Florida State University

 

Online MSW for Alabama Residents

Masters in Social Work Online from FSU

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Download MSW Program Information

Download MSW Program Information

Get all the need-to-know details in our 16-page Online MSW program guide.


  • Admission Requirements
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
  • Master of Social Work Tracks
  • Curriculum

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  • Online MSW Program - Clinically Focused Licensure OptionClinically-focused Licensure Option
  • Online MSW Program - Part TimePart-time for 
    Busy Professionals
  • 100% Online MSW ProgramNo GRE Required

Online MSW Program for Alabama Residents

Florida State University is located in Tallahassee, Florida, but its online degree programs are available in states across the country, including Alabama. Florida State University master’s online program offers a clinically focused online Master of Social Work degree. The program was ranked one of the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.

Earn an MSW that prepares you for the future licensure and MSW jobs in Alabama. Whether you have a baccalaureate in social work or are coming to the field with a degree in another concentration, FSU’s online program has a distinct curriculum focused on creating an engaging and supportive learning environment.

About the FSU Online MSW Program

  • You can take and complete your courses as your schedule allows
  • You’ll be joining an interactive virtual learning community through Blackboard, and gaining support from a Student Success Advisor throughout the entire program
  • You will interact with the College of Social Work’s Office of Professional Development
  • Gain in the field experience with innovative field placements

Two Online MSW Programs Available

The online Master of Social Work offers two programs for students:

  • An Advanced Standing program is available for students who have completed a bachelor’s of social work from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited program.
  • A Traditional program is available for students who have a bachelor’s degree in a separate concentration from social work. Both programs are clinically focused and offer field placements that may align with students’ interests.

Courses are 16 weeks; summer may have 12- or 13-week courses, depending on the year. The average time to completion is two years for Advanced Standing Program and three years for Traditional Program.

Our Online MSW Admissions Requirements

Traditional program students must meet these requirements for admission:

  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and be in good standing with the institution
  • A College of Social Work application, along with a personal statement and four letters of recommendation (two personal, two academic)
  • A transcript with all undergraduate and graduate courses, including a professional resume
  • A 3.0 GPA or better on everything past the first 60 hours of undergraduate courses (this is an upper-division GPA) or a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution

Advanced Standing program students must meet these requirements for admission:

  • Complete all general application requirements
  • Earn a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution
  • Submit a copy of a BSW internship evaluation or letter of recommendation from the field office
  • Have a minimum of 400 hours of field education in generalist practice

The Florida State University Office of Admissions will receive GRE scores from the Educational Testing Service; FSU’s code is 5219.

If the applicant is earning his or her bachelor’s degree and applying for graduate school, he or she must send a second official transcript with the degree posted.

For full admission details, visit this page.

Why Choose FSU?

Florida State University’s online Master of Social Work program allows busy professionals to balance their professional life with their education goals. When you choose a Florida State University online master’s program, you’re earning a well-respected degree. In addition, as a CSWE-accredited online program, graduates may meet the qualifications of Alabama’s clinical social worker license.

To be licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Alabama, you need to fulfill the following requirements:

  • Must be at least 19 years of age
  • Must be a United States citizen or, if not a citizen of the United States, you must be legally present in the United States with appropriate documentation from the federal government
  • Must ascribe to a professional code of ethics developed and adopted by the board. (Administrative Code 850-X-9 Standards of Professional Conduct & Ethics)
Master Social Worker:
  • Has a Master of Social Work or a Doctor of Social Work from a college or university approved, accredited, or in candidacy granted by the Council on Social Work Education.
Independent Clinical Social Worker:
  • Has a Master of Social Work or a Doctor of Social Work from a college or university approved, accredited, or in candidacy granted by the Council on Social Work Education.
  • Has had at least two years of post-master or doctorate experience legally practicing social work under the supervision of a licensed certified social worker.
  • Has a current active license at the master level if applying as a candidate for the examination.
  • Before licensure can be granted in Alabama, passage of the Association of Social Work Boards Examination for the level in which applying is required.
What Does the Job Market Look Like?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the social work field is poised to grow 12% by 2024. Breaking that information down into professions, there will be a need for more than 300,000 child family and school social workers, 190,000 health care social workers, more than 130,000 substance abuse and mental health social workers and more than 65,000 social work jobs in miscellaneous fields. An MSW salary can range between $40,000-$70,000 depending on the practice as well as the individual’s work experience. The standard average salary for Alabama social workers is approximately $38,000 per year.

When you delve deep into social work employment in Alabama, you’ll see the following jobs most frequently:

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker - General Practice
  • Case Manager
  • Bereavement Coordinator
  • Substance Abuse Counselor
Alternatives to Traditional Social Work Careers

Alabama MSW graduates can pursue a variety of careers that have a social services focus. These Jobs include:

  • Community program/service managers/directors
  • Collegiate, postsecondary instructors
  • Public Health Administration
  • Attorney with a Social Justice Focus
  • Human Resources Consultant
  • Corporate Training/Coaching

Popular areas for Alabama MSW careers include Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery, and Auburn.

U.S. News Ranked Program

Florida State University is ranked #19 among the Top Public Universities nationwide and among the Best Value public universities.

Top 30 Best Value

Ranked a Top 30 Social Work Programs by U.S. News and World Report and a Top 30 Best Value Colleges by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.

CSWE Accredited

We rigorously adhere to the accreditation standards established by the Council on Social Work Education.

Connect with an MSW Admissions Advisor

Whether you just have a simple question or need advice to determine if this Master of Social Work program is right for you, our friendly MSW advisors are here to guide you. They can chat with you about your schedule and guide you through the entire admissions process so that you feel confident moving forward.

Get in touch with an Online MSW advisor

My Advisor has impacted me tremendously ... she supported me the entire way through my MSW application process. She made it easier to complete all the necessary requirements and apply for the social work program I was meant to take. 
- S. Thompson