time at $1,132 per credit for all online students. USC’s online MSW runs 12 to 36 months.
  • Hybrid. NYU’s Hybrid MSW is three years part time; UNC Wilmington’s extended plan mixes campus and hybrid delivery over three years including summers.
  • Extended education. Cal State Dominguez Hills runs its three-year part-time cohort through extended education at $400 per unit, with a school estimate of $28,000 for the full three years.

Online coursework does not remove the in-person placement. Browse more on the online MSW programs page or filter by schedule in the program matcher.

What You Study Part Time

The curriculum matches the full-time program course for course. You complete a generalist foundation, then a specialized year that extends CSWE’s nine social work competencies into one area of practice.

Among part-time programs, mental health is the most common focus (169 programs), then macro practice (102), child and family (78), health (51), school social work (30), aging (27), substance use (14) and military practice (8). Named options include Ohio State’s Mental Health and Substance Abuse and Aging and Health, Minnesota’s Health, Disability, and Aging, UNLV’s Trauma Informed Practice, Howard’s Community, Administration, and Policy Practice, and Florida A&M’s macro concentration in community, administration and policy settings.

Some part-time plans narrow your choices. UNC Wilmington’s advanced standing is open for the Direct Practice track only. Check that your preferred concentration runs on the part-time schedule; see the MSW specializations guide.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time: Honest Trade-Offs

  • Income versus time. You keep working, but you add one to two years before you can apply for a license.
  • Same price, longer bill. Per-credit schools charge the same total either way; flat-rate schools can cost more part time, as Cal State San Bernardino’s published totals show.
  • Placement pressure. Fitting 900 or more field hours around a full-time job is the main reason part-time students slow down.
  • Fixed start dates. The University of Delaware admits advanced standing students in fall only, and Northeastern State’s advanced standing year starts in summer, so a missed start can push you back a term or more.
  • Candidacy risk. Fort Valley State, Purdue Northwest and Eastern New Mexico are in CSWE candidacy. CSWE counts you as an accredited graduate if the program reached candidacy in or before the year you started and later earns initial accreditation, which typically takes three years with no guarantee. A four-year plan means more time exposed to that outcome. See CSWE-accredited MSW programs.

Licensure After a Part-Time MSW

Your license path starts the same way as a full-time graduate’s. CSWE notes that most state and territory requirements call for a degree from a CSWE-accredited program before you can be licensed or sit for an exam.

ASWB offers four exam categories: Bachelors, Masters, Advanced Generalist and Clinical, each with 122 questions and a four-hour limit. You apply to your state board first, then register with ASWB. Florida shows how long the clinical stage runs: after an accredited MSW, you need two years of post-master’s clinical experience with at least 100 hours of supervision over no less than 100 weeks, 1,500 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy, and the ASWB clinical exam. See the Florida state page, the LCSW requirements guide or the license pathway tool.

For pay context, BLS reports a May 2025 median of $61,780 for social workers, with healthcare social workers at $67,880.

How to Choose a Part-Time MSW

  • Ask how field hours work for part-time students. UNC Charlotte’s 16 hours a week is typical; NYU’s Hybrid MSW accepts employer placements.
  • Check the completion cap. Hawaii and UNLV allow four years from admission.
  • Compare total cost, not the term bill. Cal State San Bernardino’s three-year plan is $30,408.27 against $20,272.18 for two years.
  • Look for single-rate online pricing if you live out of state, as at Rutgers and Ohio State online.
  • Confirm your concentration runs part time.
  • Check CSWE status and the full MSW requirements list, and compare shorter plans on the accelerated MSW programs page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does a Part-Time MSW Take?

Most part-time plans run three to four years. East Carolina's online program is three years, Ohio State offers three or four, Southern Maine four, and Walden's online MSW five. With a BSW and advanced standing, part time usually takes about two years, as at Appalachian State and Northeastern State.

Can I Do My MSW Field Placement at My Job?

Sometimes. CSWE's 2022 standards let programs set their own employment-based field placement policies, and CSWE says paid placements are permitted. NYU's Hybrid MSW, for example, allows its single 900-hour placement to be with your employer.

Is a Part-Time MSW Less Expensive Than Full Time?

Rarely by much. Most schools charge the same per-credit rate, so total tuition tracks credits, not years. Cal State San Bernardino publishes $20,272.18 for its two-year MSW and $30,408.27 for the three-year plan, so the longer schedule can cost more.

Do Part-Time MSW Programs Require the GRE?

Very few do. Among the 349 part-time programs, 113 state no test requirement, 17 let you waive a test and 2 require one. Cal State Dominguez Hills does not require the GRE but recommends it if your GPA is under 3.0.

Can Out-of-State Students Enroll in a Part-Time Online MSW?

Usually, and some programs are part time only for you. Columbia College restricts applicants outside its listed eligible states to the part-time track. Rutgers charges all fully online students the same $1,132 per credit wherever they live.

Is There a Deadline to Finish a Part-Time MSW?

Many schools set one. The University of Hawaii at Manoa and UNLV require you to finish within four years of admission, and Albany State's online program sets the same four-year limit. Plan your pace against that cap.

Related Program Lists

Sources

  1. Official program, tuition and admissions pages of each school listed, reviewed September 2026
  2. Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), directory of accredited programs, captured September 30, 2026
  3. U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2022-23 completions and institutional characteristics
  4. CSWE: accreditation FAQs (formats, field hours, paid placements, candidacy)
  5. CSWE: accreditation and licensure
  6. CSWE: program directory
  7. ASWB: social work licensing exams
  8. Florida Board of Clinical Social Work: licensed clinical social worker
  9. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: social workers

Every program on this site was checked against the school's own website. Accreditation status comes only from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) directory, license rules from each state's social work board, and graduate counts from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS). Sponsored listings are labeled and never change which programs we list or how we rank them. How we verify programs