VCU · Richmond, Virginia
Master of Social Work (Online Option)
What Should You Know About Master of Social Work (Online Option) at VCU?
Master of Social Work (online option) is a MSW program at VCU in Richmond, Virginia, offered online. It requires 60 credits and takes 16-24 months full time or accelerated full time; 3-4 years part time. At $634 per credit, estimated tuition is $38,040 before fees (resident rate). BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (42 credits (12 bridge credits and 30 concentration credits)). VCU'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 | Offered |
| Credits | 60 credits |
| Length | 16-24 months full time or accelerated full time; 3-4 years part time |
| Advanced standing | 42 credits (12 bridge credits and 30 concentration credits); 12 months; B.S.W. no more than five years old from a CSWE-accredited institution, undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, and an A, B or pass in senior field placement |
| Start terms | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Tuition | $634 per credit in-state; $750 per credit out-of-state; plus a $100 per-credit online program fee (2025-26) |
| Specializations | Clinical social work practice; Macro practice |
From onlinesocialwork.vcu.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 $38,040 is the 146th lowest of 349 MSW programs on this site with an estimate (median $40,180).
- Its 60 credits compare with a median of 60.
- Advanced standing drops 18 credits, about $11,412 in tuition at the published rate.
Estimate the full cost and federal loan coverage for this program
After This MSW: The Virginia License Path
- Earn a CSWE-accredited MSW2 years full time, or about 1 with advanced standing
- Pass the ASWB exam (Masters)For the LMSW
- Log supervised clinical hoursAt least 3,000 hours of board-registered, supervised post-master's cli…
- Earn the clinical license (LCSW)Independent clinical practice
Virginia license tiers from its board. Online students licensed in another state follow that state's board.
Other MSW Options at VCU
- FormatOn campus900 field hoursCredits60Est. tuition$7,330per term · resident rateAccreditationCSWE
Similar MSW Programs at Other Schools
Clinical Master of Social Work at Westfield State University
Westfield State University · Westfield, MAFormatOn campus, Online500 field hoursCredits66Est. tuition$38,016$576/creditAccreditationCSWEOnline Master of Social Work at Colorado State University Pueblo
Colorado State University Pueblo · Pueblo, COFormatOnlineCredits69Est. tuition$37,950$550/creditAccreditationCSWEMaster of Social Work (Distance Learning Out-of-State Online) at UT Arlington
UT Arlington · Arlington, TXFormatOnlineCredits61Est. tuition$37,922$622/credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWE- FormatOnline, On campusCredits62Est. tuition$37,820$610/creditAccreditationCSWE
Master of Social Work (Online Option): Common Questions
How Much Does Master of Social Work (Online Option) at VCU Cost?
$634 per credit in-state; $750 per credit out-of-state; plus a $100 per-credit online program fee. That works out to about $38,040 for 60 credits, before fees. Tuition changes each year; confirm fees and total cost with VCU.
How Long Is Master of Social Work (Online Option)?
60 credits, 16-24 months full time or accelerated full time; 3-4 years part time, according to the school's program page.
Does Master of Social Work (Online Option) Offer Advanced Standing?
Yes. 42 credits (12 bridge credits and 30 concentration credits); 12 months; B.S.W. no more than five years old from a CSWE-accredited institution, undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, and an A, B or pass in senior field placement.
Is Master of Social Work (Online Option) CSWE Accredited?
VCU's MSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.