ONLINE MSW DEGREE
Master of Social Work. Become an LCSW.
Earn an MSW through our online program with expert industry mentorship, flexible online format, and hands-on field experience.
Finish in 1 or 2 Years
100% Online Courses
No Application Fee
CSWE-Accredited
NO APPLICATION FEE
Next Term Start: Jan 2027
Apply by 01/11 to join the cohort
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Apply by December 20, 2026, to secure your spot in our next cohort!
Applying early gives you time to plan ahead, complete any clearances you may need, and find scholarships and grants.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Turn your dedication for people into a profession
SUMMARY
Online Master of Social Work
Grounded in social work’s core values and an unwavering commitment to advocate for under served populations, our fully accredited program is designed to prepare clinically focused, competent scholar-practitioners for economic justice and professional social work practice.
By integrating rigorous theory, scientific inquiry, and hands-on field education, the curriculum equips students with the essential knowledge, skills, and values needed to advance meaningful change. Students will learn to support individuals, families, and communities while addressing systemic inequities in diverse practice settings. The program prepares graduates to challenge systemic inequities, champion human rights, dismantle oppressive structures, and drive meaningful, sustainable change for individuals, families, and communities. Students successfully completing the program’s degree requirements can apply for licensure through the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).
1-2 Years
Finish in as little as 1-2 years depending on chosen track.
Trimester Terms
8-week trimester term system with multiple start dates.
Guaranteed Admission
Applicants meeting admission criteria will be accepted into our program.
Online Modality
Access and complete online coursework around your busy life.
CSWE Accredited
Accredited by the CSWE and designed to meet national social work standards.
Licensure Support
Prepare for your ASWB licensure and LCSW eligibility.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Graduate practice-ready and confident in your professional identity
Apply Theory to Clinical Practice
Learn theory and research-informed practice methodologies. Then apply them to diverse real-world settings.
Demonstrate Professionalism and Advocacy
Practice professional social work ethics and standards while promoting client advocacy.
Operate Across Multiple Levels
Learn at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels by working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Build Cultural Awareness
Develop the skills to work effectively and respectfully across diverse communities and experiences.
Human Rights and Justice
Examine and apply principles of justice to human rights, social, racial, economic, and environmental domains.
Navigate Social Policy
Receive industry guidance to understand and interpret the impact of policy on social work practice and client systems.
CURRICULUM
Choose your pathway to LCSW licensure
TRACK 1
Traditional MSW
Built to equip you with the essential clinical skills, policy knowledge, and advocacy tools needed to drive community change and prepare you for licensed practice.
Any Bachelors degree
Finish in 2 Years
60 credits
20 classes, 15 week terms
900 clinical hours
Traditional MSW Curriculum
Learn theory and gain a strong foundation in fundamentals.
Term 1 (9 units)
- SWK60010 – Science of Social Work
- SWK60020 – Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- SWK60030 – Public Welfare Policy
Term 2 (9 units)
- SWK60050 – Foundation of Social Work Practice I
- SWK60070 – Seminar and Practicum I
- SWK60200 – Social Work Intervention with Substance-Related Disorders & Addiction
Term 3 (9 units)
- SWK60040 – Social Justice and Inclusive Social Work Practice
- SWK60055 – Foundation of Social Work Practice II
- SWK60060 – Foundation of Social Work Research
Term 1,2, or 3 – Choose one elective (3 units)
- SWK60300 – Forensic Social Work
- SWK60400 – Management and Organizational Development for Social Workers
- SWK60500 – Social Work in Health Care
- SWK60600 – Social Work and Aging
Apply your knowledge to a major field education internship with a focus on advanced clinical coursework.
Term 1 (9 units)
- SWK70010 – Assessment and Diagnosis of Mental Health Conditions
- SWK70050 – Advanced Social Work Practice III
- SWK70200 – Crisis and Trauma in Social Work
Term 2 (9 units)
- SWK70030 – Advanced Social Policy and Social Justice
- SWK70055 – Advanced Social Work Practice IV
- SWK70070 – Seminar and Practicum II
Term 3 (9 units)
- SWK70060 – Advanced Social Work Research
- SWK70075 – Seminar and Practicum III
- SWK70080 – Integrative Seminar
Term 1,2, or 3 – Choose one elective (3 units)
- SWK60300 – Forensic Social Work
- SWK60400 – Management and Organizational Development for Social Workers
- SWK60500 – Social Work in Health Care
- SWK60600 – Social Work and Aging
TRACK 2
Advanced Standing MSW
Specifically designed for students who have already laid a foundation in social work and are ready to transition directly into advanced clinical coursework.
Bachelors in Social Work
Finish in 1 Year
30 credits
10 classes, 15 week terms
600 clinical hours
Advanced Standing MSW Curriculum
Concentrated learning that dives directly into advanced clinical coursework.
Term 1 (9 units)
- SWK70010 – Assessment and Diagnosis of Mental Health Conditions
- SWK70050 – Advanced Social Work Practice III
- SWK70200 – Crisis and Trauma in Social Work
Term 2 (9 units)
- SWK70030 – Advanced Social Policy and Social Justice
- SWK70055 – Advanced Social Work Practice IV
- SWK70070 – Seminar and Practicum II
Term 3 (9 units)
- SWK70060 – Advanced Social Work Research
- SWK70075 – Seminar and Practicum III
- SWK70080 – Integrative Seminar
Term 1,2, or 3 – Choose one elective (3 units)
- SWK60300 – Forensic Social Work
- SWK60400 – Management and Organizational Development for Social Workers
- SWK60500 – Social Work in Health Care
- SWK60600 – Social Work and Aging
PRACTICUM
Gain experience in field placements
We understand how vital the right placement is to your professional journey, and you are never navigating the process alone. Our faculty work closely with you to prepare for interviews, refine your goals, and secure a site that aligns with your passions. Whether you apply from our network of established community partners or propose a site of your own that meets your unique career objectives, we are here to support your goals. You’ll be guided by expert field instructors on-site while receiving continued support from experienced faculty.
Get connected with practicum opportunities from established partner organizations across the country.
We empower you to choose a practicum setting that aligns with your passions and career goals.
Receive help preparing for onboarding, documentation, and professional standards.
Example Practicum Settings
Child welfare services
Community mental health centers
Emergency housing shelters
Hospice and palliative social worker
Re-entry court programs
Residential treatment programs
Homeless outreach centers
Psychiatric hospitals
Senior services
Correctional facilities
School-based settings
Hospice care
Substance abuse treatment centers
Macro social work settings
Foster care adoption services
Megan Hampton
Assistant Professor and Program Director
FACULTY
Meet our program director
Led by Dr. Megan Hampton, the MSW program faculty are experienced clinicians, scholars, and industry leaders actively engaged in social work practice. Faculty integrate real-world clinical experience, current evidence-based practices, and contemporary case applications into every course while remaining deeply committed to supporting students throughout their academic journey and professional careers long after graduation.
HOW TO APPLY
Start your MSW program at Alliant University
All applicants must meet the general requirements and complete the application process:
- Program Application: Complete and submit the graduate application along with required university admissions documents.
- Official Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
- GPA Requirement: Meet the minimum cumulative GPA requirement of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for graduate study*.
In addition, applications must meet their track-specific prerequisites:
Traditional MSW
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Advanced Standing MSW
- Hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program, conferred within the last seven years.
*Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement are encouraged to apply and will be evaluated holistically. Candidates with a GPA below 3.0 will be required to complete an admissions interview.
Applying to our MSW program is a straightforward, step-by-step process:
- Connect with an Admissions Counselor: Submit an initial inquiry form to speak with a counselor who can guide you through the process.
- Register & Apply: Create your account and complete our online application form — our application is free.
- Meet Eligibility Requirements: Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and meet the minimum cumulative GPA requirements for graduate study.
- Submit Documentation: Provide all required supporting materials, including official transcripts from your previous postsecondary institutions.
- Receive Admission Determination: Review your formal admissions decision and take your next steps toward enrollment with the support of your counselor.
Applicants who meet all published admissions criteria are eligible for automatic admission into the program. This policy reflects our ongoing commitment to making higher education accessible, removing unnecessary barriers, and providing a direct path for dedicated professionals to enter the field.
Where Real Lives Meet Real Jobs
At Alliant University, you’re trained for the moments that matter — the ones that demand competence, composure, and heart. Our programs are built for busy adults who want credentials that lead to readiness on day one.
Education that lights the way for our future
100-Year Legacy
Join an inclusive, professional community that empowers you to make a difference.
Personalized Mentorship
Accelerate your growth with individual attention in a small class setting as you form strong relationships with accomplished faculty.
Accredited
Alliant University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and many of our programs hold program-specific accreditation.
Global Alumni Network
Our network of alumni is transforming the world, one industry, one community, one family, and one individual at a time.
OUR ACCREDITATIONS
Recognized by the Industries We Serve
WASC
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
CSWE
Council on Social Work Education
“One of the greatest things taught to me throughout my journey at Alliant was not from a textbook or even from a lecture from the professors. It was the ability to understand by experience. This gift taught throughout my experience allows me to understand how impactful I can be both within my professional life and within my community.”
Jessie R, Graduate Student (MSW)
Classes Now Enrolling
Reach out for more information on our post graduate programs. Speak with an advisor to learn about the application and enrollment process.