Online Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) FAQs

The Advanced Standing program is a 39-credit hour program designed for students who already possess a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program. The Traditional M.S.W. program is a 60-credit hour degree designed for students with no previous social work background or education. Both programs prepare graduates with the skills for competent practice and employability as a specialized social worker.

The first term of the online Traditional program will begin in August 2018, whereas the first term of the Advanced Standing program will start in January 2019.

Visit the admissions overview page to learn more about the admissions requirements. Requirements will vary in the cases of international students and other situations.

Applicants that do not meet a stated admission requirement to the Winthrop University Online MSW program are highly encouraged to complete an addendum to their professional narrative statement in which they directly address the requirement they do not meet, why, and steps they plan to take to be a successful graduate student if admitted. 

Yes. Students in the Traditional M.S.W. program will complete a generalist (1 term) and a specialized (2 terms) internship placement while students enrolled in the Advanced Standing program will complete only a specialized (2 terms) internship placement. All field internships take place in a setting under the supervision of an M.S.W. practitioner. For more detailed information, visit our field experience page.

Winthrop has a dedicated field placement specialist who will be available to support you throughout the field experience and provide you with placement assistance.

Yes, with conditions. The field internship is designed to expand your professional social work perspective beyond your current experience. To ensure the focus of fieldwork is on student learning, student assignments and field education, supervision cannot be the same as those of the student’s employment. Fieldwork at a present employer is allowed, but it must be vetted and approved by the University to ensure it meets accreditation standards.

If you follow the recommended plan of study, the Traditional, 60-credit hour online M.S.W. program can be completed in three years, while the 39-credit hour Advanced Standing* program can be completed in two years.

*Not all students may qualify for the Advanced Standing program. Visit our admissions page for a detailed list of requirements.

Winthrop University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master's and specialist degrees. The M.S.W. program at Winthrop is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The degree you earn online is identical to the social work master’s degree offered on campus.

No. The degree is fully online, with no residency or campus visits required.

The online M.S.W. program costs $699 per credit hour.

Financial aid is available to those who qualify. To apply for financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Winthrop University’s FAFSA code is 003456.

For more information about financial aid visit our financial aid page.

Winthrop’s online M.S.W. program is unique in providing you:

• Two program options designed for individuals at different levels of practice. Choose either the full 60-credit hour Traditional program or the 39-credit hour Advanced Standing program for those who have earned an undergraduate degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program.
• Focused study in a unique specialization in empowerment practice.
• The ongoing faculty assistance you need throughout the program.
• Dedicated placement assistance finding fieldwork for your internships.

No. Students will have access to our online learning system and coursework can be accessed online anytime, day or night. However, course-specific tasks, including readings, assignments and tests, must be completed by the due dates set by each professor.

Yes. It covers the same curriculum and is taught by many of the same instructors in a fully online format. Online students receive the same diploma as on-campus students. The diploma will not specify the modality of the program.