M.S.W. Program options

The M.S.W. Program at VCU's School of Social Work is available in several formats so you can choose the best option for you.

Check out our explanations below to learn the differences between the online and on-campus, regular and advanced standing, and part-time and full-time options.

M.S.W. Program options comparison chart

Program attributes On campus, advanced standing, full time On campus, full time On campus, part time Online, advanced standing Online, full time Online, part time
42 60 60 42 60 60
1 year 2 years 3-4 years 1 year 16-24 months 3-4 years
12-15 15 6-9 12-15 15 6-9
In person In person In person Asynchronous1 Asynchronous1 Asynchronous1
Summer Fall Fall Fall, Summer Fall, Spring Fall, Spring, Summer
1 2 2 1 2 2
14-21 14-21 14-21 14-22 14-22 14-22
Both Both Both Both2 Both2 Clinical

1-Asynchronous classes are all online and completed on your own time. Each course has three live synchronous classes per course a semester.
2-The macro specialization is available online in the regular standing, full-time, 2-year (fall start) and 16-month (spring start) formats and the advanced standing, full-time, one-year format (summer start). The clinical specialization is available in the fall (16-month and 2-year options) and spring (16 months).
3-All field placements are in-person internships at an agency in the student’s community.
4-Social work administration, planning and policy practice, i.e., macro social work.


Online M.S.W. synchronous class days

In synchronous classes, students develop essential social work skills and professional competencies; and participate in activities that include live presence and interaction, collaborative teamwork, team projects, presentations, and experiential activities, such as role plays and videotaping of clinical simulations. View our meeting schedules. »

Accreditation

VCU’s B.S.W. and M.S.W. programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education – the accrediting body for all schools of social work at both the baccalaureate and master’s levels.

Financial aid

M.S.W. students can apply for support such as school scholarships, assistantships and stipends through the Child Welfare Stipend Program or Project PIRR — in addition to aid accessible through VCU's Student Financial Services.

Have questions?

Prospective students interested in an online M.S.W. program option can contact onlinemsw@vcu.edu. For on-campus M.S.W. questions, please reach out to sswinfo@vcu.edu.