Best Online MSW Programs in Florida
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All of the online MSW programs in Florida that we list on our are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which is the national association representing social work education. Each of these MSW programs maintain rigorous academic standards, preparing students for licensure in the state.
Key Takeaways:
- Saint Leo University Online has the highest online enrollment. With 4,500 graduate students studying remotely, it's the most popular choice on our list.
- Florida State University has the highest graduation rate, ranking in the top 4% nationally with 85% of students earning their degrees.
Our rankings prioritize total online graduate enrollment, complemented by descriptions that highlight program quality and student success. We analyze data from trusted sources like the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard. For full details on how we evaluate schools, check out our methodology.
How We Rank "Best" Schools
The OnlineU research team identifies colleges with a primary campus in the featured state that offer an online master's degree in msw and have publicly available data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). We rank qualifying schools by online enrollment, which helps highlight colleges with larger distance-learning communities. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.
jmcomic漫画 enrollment data comes from NCES and reflects the most current available figures. We also highlight median earnings for msw graduates, as available , and note whether a school is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). , and note whether a school is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Best Online MSW Programs in Florida
| Rank | School | CSWE Accredited | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Leo University Online | 4,500 | 61% | $19,840 | $56,826 | Yes |
| Florida State University | 3,907 | 95% | $19,594 | $59,258 | Yes |
| University of Central Florida | 3,666 | 94% | $10,073 | $56,344 | Yes |
| The University of West Florida | 3,344 | 75% | $8,100 | $55,864 | Yes |
| University of South Florida Online | 3,214 | 93% | $23,172 | $58,130 | Yes |
| Barry University | 931 | 93% | $28,350 | $58,756 | Yes |
Online degree:
Why we like them: SLU is recognized for its substantial online enrollment at the graduate level, ranking in the top 4% of institutions nationally for its popularity. The MSW program online at SLU is tailored toward those pursuing advanced clinical social work practice, focusing on social and economic justice across diverse populations. The curriculum comprises 62 credit hours and can be completed in 1 to 3 years. Students participate in weekly online classes and a summer on-campus seminar. Internship opportunities are available in significant sectors, enhancing practical experience in the field.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Saint Leo University Online are sharply divided, but the overall pattern leans positive because many reviewers gave high ratings for flexibility, attentive advisors, and coursework that fit demanding work and family schedules. Supportive professors, user-friendly portals, and practical assignments were frequently praised, especially by military-affiliated and working adult reviewers. Negative reviews center on financial aid and billing problems, including unexplained charges, refund delays, collections issues, and poor communication. Some also describe unresponsive instructors, confusing course materials, overpriced proprietary textbooks, limited transferability, and frustration that the workload is intense year-round with few breaks, making the experience stressful despite its convenience.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 4,500 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $12,813
- Out-of-State Tuition: $19,840
- CSWE Accredited: Yes
- Median Earnings: $56,826
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree:
Why we like them: FSU boasts a significant online graduate enrollment, ranking in the top 5% nationally. The MSW program offers an entirely online format for those holding a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution. With a total of 39 credit hours, it includes a mandatory field placement that equips students with practical experience. The curriculum focuses on clinical practice, enabling graduates to qualify for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in two years, with flexible scheduling options available from any U.S. location.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Florida State University are strongly positive, driven by high ratings and near-universal recommendation. Students consistently praise caring professors, abundant clubs, research, internships, study abroad, and a campus culture that feels both spirited and surprisingly community-oriented for a large university. Many say the experience built confidence, leadership, friendships, and career readiness, with several citing quick job placement, strong alumni ties, and practical networking value. Less favorable feedback centers on inconsistent advising, administrative friction, large or impersonal classes, uneven course availability, and costs such as out-of-state tuition. A few also mention Tallahassee traffic, limited city offerings, or disconnected offices.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 3,907 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $9,028
- Out-of-State Tuition: $19,594
- CSWE Accredited: Yes
- Median Earnings: $59,258
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 96%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree:
Why we like them: UCF ranks third in total online graduate enrollment, placing it among the top 5%. Its MSW program offers two pathways: a 62-credit traditional track for students without a recent BSW and a 32-credit advanced standing track for those with a CSWE-accredited BSW. The curriculum combines academic coursework with locally arranged field placements, helping students meet the required hours for state licensure. UCF’s fully online program emphasizes serving diverse populations, promoting social justice, and preparing graduates for impactful careers in social work.
1 Student Review for Master's in MSW Degrees
University of Central Florida is a Great institution, the Health and Public affairs staff and Professor are so helpful. They want you to succeed and it shows by how much they help and make sure that you are on the right path. The students have lot of... Read More
Student Review Summary: Reviews of the University of Central Florida are broadly positive, with most students praising helpful professors, a diverse and welcoming campus, abundant clubs and events, and strong access to internships, research, career services, and practical learning. Many say the university rewards initiative: those who network, attend office hours, and get involved see better career outcomes and stronger support. Students also value flexible online and evening options, modern facilities, and a campus that feels like a small city. Recurring frustrations include very large classes, difficult parking, inconsistent advising, slow or confusing financial aid, overcrowded scheduling, and some programs feeling under-supported or less career-focused.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 3,666 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $10,073
- Out-of-State Tuition: $10,073
- CSWE Accredited: Yes
- Median Earnings: $56,344
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree:
Why we like them: UWF ranks among the top 7% of universities for online graduate enrollment, with 3,344 students across its programs. We believe this shows its dedication to accessible education. UWF's online MSW degree offers advanced standing for BSW graduates and a traditional track for others. Both tracks include specialized medical and behavioral healthcare courses and are complemented by field internships for practical experience. CSWE-accredited, the program meets Florida's licensure requirements for clinical social workers, with a curriculum covering topics like human diversity and social justice.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of The University of West Florida are broadly positive, driven by high ratings and frequent recommendations. Students repeatedly praise small classes, approachable professors, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels more personal than a typical public university. Many also value flexible online formats, affordable tuition, and manageable access for working adults. The campus is often described as beautiful, quiet, and close to beaches and trails. Critical reviews focus on inconsistent advising, weak communication, limited scholarships or funding, outdated or overly self-directed online instruction, and some departments seen as disorganized, unresponsive, or excessively demanding. Several also mention limited course variety, parking issues, and aging facilities.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 3,344 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $8,100
- Out-of-State Tuition: $8,100
- CSWE Accredited: Yes
- Median Earnings: $55,864
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree:
Why we like them: Ranked fifth, USF Online has a total online enrollment of 3,214 graduate students, placing it in the top 7% of schools for online participation. The school emphasizes a solid online community and maintains a retention rate of 90%. This highlights USF’s capability in guiding students towards their educational goals. Offering two pathways to earn an online MSW, it has an Advanced Standing track for BSW holders and a Traditional track for those without prior social work education. We also want to mention its 93% recommendation rate, showing it's student-approved.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of University of South Florida Online are broadly positive, driven by strong ratings and frequent praise for knowledgeable, caring professors, flexible online formats, and career-oriented learning. Many reviewers highlight responsive faculty, recorded lectures, practical assignments, and online tools that made it easier to balance work and school while still feeling connected. Students also value research access, networking, internships, and preparation for licensure, graduate study, or employment. Recurring frustrations center on inconsistent advising, uneven professor quality, disorganized administration, limited funding or scholarships, and programs that can feel impersonal, overly self-directed, or insufficiently supportive when communication breaks down.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 3,214 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $14,512
- Out-of-State Tuition: $23,172
- CSWE Accredited: Yes
- Median Earnings: $58,130
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 77%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree:
Why we like them: Barry is another popular choice for online students, with graduate-level online enrollment over 900 students. The Master of Social Work online offers traditional and advanced-standing options, each with a flexible curriculum. The traditional part-time track has 63 credits, while the advanced standing track comprises 32 credits. The program emphasizes trauma-informed resiliency and includes weekly live virtual sessions, practical training hours, and real-time synchronous experiences that foster interaction with faculty and peers.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Barry University are largely favorable, driven by strong ratings and frequent recommendations, though experiences vary sharply by department. Students repeatedly praise small class sizes, approachable professors, personalized advising, and a supportive atmosphere that helps them build confidence, improve study habits, and secure postgraduation opportunities. Many say the academic experience is rigorous, practical, and career-focused, with networking, research, and flexible scheduling standing out. The most common drawbacks are high tuition, inconsistent administration, outdated or limited facilities and technology, and uneven faculty quality. Negative reviews describe serious disorganization, poor communication, dismissive staff behavior, and inadequate support in a few programs.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 931 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $28,350
- Out-of-State Tuition: $28,350
- CSWE Accredited: Yes
- Median Earnings: $58,756
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 38%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Overview of Online MSWs in Florida
Social workers in Florida have many opportunities to make a meaningful impact in their communities. They can provide policy and program support in office or agency settings or deliver direct services to individuals and families in need. With an MSW degree, graduates can pursue careers in various fields, including healthcare, mental health services, education, community work, and nonprofit organizations. The specific type of MSW degree students choose will shape their career paths.
Florida offers two licensing options for aspiring social workers. Professionals licensed in another state can apply for a social work license endorsement to practice in Florida. Regardless of the licensing route, understanding the renewal process and meeting continuing education requirements is essential. Social work in Florida is regulated by the Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling.
A master鈥檚 degree is required for those seeking licensure as an LMSW or LCSW.
There are also two social work certifications that master鈥檚 degree recipients may pursue in Florida: Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
While bachelor鈥檚 degree recipients in social work can obtain a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) license, a master鈥檚 degree is required for those seeking licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker () or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (). Upon earning their graduate degree, students must pass the respective licensure exam from the Association of Social Work Boards () and with Florida鈥檚 Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling. Lastly, individuals seeking certification beyond the LBSW level are required to complete a set number of practicum hours and over 1,500 hours of supervised work in social work.
In this guide to online MSW programs in Florida, we provide essential information to help you make your decision as to whether or not an online MSW meets your professional ambitions.
How Do I Prepare for an MSW Program in Florida?
Succeeding in an MSW program begins with thoroughly researching which college or university hosts the online master鈥檚 program that best aligns with your professional goals in terms of your career in social work, program tuition, the length of time to degree completion, and which program provides you with the best personal and professional life balance that fits your individual needs.
Here are some basic steps to help you prepare for an MSW program in Florida:
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Earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree in social work or a related field.
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Apply to the programs you would attend if admitted.
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Spend time reviewing your undergraduate social work coursework.
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Once admitted, find out about any orientation programs.
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Complete the FAFSA and any other financial aid and scholarship applications.
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Commit to getting the very most out of the experience.
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Be sure and connect with peers and professors even though courses are online.
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Never miss a lecture, quiz, exam, assignment, or anything else.
Admission Requirements
Each institution is unique in terms of its admissions requirements. However, most of Florida鈥檚 online MSW programs require that applicants have earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in social work, or a related field, and an undergraduate GPA between 2.5 and 3.0. Admissions tests, such as the GRE, are usually only required in cases where a student鈥檚 GPA falls below the minimum requirements.
Additionally, it鈥檚 important to mention that financial aid and scholarship opportunities exist at the master鈥檚 level.
Social Work Licensure in Florida
A student in their last term of an online master鈥檚 degree program may begin their desired licensure exam application with the ASWB, as mentioned above. Upon earning a master鈥檚 degree in social work, completing the required hours of experience and successfully passing a licensure exam, a student may begin the through the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling.
Before sitting for the exam, Florida master鈥檚 of social work graduates looking to become an LCSWs must complete a separate Laws & Rules Course and HIV/AIDS Course. In addition, within six months of certification, an applicant must complete a two-hour domestic violence course from a board-approved provider.
Social Work License Reciprocity in Florida
To transfer a social work license from another state, licensees can apply for a license by endorsement. Applicants must verify their current license and provide the supplemental documentation requirements for either the CMSW or LCSW license, including their certification exam scores and transcripts.
When applying for the LCSW license, applicants also need to complete required courses on Laws and Rules, HIV/AIDS and an approved two-hour domestic violence course. However, the domestic violence course may be completed within six months of certification.
Resources
The resource links below can provide prospective master鈥檚 students with expert insights and information on different professional organizations as well as additional information from the :
National Association of Social Workers ()
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) -
Council on Social Work Education ()
Conclusion: Your Path to an Online MSW in Florida
Florida's online MSW programs offer exceptional opportunities for students seeking flexible, CSWE-accredited pathways to advance their social work careers. These programs prepare graduates to address critical societal challenges in diverse fields such as healthcare, mental health, education, and nonprofit work. With options ranging from traditional tracks to advanced standing for BSW holders, students can tailor their education to their career goals.
Institutions like Saint Leo University and Florida State University lead in popularity and graduation rates, emphasizing strong student outcomes and practical training through fieldwork and clinical practice. These programs also support licensure preparation, with many meeting Florida's LCSW requirements, including specialized courses in laws, ethics, and public health issues.
By selecting the right MSW program and understanding licensure pathways, students can position themselves for meaningful careers that drive positive change. Whether affordability, accessibility, or program quality is your priority, Florida's online MSW programs provide robust options to match your ambitions. Explore your options today to take the next step toward your social work career.
Still searching? Explore our full list of the most affordable online MSW programs, ranked by tuition costs.