Virginia – Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.
Your journey to social work licensure in Virginia begins with a properly accredited degree. This guide and ranking explores some of the best online social work programs in Virginia and the features they share. Compare options and identify schools to target as you seek the program that best aligns with your goals.
Popular Online BSW 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 Virginia
- George Mason University
- Areas of Practice: Adults and Healthy Aging; Children, Youth, and Families
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Accelerated
- Norfolk State University
- Areas of Practice: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Advanced Standing
- Radford University
- Areas of Practice: Mental Health, School Social Work, Social Work with Military Populations
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Areas of Practice: Clinical Social Work; Social Work Administration, Planning, and Policy Practice
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, multiple cohorts per year
Accreditation for Online Social Work Programs in Virginia
To obtain a social work license in Virginia, you must hold a degree accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The level of degree you’ll need depends on which type of social work license you’re seeking, but all paths share CSWE accreditation as a common requirement.
The CSWE’s evaluation process ensures that all graduates of accredited programs have comparable skills, knowledge, cultural sensitivities, and professional competencies. Like institutional accreditation, you should consider CSWE accreditation a mandatory feature of any social work school you’re considering.
Benefits of Studying Social Work Online in Virginia
You can access some of the best social work programs in Virginia through online learning formats. Some of the benefits of online learning include:
- Potential Cost Savings: Some schools offer tuition breaks to students in fully online programs. You’ll also avoid relocation, transportation, and parking costs.
- Flexibility: Online learning offers significantly more scheduling flexibility than campus-based programs. This can make it easier to balance school with other important things in your life.
- Access to More Programs: As an online student, you can attend schools in areas beyond your immediate location. This affords you more choice and control over your learning experience.
Accredited schools deliver online courses and programs in various ways. Learn about these formats at the program research stage so you can choose those that best match your preferences and needs.
Course Formats in Online Social Work Degrees
Some of the terms you’ll see used to describe various online formats and program delivery models include:
- 100% Online: This program format means all coursework can be completed without coming to campus. All peer and faculty interactions take place digitally using tools like email, teleconferencing platforms, and message boards. You can take advantage of campus libraries and other student resources, but you’ll need to access them remotely.
- Hybrid: Hybrid or blended programs combine online courses with in-person learning in various proportions. If you choose a hybrid program, research campus-based requirements carefully. You could incur significant costs meeting them, especially if you do not live within easy commuting distance of your school.
- Asynchronous: Asynchronous online classes include pre-recorded lectures and learning modules that you can engage with on your own schedule. Asynchronous classes do not meet on particular days or at set times. Instead, you “attend” virtually whenever it is most convenient for you.
- Synchronous: Synchronous online classes meet at set times on specific days of the week, just like regular on-campus courses. Most involve live lectures and interactive discussions, giving you the chance to engage with your peers and instructors in a more traditional way.
The best social work programs in Virginia include experiential learning components, such as internships, practicums, and field training. No matter which delivery format you choose, you must complete experiential elements in person — even if your program is otherwise 100% online.
Virginia Social Worker Career and Salary Information
Social workers in Virginia earn salaries that align with national averages. Virginia does not rank among the five top-paying states in any of the social work specializations tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), but it generally offers average to above-average pay. This lines up with Virginia’s cost of living, which ranks right around the middle among the 50 states.
You can help improve your salary potential by pursuing advanced forms of Virginia social work licensure. Experience, location, and specialization can also impact your earnings.
Encouragingly, labor market experts project very strong social work job growth in Virginia from 2022-32. All four social work specializations tracked by the BLS and Projections Central appear poised to see growth rates that significantly outpace average levels.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Projected Job Growth (2022-32) |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $61,680 | +8.5% |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $62,200 | +11.9% |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $63,500 | +13.0% |
| Social Workers, All Other | $78,630 | +8.2% |
