Top Online MSW Programs: Georgia (GA)

In Focus: Reputable Online MSW Programs

Popular MSW Study Concentrations to Pursue

Clinical Social Work (Mental Health & Substance Abuse)

Clinical social work is a top field in Georgia due to rising mental health needs statewide. The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders in Georgia is higher than national averages, and the state’s projected job growth for mental health social workers is 17% (2022–2032), outpacing the U.S. overall.

An MSW with a clinical concentration leads to licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), enabling professionals to provide therapy, diagnose mental health conditions, and serve in hospitals, mental health clinics, and private practice. Graduates can help to address Georgia’s shortage of mental health providers and improve access to counseling and addiction treatment services.  

Child and Family Social Work

Supporting children and families is another leading focus for MSW grads in Georgia. MSW-level child and family social workers are in demand to work in agencies like Georgia’s Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), nonprofit family service organizations, and adoption/foster care agencies.

The ROI for this field in Georgia is notable: not only is there stable employment in both urban and rural counties, but programs like the Title IV-E Child Welfare Education program (at schools such as Georgia State) offer stipend support to MSW students who commit to work in public child welfare.

School Social Work

MSW-trained School Social Workers are employed by districts to address student issues such as truancy, behavioral problems, mental health, and family crises. Importantly, to become a certified school social worker in Georgia, a person must earn an MSW from an accredited program and obtain state certification through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. 

With rising awareness of issues like student mental health and homelessness, MSW grads specializing in school social work find ample opportunities (both in-person and even in online/virtual school settings). 

Healthcare and Gerontological Social Work

Healthcare/gerontology social work offers both high demand and the chance to impact quality of care for state residents across the lifespan – from helping older adults maintain dignity and independence to supporting families through health crises.

Medical social workers and gerontological social workers help patients navigate hospitals, clinics, and long-term care systems. MSW graduates in this field work in hospice and palliative care programs, hospital systems, nursing homes, and public health agencies. They assist with discharge planning, counseling for chronic illness, and connecting patients and their families to services like home health or support groups.  

Community and Macro Social Work

Community-focused social work is an emerging and high-impact field in Georgia, reflecting the state’s rich tradition of social change movements and its vibrant nonprofit sector. While salaries can vary, leadership roles such as program director or policy advisor often command higher salaries and offer significant ROI for those with an MSW.  

MSW graduates specializing in macro practice take on roles in community organizing, program administration, policy analysis, and advocacy. Community social workers in Georgia might lead neighborhood revitalization projects, develop social programs for urban communities in Atlanta, or coordinate services in rural areas.

What to Know About Accreditation for MSW Programs

Accreditation is a key quality indicator when evaluating online MSW programs. All reputable Georgia MSW programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the nation’s sole endorsing body for social work education. CSWE accreditation ensures a program meets rigorous standards, including a required curriculum and supervised fieldwork experience. For example, CSWE mandates that MSW students complete 900 hours of field education in their graduate program.

In addition, Georgia universities are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), but it’s the CSWE accreditation that is paramount for social work. Attending an accredited program means you’re positioned for licensure exams and ensures that employers, whether in Georgia or elsewhere, will recognize your MSW.  

Examples of Online Types for MSW Programs

Georgia’s universities offer online MSW programs in a variety of formats to suit different needs. Full-time vs. part-time options let students choose between an accelerated schedule or a lighter course load that fits around work. Below, we break down three common program types available in Georgia’s online MSW landscape.

Full-Time Online MSW Programs

A full-time program for a master’s degree in social work allows online students to complete their degree in about two years, an attractive option if you want to enter the workforce quickly. Expect an intensive 4 courses per semester, plus field internships. This path is ideal if you can commit to 40-plus hours a week to studies, making it tough to work full-time concurrently.  

Part-Time Online MSW Programs

It may make more sense to go to school part-time if you are a career professional in Georgia. These programs spread coursework over three or more years with fewer classes each term, making it easier to balance job and family obligations. Part-time students might take two courses per semester instead of four. Many of Georgia’s online MSW offerings are only available part-time, such as UGA’s fully online MSW, which is structured in a 3-year sequence.  

Advanced Standing MSW Programs

Advanced Standing programs are accelerated MSW tracks for students who have already earned a Bachelor of Social Work. If you earned your BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, often within the last 5 years, and meet GPA requirements, you can complete your MSW in about 12 months full-time or around two years part-time. Advanced Standing skips foundational courses that you covered in undergraduate work and goes straight into advanced coursework and practicums.

Costs For Your Online MSW Program

The cost of an online master’s degree will vary widely by institution, but overall it tends to be more affordable than out-of-state or private options elsewhere. As a baseline, Georgia’s public universities offer relatively low in-state tuition for MSW programs – some around $200–$300 per credit, especially at regional schools. 

Larger universities charge higher rates at about $600 per credit, but may offer additional resources. Many online programs use a flat “eTuition” that is the same for in-state and out-of-state students, or only slightly higher for non-residents. When budgeting, remember to factor in any mandatory fees and the cost of traveling to campus if it’s a hybrid program.

Note: Tuition estimates are for base tuition and do not include university fees. Always check the latest tuition on the program’s website.

Student Help Center: FAQs About MSW Programs

What are the licensing requirements for social workers in Georgia (LMSW/LCSW)?

In Georgia, becoming a licensed master’s social worker (LMSW) or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) requires an accredited education and passing exams. Once you earn an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, you then apply to the state board and take the ASWB Master’s exam (usually right after graduation).

For the LCSW, Georgia requires you to hold LMSW status and complete at least three years (about 3,000 hours) of supervised post-MSW clinical experience After that, you must pass the ASWB Clinical exam. Once these steps are completed, you can become an LCSW, which grants the ability to practice independently, provide therapy, and diagnose.

Do I need to take the GRE for admission to Georgia MSW programs?

In most cases, many universities have dropped the GRE to make the application process more accessible. For example, the University of Georgia explicitly states that the GRE is not required for its online MSW program.

Admissions committees generally prioritize your academic record through transcripts, relevant experience, and personal statement to assess readiness for graduate social work study. Always check the specific requirements of each program to see what standardized tests they do or don’t want students to take.

How do field placements work for online MSW students in Georgia?

Field education – the hands-on practicum component of an MSW is completed by online students who work closely with a program’s field education office to arrange internships near their home communities. Schools have coordinators who maintain networks of approved agencies across Georgia to place online students.

You might complete your practicum at a local hospital, nonprofit, school, or government agency under the supervision of an experienced MSW. Some programs offer more flexibility – for instance, Valdosta State notes that students may be able to do a work-site placement, meaning if you’re already employed in a human services job, you might intern at your workplace with certain conditions and new learning assignments.

Should I work full-time or part-time when completing my MSW online?

Students can do either, but it depends on their specific situation as to what will be more effective. Choosing the full-time path requires good time management to balance your commitments, which means you’ll likely only work part-time. And, the opposite is true if you choose a part-time MSW track, as you’ll likely find it more manageable to work full-time.

Either way, be prepared for a significant commitment. Even part-time MSW study will take 10-15+ hours per week for classes and assignments, and you’ll eventually have field internship hours to complete.

What financial aid or scholarships can help pay for my MSW in Georgia?

Financing your MSW is a common concern, but there are several avenues to explore. First, fill out the FAFSA to access federal student loans – MSW students typically qualify for unsubsidized graduate loans. Georgia residents should also research state-specific programs. For example, there is a Behavioral Health Service Cancelable Loan program that provides financial assistance for Georgia graduate students in behavioral health fields like social work and forgives the loan in exchange for working in-state in a mental health role after graduation. Many universities also offer scholarships or assistantships for MSW students.

Career Overview for Future Social Workers