Change Lives Starting with Your Own in Social Work
Make a difference in the world. The UCF Online Master of Social Work (MSW) program addresses national and global health, as well as mental health challenges that impact individuals, families, groups and communities. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), gain a deeper understanding of how we are all interconnected and how the challenges that affect one segment of our society or world may affect others. You will learn ways to promote positive change for future generations — helping you to succeed in the rewarding field of social work.
A Unique Online Social Work Program Designed for Today’s World
Students in the online MSW program get a hands-on look at social work theory, practice and clinical skills required to address the many challenges in our communities and develop solutions for a better quality of life. Field education internships offer first-hand learning experiences with clients and patients, giving students an opportunity to engage and collaborate with other social work professionals.
Learn from faculty who bring a multitude of backgrounds and experiences to the classroom. They’ll share the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in the industry, including their own research that covers areas such as mental health, trauma, health, disabilities, trauma, domestic violence, military veterans and families, virtual reality, addictions, infant mental health, child welfare, foster care, community work, among others.
The UCF MSW Online program is a CSWE accredited program with two tracks:
Traditional Track
The traditional track is designed specifically for students who do not have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or who completed their BSW more than six years ago. This track completes 62-credit hours within a 3-year cohort model for stronger peer support.
Advanced Standing Track
The advanced standing track is designed for students who have earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program within the last six years with a GPA of 3.3 in their last 60 credit hours. The track admits only one time a year in the fall semester. This track completes 32-credit hours over four semesters in a cohort model.

Highlights




Course Requirements
If you already have a BSW earned within six years of your intended start date, you’ll need to complete 32 credit hours to earn your MSW degree. If social work is new to you and you’ll be pursuing the traditional track, you’ll need to complete 62 credit hours beyond your bachelor’s degree.
Number of Core Classes
Based on your qualifications, you can choose from two different tracks. The traditional track is composed of core courses, clinical specialization courses, electives and field experience. The advanced standing track requires clinical specialization courses, electives and field experience. Core class details per track include:
Traditional Track – 21 credit hours of required courses, 18 credit hours of clinical specialization courses and 9 credit hours of elective courses.
Advanced Standing Track – 18 credit hours of required courses along with 6 credit hours of elective courses.
Field experience – required for both tracks and consists of 14 credit hours. Students in traditional track are required to complete a total of 1000 field hours and students in the advanced track are required to complete 600 field hours.
Courses You’ll Take Include
Military Culture and Social Work Practice
Provides a detailed overview of the practice of social work with these military connected clients, families, and communities.
Clinical Practice with Individuals
Identify and explore behavioral, crisis and psychosocial theories applied to individuals with emotional, social and psychological problems.
Clinical Practice with Families
Family-focused models of intervention applied to families in transition and to problems such as divorce, single parenting, and blended families.
Skills You’ll Gain
- Apply your professional knowledge with a variety individuals, families, groups and communities
- Engage in ethical practice grounded in respect
- Promote the optimal well-being of individuals and communities in need/li>
- Champion policies and services that foster positive transformation
*Please note that due to social work state licensure requirements, UCF is unable to offer the social work online program to students from Nebraska.
Career Opportunities
Social work is among the fastest growing occupations in America, with a projected 12 percent average employment growth from 2020 to 2030. Today’s rapidly changing world requires well-trained clinical social workers. Widespread events including the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, changes in the economy and community and global violence are some of the unique circumstances people face today. A Master’s of Social Work degree can help prepare you for job positions like:
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Child, Family and School Social Workers
- Healthcare Social Workers

Why UCF Online?
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, UCF Online offers students an innovative approach to education. Our degrees are approachable, convenient, and designed with working professionals in mind so you can receive a quality education on your terms.
Ready to Get Started?
Request to connect with a coach today and we’ll send you additional information about the program as well as a link for our next webinar!

Online Support for Success
You’ve made the decision to continue your education and we’re here to help. From the moment you express interest in a UCF Online program, you’re assigned an enrollment coach to help you navigate everything from completing an application to understanding tuition and the financial aid resources available to you. Once you’re admitted, you’ll be transitioned to a personal success coach who will support you with maintaining school-life balance from the first day of classes through graduation. You’ve committed to furthering your education and we’re committed to guiding you along the way.