Students from a number of states are welcome to apply to Cleveland State University’s online MSW program. Please see our State Authorization page for more detailed information.

The MSW Advanced Standing program can be completed part-time in 1 year and 3 months to 1 year and 7 months (4 to 5 semesters) or full-time in 7 months to 1 year and 3 months (2 to 4 semesters). The Traditional Track can be completed part-time in 1 year and 7 months to 2 years (5 to 6 semesters) or full-time in 2 years and 7 months to 3 years and 3 months (8 to 10 semesters).

Cleveland State University intakes its online MSW students three times per year in the Spring, Summer and Fall.

The Advanced Standing MSW requires 30 credit hours of didactic coursework and 500 field practicum hours to graduate. The Traditional Track requires 60 credit hours of didactic coursework and 900 field practicum hours.

The didactic coursework is delivered asynchronously 100% online. You are also required to complete practicum hours of experiential learning in the field to practice what you learn in theory in the virtual classroom.

Whether you’re enrolled in the Traditional Track or Advanced Standing MSW, you can choose between clinical social work practice or advanced generalist practice.

Clinical social work focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illness and emotional and other behavioral disturbances. Advanced generalist social work has a range of applications within organizations, initiatives, agencies, advocacy groups, community organizations, health care and more.

Students within the clinical social work specialization may earn certificates in Chemical Dependency, Gerontology, or School Social Work. Those enrolled in the Advanced Generalist specialization are eligible to earn a certificate in Gerontology.

Yes. CSU’s social work faculty are highly productive educators and researchers who have published books and numerous articles. You will gain insight and inspiration from educators at the cutting edge of social research and emerging theories of practice.