Top 9 Online Christian MSW Programs Under $70K | Ultimate Guide

Graduates of online Christian MSW programs are all set to become licensed for their professional career. In general, social workers are the best people. They are compassionate, fantastic listeners. Not to mention, they know how to  effectively serve the people that everyone else seems to forget about. We know it’s one of the hardest jobs out there, but certainly also one of the most important and rewarding!

Maybe you’ve reached the point where you think it might be time to take your education to the next level and learn about the best Christian social work masters programs. It might feel daunting to go back to school in any case. However, there are some wonderful and flexible accredited MSW programs online that will help you earn your MSW and licensure in no time.

And to help take some stress off your shoulders, we’ll share everything you need to know and even share our top ten picks for the best and most affordable online MSW programs.

Ready to dive in?

Article Navigation: Christian Social Work Programs Online | Concentrations—MSW Online Degree Programs | The Top 9 Online MSW Programs from Christian Schools Under $70,000 | CSWE Accreditation | Licensing Requirements—LCSW Credential | Is an Online MSW Worth It? | Find Your Masters Online with GetEducated

Christian Social Work Programs Online

Can you be a Christian social worker?

Absolutely! In fact, principles of Social Work and Christianity are very intertwined. In Mark 12:30-31 Jesus said that the greatest two commandments were to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself. Christians in the Social Work profession take this call seriously. They devote their lives to loving, serving, and advocating for their neighbors.

Christian MSW programs integrate these Christian values into their courses. For these programs and professionals, helping the underserved and troubled in our communities isn’t just a matter of “being a good person.” It is a crucial part of walking in the ways of Christ. With this intention, Christian MSW students are motivated by a deep love for God, His people, and bringing His hope to the suffering.

How do Master in Social Work Online Programs differ from traditional on-campus programs?

Online Christian MSW programs are all made up of at least two components: traditional coursework and practical, in-person experience. This in-person experience can go by different names, i.e. Fieldwork, Practice, Internship, etc. But all terms mean the same thing—supervised experience in a social work position within the student’s local community.

You’ll want to have a good understanding of the program’s internship requirements and support before enrolling. Some programs provide specific internships in your local area, some programs have faculty members that will help you find an internship, and some programs require you to find an internship independently.

Occasionally, some programs will have additional components. For example, we feature a program that requires a capstone final project and one that has an in-person seminar requirement. Other programs might require extensive exams, labs, or special research projects.

These days, many Christian MSW programs online are completely asynchronous. They allow students to complete coursework at their own pace. For students who prefer some face-to-face time, we also feature a program that is entirely synchronous and requires students to watch live lectures with their cohort.

Concentrations—MSW Online Degree Programs

What is the best online MSW program?

Like any degree, the best MSW programs online are the ones that meet your needs. The key is to find the program that’s the best for YOU. While there are many aspects when sorting through online Christian MSW programs, there are four core factors to think about:

1. Academic history: If you have a bachelor’s in Social Work, you’ll want to choose a program with an advanced standing option. If you have a bachelor’s in any other discipline, you will need a school with a traditional, full program.
2. Specialization preferences: While many MSW degrees are general in nature, there are some with specific concentration/specialization options. If you know you’d like to specialize in something, this will help narrow down your options.
3. Format preferences: Do you want live face-to-face time with classmates and professors? Or do you prefer to work completely independently?
4. Internship preferences: Because internship hours are such a huge component of all accredited MSW programs online, we recommend researching more into the options, support, and number of hours required for each program to make sure those factors align with your preferences.

What are the different Christian MSW concentration and specialization options?

Most Christian social work programs will train students to be Advanced Generalists. This means that the program will prepare students to work with both individuals and organizations.

Some programs do offer specializations that focus more on one of those two areas. A Clinical or Direct Practice concentration will emphasize working with individuals within a clinical setting. In contrast, a Community Development, Management/Administration and Policy type of concentration will emphasize working within societal systems.

The Top 9 Online MSW Programs from Christian Schools Under $70,000

To help jump-start your search, we found the top 9 online MSW programs that are also under $70,000.  They are all accredited and are some of the best online MSW programs around:

1. Indiana Wesleyan University

   Degree(s): Master of Social Work; Master of Social Work / Advanced Standing
   Tuition (Regular Standing In-State & Out-of-State): $33,540
   Tuition (Advanced Standing In-State & Out-of-State): $16,770

   Indiana Wesleyan’s program philosophy centers on God’s call for Christians to love and serve the hurting and broken and a belief that there is hope and human flourishing available through God. They offer a fully online program as well as a hybrid option for locals who want some face-to-face time.

   At the present time, IWU offers three different tracks. Students who did not earn a bachelor’s from an accredited social work program can choose between a 24 or 33 month course schedule that requires 60 credit hours. Students who do have a bachelor’s in social work from an accredited program can earn their master’s in 16 months in the 30. Credit advanced standing program. All of these options require students to have internship hours at an organization in their community. As a big bonus, IWU also offers free licensure preparation.

   All prospective students must submit transcripts, have a GPA of 2.7 or above, and provide two letters of  recommendation. In addition to their Bachelor’s in Social Work, students applying for advanced standing  must also complete a personal statement.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Social Work
   Master of Social Work / Advanced Standing

    

2. Grand Canyon University

   Degree(s): Master of Social Work; MSW Advanced Standing
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $35,650

   Grand Canyon prepares their students to be agents of change on local, national, and global levels. Through theory, advocacy training, hands-on experience, and more, students are taught how to work with diverse populations and to effectively help those who find themselves in crisis situations.

   This is a 62 credit program that includes five different field experiences and a final capstone research project. Some core courses include: “Human Behavior in the Social Environment,” “Social Work Advocacy,” and “Methods of Research in Social Work.” Students who have already earned a bachelor’s in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program may apply for Advanced Standing in their 33 credit program.

   Also, GCU has a very straightforward admissions process. They simply require prospectives to fill out a registration from and submit undergraduate transcripts with a GPA of 3.0 or above.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Social Work
   MSW Advanced Standing

    

3. King University

   Degree(s): MSW
   Tuition (Regular Standing In-State & Out-of-State): $36,600
   Tuition (Advanced Standing In-State & Out-of-State): $20,130

   King University also offers a fully online MSW program dedicated to training professionals in service, leadership, and justice within their distinctively Christian context. Notably, this program’s founding coordinator, Dr. Clifford Rosenbohm, serves in the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and on the Social Work Professional Accreditation Council in the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

   The foundational program—for students without a bachelor’s in Social Work—is a 60 credit program that  takes two years to complete. Core courses include: “History and Philosophy of Social Work,” “Psychopathology and Assessment,” and “Motivational Interviewing.” There are several field work requirements alongside the coursework. King University also offers an advanced standing, 12-month program for students who do have their bachelor’s degree in Social Work.

   For admission to either program, prospective students must submit:

   – Transcripts
   – An application
   – Two letters of recommendation
   – A resume
   – A statement of purpose

   All prospectives must also undergo an interview with a Social Work faculty member.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Social Work

    

4. Saint Leo University

   Degree(s): Master of Social Work / Advanced Clinical Practice (2-Year); Master of Social Work / Advanced Clinical Practice (3-Year); MSW /Advanced Standing
   Tuition (Regular Standing In-State & Out-of-State): $37,200
   Tuition (Advanced Standing In-State & Out-of-State): $19,200

   Saint Leo University combines the convenience of distance learning with the personal nature of classroom learning. They conduct live classes that take place in the evenings via webcam. Students also get additional face-to-face time with a one-time on-campus seminar in the summer.

   Depending on educational background and availability, students can enroll in a traditional or advanced standing cohort as well as a full-time or part time cohort. The part time, traditional cohort is 62 credits and takes three years to complete. The full-time, advanced-standing cohort is 32 credits and only takes one year to complete. All tracks must be completed in a set sequence and all tracks require field work hours.

   To be considered for admission, students must submit transcripts with a GPA of 3.0 or above in a related  discipline. Also, three letters of recommendation, a resume, a three to five page goal statement, and a cohort verification form.

   Find Out More:
   MSW /Advanced Standing
   Master of Social Work / Advanced Clinical Practice (2-Year)
   Master of Social Work / Advanced Clinical Practice (3-Year)

    

5. Campbellsville University

   Degree(s): Master of Social Work; Master of Social Work / Advanced Standing
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $37,989

   Campbellsville prepares the future leaders of the Social Work profession through a “person-in-environment framework and global perspective.” They emphasize the dignity of the individual and teach students to become effective practitioners in any kind of environment. Graduates serve the needs of the marginalized, and become Christ-centered, life-long learners.

   Overall this is a 60-63 credit program that requires 900 hours of in-person fieldwork and takes around two years to complete. CU breaks their coursework into six different areas of focus:

   – Foundation Courses
   – Advanced Standing Generalist Courses
   – Clinical Area of Focus
   – Substance Use Disorder Area of Focus
   – Faith Based Area of Focus
   – Clinical/Substance Use Disorder Area of Focus

   Advanced standing students do not have to take the courses in the Foundations area of focus. Applicants to this program should be prepared to submit: an application form, a Baccalaureate GPA of 3.0  or above, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. Prospective students with an undergraduate  degree in Social Work may also apply for advanced standing.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Social Work
   Master of Social Work / Advanced Standing

    

6. Sacred Heart University

   Degree(s): Master of Social Work; Master of Social Work / Advanced Standing; MSW / Direct Clinical Practice; MSW / Direct Community Practice
   Tuition (Regular Standing In-State & Out-of-State): $50,400
   Tuition (Advanced Standing In-State & Out-of-State): $25,200

   Sacred Heart University offers a wide-variety of program options to fit any student needs. There are full time, part-time, and advanced standing tracks that allow students to finish in one to three years. Unique to this school, Sacred Heart also offers dual degree options for incoming undergrad students. This allows them to concurrently earn their bachelor’s and master’s in Social Work within five to six years.

   While many MSW programs are for generalists, SHU offers two different specializations. The Direct Clinical Practice specialization prepares students to work with individuals and families on a more micro level. The Direct Community Practice specialization focuses more on larger systems within governments and communities and how to be an effective leader within those systems. Both specializations are either 60 or 30 credit programs depending on the student’s standing.

   SHU requires official transcripts, a resume, two letters of recommendation, a 3.0 GPA, an admissions essay, and an interview with faculty. They do not have rolling start dates—the program begins once a year in the fall.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Social Work
   Master of Social Work / Advanced Standing
   MSW / Direct Clinical Practice
   MSW / Direct Community Practice

    

7. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

   Degree(s): Master of Social Work / Traditional Track; Master of Social Work / Advanced Standing
   Tuition (Regular Standing In-State & Out-of-State): $53,700
   Tuition (Advanced Standing In-State & Out-of-State): $26,850

   Saint Mary’s prepares students for hands-on clinical practice and specializes in teaching them how to work directly with clients. The school abides by the five Lasallian Values: Committed, Confident, Com passionate, Competent, and Christian. They aim to care for the needs of the individual students as well as teaching the students how to care for the individual needs of others.

   This is a 100% online program that is 60 credits for the traditional program and 30 credits for the advanced standing program. Both programs include courses like: “Psychopathology,” “Ethical Social Work Practice,” and “Clinical Practice with Trauma.” Both programs also require a research-based capstone project and 1000 fieldwork hours.

   Their admissions process can be completed online or in-person with an admissions counselor. Students must submit: transcripts with a 2.75 or above GPA, a brief statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and a resume.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Social Work / Traditional Track
   Master of Social Work / Advanced Standing

    

8. Temple University

   Degree(s): Master of Social Work / Macro Practice; Master of Social Work / Clinical Practice
   Tuition (Regular Standing In-State & Out-of-State): $62,340
   Tuition (Advanced Standing In-State & Out-of-State): $35,845

   The online MSW program at Temple University is a part-time program that blends virtual face-to-face time with the flexibility of asynchronous elements. Most classes are live-streamed and allow for class participation while assignments and discussion boards can be completed on the student’s own time.

   Temple University offers a 60 credit regular standing program or a 34.5 credit advanced standing program. Students in both programs can choose one of two concentrations:

   – Clinical Practice with Individuals and Families or
   – Macro Practice in Organizations, Communities, and Policy arenas

   TU also offers a three to four year dual degree program. Through this, students can earn both their MSW and a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) at the same time. All online students are required to come to one on-campus residency during their studies.

   For admission to the regular standing program, you must submit: transcripts with a 3.0 or above, a resume, goal statement, and three letters of recommendation. Advanced standing students must have earned a GPA of 3.25 or above in their BSW degree.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Social Work / Macro Practice
   Master of Social Work / Clinical Practice

    

9. Catholic University of America

   Degree(s): Master of Social Work / Advanced Standing; Master of Social Work / Clinical
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $64,800

   Last, but certainly not least, on our list of the best online Christian MSW programs is the Catholic University of America. They offer a fully online MSW degree with part-time, full-time, and regular standing and advanced standing options. Their program is anchored in the Christ-centered principles of “mercy, charity, justice, and peace.”

   The regular standing program is a 60 credit program that will take students two to five years to complete. The program includes 30 credits of foundational knowledge, 30 credits of advanced knowledge, and two internships. Students can choose between two concentrations:

   – A Clinical concentration that prepares students to run their own practice, or
   – A Community, Administration, and Policy Practice concentration that prepares students to be agents of change within societal systems.

   For admission, the minimum requirements are simply an application and official transcripts. However, the Catholic University of America also recommends submitting a resume, letter of recommendation, and a personal statement for greater consideration for their MSW program.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Social Work / Advanced Standing
   Master of Social Work / Clinical

    

CSWE Accreditation – Online Chrisitan MSW Programs

When searching for reputable online Christian MSW programs, you’ll want to look for two kinds of accreditation. First, you’ll want to make sure the school is regionally accredited, of course. But you’ll also want to make sure the MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

The CSWE accredits schools through a rigorous process to ensure that the school will educate students in a way that consistently meets the high standards necessary for excellent social work practice. They currently accredit 543 bachelor’s programs and 323 master’s programs.

Finding accredited online schools for masters in social work is a huge deal and, as we’ll talk about in the next section, is actually a requirement for licensure.

Licensing Requirements—LCSW Credential

To become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), you’ll need to fulfill the requirements for the state in which you want to practice.

All states will require a degree from a CSWE accredited program. They also have an exam requirement and a field experience requirement. After securing licensure, social workers must then follow their state’s requirements for the continual upkeep of their license. Let’s look at the requirements for Texas and California just to get a feel for what this looks like:

Texas Social Work Licensure Requirements:

• MSW from an CSWE accredited program
• Criminal background check
• Jurisprudence exam
• 3,000 hours of field experience (with 100 hours of supervision)
• Renewal every two years

California Social Work Licensure Requirements

• MSW
• Law and ethics exam
• Additional coursework
• 3,200 hours of supervised experience
• Renewal every two years

Like these two, each state will have similar but slightly different requirements. Therefore, it’s important to make sure your chosen school’s program will meet the licensure requirements of the state in which you wish to practice.

Is an Online MSW Worth It?

If you want to grow your career in the Social Work field, we think MSW online degree programs are totally worth it.

First, you can’t actually become a licensed social worker without an MSW. While you can technically work in the field of Social Work without being licensed, you will discover many more open doors after securing your MSW and your licensure. Graduates will be able to land higher ranking jobs in schools, hospitals, and government programs. Licensed social workers are also able to open their own practices and do work similar to a licensed therapist.

Beyond just credentials, let’s also look at the numbers. On average, a social worker with a BSW will earn around $64,029. A licensed social worker with an MSW will earn an average of $78,493. This is a difference of about $14,500 per year. The average advanced standing MSW program that prepares a student for licensure costs around $25,700. That means it will take less than two years for your education to pay for itself.

Because of the salary increase, the official credentials, and the increased opportunities, we think an affordable online MSW program is totally worth it for the ambitious social work professional.

Find Online Christian MSW Programs with GetEducated

Alright, you incredible human. You are now fully equipped to start a deep dive into some of these Christian social work masters programs and to narrow down the best MSW programs for you. Whether your passion is for the individual or to advocate for entire communities at the organizational level, we need your specific brand of Christian compassion and are cheering you on as you earn your degree.

To all the future LCSW’s out there—go get ‘em!

If you want to learn more about this and other online degrees, check out GetEducated to read all about the amazing online options that are available for you!