Florida State University
Online MSW Degree Program for Alabama Residents
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Offered online for more than 20 years- Top-ranked & accredited by CSWE
- Qualifies you for LICSW in Alabama
There are two tracks, based on your undergraduate degree:
- Advanced Standing MSW: if you already have a Bachelor of Social Work
- Traditional MSW: if you have a bachelor's degree in another concentration
Click the corresponding tab for program-specific information.;
Both tracks are:
- Online & part-time *
- $625 per credit hour
- Accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Clinically focused, with fieldwork placements to apply theory to practice
* Limited seats are available in our Full-Time Advanced Standing MSW. Ask your advisor for details.
This course focuses on reciprocal relationships between human behavior and social environments. Content includes empirically based theories and knowledge that focus on the interactions between and among systems of all sizes, including individuals, groups, societies, and economic systems. Theories and knowledge of biological, psychological, sociological, cultural, and spiritual development across the lifespan are critiqued, especially as they relate to at-risk populations. In addition, theories and knowledge about the range of social systems (individual, family, group, organizational, and community) in which people live are examined, including the ways social systems promote or deter people in maintaining or achieving health and well-being.
Go beyond Alabama. Elevate your clinical career and reputation with a leader in social work. For more than 20 years, Florida State University’s Online Master of Social Work (MSW) in Alabama has been consistently recognized as one of the best in the nation. Our world-class curriculum and growing fieldwork connections empower you, and your community, for a lifetime of impact.
This course provides students with knowledge and skills related to the theory, research, and implications of child and adolescent maltreatment for child development and psychopathology. Course content is presented within the context of child welfare practice and social work with children and adolescents in public agencies and programs. Particular attention will be given to common psychological disorders that result from maltreatment and accompanying treatment issues. Issues related to individuals, families, groups, and communities are covered and attention is given to working with ethnic minorities, women, gays and lesbians, and persons with disabilities.
The Traditional MSW builds on your bachelor’s degree in a field other than social work.
- Part-time & online
- Graduate in 3 years
- 61 credits, two courses at a time
- Two in-person Weekend Workshops in Tallahassee, FL
- Two field placements
Traditional & Advanced MSW Tracks
There are two tracks based on your bachelor’s degree:
Advanced Standing MSW: For those with a Bachelor's of Social Work. Complete in 2 years or less* with 1 in-field placement.
Traditional MSW: For those with a Bachelor's in another area of study. Complete in 3 years with 2 in-field placements.
*We now offer a full-time option for the Advanced Standing MSW. Ask your advisor for details on how you can graduate in just over one year.
The Advanced Standing MSW builds on your Bachelor of Social Work to expand your clinical career and opportunities.
- Part-time & online *
- Graduate in 2 years
- 61 credits, two courses at a time
- One field placement
- No travel to Tallahassee, FL required
* Limited seats are available in our Full-Time Advanced Standing MSW. Ask your advisor for details.
This advanced practice course emphasizes development of clinical skills. Students will refine their clinical skills, building on the research-based, nonspecific (common factors) components of therapeutic work (i.e., therapeutic alliance, empathy, goal consensus/collaboration, positive regard/affirmation, and genuineness) and specific factors (validated treatments). The course provides in-depth coverage of three empirically based models; Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, and Interpersonal Therapy. Learning applications of techniques informed by these models provides opportunities to enhance professional use of self. The course examines similarities and differences among models and allows students to discern appropriate use of techniques, client populations, settings, and problem interactions. Students will develop competency in the ethical and strength-based use of these models.
- Complete the form for instant access to your brochure.
- Connect with an advisor via phone or email.
- Apply to the program and submit all required documents.
- Study online and graduate in three years or less.
To be admitted, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- Advanced Standing MSW: Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution
- Traditional MSW: Bachelor's degree in any field
To apply, submit your application along with your;
- Resume and Statement of Purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Transcripts with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Note: The GRE requirement has been waived through the 2026 admission cycle.
For more than a century Florida State has offered classes on social welfare—establishing us as a center of social work practice, policy, and research. Our Online MSW program in Alabama gives you access to our distinguished legacy, curriculum, and educators from anywhere with an internet connection.
Prestigious. Distinguished. World-class.
As one of the nation’s leading institutions, we maintain a long legacy of preparing the brightest minds for successful careers. When you study online, you join a global cohort of individuals and distinguished alumni who are innovators and trailblazers in social work.
Prestige and status as a top-ranking MSW program result from creating a space of collaboration, communication, and respect. According to U.S. News and World Report, we rank top 12% of social work graduate schools and FSU ranks:
- #23 Top Public School
- #53 National University
- #60 Best Value
Take the next step in your career with confidence and decades of experience with our social work online degree.
Our clinically-focused curriculum qualifies you to pursue a license in clinical social work in Alabama. This is a sample list of courses you will take while enrolled in our MSW programs. For the complete Traditional and Advanced MSW program course list, please download your guide.
Social Work Job Growth
The demand for social workers is on the rise across the country. Earning an MSW could elevate your impact, employability, and earning potential. Research shows master's degree in social work salaries are typically more than $13,000 higher than BSW salaries—based on various factors such as industry, title, and location1.
National social work employment is anticipated to increase by 7% by 2033—resulting in approximately 54,700 new jobs2. Growth is projected across these major categories3:
|
Job Title |
National Job Growth |
|
Child, Family & School Social Workers |
5% |
|
Healthcare Social Workers |
10% |
|
Marriage & Family Therapists |
15% |
|
Mental Health & Substance Use Counselors |
11% |
|
Social Workers, All Other |
6% |
The demand for social workers is on the rise, especially in Georgia. Earning an MSW could elevate your impact, employability and earning potential by over $13,000 more than those with a BSW alone—based on factors such as industry, title, and location1. National social work employment is anticipated to increase by 7% by 2032, or 63,800 annual jobs.
There is significant projected employment growth in social worker jobs in Georgia:
- Child, Family & School Social Workers: 10.4%
- Healthcare Social Workers: 15%
- Marriage & Family Therapists: 18.2%
- Mental Health & Substance Use Counselors: 21.7%
- Social Workers, All Other: 11.9%
Social Work Salary in Alabama
- Alabama employs more than 6,800 social workers. More than half work in the area of child, family, and school services, and about one-third work in healthcare social work roles.4
- The Alabama Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers denotes the following causes for state-level advocacy5:
- Elder Abuse
- Mental Health Reform
- Alabama Votes
- Because Alabama has one of the nation’s highest rates of households struggling financially, there are many opportunities for social workers to make a difference through public policy and nonprofit organizations.6
- Advocacy groups such as Voices for Alabama’s Children are working to improve access to healthcare coverage, mental health services, childcare, and education.7
%
41% higher pay for MSW grads
than those with a bachelor's degree.
To become a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Alabama, you will need to meet the following requirements at the time of application:
- Be at least 19 years of age.
- Be a United States citizen or, if not a citizen of the United States, be legally present in the United States with appropriate documentation from the federal government.
- Ascribe to a professional code of ethics developed and adopted by the board (Administrative Code 850-X-9 Standards of Professional Conduct & Ethics).
- Earn a master’s or doctoral degree from a college or university approved, accredited, or in candidacy granted by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- Have 24 months of LCSW-supervised social work experience.
- Hold a current active license at the master's level if applying as a candidate for the examination.
- Pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) clinical exam.
Requirements for licensure may change, so be sure to frequently check Alabama state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Hear From Our Students
The weekend intensive was great. It's been awesome to meet some of the students that I've doing the course with, and I've learned a tremendous amount just in the two days I've been here.
Frederico Bravo
MSW Graduate
We have all the support that you'd need in this program. I really don't think I can encounter any situation where I wouldn't have the support of my faculty and fellow classmates.
Dana Pina
MSW Graduate
I chose FSU because I did a lot of research online, and I really felt like this was the best program. You do have to come a couple of times to the campus, but I really think that enhances the experience. The quality of the education so far has been top notch.
Michelle O'Neill
MSW Graduate
Anyone who's considering it should do it. Every month that goes by could be a semester. Make your life bigger, better, and more exciting.
Jennifer Bell
MSW Graduate
Frequently Asked Questions
For more than twenty years, we have offered our MSW online and are constantly evolving the curriculum and experience. As an online student, you get convenient access to distinguished faculty and skilled practitioners who are nationally recognized.
We are renowned for our research contributions and quality of education. U.S. News & World Report ranks us in the top 12% of social work graduate schools.
Yes, all coursework is completed online except for weekend workshops on campus and field placements that develop practical competence and confidence through hands-on experience.
- Traditional MSW students must complete (2) mandatory weekend workshops on campus in Tallahassee, Florida and (2) field placements.
- Advanced Standing MSW students must only complete (1) field placement. No campus visits are required.
The difference between our programs is dependent on your undergraduate experience.
The Advanced Standing MSW is available to students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited institution.
The Traditional MSW is for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in any concentration other than social work.
According to Fortune Education, MSW degrees can cost less than $40,000 or as much as $89,000. Florida State University’s Traditional Online MSW costs $625 per credit hour for Georgia residents and consists of 61 credit hours ($38,125 total). The Advanced Standing Online MSW consists of 39 credit hours ($24,375 total).
An online Master of Social Work increases your clinical autonomy, career opportunities and earning potential. Possible roles could include:
- Case management supervisor
- Clinical social worker
- Crisis manager
- Licensed mental health therapist
- Private practitioner
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.
No, the College of Social Work does not require a GRE at this time.
Sources
- NASW - Social Work Salaries
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook - Social Workers - May 2023
- U.S. Department of Labor - Projections Central
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Alabama
- NASW - Alabama Chapter
- AL.com News - Alabama ranks near top in nation for families struggling to afford household expenses
- Voices for Alabama's Children - Our Impact on Alabama's Kids
