The Top Online MSW Programs with No GRE Requirements in 2023

Staff Writers Uncategorized

Written by Ann Feeney, SWDG.com Rankings Team
Last Updated: July 2023

A growing number of schools are dropping GRE requirements or using them only for students with a lower GPA. If you choose not to take the GRE, there are a wide variety of high-quality online master of social work (MSW) programs with no GRE requirements. Browse this list of the top programs today to start your future career in social work.

What You Can Expect from an Online MSW Program with No GRE Requirements

An online MSW program with no GRE requirement gives you the same diploma as an on-campus program or one that requires GRE scores. You also have the same curriculum and fieldwork requirements as any other program.

Some online MSW programs without GRE requirements are hybrid programs, with some on-campus work required. Others are entirely online. When schools refer to themselves as entirely online, this typically means that coursework may take place fully online, but fieldwork must still happen in person.

An MSW typically takes two years for a student with a bachelor's degree and one year for a student with a bachelor of social work (BSW). If you have a BSW, you may be eligible for advanced standing, which gives you the equivalent of one year of graduate work course credit from your BSW. Note that many schools have other requirements for advanced standing, such as a GPA requirement, and that a BSW alone will not necessarily make you eligible for program admission.

Featured Online Social Work Programs

The Best Social Work Degree Programs

These are the top online MSW programs with no GRE requirements. While the perfect school for you depends on a number of personal factors, such as location and curriculum, this list is based on objective factors, such as tuition and academic reputation.

  • Accreditation: All listed schools are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Accreditation is vital to earning your license, which is why all the schools on this site are accredited.
  • Fieldwork Experience: Different schools have different approaches. Some provide extensive help in finding placement, while others require students to find placement on their own. Make sure the school's approach works for you.
  • Tuition and Education Costs: Attending an online program reduces some costs, but tuition, fees, and books can still be expensive. Check your financial aid options, from the school and from other sources.

We use a data-driven methodology to determine the best social work degree programs based on three influential factors, including affordability, academics, and reputation.

1. University of Arkansas at Little Rock

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock's online master of social work (MSW) with no GRE requirement is only available to residents of Arkansas. In addition, all field internships must be completed in person with an Arkansas organization. The program provides every student with field placement in their own community. Internships take 1,200 hours.

This degree requires 60 credits and students can complete the program in three years. The curriculum focuses on clinical social work practice. Students take five synchronous courses per semester.

Applicants should have a 3.0 or higher GPA from a liberal arts program; narrative statement; three references; official transcripts; description of relevant volunteer, paid, or life experience; and a completed application.

  • Program(s): MSW
  • Campus: Little Rock, Arkansas
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education; Higher Learning Commission
  • Tuition: $383 per credit

2. Indiana University

The 60-credit MSW with no GRE requirement at Indiana University focuses on special practice areas in social work. The curriculum is evenly divided between 30 credits of core courses and 30 credits of special practice area topics.

Many elective courses cover effective teledelivery of social work. Other electives include working with military members and extended coursework on additions. The program is entirely online, and students from all 50 states may apply.

There is no specific GPA requirement. Applicants must submit transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a writing sample and statement (five pages or fewer, with double-spaced text), and a resume.

  • Program(s): MSW
  • Campus: Bloomington, Indiana
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education; Higher Learning Commission
  • Tuition: $606 per credit (resident), $716 per credit (non-resident)

3. Campbellsville University

Campbellsville University's MSW with no GRE requirement is rooted in the university's Christian background. The school describes its program offering as a "curriculum rooted in ethical and Christian ideals, along with trauma-informed practice." Students can also take a series of courses related to faith and social work practice.

Courses take eight weeks and students can complete the program in two years. Depending on the specialty, the program requires 60-63 credits and 900 fieldwork hours. Students are responsible for finding their own clinical placement sites.

Applicants do not need a specific GPA, but those with a GPA below 3.0 must include a personal statement with their application. All applicants must submit transcripts, three references, and an official application.

  • Program(s): MSW
  • Campus: Campbellsville, Kentucky
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Tuition: $603 per credit

4. University of New England

The University of New England's MSW with no GRE requirement was the first entirely online, asynchronous program of its kind. With a BSW, students may be eligible for the advanced standing track, which requires 30 units and can be completed in 16 months.

Learners can choose from traditional, block placement, and simulation and onsite models (SOS) for fieldwork. Both traditional and advanced standing students complete three fieldwork sessions.

Enrollees can specialize in trauma-informed practice, school social work, medical social work, or advanced clinical practice. While the program is aligned to Maine's requirements, students can attend from any state.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited school, an application, goal statement, resume/CV, two references, and transcripts.

  • Program(s): MSW
  • Campus: Biddeford, Maine
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation(s): New England Commission of Higher Education, Council on Social Work Education
  • Tuition: $1,050 per credit

5. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

The MSW with no GRE requirement at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is available for traditional students (63 credits) or advanced standing students with a BSW (33 credits). Learners can specialize in direct practice with Latino individuals, families, and groups or in administration and community practice. Both programs emphasize work with Latino clients.

For field placement, students must meet with a faculty advisor, attend the Field Fair and discuss placement with at least three representatives of organizations offering placement, and complete interviews with potential supervisors.

Applicants to the traditional program need a bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, personal statement, resume, three references, and at least one college-level statistics class. For advanced standing, applicants need a BSW and at least a 3.2 GPA in social work courses.

  • Program(s): MSW
  • Campus: Edinburg, Texas
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Tuition: $463 per credit (resident), $871 per credit (non-resident)

6. New Mexico State University-Main Campus

The New Mexico State University-Main Campus MSW with no GRE requirement emphasizes offering culturally-appropriate services in the U.S. Southwest as part of its advanced generalist curriculum. With a BSW, enrollees may be eligible for the one-year advanced standing program if they have a 3.5 or higher GPA. For traditional full-time students, the program takes two years and 60 credits.

Students can also choose a joint MSW/master of public health (MPH) option. For online learners only, residents and non-residents pay the same tuition rate.

Admission does not require a specific GPA, but rather considers academic potential, values, commitment to social work, and personal characteristics, as well as their potential to deliver effective social work services. Applicants must submit transcripts, two references, a personal statement, a case study, and a completed application.

  • Program(s): MSW
  • Campus: Las Cruces, New Mexico
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education; Higher Learning Commission
  • Tuition: $444 per credit

7. Texas A&M University-Commerce

At Texas A&M University-Commerce, students can enroll in a generalist MSW with no GRE required that meets Texas social work licensing requirements. With a BSW, learners may be eligible for advanced standing, which allows them to earn their MSW with 33 credit hours in one year, while traditional students require 57 hours and two years for full-time students.

All students must complete a comprehensive exam at the end of their program. Foundation courses include 260 hours of fieldwork, and advanced classes include another 500-640 hours.

Applicants should include a professional narrative statement, resume, three references, and official transcripts. Admission is based on likelihood of succeeding in the program and being an effective practitioner of social work.

  • Program(s): MSW
  • Campus: Commerce, Texas
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Tuition: $408 per credit (resident), $816 per credit (non-resident)

8. Rutgers University-Camden

At Rutgers University-Camden, the MSW with no GRE requirement offers asynchronous courses to accommodate working students. The program follows a cohort model, intended to help learners develop their future professional network. With a BSW, students may qualify for advanced standing, allowing them to finish the program in 39 credits and one year. Otherwise, full-time enrollees take two years and part-time students take three years to earn 60 credits.

Fieldwork starts in the first semester, except for part-time students. Rutgers works to develop field placement partners across the country.

To apply, students need a bachelor's degree and a 3.0 GPA. Rutgers prefers candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to helping and to social justice. Required materials include official transcripts, a personal statement, a resume, and three references.

  • Program(s): MSW
  • Campus: Camden, New Jersey
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education; Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Tuition: $760 per credit (resident), $1,292 per credit (non-resident)

9. University of North Dakota

At the University of North Dakota, the MSW with no GRE necessary requires 60 credits for traditional students or 1-2 years for advanced standing students. The online program is designed around the needs of working individuals.

While the program is for advanced generalists, the university offers many resources for social work with children and students. Learners who commit to serving children in approved agencies in North Dakota are eligible for special financial aid options.

Applicants should submit a personal statement, have a 3.0 or higher bachelor's degree GPA, previous coursework in statistics, and at least 30 hours of credits in the liberal arts. For the concentration program, enrollees must have a BSW as well as the above.

  • Program(s): MSW
  • Campus: Grand Forks, North Dakota
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education; Higher Learning Commission
  • Tuition: $676 per credit (resident or non-resident, online only)

10. Brescia University

Brescia University offers an advanced standing and a traditional advanced generalist MSW with no GRE required. Students with a BSW and GPA of 3.2 are eligible for advanced standing and can complete the program in one year (30 credits), while traditional students take two years (60 credits). Courses are synchronous. The first year includes 400 hours of fieldwork, and the second year includes 500 hours. Students are responsible for finding their own placements. The program culminates with a capstone project.

Advanced standing students need a BSW and a 3.2 GPA, while traditional students must have a bachelor's degree and a 3.0 GPA. Students should have completed an introduction to social work course with at least a C before enrolling, but they may be eligible for conditional admission without the course.

  • Program(s): MSW
  • Campus: Owensboro, Kentucky
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Tuition: $665 per credit

How to Pay for a Social Work Degree Program

For an in-state public school, tuition typically ranges from $5,000-$15,000 per year, while for a private school or non-resident tuition, the costs are usually $10,000-$25,000 per year. Some schools cost even more. Most schools also charge fees, technology access costs, and other charges. You will also need to buy or rent textbooks and budget for any needed travel to placement sites.

Fortunately, there are many sources of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and loans from your school, government sources, and foundations and other nonprofits. Social workers, especially licensed clinical social workers, may be eligible for loan forgiveness programs for working in an area with a shortage of mental health care providers.

Careers and Salaries with a Social Work Degree

According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the median annual salary for a social worker with a master's degree is $48,000, as of 2017. Most social workers become licensed master social workers (LMSW) or LCSWs. Licensing requirements vary by state, but typically an LCSW has a graduate degree plus a certain number of hours of supervised work experience and a passing grade on the Association of School Work Boards (ASWB) clinical examination. Payscale reports that LCSWs earn a median $63,800 annually, while all licensed social workers earn a median of $54,000.

Though most MSWs become licensed social workers, other professionals with an MSW may teach social work or consult.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Social Work Degrees

Are online MSW programs respected?

An online MSW covers the same curriculum and gives you the same diploma as an on-campus program. The level of respect that an online MSW with no GRE or with a GRE requirement receives depends much more on the school than on the format.

Do MSW programs require the GRE?

A growing number of on-campus and online MSW programs have no GRE requirement. These schools may regard the GRE as a barrier to participation or as not being effective in measuring the potential to succeed in a social work program or as a social worker.

Is an online MSW worth it?

Whether an online MSW is worth it to you depends on your career and financial goals. Social work is generally not the most financially rewarding among the careers that require a master's degree, but most social workers enter the field for reasons other than money.

How much does an online MSW cost?

Online MSW costs depend on whether the school is public or private, whether you are eligible for in-state tuition, and what other fees the school charges. In general, if you can attend a public school and get in-state pricing, your tuition will be between $5,000 and $15,000 per year. At a private school or the more expensive public schools, you may pay $10,000 to $20,000 or more.