Online LCSW Programs: Earn a Master's with a Clinical Concentration

Profiling Reputable Online LCSW Programs

Here, we profile three quality, fully-accredited U.S. universities offering online or hybrid LCSW master’s programs to give you a better idea of just how online study works. Each profile includes information on program length, delivery format, tuition, admissions criteria, and career prospects, and more.

Understanding LCSW Master’s Program Costs

Costs for an online LCSW master’s program can be divided into fixed costs (tuition and required fees) and variable costs (books, supplies, laptop, internet service, transportation to field experiences, etc.). Online programs sometimes have special fee structures such as discounted tuition rates for out-of-state students. Always double-check the latest tuition and fees information on each school’s website, as rates often change yearly.

Below is a comparison of current tuition costs for the three programs highlighted in this guide:

Note: Tuition estimates above are for illustration; actual rates may change year to year. Always consult with the school for the latest fee amounts.

What to Expect After Graduation

Earning an LCSW-oriented master’s opens up an array of meaningful career opportunities in social work and counseling. As an LCSW you can pursue roles in mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, government agencies, non-profits, or private practice. Common job titles include clinical social worker, therapist or counselor, medical social worker, school social worker, substance abuse counselor, and case manager, among others. LCSWs are also qualified for independent practice, meaning they can open a private counseling practice or serve as a clinical supervisor.

The job outlook for LCSWs and social workers is positive, with overall employment of social workers projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations together. Healthcare social workers and mental health and substance abuse social workers in particular are seeing growth of 10% and 12% respectively over the same decade. What this means for you is that as an LCSW, you’ll be entering a field with steady job openings and the ability to work in diverse settings.

In terms of salary, the BLS also reports that social workers in general had a median annual wage of about $58,000 in 2023, but clinical social workers often earn more, especially in certain settings. For instance, healthcare social workers (many of whom are LCSWs in hospital or clinic settings) earned a median salary of $62,940 during the same time period, while social workers employed by local government agencies earned a median of $64,550 per year. In short, LCSWs tend to earn higher salaries than non-licensed social workers because they can take on more advanced clinical responsibilities.

LCSW Licensing Requirements: Student Resource

Becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker involves a post-graduation pathway to professional licensure. While specifics vary by state, the overall steps to licensure are similar across the U.S. Here’s what the process generally looks like:

1. Earn your MSW – Complete a master’s degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). A master’s in a closely related field might be accepted in some cases, but virtually all LCSWs have an MSW.
   
2. Apply to your state board and register as a licensure candidate – You’ll apply for a provisional or intermediate license if your state has one. This allows you to begin accruing supervised clinical experience. Generally, you’ll need to undergo a background check and pay an application fee at this stage. However, each state’s licensing board sets its own rules, so it’s crucial to check your state’s specific requirements.
   
3. Complete supervised experience hours – Specific time requirements vary by state, you’ll typically complete about two years of full-time clinical social work under the guidance of a licensed supervisor.
   
4. Pass the licensing exam – Once you’ve completed your required hours, the next step is to pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Examination. This is a national standardized exam that tests your knowledge of clinical social work practice (human development, assessment, psychotherapy, ethics, etc.). You’ll register for the ASWB exam and take it at a Pearson VUE testing center. Some states may allow you to take the exam earlier in the process, even before finishing your clinical hours requirement, but the license isn’t granted until all required hours are done.
   
5. Meet any additional state requirements – A few states have extra steps such as a jurisprudence exam or a workshop/training requirement (for instance, specific training on child abuse identification or HIV/AIDS).
   
6. Obtain your LCSW license – This involves submitting documentation of your clinical hours, exam results, and any other paperwork the board needs. Upon approval, you can use the LCSW title and independently practice as a licensed clinical social worker.
   
7. Maintain and renew your license – You’ll need to renew your LCSW license periodically (typically every one to two years depending on the state). Renewal requires completion of a given number of continuing education (CE) credits.

FAQs for LCSW Master’s Students

Can I work full-time while studying in an online LCSW master’s program?

In most cases, yes. One of the big advantages of online MSW programs is their flexibility for working professionals. Many programs feature part-time formats that accommodate students working full-time. Additionally, coursework is often delivered asynchronously (pre-recorded lectures, etc.), so you can complete it during evenings and weekends. And live class sessions, if any, are typically scheduled during evenings to accommodate nine to five employment hours. Keep in mind, however, that you will also have to complete field internships which may require you to reduce work hours or use vacation time to fulfill. It’s a juggling act, but thousands of online MSW students successfully work and attend to their degree requirements at the same time.

How do field placements work for online MSW students?

Online MSW programs require the same in-person field education as campus-based programs – usually around 900 hours total of hands-on training in a social work setting for standard track students (less for advanced track students). Field placements are typically arranged in the student’s local area. Standard track students commonly complete one placement in their generalist year and a second in their specialist/clinical year. During these internships, students are supervised by an experienced social worker at the agency. By the time of graduation, students possess substantial clinical practical experience, a key requirement for LCSW licensure.

What’s the difference between an LCSW and an LMSW?

As discussed in this guide, an LCSW is a social worker who has completed all education and supervised clinical experience requirements for – and obtained – an LCSW license in their state. LCSWs are qualified to practice psychotherapy and provide mental health services as independent providers. The Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), on the other hand, is a social work professional who has yet to to be independently licensed clinically. An LMSW credential usually indicates that its holder has earned an MSW and passed a licensing exam (often the master’s-level ASWB exam), but has not completed the clinical practice hours needed for LCSW licensure.

What is “Advanced Standing” in MSW programs?

Advanced standing online MSW programs are those with accelerated formats for students who already have a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW). Advanced standing tracks allow students to skip the first year of foundational coursework in standard track programs because that content was covered in their BSW programs. In practical terms, an advanced standing MSW typically consists of around 30-35 credits (instead of the 60 credits in standard track curriculums), allowing for much faster completion at a substantially lower cost.

Will an online MSW program qualify me for LCSW licensure in my state?

Although social work license requirements vary somewhat from state to state, as long as your online MSW program is CSWE-accredited, it should qualify you for licensure just like a campus-based program. State social work boards do not differentiate between online or in-person degrees. What they do care about is that you earn your MSW from a properly-accredited school and program and that you have completed the required coursework and field hours. Many thousands of people have earned their MSW online and gone on to become licensed clinical social workers. Just be sure that you select a properly-accredited program.

Ranking the Best Online LCSW Online Master’s Programs

Below, we present a curated rankings list of today’s best online MSW programs for aspiring clinical social workers. Our rankings consider a number of key factors that matter most to students, including affordability (tuition rates and available financial aid), academic quality, accreditation, and access to student support services (like field placement assistance, career counseling, and flexible scheduling). Regardless of your specific academic needs and career goals, this list will help you find an online LCSW program that fits your needs.