Best Online MSW Programs in Virginia
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Online MSW programs in Virginia cater to working professionals by offering flexible schedules. These graduate programs emphasize the practical training and theoretical knowledge that's crucial for state licensure. With a focus on diverse specializations, students can customize their education to align with their career objectives.
Key Takeaways:
- Liberty University is the #1 most popular online graduate school in Virginia with over 45,000 enrolled remotely, ranking in the top 1% nationally for online enrollment.
- George Mason University boasts a median graduate earnings of $61,831.
- Virginia Commonwealth University achieves an 85% retention rate, securing the #1 best retention rate on our list while ranking #3 overall.
We prioritize the best online MSW degrees in Virginia based on data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) on online enrollment. We also include insights like median starting salary, accreditation details, and more. For more details, visit our methodology page.
How We Rank "Best" Schools
The OnlineU research team identifies colleges with a primary campus in the featured state that offer an online master's degree in msw and have publicly available data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). We rank qualifying schools by online enrollment, which helps highlight colleges with larger distance-learning communities. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.
Online enrollment data comes from NCES and reflects the most current available figures. We also highlight median earnings for msw graduates, as available , and note whether a school is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). , and note whether a school is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Best Online MSW Programs in Virginia
| Rank | School | Online Enrollment | Recommendation | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | CSWE Accredited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty University | 45,783 | 57% | $16,950 | N/A | Yes | |
| George Mason University | 3,589 | 93% | $15,900 | $68,977 | Yes | |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | 1,286 | 96% | $19,020 | $59,722 | Yes |
Online degree: Master of Social Work - Individual & Family Clinical
Why we like them: LU ranks in the top 1% globally for online graduate enrollment, with 45,783 students engaged in remote learning. The MSW with an Individual and Family Clinical Cognate is offered entirely online, requiring 60 credit hours in flexible 8-week courses. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), this program features a distinctive 1,000 hours of field experience, equipping graduates with practical skills for clinical licensure. Examples courses are Social Policy, Social Work Methodology, Diversity, Psychopathology, and Addiction, preparing students for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) exam.
Student Review Summary: Reviews describe Liberty University as a polarizing online experience that works best for self-directed learners who want a strongly faith-centered education. Positive reviewers consistently praise flexible eight-week terms, responsive professors, rigorous writing, transfer opportunities, military and veteran discounts, and the ability to balance school with work, parenting, or deployments. Many say the coursework strengthened both skills and personal faith. Negative reviewers focus on weak instructor involvement, heavy reliance on self-teaching, inconsistent advising, delayed or confusing financial aid, hidden fees, and stressful withdrawal policies. A recurring complaint is that biblical integration appears in nearly every assignment, sometimes overshadowing subject matter or limiting critical discussion.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 45,783 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $17,400
- Out-of-State Tuition: $16,950
- CSWE Accredited: Yes
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree: Master of Social Work
Why we like them: GMU ranks second with a solid online graduate enrollment of 3,589 students, placing it among the top 5% of similar institutions. Its online MSW program emphasizes social justice and empowerment, specializing in Adults & Healthy Aging and Children, Youth, & Families. The program includes an Advanced Standing track for BSW graduates to earn their MSW in 33 credit hours and an accelerated option to complete additional credits. CSWE accredited, the program requires 60 credits, incorporating field practicum experiences, preparing graduates for national licensing exams.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of George Mason University are broadly positive, driven by solid ratings and frequent recommendations, but they reveal a clear split between academic strengths and administrative frustrations. Students often praise knowledgeable, accessible professors, practical coursework, flexible evening, hybrid, and online scheduling, and strong preparation for careers, licensure, internships, research, and networking, especially given the school’s proximity to Washington, D.C. Diversity, safety, and a wide range of organizations also stand out. Common drawbacks include commuter-school social limitations, expensive and scarce parking, high living costs, weak advising in some areas, inconsistent administrative support, limited financial aid, and occasional concerns about academic rigor or value.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 3,589 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $9,540
- Out-of-State Tuition: $15,900
- CSWE Accredited: Yes
- Median Earnings: $68,977
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree: Master of Social Work
Why we like them: VCU excels in online education, ranking third nationally for total online enrollment at the graduate level in social work. The MSW with a concentration in Clinical Practice is fully accredited by the CSWE and delivered 100% online, providing the utmost flexibility for students. This program emphasizes evidence-based and trauma-informed practices while preparing learners for licensure. The curriculum equips students to address personal and social issues, focusing on empowerment and service to marginalized populations, all aligned with the profession's ethical standards. VCU also offers a macro concentration for those interested in administration, planning, and policy practice.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Virginia Commonwealth University are overwhelmingly favorable, driven by strong ratings and near-universal recommendations. Students repeatedly praise the urban Richmond setting, saying the city functions as an extended campus with abundant internships, networking, culture, food, and social opportunities. Many highlight exceptional diversity, describing exposure to different backgrounds and perspectives as a defining part of the experience. Faculty are often described as caring, accessible, and professionally connected, while hands-on learning, internships, research, and practical coursework helped many feel career-ready. Criticisms focus on cost, inconsistent administration, uneven instructor quality across some areas, safety concerns, limited funding, overcrowding, and a few poorly organized or weak online experiences.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 1,286 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $14,110
- Out-of-State Tuition: $19,020
- CSWE Accredited: Yes
- Median Earnings: $59,722
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Overview of Online MSW Programs in Virginia
Social workers in the state of Virginia offer services to people in variety of settings. Virginia social workers operate social service programs, connect communities in need of local resources, function as fully-trained mental health professionals, and work to improve existing social work programs. Those with a social work license in Virginia might find themselves working in schools, hospitals, community centers, municipal buildings and private homes.
There are four levels of social work regulated by the Virginia Board of Social Work, but only two require licensure: the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) credential, which can be obtained by those who hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree; and the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential for those with an advanced degree. Associate Social Worker and Registered Social Worker credentials are also available in Virginia, but these credentials are not considered licenses.
Becoming a Social Worker in Virginia
The minimum amount of education required to pursue a social work license in Virginia is a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a college or university that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This degree enables a student to apply for the LSW license at the bachelor's level. An applicant with a Master of Social Work (MSW) can also obtain an LSW credential, or apply for the LCSW license if additional requirements and qualifications are met. All licensure applicants must pass a national exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Social work students take classes that cover topics like addiction, psychology, counseling, community relations, and oppressed populations. They also gain required hours of professional experience through internships or field placement. In Virginia, the LSW credential allows social workers to practice as case managers and community organizers, as well as administer other nonclinical social services.
The LCSW credential allows social workers to independently practice the full scale of services in the state of Virginia, including clinical services like mental health diagnosis, counseling, therapy and treatment of psychological or emotional disorders. Those holding the LCSW license can also function as high-level administrators or consultants.
Bachelor's Level Licensed Social Worker
The first step to obtaining an LSW credential at the bachelor's level is to graduate from a CSWE-accredited BSW program. Once the degree has been earned, applicants must apply for a provisional license in order to work and gain experience in casework management and supportive services. The provisional credential will be given by the Virginia Board of Social Work after students prove they have completed all academic requirements and have the approval of a licensed supervisor at a practice location. Supervisors must hold an active LSW certification at the master's level or an LSW at the bachelor’s level for at least three years. Active LCSWs are also acceptable supervisors.
Once the application is approved, Virginia social work applicants can begin earning their supervised hours, which can be either on a volunteer or paid basis. Applicants are required to complete a minimum of 3,000 supervised hours, 100 of which must be face-to-face supervision. Supervision must be completed within two to four years. Once the hour requirements are complete, students must submit an LSW application to the state, which includes proof of completed supervised hours, along with a registration fee. Once the application is approved by the Board, applicants may sit for the ASWB Bachelors Exam, for which there is another registration fee. If applicants receive acceptable scores, they will be notified by the Board and issued their LSW social work license.
Master-Level Licensed Social Worker
The process for applying for the LSW license at the master's level is similar to the bachelor-level credential, but students are not required to complete supervised work hours. The first step is to graduate from a CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work program. Once the degree has been completed, students can fill out their LSW application through the Virginia Board of Social Work. They must include proof of their completed MSW degree, demographic information, answers to licensure questions, any previous licensure history and a registration fee. Once their application has been approved by the Board, Virginia social work applicants will sit for the ASWB Masters Exam, for which there is another registration fee. The exam will test the applicant’s knowledge of social work at the master's level.
If the applicant receives acceptable scores, they will be notified by the Board and issued their LSW social work license. Licensed social workers are eligible to begin practicing as soon as they are notified of their licensure, and they will receive a license in the mail within 30 days.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
In order to obtain an LCSW license and practice Virginia social work independently and autonomously, students must first earn a Master of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program. The degree program must include a clinical course of study, meaning graduate coursework that includes specialized advanced courses and a 600-hour clinical practicum that focuses on diagnostic, prevention and treatment services. Once the degree has been completed, applicants must apply for a provisional license in order to gain post-graduate, clinical social work experience. The provisional credential will be granted after students can prove they have completed all academic requirements and have the approval of a licensed supervisor at a practice location. Supervisors must hold an active LCSW with at least two years of post-licensure clinical social work experience, as well as have professional training in supervision.
Once the application is approved, Virginia social work applicants can begin earning their supervised hours, which can be either on a volunteer or paid basis. Applicants are required to complete a minimum of 3,000 supervised hours of clinical social work experience, 100 of which must be face-to-face supervision. Supervision must be completed within two to four consecutive years. Once the hour requirements are complete, students can fill out their LCSW application. Upon receiving Board approval, applicants may sit for the ASWB Clinical Exam. If applicants receive acceptable scores, they will be notified by the Board and issued their LCSW social work license.
Social Work License Reciprocity in Virginia
The Virginia Board of Social Work allows licensure by endorsement for applicants who are already licensed social workers in other states and who want to begin practicing in the state of Virginia. When applying to practice Virginia social work, out-of-state applicants can use their ASWB exam scores and experience gained in another state to qualify for licensure. Candidates must have an active social work license in another state and meet the Virginia Board’s educational and training requirements for LSW or LCSW licensure. The application for a license by endorsement can be completed online and must include proof of licensure in another jurisdiction, acceptable ASWB test scores at the appropriate level, completed supervised hours and proof of the required level of education.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education Information
Those who hold a social work license in Virginia must renew their LSW and LCSW credentials every two years. Virginia social work licensure requires that in order for candidates to be eligible for license renewal, LCSWs have to complete 30 hours of continuing education and LSWs have to complete 15 hours. For both levels of licensure, at least two hours must be in the area of social work ethics, regulations or laws. Hours can be completed from two categories of continuing education — one being formally-organized learning activities and the other being self-study hours. There are fees associated with renewing both licenses, and fee amounts vary dependent on which license is being renewed.
Still searching? Discover the best value with our guide to the most affordable MSWs online tailored to your financial needs.