University of Alabama · Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Master of Social Work (Primarily Online)
What Should You Know About Master of Social Work (Primarily Online) at University of Alabama?
Master of Social Work (primarily online) is a MSW program at University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, offered online. It requires 60 credit hours (Traditional Program) and takes 2 years full time. At $480 per credit, estimated tuition is $28,800 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (42 credit hours). University of Alabama's MSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.
Program Details
| Degree | MSW |
|---|---|
| Format | online |
| Part time | Full time only |
| Credits | 60 credit hours (Traditional Program) |
| Length | 2 years full time |
| Advanced standing | 42 credit hours; Three semesters full time, starting in late May; CSWE-accredited BSW |
| Field education | 1,000 hours of in-person practicum education (Traditional); 500 hours (Advanced Standing) |
| Start terms | Fall (Traditional), Summer (Advanced Standing) |
| Tuition | $480 per credit hour (Distance Learning graduate rate, Fall 2026/Spring 2027) (2026-27) |
| Specializations | Advanced Generalist Practice; Child Welfare elective cluster; Clinical and Behavioral Health elective cluster; Policy and Advocacy elective cluster |
From online.ua.edu, reviewed September 30, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.
How This Program Compares
- Estimated tuition of $28,800 is the 80th lowest of 349 MSW programs on this site with an estimate (median $40,180).
- Its 60 credits compare with a median of 60.
- Its 1,000 field education hours compare with a median of 900 among programs that state them.
- Advanced standing drops 18 credits, about $8,640 in tuition at the published rate.
Estimate the full cost and federal loan coverage for this program
After This MSW: The Alabama License Path
- Earn a CSWE-accredited MSW2 years full time, or about 1 with advanced standing
- Pass the ASWB examFor the LMSW
- Log supervised clinical hoursNot less than 3,000 work hours of post-master's experience and 96 hour…
- Earn the clinical license (LICSW)Independent clinical practice
Alabama license tiers from its board. Online students licensed in another state follow that state's board.
Other MSW Options at University of Alabama
- FormatOn campus1,000 field hoursCredits60Est. tuition$5,959per term · resident rateAccreditationCSWE
Similar MSW Programs at Other Schools
Master of Social Work (Campus-Based or Online) at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale · Carbondale, ILFormatOn campus, Online360 field hoursCredits60Est. tuition$28,740$479/creditAccreditationCSWEMaster of Social Work (MSW) at Southern University at New Orleans
Southern University at New Orleans · New Orleans, LAFormatOn campus, Online900 field hoursCredits60Est. tuition$28,500$475/creditAccreditationCSWE- FormatOn campus, OnlineCredits57Est. tuition$29,811$523/credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWE
- FormatOnline900 field hoursCredits44Est. tuition$27,412$623/creditAccreditationCSWE
Master of Social Work (Primarily Online): Common Questions
How Much Does Master of Social Work (Primarily Online) at University of Alabama Cost?
$480 per credit hour (Distance Learning graduate rate, Fall 2026/Spring 2027). That works out to about $28,800 for 60 credits, before fees. Tuition changes each year; confirm fees and total cost with University of Alabama.
How Long Is Master of Social Work (Primarily Online)?
60 credit hours (Traditional Program), 2 years full time, according to the school's program page.
Does Master of Social Work (Primarily Online) Offer Advanced Standing?
Yes. 42 credit hours; Three semesters full time, starting in late May; CSWE-accredited BSW.
How Many Field Hours Does Master of Social Work (Primarily Online) Require?
1,000 hours of in-person practicum education (Traditional); 500 hours (Advanced Standing), according to the school's program page.
Is Master of Social Work (Primarily Online) CSWE Accredited?
University of Alabama's MSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.