FSU gives students a robust learning experience in an online learning environment. The format of online classes varies based on the professor. Some courses are going to require discussion boards, others are writing intensive, while some professors provide recorded lectures.

The program is asynchronous, however, Traditional MSW students are required to complete two Weekend Workshops in Tallahassee for an intensive skill building experience.

There is also an advanced level course that requires meeting via zoom on one Saturday during the semester of this upper-level course.

Yes, click here to learn more about FSU's Information Technology Services.

If you are having trouble with the Canvas Learning Management System, you may find this article helpful.

Please email help@campus.fsu.edu after hours or if you are having a technical issue that is not related to Canvas.

The FSU portal is where you can access registration, financial awards and your personal information.

Canvas contains information about orientation, registration and your classes. Additionally, Canvas is where professors post all of their content/lessons for students.

Finally, FSU email, accessed through Outlook, is your school email. Important academic emails come through here from the university and staff. All three allow students to study remotely and stay informed.

The total cost of the program varies by program and your state of residency.

The Traditional MSW program is 61 credit hours. The Advanced Standing MSW program is 39 credit hours.

• In-state (Florida): $444 per credit hour
• Out-of-state: $625 per credit hour

Costs are subject to change. Additional course fees may apply.

We’ve created an interactive tool to help you determine if our program meets licensing requirements.

Follow these steps:

• Click here to get started
• Program: Clinical/Medical Social Work Major: Social Work – MSW (Clin/Adv) or (Clin Trd) based on your bachelor’s degree
• Then, choose your state from the available options

Remember that licensure requirements can change, so it’s essential to check your state’s licensing agency periodically.

There are two tracks based on which bachelor degree you have:

• Advanced Standing MSW: For students who hold a Bachelor of Social Work (MSW)
• Traditional MSW: For students with a bachelor's degree in any other field

If you are unsure with program you qualify for, complete the form and an advisor will help you find the right program.

No, the GRE is not required at this time. It has been waived through the 2026 admission cycle.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA minimum GPA. 

For more visit the Advanced Standing page if you have a BSW and the Master of Social Work page if you have a bachelor’s degree in another area.

Field placement gives online students the opportunity to step out into the real world and gain valuable experience that will benefit them in the future. FSU provides field work coordinators for certain regions of Florida and holds many contracts within the state.

For out of state students, you will work with a field work coordinator as a team, as you are going to be more familiar with agencies in your immediate community. A field work coordinator will reach out a semester in advance to assist with locating a placement.

It is very difficult to secure a placement during nights and weekends as we want to make sure you have a supervisor onsite to help and mentor you and this is usually done during traditional working hours.

The Field Education Office collaborates with students and various agencies across the country to place students in programs/organizations that match their goals.

If it is possible, pending FSU review and approval. Contact the Director of Field to share details and confirm if your current employment is eligible. 

Traditional MSW students are required to come to Tallahassee, Florida for two Weekend Workshops to learn clinical skills with faculty and peers.

Although Advanced Standing students are not required to come to campus, we encourage all online students to come to graduation to celebrate their accomplishments.

For Traditional MSW students, Weekend Workshops occur in your second and third semesters during SOW 5308: Social Work Practice and SOW 5324: Social Work Practice with Groups & Communities.

Florida State University is an NC-SARA approved institution. Therefore, we are able to offer our online program to all residents in the U.S.

See how state and local authorization for our online MSW program works.