Florida’s need for skilled social workers is growing, and earning an MSW online can help you answer that call. The social work field is projected to grow, yet you might be wondering if an online MSW will pay off. This friendly OMD guide tackles potential doubts by highlighting accredited Florida online MSW programs, in-demand specializations, and insider tips – all to help you find a flexible online MSW that advances your career. An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more… Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree… What accreditation is, why it matters, and the accrediting bodies relevant for students in this state… The variety of online master’s programs offered in the state, from full-time and part-time to accelerated formats… A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses… Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree… How much I can expect to earn after graduation, what national averages are, and what the overall outlook is for this field…
Popular Online MSW Program Options
Online MSW programs are designed to accommodate busy adults – whether you’re a recent grad or a working professional – without sacrificing the quality of a traditional on-campus experience.
Below, we explore three accredited Florida universities that offer reputable online or hybrid MSW programs. Each summary gives you a snapshot of the program’s focus, format, and unique features, with direct links to the official program page for more details.
Florida State University – Online MSW Program
FSU offers a part-time online MSW program that is fully accredited by CSWE and geared toward working professionals. The curriculum emphasizes clinical social work practice, with coursework including two brief on-campus residencies for hands-on training.
Students gain in-depth skills in areas like mental health counseling, policy analysis, and community practice – all while continuing their jobs. FSU’s online MSW is taught by the same faculty as on-campus and prepares graduates to pursue licensure as clinical social workers in Florida.
Duration: ~3 years (61 credits for the traditional track)
Mode: Mostly online with asynchronous coursework
Cost: About $444 per credit for Florida residents (~$27,084 total tuition). Out-of-state tuition is higher at about $625/credit.
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any field
- Minimum 3.0 upper-division GPA on undergraduate coursework
- Personal statement outlining social work interests and resume of relevant experience
- For Advanced Standing: a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, plus a 3.3+ GPA in the last 60 credits.
University of Central Florida – Online MSW Program
Balancing convenience with quality, UCF’s online MSW is CSWE-accredited and uses 7-week course modules to help students focus on one topic at a time. The program is structured for students who need to juggle work or other commitments – in fact, the online tracks are offered exclusively part-time.
You’ll build foundational social work knowledge before moving into advanced clinical coursework, preparing you for roles in mental health, healthcare, and more. UCF assists in finding field placements near your home community for that component of the program.
Duration: Three years (nine semesters part-time) for the traditional online MSW. Advanced standing students (with a recent BSW) complete the program in about 16 months (four semesters).
Mode: Online asynchronous coursework with a required field placement arranged close to the student’s location when possible
Cost: $487 per credit (flat rate for all online students). The traditional program is $30,200 total.
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in last 60 credits of undergraduate work
- Three letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
- Statement of purpose outlining social work interests and goals
University of South Florida – Online MSW Program
Delivered by its School of Social Work (accredited since 1974), the Online MSW program at USF focuses on advanced clinical practice with individuals, families, and groups. Two pathways are available: a traditional track for students from non-social work backgrounds and a faster advanced standing track for BSW graduates.
USF’s program stands out for its emphasis on evidence-based practice. GRE scores are not required for admission. As a large public research university, USF provides robust student services and a reputation for academic excellence in Florida.
Duration: Eight semesters (about 2½ to 3 years) for the part-time program. The Advanced Standing MSW takes three semesters full-time or five semesters part-time (around 1 to 2 years) to complete 35 credits.
Mode: Fully online with a blend of synchronous and asynchronous elements. Field hours are completed in person at approved agencies in the student’s region.
Cost: $550 per credit for both Florida residents and non-residents (market rate tuition). The Traditional program is 60 credits ($33,000 total), and the Advanced Standing program is 35 credits ($19,250 total)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 preferred
- Three letters of recommendation (academic and/or professional)
- Statement of purpose detailing your interest in social work and career goals
- For Advanced Standing: BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program (earned within the last 5 years) with a recommended GPA of 3.0 or higher in upper-level coursework.
Leading Fields of Study for MSW Students
In Florida, certain social work specializations stand out due to strong job demand, salary potential, growth outlook, and local needs. Below, we highlight five of the best MSW specializations and why they’re especially relevant in the state in terms of industry trends, job opportunities, and how it connects with Florida’s demographic and economic landscape.
Clinical Social Work/Mental Health Counseling
Clinical social work is a top field in Florida as the state works to address widespread mental health needs. Clinical MSW programs train students to provide therapy, counseling, and mental health services, and in Florida, Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) have the authority to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. The demand for mental health professionals is high, with social workers being the nation’s largest group of mental health service providers.
An MSW with a clinical focus offers strong ROI: it qualifies you for LCSW licensure (after supervised experience) and roles such as therapist, clinical counselor, or private practitioner – careers that typically command higher salaries than non-clinical roles.
Medical and Healthcare Social Work
With Florida’s expansive healthcare industry and aging population, healthcare social work is another leading specialization. Medical social workers operate in hospitals, clinics, hospices, and other health settings to help patients navigate illness, discharge planning, and community resources.
Florida is home to hundreds of hospitals and medical centers, all of which rely on MSW-prepared social workers as part of interdisciplinary care teams. The career outlook is strong: healthcare social worker jobs are projected to grow ~10–11% nationally from 2021 to 2031. This drives demand for social workers skilled in geriatric care, chronic illness management, and end-of-life support.
Child, Family, and School Social Work
Child, family, and school social work remains a cornerstone field in Florida due to the state’s sizable youth population and ongoing efforts to strengthen child welfare systems. Professionals in this specialization support children and families through challenges such as abuse/neglect, adoption, foster care, and school difficulties.
Florida’s Department of Children and Families and many nonprofit agencies employ MSW-level social workers to protect children and support at-risk families. The job outlook is positive: nationally, over 50,000 new child, family, and school social work jobs are expected by 2029.
Gerontological Social Work (Elder Care)
Florida’s status as a retirement haven makes gerontological social work especially relevant and in demand. This specialization focuses on working with older adults and their families, helping seniors navigate healthcare, housing, caregiving, and end-of-life issues.
Florida has one of the largest elderly populations in the U.S., at about 21% over age 65 and climbing, and by 2030, over a quarter of Floridians are projected to be seniors. The ROI for geriatric social work can be seen in steady job security. As the population ages, demand is only increasing, and there are opportunities for advancement into roles like program directors or counselors for elder services.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Social Work
The intersection of substance abuse and mental health is a critical field in Florida, given the state’s battle with opioid addiction and other substance use issues. In Florida’s urban centers and rural areas alike, there’s demand for professionals who can guide people through recovery and address co-occurring mental health disorders.
The work can be challenging – clients often face relapses and systemic barriers – but it’s highly rewarding. They are key players in Florida’s response to the opioid epidemic, helping clients access treatment (including medication-assisted treatment), advocating for prevention programs, and supporting policy changes for better recovery resources.
Accreditation Details for Online MSW Programs
To become a licensed social worker (LCSW) in Florida, you must earn your master’s from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). All reputable Florida MSW programs, including the online ones mentioned here, have this accreditation, ensuring that the curriculum covers essential competencies and ethical training. This accreditation verifies that an online degree holds the same value as on-campus programs and that graduates are eligible for licensure.
In addition to programmatic accreditation, you should also ensure the institution has regional accreditation. In Florida, that’s usually through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, or SACSCOC. Accreditation affects financial aid eligibility, too – only accredited schools can offer federal aid.
Options to Earning an Online MSW
Whether you’re looking to study intensively or balance school with work, there’s a type for you. In general, Florida’s online MSW programs can be categorized by pace (full-time vs. part-time), advanced standing vs. traditional tracks, and even admissions flexibility (such as no GRE requirements). Let’s break down what to expect from each option.
Part-Time Online MSW Programs
Part-time online MSW programs are the go-to choice for many Florida students who need to balance graduate school with work or family responsibilities. In a part-time format, you take fewer courses per term (often 1–2 classes at a time), stretching the program over a longer period but making the workload more manageable.
Advanced Standing (Accelerated) Online MSW Programs
These are accelerated tracks designed for students who already have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program. Because BSW graduates have completed foundational social work coursework, they can skip the first year of the MSW curriculum. In Florida’s online programs, advanced standing students can often finish their MSW in as little as a year of full-time study or about two years part-time.
“No GRE Required” Online MSW Programs
Many prospective grad students worry about standardized tests like the GRE. Several of Florida’s online MSW programs answer this concern by not requiring the GRE as part of admissions, focusing instead on your GPA, experience, and other factors. These “no GRE” programs remove a common barrier, saving you the time, cost, and stress of exam prep.
Paying for Your Online Social Work Master’s Degree
Generally, you’ll need to budget for tuition charged per credit hour, plus any applicable fees (including potential distance learning fees, while waiving certain campus fees). Most MSW programs are around 60-62 credits for the standard track, so total tuition might fall roughly between $24,000 and $33,000 for the full program. Advanced standing tracks (around 30-35 credits) proportionally cost about half that.
It’s worth noting that some universities include all required fees in their online tuition rate, meaning out-of-state students don’t pay extra, but they do pay a bit more per credit than the base in-state tuition to account for fee differences.
Below is a comparison table of costs for three online MSW programs in Florida.
| University (Program) | No. of Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State University – Online MSW (Traditional) | 61 | $444 | $27,084 |
| University of Central Florida – Online MSW | 62 | $487 | $30,200 |
| University of South Florida – Online MSW (Traditional) | 60 | $550 | $33,000 |
Costs are approximate and for tuition only. Always check the latest rates with the university.
Student FAQs: Online MSW Degree Programs
Can I become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida with an online MSW?
Yes, all CSWE-accredited programs in Florida meet the educational requirements for LCSW licensure in Florida. After earning your MSW, you’ll need to apply to become a Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern (RCSWI) and complete the required supervised experience: about two years of supervision post-MSW, including at least 100 weeks and 1,500 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy with clients under an LCSW supervisor. You’ll also need to pass the national ASWB clinical exam.
Upon completing these steps, you’ll have the same LCSW opportunities as any traditional graduate, working as a therapist, clinical supervisor, or wherever your clinical passions lead.
Do I need a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) to get into an online MSW program in Florida?
No, a BSW is not required for most MSW programs. If you don’t have a BSW, you would apply to a traditional MSW track, which typically is around 60 credits and includes foundational social work courses in the first part of the program.
The traditional MSW is designed for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in any field other than social work, so whether your undergraduate degree is in psychology, education, business, or something else, you can pursue your MSW.
Can I work full-time while pursuing my MSW online?
Many students do work while enrolled in an online MSW, especially in the part-time programs, but it requires good time management and flexibility. Taking two courses per semester online is one example, alongside a full-time job in many cases.
The biggest consideration is the field internship, which is usually 900+ hours spread over 3–4 semesters. Students can successfully juggle this by leveraging the flexibility of online coursework and communicating with their employers.
How do field placements work for online MSW students in Florida?
When you’re in an online MSW program in Florida, the school will have a field education office that works with you to find a suitable placement near your home community. Typically, you might provide some preferences (like interest areas or agencies), and the school will attempt to secure an internship within a certain radius.
You’ll be supervised by a qualified social work professional at the agency, and you’ll have a faculty field liaison or instructor from your program who oversees your progress remotely.
What are the typical admission requirements for an online MSW program in Florida?
Admission requirements for Florida’s online MSW programs are generally similar to on-campus programs. Expect to show proof of your bachelor’s degree and a GPA that at least equals at 3.0 in your last 60 credits. Letters of recommendation and statements of purpose are also perennial items for admission.
If you’re coming from a different career, highlight transferable skills and why you’re motivated to enter social work now. If your GPA is weaker, compensate with a fantastic personal statement and strong references.
Career Outlook for Social Workers
| Area ↕ | Occupation ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Social Workers | $39,580 | $104,580 | $63,770 |
| Florida | Social Workers | $36,230 | $96,620 | $48,980 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | Social Workers | $35,010 | $95,410 | $50,670 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | Social Workers | $34,780 | $99,380 | $52,440 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | Social Workers | $35,730 | $97,780 | $47,260 |
| Gainesville, FL | Social Workers | $33,320 | $93,870 | $62,850 |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | Social Workers | $39,580 | $85,570 | $45,090 |
| Jacksonville, FL | Social Workers | $37,480 | $89,810 | $49,190 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | Social Workers | $39,580 | $76,900 | $45,640 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | Social Workers | $35,610 | $106,500 | $51,520 |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL | Social Workers | $39,580 | $86,740 | $41,220 |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL | Social Workers | $39,580 | $101,190 | $51,650 |
| Ocala, FL | Social Workers | $38,520 | $71,410 | $45,090 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | Social Workers | $39,580 | $92,520 | $50,210 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | Social Workers | $38,940 | $91,730 | $46,400 |
| Panama City, FL | Social Workers | $33,780 | $91,100 | $47,260 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL | Social Workers | $37,780 | $93,870 | $45,410 |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | Social Workers | $37,980 | $59,220 | $43,600 |
| Punta Gorda, FL | Social Workers | $39,580 | $86,740 | $43,560 |
| Tallahassee, FL | Social Workers | $32,340 | $88,340 | $43,800 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | Social Workers | $37,670 | $99,380 | $73,690 |
Source: Social Workers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Occupation ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Social Workers | 68,400 | 72,900 | 4,500 | 6.6% |
| Florida | Social Workers | 6,070 | 6,850 | 780 | 12.9% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.