Online Masters in Social Work | Saint Leo University

Your Calling. Our Mission.

Earn Your MSW Online Through a Pathway That Fits Your Background

Saint Leo University's CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work offers Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks for students with different educational backgrounds. Build clinical social work skills through flexible online coursework, supervised field experiences, and faculty support while preparing for professional practice in diverse communities. With a focus on serving populations in need—including military connected communities, children, and families—our program equips students to champion social justice and lead positive change.

Two MSW tracks

CSWE Accredited

Field Placement Support

Online MSW Program Fast Facts

The Online MSW at Saint Leo is designed for compassionate individuals ready to become leaders in clinical social work. Our curriculum equips you with the skills to engage in ethical practice, advance human rights, and promote social, racial, and economic justice. Whether you are new to the field or hold a Bachelor of Social Work, we have a part- or full-time option for you.

Traditional MSW Track: 62 credit hours / 1,024 field placement hours / 2-3 years
Advanced Standing MSW Track: 32 credit hours / 512 field placement hours / 15-20 months
Three Annual Start Dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Cost per credit hour: $620
One virtual seminar

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Which Online MSW Track Is Right for You?

To ensure you feel supported and empowered, our online MSW program offers two distinct pathways tailored to your unique educational background:

Traditional MSW

For applicants with a bachelor's degree in a field other than social work.

Program details

Credits: 62 credit hours
Format: 100% online coursework
Virtual Seminar: Held over a single weekend
Program Length: Full-time (2 years) or part-time (3 years)
Practicum Hours: 1,024 hours of supervised practicum experience in your community
Intakes: Fall, Spring, Summer
Cost Per Credit: $620 per credit hour

Admission requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA (2.75-2.99 GPA may be admitted if applicant meets additional requirements)
Completed application
Professional goal statement
Resume
Two letters of recommendation

Advanced Standing MSW

For applicants with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited social work program.

Program details

Credits: 32 credit hours
Format: 100% online coursework
Virtual Seminar: Held over a single weekend
Program Length: Full-time (15 months) or part-time (20 months)
Practicum Hours: 512 hours of supervised practicum experience in your community
Intakes: Fall, Spring, Summer
Cost Per Credit: $620 per credit hour

Admission requirements

BSW degree
3.0 minimum GPA from CSWE program and B- or higher in all junior and senior level social work courses reviewed by MSW committee (2.75-2.99 GPA may be admitted if applicant meets additional requirements)
Completed application
Professional goal statement
Resume
Two letters of recommendation
Copy of senior fieldwork evaluation form

Social Work Career Paths with an MSW

Saint Leo University’s masters degree in social work online program is crafted to support professionals who lead with compassion and advocate for vulnerable populations.

Clinical and Mental Health Social Work

Assessment, therapeutic interventions and behavioral health services.

Healthcare and Medical Social Work

Supporting patients and families in healthcare environments.

Child, Family and Community Social Work

Family support, child welfare and community-based services.

Social Work Leadership and Advocacy

Program management, policy advocacy and social service administration.

Masters in Social Work Online Curriculum

Saint Leo University's online MSW curriculum focuses on advanced clinical social work practice, including mental health assessment, evidence-based interventions, psychopathology, and working with individuals and families. Students develop clinical decision-making and ethical practice skills while exploring specialized topics such as trauma-informed care, military social work, and substance use treatment through available electives.

SWK 615 - Advanced Clinical Practice with Individuals

This course builds upon the comprehensive understanding of the interactions of human behavior and the social environment explored in foundation practice courses. SWK 615 is designed to facilitate competent practice in the planned change process with greater depth and breadth and specificity for generalist social work practice. It provides increased knowledge and skills for the integration of values and ethics that will enable students to practice using an ecological perspective at the advanced level. Evidence-based practice is emphasized in the application of theory and the evaluation of practice.

SWK 620 - Ethical Foundations in Social Work Practice

This course will deepen the student’s knowledge base to identify ethical issues, resolve ethical dilemmas, and make ethical decisions. SWK 620 will enable the graduate student to be more effective in working with ethical issues in social work practice and to contribute to knowledge building in this area. This course provides a theoretical framework to understand values and ethical dilemmas in a systematic way and is intended to contribute to the further development of ethical practice in the field of social work. Using the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics as the ethical framework for the course, students will explore ethical dilemmas in a variety of direct and indirect practice scenarios.

SWK 625 - Psychopathology

This advanced practice course provides an overview of mental health assessment and diagnostic tools, including the Diagnostic Statistical Manual diagnostic criteria, and examines treatment strategies and techniques. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between the social environment, cultural influences, and emotional and mental health.

SWK 630 - Advanced Clinical Practice with Couples and Families

This course links theory and practice in consideration and application of the major models of family therapy. Family and couples issues of gender, ethnicity, empowerment, and multiculturalism are explored, as are intervention strategies in correcting maladaptive couple and family interactive patterns. The course illustrates the relationship between, and the integration of, micro and mezzo, with an emphasis on ethical decision making and issues of diversity in social work practice.

SWK 640 - Evidence Based Social Work Research Methods

This course builds upon the basic concepts and methods of scientific inquiry used to facilitate knowledge and evaluate practice. The following topics are explored: single case designs, needs assessment, program evaluation, and application of evaluation methods results to social work practice in both clinical and managerial settings.

Important Dates
Now Accepting Applications
Start date
Spring 2027

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Student Success Stories

This program resonated deeply with me, particularly after hearing the professional journeys of many of the professors. Learning that several of them were “career changers” was especially empowering."

Ryan McPherson | Online Master of Social Work

Trust yourself to be guided by highly-skilled faculty members who teach in this program. Allow yourself to be teachable, having teachable moments, and turn those teachings into effective practice behaviors. It will transform your life and give life more meaning. "

Malcom Parker | Online Master of Social Work

Comprehensive Support for Experiential Learning

Your field placement experience will be one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of earning your Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. This experience will be guided and directed by Saint Leo’s faculty in collaboration with your on-site field placement supervisor at the agency where you complete the hours. Our program offers a supportive field placement process designed to help you pursue experiences that align with your professional interests and career goals. Our field placement team provides clear expectations, timelines and personalized support to ensure your placement meets program requirements (Traditional: 1,024 hours; Advanced Standing: 512 hours) and prepares you for professional practice.

How does the field placement process work?

Your dedicated Saint Leo field placement team supports you throughout the process of identifying and securing a quality experiential learning site that aligns with your educational goals and intended area of practice. You’ll take an active role in exploring opportunities that reflect your interests, while the field placement team provides guidance, resources, and ongoing support.

Before you begin your fieldwork, the team ensures that all placement sites and field instructors meet CSWE accreditation standards and complete the required approval process.

How do field placement services help me?

How should I prepare for my field placement?

Can I arrange my own field placement experience?

Why Choose the Masters in Social Work Online at Saint Leo University?

Our mission is to prepare graduate students for advanced clinical practice and provide social work services that support human rights and promote the social and economic well-being of clients locally, nationally, and globally. Our MSW online program prepares graduates to empower military-connected communities and people or groups who experience discrimination and oppression.

Take the First Step Toward a Future of Impact

Your journey to becoming a confident, compassionate social work leader begins here. Follow these steps to begin transforming your passion into purpose at Saint Leo University.

Complete the Form

Fill out our simple form to get started. It only takes a minute, and it’s the best way to let us know you’re interested in Saint Leo University.

Speak with an Advisor

An enrollment advisor will connect with you to answer your questions, discuss your goals, and ensure our program is the right fit for your career aspirations.

Submit Your Application

Your advisor will guide you through the application process, helping you gather your documents and present your strengths so you can put your best foot forward.

Start Leading

Once accepted, you will join a community of dedicated peers and faculty, ready to begin your journey toward earning your masters and leading with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why study social work online at Saint Leo University?

Choosing Saint Leo’s Online Master of Social Work program means joining a compassionate, empowering, values-driven learning community. Our CSWE-accredited program delivers a rigorous education focused on ethical practice, social justice, and real-world impact. You’ll benefit from individualized faculty mentorship, supportive practicum placement services, and the flexibility to balance your studies with life’s many responsibilities. At Saint Leo, you’re never just a number; you’re part of a caring community with a shared purpose.

Can I work full-time while completing this online MSW program?

Saint Leo University's online MSW offers full-time and part-time study options for working professionals. However, both the Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks require supervised, in-person field placements that may affect your work schedule. Field practicum courses require a commitment of approximately 16 hours per week (course requirements vary) at an approved agency, although schedules and requirements vary by track. Students should discuss their academic and fieldwork commitments with an enrollment advisor before enrolling.

Does this program prepare me for LCSW licensure in my state?

Our CSWE-accredited online MSW program meets the educational academic requirements for MSW licensure in most states. Additionally, graduates of our program may pursue independent practice as licensed clinical social workers (LCSW). Because state licensure standards vary, we encourage you to review the requirements where you plan to live and practice after graduation and speak with an enrollment advisor to ensure our program aligns with your licensure goals.

Is this program fully online, or are there in-person requirements?

Aside from your field placement, our online MSW program includes optional live labs where you can meet with your classmates and instructor to foster connection and engagement. The program also includes a required interactive virtual residency to help you practice and sharpen your professional skills.

Is financial aid available for online MSW students?

Yes. Eligible students may access a variety of financial aid options, including federal student loans, flexible payment plans, and other forms of financial assistance.

What career opportunities are available after completing the online MSW program?

After passing ASWB board exams and obtaining licensure, graduates are prepared for a wide variety of roles, including clinical social work, behavioral health clinician, substance abuse counselor, medical social worker, agency executive, and more. You’ll be ready to make a meaningful difference in diverse settings such as healthcare, schools, social service agencies, and community organizations.

What’s the difference between the Advanced Standing and Traditional MSW?

The Traditional Track is designed for students who do not have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and requires 62 credit hours and a more extensive field placement experience. The Advanced Standing Track is for students with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution, allowing you to complete your MSW in as few as 32 credit hours. Both tracks offer a path to advanced clinical practice.

Do I need to take the GRE to apply?

No, the GRE is not required for admission to Saint Leo University’s Online Master of Social Work program. Our admissions process looks at the whole applicant, focusing on your academic background, experience, and passion for social work.

What Does It Take to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker After Earning an MSW?

Earning a CSWE-accredited MSW is an important educational step toward clinical social work licensure. After graduation, aspiring licensed clinical social workers generally must complete additional supervised clinical experience and meet state-specific examination and licensing requirements. Requirements vary by state, so students should review the rules in the state where they intend to practice.

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Learn from Experienced Social Work Practitioners

At Saint Leo University, your journey to becoming a compassionate leader in social work is supported at every step. You’ll be guided by accomplished faculty—licensed clinical social workers and field placement experts—who bring years of real-world experience into the online classroom. As dedicated mentors, our faculty are committed to your personal and professional growth, offering the encouragement, wisdom, and insight needed to help you thrive throughout your Online MSW program.