Online Social Work Graduate Programs
Online Social Work Graduate Programs
UNE Online’s social work programs are designed for professionals who want to advance their practice, expand career opportunities, and create meaningful change for individuals, families, and communities. Grounded in social work values and evidence-informed practice, these programs prepare students to address complex social challenges across clinical, community, and organizational settings.
Students build a strong foundation in human behavior, policy, ethics, and advanced practice while developing critical thinking, leadership, and advocacy skills. Coursework emphasizes real-world application, cultural responsiveness, and ethical decision-making, reflecting the evolving role of social workers within today’s health and human services systems.
Experiential learning and applied practice are central to the curriculum, enabling students to translate knowledge into effective interventions and strategies. Graduates are prepared to support diverse populations, influence systems, and contribute to improved outcomes through direct practice, leadership, and policy engagement.
Delivered in a flexible, fully online format, UNE Online social work programs are built for working professionals balancing careers and personal commitments. With expert faculty, personalized advising, and a supportive learning community, students gain the confidence and credentials to lead in a dynamic and impactful field.
Online Social Work Graduate Programs Highlights
Career Pathways & Professional Growth
Explore diverse career trajectories across clinical social work, community practice, policy, advocacy, leadership, and human services. Graduates are prepared to advance, pivot, or specialize, building credentials and experience that support long-term growth across health care, nonprofit, and community-based settings.
Flexible Online Learning for Working Professionals
Designed for working professionals, UNE Online programs support career advancement without putting life on hold. Students balance coursework with professional and personal commitments while receiving structured support, clear milestones, and guidance aligned with real-world social work careers.
Leadership, Practice, & Systems Impact
Build the leadership and practice skills needed to influence systems and improve outcomes. Students strengthen critical thinking, collaboration, and ethical decision-making to support individuals and communities, guide teams, and contribute to meaningful change across complex social systems.
Community-Centered & Client-Focused Practice
Focus on supporting individuals, families, and communities through inclusive, client-centered approaches. Students learn to design, evaluate, and deliver services that promote equity, access, and well-being, strengthening outcomes across diverse populations and practice settings.
Are UNE Online’s Social Work Programs Accredited?
We are proud to hold NECHE (New England Commission on Higher Education) accreditation. NECHE Accreditation ensures a high level of academic quality and public accountability for the education being provided.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has recently begun the accreditation process for Doctor of Social Work (DSW) programs. Starting in Summer 2025, programs across the country became eligible to begin this process. The University of New England is pleased to announce that we have initiated the process to become accredited. CSWE has posted a memo to the profession outlining that the earliest programs can become retroactively accredited is 2025.
Best Colleges: National, U.S. News & World Report 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there are no specific prerequisite courses required to apply. However, students who have received their BSW from a CWSE accredited program qualify for the MSW Advanced Standing Pathway.
Yes. Any regionally accredited bachelor’s degree qualifies for the MSW Traditional Pathway.
You can finish your social work graduate degree in about 16 months-2 years for Advanced Standing, 3-4 years for the Traditional Pathway, and 2.5-4 years for the DSW.
Students report anywhere from 20-25 hours per week on coursework.
Yes, our online social work graduate degree programs are designed with working professionals in mind. However, it is entirely up to your schedule and how you balance your priorities.
All evaluation for transfer credit is up to the discretion of the social work graduate programs and adheres to the policy on transfer credit. See the full transfer credit policy in the UNE catalog.
Tuition is $1,015/credit for our online social work graduate programs. Please see each program page for the total cost.
Yes, financial aid may be available. UNE Online encourages students seeking financial assistance to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many students qualify for Direct Subsidized and/or Direct Unsubsidized loans. For more information about financing options, contact Student Financial Services to discuss what may be available to you.
At the University of New England Online, we are committed to providing our students with the highest level of academic and personal support. Our online social work programs were created with the working professional in mind. We understand the unique challenges of adult students who are often juggling school, career, and family, which is why we offer a robust Student Academic Success Center (SASC) and high-touch academic advising. Learn more about Student Support and Resources.
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