Master of Social Work (MSW)

The Walden online experience is designed with the adult learner in mind, allowing students to balance their courses with their careers, families, and other responsibilities. Students work on their own to meet course deadlines. Students interact with faculty and peers using online discussion boards, and assignments are submitted via the online classroom.

Students have access to a wide variety of support services, including the Writing and Career Services Centers, as well as to the Student Success Advising team, whose advisors can help track academic progress and answer questions regarding academic policies and programs.

The MSW program at Walden University is designed specifically for online learners and their distinct needs. One of the most compelling aspects of the Walden MSW program is the comprehensive use of case studies.

Students are provided with written case studies covering some of the most critical issues facing social work clients today. Then, in the online classroom, students are exposed to a series of video case studies, custom-designed and produced by Walden. These case studies allow students to apply their learning to situations that social workers face in their daily practice.

On November 12, 2019, the Walden MSW program achieved reaffirmation of its accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the U.S. We are proud to say the reaffirmation is for the maximum allowed—eight years, through October 2027.

You can find more information about accreditation at the CSWE website.

For admission to the part-time and two-year full-time tracks:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Lower GPAs can be considered on a case-by-case basis
• Résumé
• Goal statement

For admission to the Advanced Standing track:

• Applicants must have graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a Council of Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program within the last eight years with a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • GPA in social work courses may be considered if favorable
• Résumé
• Goal statement

Walden students may qualify for government student loans and grants. For more information about the financial aid process at Walden, talk to an enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336. You can also visit the financial aid video section of our website.

Walden also offers social work scholarships frequently. Be sure to ask an enrollment specialist about availability.

Our curriculum is designed incorporating required elements as determined by CSWE, making it comparable to campus-based programs that are structured in accordance with CSWE guidelines.

In addition, the Walden MSW program offers a great deal of flexibility for working professionals because of its online format and the university’s comprehensive student support for online learners. This flexibility allows students to earn their degrees from wherever they have internet access and study on their own schedule.

Field experience is required by all CSWE-accredited MSW programs and is an opportunity for students to work in real-life settings, interacting with clients under the supervision of licensed social workers. As part of the Walden MSW curriculum, you will complete two field experiences over four quarters/terms (students in the Advanced Standing track will complete one field experience).

Students will complete at least 250 hours of fieldwork in each of four quarters for a total of 1,000 hours. This is approximately 24 hours, or three days per week, during the quarters you are in your field placement. It is important that you consider how you will manage your field experience requirements with your other responsibilities.

Each of your field experiences can normally be completed in or near your own town or community. Our dedicated team of field education experts, all of whom hold MSW degrees, supports students in selecting and working with field locations that are appropriate for the curriculum and have the necessary supervision.

In addition, students are enrolled in a field seminar course, which meets weekly, while in their field placement to guide the monitoring and reflecting processes required by CSWE.

To learn more, visit the MSW Field Experience website or all an enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336 to learn more.

You will not need to come to a campus, but the MSW program includes two 4-day, in-person Skills Labs held in various locations in the United States. When you attend your Skills Labs depends on your degree option (Standard, Accelerated, Advanced Standing) and when you plan to enter your field placement. Students work closely with their academic advisors to plan their attendance.

Skills Labs are an integral part of the MSW program at Walden, providing invaluable hands-on experiences. The labs allow MSW students to meet and collaborate with peers and faculty, get support, discuss ideas, and practice critical professional skills needed to be a social worker. Advising is available and important information about obtaining your license is covered.

We know that time is precious in the lives of our busy students, so Skills Labs are planned carefully to provide the most benefit possible.

Skills Labs are offered several times throughout the year at various locations in the United States. Locations selected are typically major air travel hubs that are easily accessible from most airports and where the cost of accommodations is reasonable.

Please see the Skills Labs calendar or call an enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336 for more information .

The amount of time it takes to complete your degree will vary based on your previous educational experience, course load, and field placement schedule. We anticipate that students with other life commitments will take two courses per quarter and complete their program in approximately three years.

Some students will take longer and some will complete the program in less time by decreasing or increasing their course load. Talk with an enrollment specialist at 1-866-492-5336 to discuss your individual time commitment.