The Best Online MSW Programs With No GRE Required in 2023
Written by Ann Feeney, SWG Rankings Team
Last Updated: June 2023
Many master’s in social work (MSW) programs no longer require GRE scores to apply. Some have found that GRE scores do not correlate to success in the program, while others have dropped GRE requirements to minimize the role of standardized testing altogether. Some schools make GRE scores optional for applicants.
Discover the top online MSW programs with no GRE requirements with this in-depth guide. Explore information on accreditation, financial aid, and coursework for these programs.
In This Article
What To Look For In An MSW Program With No GRE Required
The right MSW for you depends on your professional goals and background. Consider the following factors when researching MSW programs with no GRE requirements:
Accreditation
To earn a social work license, you must graduate from a program with Council on Social Work Education accreditation. Most accredited schools will not accept transfer credits from programs without accreditation. All programs in this list and on this site are accredited.
Cost
Cost is a major consideration in finding the right MSW program with no GRE requirements. Public schools often charge tuition at about half the cost of private schools. Some public schools offer in-state rates for all online students, allowing them to pay the same per-credit rates regardless of location.
Financial Aid
Grants, loans, work-study programs, and scholarships can bring expensive programs into students’ financial reach. Prioritize funding methods that do not require payment, like grants and scholarships, over loans.
Admission Requirements
Many MSW programs with no GRE requirements accept students with undergraduate degrees other than a bachelor of social work (BSW) but typically take longer than programs for BSW graduates. Other common requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA, some coursework or work experience related to social work, and references. Some programs waive GRE scores for students with GPAs above a certain point.
Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Best Master’s in Social Work Programs with No GRE Required
View our methodology to learn more about how we create school rankings.
1. University of Central Florida
The 1963-founded University of Central Florida offers online master of science in social work (MSW) programs with no GRE requirements and flexible part- or full-time tracks. Learners can enroll in the advanced standing track with a bachelor of science in social work (BSW) or the traditional track with a non-social work degree.
Enrollees study human behavior in the social environment, diverse client populations, theories for an evidence-based practice, and clinical practice with families. The internship provides 600-1,000 hours in social work education. Students can start in the fall, summer, or spring.
- Program: Master in social work
- Campus: Orlando, Florida
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $369 per credit for Florida residents; $1,194 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college; minimum 3.0 GPA; minimum C grade for prerequisites
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
2. University of South Florida
The 1956-established University of South Florida’s online master’s in social work degree accepts students with BSW and non-social work degrees. With a BSW degree, learners qualify for advanced standing and can graduate 3-5 semesters. The traditional online BSW degree takes eight semesters.
Enrollees complete 35-60 credits, depending on undergraduate experience. The required courses synthesize social work theories, practice, research, and field experiences. The program culminates with a capstone project. While the MSW degree does not require the GRE, applicants can submit scores for consideration.
- Program: Master of social work
- Campus: Tampa, Florida
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Council of Social Work Education
- Tuition: $347 per credit for Florida residents and out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college; three letters of recommendation; a 500-word statement; completed prerequisites; one-year of post-undergraduate social work experience is preferred
- Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
3. Tulane University of Louisiana
Tulane University of Louisiana, with a 100-year-history of educating social workers, offers online MSW programs with no GRE requirements that deliver a clinical and community-based education. Those with a low GPA may need to take the GRE.
Tulane’s School of Social Work lets learners earn a 60-credit online MSW degree in 16 months by studying full time or in 32 months as a part-time student. During the field-based education, enrollees complete 900 hours in their local area. Students can also earn certificates in disaster and collective trauma or mental health, addictions, and the family.
- Program: Master of social work
- Campus: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Council of Social Work Education
- Tuition: $1,276 per credit for Louisiana residents and out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school; minimum 3.0 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
4. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California’s fully online master of social work degree offers concentrations in adult mental health and wellness; children, youth, and families; and social change and innovation. USC also offers program tracks in military social work, school social work, and medical social work.
Grad students take courses online, aside from on-campus workshops. The program requires more than 1,000 hours of practicum experience that can be completed virtually and in person.
USC’s online MSW programs with no GRE criteria offer rolling admissions.
- Program: Master of social work
- Campus: Los Angeles, California
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $2,137 per credit for California residents and out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school; minimum 3.0 GPA; resume; statement of purpose; two letters of recommendation; official transcripts
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
5. Columbia University in the City of New York
The 1754-founded Columbia University, the oldest ivy league school in New York, features online MSW programs with no GRE requirements. The MSW degree comprises mostly synchronous online courses and field placements available throughout the country. Columbia maintains a network of 600 community agencies in the Tri State area and 300 nationwide.
Students can choose from four specializations, including advanced clinical practice; advanced generalist practice and programming; policy practice; and leadership, management, and entrepreneurship for social justice.
Columbia offers six pathways to the MSW degree, including a two-year track and advanced standing program.
- Program: Master of social work
- Campus: New York, New York
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $26,752 per semester for New York residents and out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college; official transcripts; resume; three letters of recommendation; three 500-word essays
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
6. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Students can find MSW programs with no GRE requirements at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s social work school, which welcomes applicants with or without an undergraduate social work education.
The school offers a 33-credit advanced standing format that starts in the summer and spring, or a 63-credit traditional track that begins in the fall. Both options offer in-person and online coursework.
Learners can study part or full time, choosing from day or evening classes. The program lets students focus studies on direct micro practice with Latino individuals, families, and groups or community practice and administration.
- Program: Master of science in social work
- Campus: Edinburg, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $724 per credit for Texas residents; $1,132 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or BSW degree for advanced standing; minimum 3.0 GPA; official transcripts; personal statement; three letters of recommendation; resume
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
7. Ohio State University-Main Campus
Ohio State University, with a tradition of educating social workers since 1875, offers a master’s in social work degree that features fully online synchronous and asynchronous courses with no face-to-face requirements. Students do not need to take the GRE, even if their undergraduate GPA is lower than the admissions requirements.
The MSW program offers concentrations in mental health and substance misuse, children and youth, aging and health, and community and social justice. The advanced standing and traditional programs start in the fall and summer. The MSW takes 2-4 years to complete and requires 920 field hours.
- Program: Master in social work
- Campus: Columbus, Ohio
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $12,232 per year
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or a BSW degree for the advanced standing program; minimum 3.0 GPA; completed social sciences prerequisites; official transcripts; three references with letters
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
8. California State University-San Bernardino
California State University, San Bernardino offers online MSW programs with no GRE requirements and optional full or part time formats.
The CSU School of Social Work features two tracks that let students choose to complete the 33 credits of generalist curriculum and 27 credits of advanced generalist courses over two or three years. Learners need to complete 1,080 hours of supervised field work. For the culminating experience, enrollees prepare a research project or thesis at their placement site.
- Program: Master of social work
- Campus: San Bernandino, Californnia
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $2,082 per semester for 0-6 units
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college; minimum 3.0 GPA; one year of paid social work experience; personal statement; three letters of recommendation; completed prerequisites
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
9. Boston University
Boston University’s part-time master in social work degree offers concentrations in a clinical practice or macro practice. Courses offer personalized learning with no more than 15 students per cohort.
BU’s MSW degree requires students to attend weekly live courses but incorporates self-study assignments. Enrollees choose from a three-year traditional track that requires 63 credits or a 65-credit human service experience track that takes two years to complete. Those with a BSW degree can enroll in the six-semester advanced standing track. Learners also complete 1,000-1,200 field internship hours.
- Program: Master of social work
- Campus: Boston, Massachusetts
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $956 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or BSW degree for the advanced standing program; two years of social work experience for the human or social service track; minimum 3.0 GPA; three reference letters; U.S. resident; 3-4 page personal statement; resume; official transcripts; phone or Skype interview
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
10. Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Louisiana State University and A&M College, which has educated graduate students since 1937, features self-paced online MSW programs with no GRE requirements. Learners can complete the program in 2-4 years, with individual courses lasting seven weeks. Full-time students take two courses each semester, while part-time students take one course per semester.
Learners complete 40-60 credits, including an optional thesis. During the internship, students can work 16-18 hours a week or 40-hours a week to complete 960 hours. LSU offers six start dates every year for the traditional degree and two for the advanced standing program.
- Program: Master of social work
- Campus: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $599 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college; completed prerequisites; earn a C grade or better in an introductory statistics course; letter of intent; resume; official transcripts; three letters of recommendation
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
What to Expect in a Master’s in Social Work Program with No GRE Required
During your program, you can expect to combine theory and practice in real-world situations. Fieldwork is a vital component that provides experience and a starting point for building a professional network.
Coursework
If you already have a BSW, your coursework will emphasize advanced theory and practice. Typical topics include assessment, social policy, and clinical work with patients. Learners without BSWs explore theories of social work, working with diverse clientele, and different approaches to social work.
Program Length
A standard MSW generally requires approximately 70 credits across the classroom and fieldwork. An accelerated program typically requires approximately 30 credits but varies among programs. An accelerated MSW usually takes about one year, while a standard MSW generally takes about two years.
Field Placement
The specifics of field placement vary by program. Many programs have two fieldwork sessions. The first provides an overview of social work in the field, while the second often allows you to choose a setting or population, such as a school, geriatric social work, or a hospital.
Prepare for Licensure
In most states, an MSW is the minimum requirement for social work licensure. Each jurisdiction has different regulations, so check the state(s) where you wish to practice as part of your career planning. Most areas have general social work licenses for new graduates and clinical social work licenses requiring professional experience. Both licenses require you to pass an Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam.
What Can You Do with an MSW Degree
Most social workers become licensed as master social workers or clinical social workers. As a varied field, professional roles cover many populations and settings.
Careers with a Master’s in Social Work Degree
Substance Misuse Counselor
Substance misuse counselors provide counseling for individuals with substance misuse problems. These professionals fill a vital role in many communities amid the ongoing opioid crisis.
Average Salary (May 2023):$43,360
Bereavement Coordinator
Bereavement coordinators provide social work efforts for people who have lost loved ones. They help families and friends find resources and may, if they hold a counseling license, provide counseling. Bereavement coordinators may work with hospice programs and hospice social workers, as well.
Average Salary (May 2023):$48,780
Hospice Social Worker
These professionals support people in hospice care. They collaborate with other staff to ensure that patients’ needs are met.
Average Salary (May 2023):$56,950
Social Worker
Social workers provide care and referral to resources across various settings. They may perform street outreach to people experiencing homelessness, work in schools, help formerly incarcerated people with re-entry into society, or create youth programs through social organizations.
Average Salary (May 2023):$51,610
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LCSWs are licensed to diagnose and treat certain mental health conditions through counseling. This license typically requires experience as a social worker as well as passing the ASWB advanced clinical examination.
Average Salary (May 2023):$62,600
Learn more about social work careers and the job outlook for social workers.
How Much Can You Make with a Masters Social Work Degree?
Social worker salaries vary based on geographic location, experience, specialty, and workplace. According to Payscale data from May 2023, the average salary for professionals with MSWs is $59,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2021, the lowest-paid 10% of social workers earned less than $36,520, while the highest-paid 10% earned more than $82,840. Positions with the highest salaries tend to concentrate in areas with higher cost-of-living figures.
While MSW salaries are lower than other professions that require a master’s degree, public opinion is largely in favor of paying more. In February 2023, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) reported that half of Americans surveyed support higher salaries for social workers, with only 13% disagreeing that social workers deserve higher salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions about Getting Your Masters in Social Work
Is the GRE required for a master of social work?
Many online MSW programs have no GRE requirements, make exam scores optional, or waive GRE scores for applicants who meet GPA minimums. Policies vary by program and are subject to change, so make sure to check your preferred program’s admission criteria.
Does an online master’s require a GRE?
Some online MSW programs require GRE scores, but there are also several online MSW programs with no GRE requirements. Many programs make the GRE optional, others waive it for applicants with a GPA over a certain level, and some do not consider exam scores for admission.
Are there other entrance exams for an online MSW program?
The GRE is the only standard examination for entering an online MSW program, and there are many online MSW programs with no GRE requirements. However, if you attended a school in a country where English is not a primary language, you may need to demonstrate your ability to communicate in English with a test like the TOEFL. Contact the program for specific requirements.
Why are some grad schools no longer requiring the GRE?
Many online MSW programs with no GRE requirements dropped the GRE as a social equity decision. Access to resources to succeed on the GRE, such as time, tutoring, or books, are unevenly distributed, so requiring the GRE often excludes applicants.
