Tennessee – Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.
Social workers in Tennessee are in high demand. Earning an online master of social work (MSW) in Tennessee provides a convenient pathway to becoming a licensed social worker in the state.
Learn about the state’s top accredited online MSW programs, the benefits of online learning, and Pennsylvania’s career and salary opportunities in this guide.
Popular Online MSW Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Programs in Tennessee
- Austin Peay State University
- Areas of Practice: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
- East Tennessee State University
- Areas of Practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
- King University
- Areas of Practice: Clinical Advocacy
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
- Southern Adventist University
- Areas of Practice: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends Only
- University of Memphis
- Areas of Practice: Advanced Practice
- Enrollment Options: Advanced Standing
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville
- Areas of Practice: Clinical Practice, Organizational Leadership
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Accreditation for Online Social Work Programs in Tennessee
Accreditation is a review process conducted by independent agencies recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Accredited schools and programs meet standards for academic quality.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the national accreditation agency for social work programs. CSWE-accredited programs meet core competencies to qualify for state licensure and enter professional practice. The Tennessee Board of Social Workers requires you to earn a CSWE-accredited degree to practice as a licensed social worker in the state.
Benefits of Studying Social Work Online in Tennessee
Enrolling in an online social work program has become a popular alternative to a traditional on-campus program. Online programs feature flexible learning formats, convenient schedules, and multiple start dates, making them particularly appealing to students balancing work or family responsibilities.
Earning an online MSW in Tennessee may save you money. Some schools offer lower tuition for online programs. You may also save on other expenses, such as transportation, housing, and other living costs. When choosing an online program that best fits your needs, make sure to consider in-person residency requirements and delivery formats.
Course Formats in Online Social Work Degrees
Online programs deliver course content in different formats. Understanding these formats can help you choose a program that fits your schedule and learning style.
- 100% Online: A fully online program enables you to access all classes and assignments when convenient. While a 100% online program may not include any class meetings on campus, keep in mind that all MSW degrees require in-person field experiences.
- Hybrid: In a hybrid program, you will take some online classes and some coursework that requires in-person meetings on campus, typically scheduled on weekends or evenings. Hybrid formats offer the convenience of online learning with opportunities for personalized faculty guidance and peer interaction.
- Asynchronous: Asynchronous formats offer the greatest flexibility, enabling you to complete coursework whenever convenient with no required meeting times. They work best for self-motivated and independent learners and students who need more time to process information.
- Synchronous: Synchronous course formats require you to log in to classes at regularly scheduled times. This format offers a more structured learning environment that allows you to engage with faculty, immediate feedback from faculty, and interact with other students in real-time
Regardless of the course delivery format, all online MSW programs in Tennessee require in-person participation to fulfill internships and supervised fieldwork placements. Many online MSW programs help distance learners arrange these supervised field experiences close to home.
Tennessee Social Worker Career and Salary Information
The U.S. Department of Labor projects significant growth for social work jobs in Tennessee, ranging from 17% to over 22% through 2023. These figures are much higher than the 7% projected growth rate for all social workers in the U.S.
Social work salaries depend on several factors such as type of degree and license,specialization, and work experience. In Tennessee, average social worker salaries range from $46,000 to $57,000 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The top earners in the state, healthcare social workers, make an average yearly salary of $57,810. Although Tennessee’s social worker salaries fall below the national average of $62,880, the state offers expanding career opportunities and an affordable cost of living.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Projected Job Growth (2022-32) |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $52,070 | 17% |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $57,810 | 22.3% |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $46,050 | 20.4% |
| Social Workers, All Other | $55,880 | 18.5% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Social Work
Does Tennessee require social workers to be licensed?
Yes, social workers need a license in Tennessee. The state offers four license types: licensed baccalaureate social worker, licensed master social worker, licensed advanced practice social worker, and licensed clinical social worker.
How much do social workers make in Tennessee?
On average, Tennessee social worker salaries range from $46,050-$57,810. Healthcare social workers earn the highest average salaries in the state, while mental health and substance use social workers earn salaries in the lower range.
Are Tennessee’s online MSW programs respected?
Accredited online MSW programs in Tennessee are respected and recognized by the state’s licensing board and employers. Distance learners take the same courses and gain the same field experience as students who attend in-person programs.
Are social workers in demand in Tennessee?
Tennessee currently maintains some of the highest job growth projections for social workers nationwide, ranging from 17%-22.3% between 2022-2032. Healthcare social workers are in highest demand, followed by mental health and substance use social workers.
