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Online Master of Science in Social Work (MSW)
Your next great step begins today
Connect with an advisor to discuss career outcomes, curriculum, and get your questions answered.
Earn Your Online MSW to Help Create Meaningful Change in Your Community
Social workers play a critical role in addressing some of society's most pressing challenges and advocating for its most vulnerable populations. Whether they’re supporting families, influencing policy, or addressing systemic inequities, social workers have the power to make a lasting impact on countless lives.
Bradley University’s online Master of Science in Social Work (MSW) program offers the tools and knowledge needed to lead and drive change in this essential field.
With flexible online learning and a supportive community, you can prepare to make a difference—all while advancing your career.
Online MSW At a Glance
Paths of Entry:
Advanced Standing Track and Traditional Track
Total Credits:
30 for Advanced Standing Track and 60 for Traditional Track
Time to Completion:
As few as 1.7 years (Advanced Standing) to 3.3 years (Traditional)
Areas of Specialized Practice:
Child Welfare, Health and Clinical Practice, and Social Work Nonprofit Leadership
Calendar
Start Date
Fall: August 27, 2025
Application Deadline:
Fall: July 15, 2025
Why choose Bradley for your online Master of Science in Social Work?
Bradley University has been shaping leaders and innovators since 1897.
Continuously driven by our commitment to excellence in teaching, research and learning, we've designed our online MSW program with the goal of helping you make your world a better place—no matter where in the world you are.
Our innovative program sets itself apart with its flexibility to customize your learning experience, convenience of learning online while completing field practicums locally, and dedicated support from faculty and staff.
Relevant
Learn evidence-based practices you can use to solve real-world challenges you’ll be facing in your job
Industry Aligned
Prepare for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) exam and state licensure
Focused
Choose from three areas of specialization and build the skills to help you attain your career goals
Supportive
Benefit from small class sizes and dedicated support from enrollment through graduation and beyond
Flexible
Complete your coursework 100% online and your field placements locally
Convenient Application Process
Apply with no GRE/GMAT required and have access to an enrollment advisor to help you with any questions
Accreditation
Higher Learning
Higher Learning Commission
Two Paths for Earning Your Master of Science in Social Work
Bradley’s online MSW program is tailored to meet you where you are in your social work education and career.
We offer two entry points—a Traditional Track and an Advanced Standing Track. The one that’s best for you will depend on your background prior to entering the program.
Traditional MSW Track
Who It’s For: Career changers or those with a bachelor’s degree outside of social work
Total Credits: 60 (20 courses)
Completion Time: As few as 3.3 years (10 semesters)
Required Field Practicum Hours: 900
Advanced Standing MSW Track
Who It’s For: Students who hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree
Total Credits: 30 (10 courses)
Completion Time: As few as 1.7 years (5 semesters)
Required Field Practicum Hours: 900, with credit given for hours completed at the BSW level
Curriculum Overview
Bradley’s MSW curriculum combines practical skills, real-world applications, and a comprehensive understanding of diverse populations to prepare graduates for leadership roles.
You can choose from three areas of specialization to align your studies with your career goals.
- Child Welfare: Learn from a curriculum that incorporates DCFS-approved content, prepare for your Child Welfare Employee License, and help address the nationwide shortage of child welfare workers.
- Health and Clinical Practice: Prepare for clinical roles in a wide range of healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, private practices and community agencies.
- Social Work Nonprofit Leadership: Develop skills to lead non-profit organizations and advocate for social change.
The online MSW curriculum also includes field practicums, offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience outside the classroom and delve deeper into potential areas of specialization. These practicums can be taken locally, and Bradley’s staff will support you throughout the process of finding placements in your community.
What Are the Admission Requirements?
In addition, the following is required of all students applying to either track:
- An online application form
- Application fee Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Two letters of recommendation. The recommendation requests are sent electronically after completing the online application
- Resume Short admissions essays on two topics relevant to your work experience and career objectives
- Language Proficiency for non-US citizens
- Acknowledgment of having read the CSWE code of ethics
- No GRE or GMAT is required
For more than a century, Bradley University students and alumni have been boundary breakers and difference makers in their communities and around the world. Enhance your impact by earning an MSW.
take Your next step
What Are Potential Career Outcomes for MSW Graduates?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects there will be nearly 55,000 new jobs for social workers between added 2023 and 2033, so now is a great time to earn your master’s in this fast-growing field.
Your online MSW can prepare you to take on a variety of high-demand roles that make a real difference in people's lives. From clinical social work to community advocacy, your career path will be both rewarding and impactful.
MSW Career Opportunities:
- Licensed clinical social worker
- Medical social worker
- School social worker
- Home health social worker
- Child welfare specialist
- Executive director of a nonprofit
Settings Where Social Workers Typically Work:
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Nonprofit organizations
- Veterans' affairs offices
- Community agencies
- Child welfare services
