Online Master of Social Work
The same top-tier Fordham MSW education—ranked top 8% in the nation by US News & World Report—offered fully online.
Fordham's online MSW program offers students from anywhere in the nation the opportunity to receive a Fordham education. Students focus on graduate-level social work concepts, undergo extensive fieldwork training in or near their communities, and graduate ready to sit for licensure in their state.
At a Glance
- Program: Master of Social Work
- Credit Hours: 62 credits
- Duration: Full-time: 16 months; Part-time: 2 years to 32 months
- Next Cohort Begins: January 2027
- Applications Due: Full-time deadline: October 15; Part-time deadline: December 1
- Location: Online
- Advanced Standing admission available to eligible applicants who have earned a BSW degree
Online MSW Program Facts
Can you see yourself in the MSW program? Start your application today!
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What defines Fordham’s online MSW program?
For over 110 years, Fordham GSS has educated social workers to make an impact in their own communities and around the world. The MSW curriculum educates students with advanced integrated practice that cuts across populations and contexts, preparing them to thrive whether they serve individuals, families, communities, or governments.
How we fulfill our mission
Flexible learning modalities: Our program is built for busy professionals. We offer evening and weekend courses for online students to fit your schedule.
Hands-on experience: Online MSW students complete 900 hours of practicum placements in or near their community with one of our thousands of nonprofit agency partners across the US. Pairing theoretical coursework with frontline internships results in a holistic education designed to let you hit the ground running after graduation.Personal guidance through your journey: Each student receives personalized support from an academic adviser, field placement specialist, field adviser, and student services adviser throughout the program. 24/7 live chat is also available for technical assistance.
International opportunity: Learn how social workers abroad conduct their work through our two-week summer study abroad program in London. Meet the leaders running London's historic settlement houses while earning up to six credits during this condensed semester.
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How to apply for a Master of Social Work degree
To ensure that we are able to holistically evaluate the candidate’s suitability for the MSW program, the following application components are required:
- Application Form: You must select a plan of study and a campus.
- Personal Statement: The personal statement page includes several prompts that must all be answered. Your personal statement should be formatted using APA style. More details can be found within the application.
- Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts: Official transcripts are required for all institutions where 6 or more credits were earned. Please refer to the application for specifics on transcript requirements.
- One (1) Letter of Recommendation: Approved recommenders are: past and present employers, professors, and approved volunteer coordinators. Recommendation letters must be on letterhead and sent from a recommender's professional or academic email.
- Complete Resume
- Application fee: $60, payable on the online application page after you submit your application.
Advanced Standing Applicants (BSW graduates) only:
If you have completed or are still in the process of completing a BSW degree, your faculty adviser or BSW program chair must provide us with your Final or Mid-Year Field Evaluation. If they are unable to provide us with one, they may complete our alternative field evaluation form. This must be emailed to [email protected] by your faculty advisor or program chair.
Advanced standing is awarded only to graduates holding degrees from baccalaureate social work programs accredited by CSWE, those recognized through its International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Services, or covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors.
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Guaranteed scholarships available before our deadline
Prospective students who complete and submit their applications by our deadline will receive a one-time, merit-based scholarship toward tuition. Funding for these awards varies from year to year. There is no separate application to receive an award. Students who do not submit their application before the deadline may not be considered for this merit-based funding.
Other sources of funding for graduate education include government agencies, employers, private donor scholarships, and foundations to academic departments and schools. Please visit the tuition and financial aid page to learn more about the financial options offered at Fordham GSS.
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Courses at a Glance
- Integrating Human Rights and Justice in Practice (3 Credits)
- Advanced Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis (3 Credits)
- Evidence-Based Mental Health Practice (3 credits)
Flexibility in course scheduling
MSW students can choose from a range of full- and part-time study plans, taking courses on weekends and in the evening to fit their schedule.Mixed modality coursework
Classes are organized with a combination of synchronous (live meetings) and asynchronous (taped lectures) material to provide both engagement and flexibility. Live coursework meets once per week for 90 minutes for eight weeks. Courses are offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.Specialization opportunities
Students choose from four domains based on their area of interest: individuals and families; organizations and communities; evaluation; and policy practice and advocacy.A personalized educational experience
After finishing the Generalist Phase, you can choose your remaining eight (8) electives. Customize your program by selecting courses in a particular area, or use our sophisticated matrix of offerings to create a more interprofessional focus. This fosters an educational experience that is truly your own.
F.A.Q.
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No, you do not have to come to campus during Fordham's online MSW program. The only time you will come to campus is to celebrate your graduation, which we hold at the Fordham Rose Hill campus in the Bronx.
If you are looking for an in-person element, we suggest you consider one of our on-campus options. Students in Fordham's on-campus MSW program can stack all their coursework and only come to campus one day per week.
Additionally, students who live in the Long Island area can participate in our Fordham/Molloy MSW hybrid program, in which they split their course load between Molloy's Rockville Center campus and online coursework.
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Social workers are committed to empowering individuals and communities, and advancing human rights and social justice. While every social worker brings different strengths and experiences to the profession, successful social workers often demonstrate:
- A commitment to helping others and driving positive change, particularly in underserved communities
- Emotional intelligence and empathy, including the ability to understand and respond thoughtfully to others’ experiences
- Strong interpersonal communication skills, including verbal, nonverbal, and written communication
- Organization and attention to detail
- Resilience and the ability to navigate challenging or high-pressure situations
- Cultural humility and sensitivity when working with people from diverse backgrounds
- An understanding of professional boundaries and when and how to establish them
You don't need to have all of these qualities to pursue an MSW. Your coursework and practicum experiences will deepen your knowledge and equip you with the skills and professional judgment needed to make a difference as a social worker.
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Social workers have a variety of career options after earning their Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, thanks to the degree's versatility.
Here are some of the most common settings for social work jobs:
- Clinical Social Work (therapist; LCSW needed)
- Child Welfare Agencies
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Palliative Care Social Worker
- Military Social Worker
- Social Work Administrator
- Government and Policy
And demand for social workers continues to rise in the US. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social workers is projected to grow 9% from 2021 to 2031, faster than average for other professions.
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Yes, we do! Advanced Standing is an accelerated MSW track. It is open only to graduates of a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, who have earned their BSW within 5 years of applying to Fordham's MSW program.
A BSW graduate's undergraduate coursework is the equivalent of the first year of the MSW program, so the 31 credits of your BSW program are transferred into the MSW. Advanced Standing students complete one practicum (field) education internship (500 hours) alongside their academic coursework.