Online Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
Our mission is to train competent and ethical social work professionals who: embody integrity, value all people, serve their communities, and pursue social justice.
Walla Walla University's Online Master of Social Work program provides a rigorous and comprehensive education, preparing you for advanced social work practice and meeting today’s competencies. Our curriculum is identical to our esteemed face-to-face MSW program, but with a new delivery format for working professionals who need flexibility while ensuring you receive the same high-quality education and professional preparation
The BSW and MSW programs are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Learn about our online Doctor of Social Work program. >
What is the difference between Advanced Standing and Regular Standing?
- Advanced Standing: Must hold a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE accredited program with a graduation date within the past 5 years. A cumulative GPA of 3.25+ is also required for the online MSW. 4 quarters long.
- Regular Standing: Open to all majors with an accredited bachelor’s degree by the time your MSW program begins. The Regular Standing MSW program option is designed for students who do not have a baccalaureate degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program, or who do not meet the other admission requirements for the Advanced Standing program. GPA of 3.0+ is required for admission to the online MSW.
Program Highlights
- Flexible Online Format: Designed for working professionals, our online program offers the convenience of learning from anywhere.
- Synchronous sessions are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings when required, allowing you to balance your studies with your personal and professional life.
- Curriculum: Experience the same comprehensive curriculum as our on-campus MSW program, emphasizing ethical practice, social justice, and evidence-based interventions.
- Experienced Faculty: Learn from experienced faculty who are dedicated to your success. Our instructors bring real-world experience and expertise to the online classroom.
- Strong Field Placement Opportunities: Gain valuable practical experience through supervised field placements in your local community, tailored to meet your professional goals.
- Values-Driven Education: Integrate faith and service into your social work practice, reflecting Walla Walla University's commitment to ethical and compassionate care.
*Must hold Bachelor of Social Work degree from an accredited program with a graduation date within the past 5 years and GPA of 3.0+.
Preferential Deadline
May 1
All admission documents must be in to guarantee a slot (if eligible).March 31
WSAC Behavioral Health Conditional Scholarship application deadline. Must be admitted or have file completed by this date and submit the scholarship application.
Final Application Deadline
August 30
Master of Social Work scholarship opportunities at Walla Walla University
Our M.S.W. scholarship page details funding opportunities like the Ballmer and School Social Work scholarships. Explore how to make your Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) education more affordable!
Credits and Format
Format
Fully online MSW with any live class sessions held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings via Microsoft Teams.
Credits and Length
- Regular standing track
- 79 credits
- 300 field hours in generalist setting
- 600 practicum hours in advanced clinical setting.
- 2 years minimum
- 79 credits
- Advanced standing track (for BSW graduates from an accredited school with a 3.25+ GPA)
- 49 credits
- 600 supervised practicum hours in advanced clinical setting
- 1 year minimum
MSW Curriculum Plan
Our MSW curriculum is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary for advanced social work practice. Key areas of study include:
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- Social Welfare Policy and Services
- Research Methods in Social Work
- Advanced Clinical Practice
- Social Work with Diverse Populations
- Ethical and Legal Issues in Social Work
View the MSW Program Guide for a detailed course listing.
Download a pdf version of our curriculum plan. View course descriptions in the Walla Walla University Graduate Bulletin
Field Education
Field education is a crucial component of our MSW program. You will complete supervised field placements in community agencies, gaining valuable hands-on experience and applying your classroom learning to real-world situations. Our field placement coordinators work closely with you to identify placements that align with your career goals. We work with a wide range of organizations, including:
- Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
- Community Mental Health Centers
- Schools and Educational Settings
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Government Agencies
Admissions
To apply for the Online Master of Social Work program, you must meet the following requirements:
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- We will need official transcripts showing degree conferred, but we may use an unofficial copy for provisional acceptance review.
- A minimum GPA of 3.25
- Completed application form
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Essay
- MSW Social Problem Analysis
- Background Check
Learn more about the admissions process and apply today.
Career Outcomes
An MSW from Walla Walla University prepares you for a variety of rewarding careers in social work, including:
- Clinical Social Worker
- Mental Health Counselor
- Therapist
- Child Welfare Specialist
- Medical Social Worker
- School Social Worker
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Community Organizer
- Policy Analyst
- Higher Education
Our graduates are highly sought after by employers across the Pacific Northwest region and beyond.
Tuition
Loan repayment as low as $375 per month if using financial aid.*
- Tuition is $695 per credit hour
- Scholarships, Grants, Financial aid, Stafford Loans and ‘pay-as-you-go’ plans are available.
- Master of Social Work Child Welfare Training Grant (available only at Billings, MT extension program)
- Learn more about finances for graduate students >
| Advanced Standing | Regular Standing | Ballmer Scholarship Recipient | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $695 per credit | $695 per credit | $695 per credit |
| General Fees | $363 per year | $363 per year | $363 per year |
| Books | $1500 per year | $1500 per year | $1500 per year |
| Miscellaneous | $300 per year | $300 per year | $300 per year |
| Scholarships/Grants | Up to $3,600 per year | Up to $3,600 per year | Up to $25,750 per year |
| Estimated Total | $32,618 | $53,468 | $5,631 - $10,168 |
FAQ
- What are the synchronous session times? Synchronous online sessions are held, live using a webcam and Microsoft TEAMS on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
- Can I complete my field placement in my local community? Yes, we work with you to identify field placement opportunities in your local area.
- Is the online MSW program accredited? Yes, the program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and NWCCU.
- Can I switch between online and face-to-face each quarter? You are allowed to switch between the formats. However, we encourage you to pick the option that is best for you to begin, and should something come up you may petition to switch formats.
Next Steps
Ready to Make a Difference? Take the next step in your social work career with Walla Walla University's Online MSW program, a leader in licensed clinical social workers in the Pacific Northwest (PNW).