Florida State University
Online MSW Degree Program for Georgia Residents
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Offered online for more than 20 years- Top-ranked & accredited by CSWE
- Qualifies you for LCSW in Georgia
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 Georgia. 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 Georgia 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 Georgia 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 Georgia. 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.
Next Application Deadline:
- Advanced MSW: November 1, 2024
- Traditional MSW:
March 1, 2025
Next Start Date:
- Advanced MSW:
January 2025
- Traditional MSW:
May 2025
Social Work Job Growth
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 Georgia
Earning an accredited master's degree is a clinical social work license requirement in Georgia and increases your autonomy, opportunities, and earning potential. As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), support your community in new ways and earn 41% more* than Georgia social workers with only a bachelor’s degree. According to Lightcast Labor Insights, the average social worker salary across the state for MSW graduates is $73,500.
Top Georgia counties* for social work jobs:
- Fulton
- DeKalb
- Gwinnett
- Chatham
- Richmond
Top employers* in Georgia:
- The State of Georgia
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Emory Healthcare
- Piedmont Healthcare
- Children’s Health of Atlanta
* Lightcast Labor Insights, May 2024
%
41% higher pay for MSW grads
than those with a bachelor's degree.
More Facts About Social Work in Georgia
- Mental Health America ranked Georgia as the state with the highest prevalence of mental illness and substance use disorders.
- Georgia employed more than 14,000 social workers in 20232.
- Fifty years ago, the state consolidated all welfare programs into one agency called the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS)3.
- Today, the DHS serves more than 2 million Georgians and employs approximately 8,506 people—including social workers across schools, hospitals, government facilities, the military, and other settings4.
- Georgia has one of the fastest-growing aging communities in the country. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that more than 20% of Georgia’s population will be 60 or older by 20305.
- The Georgia Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers denotes the following causes for state-level advocacy6:
- Americans for Financial Reform
- The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
- VoterVoice
If you wish to hold the title of Clinical Social Worker (CSW) in Georgia, you will need to take the following steps:
- Earn at least a master’s degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- Demonstrate at least 3,000 hours of LCSW-supervised work over the three years prior to application.
- Submit a CSW license application to the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists.
- Pass the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) Clinical exam.
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Georgia 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 - May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates
- Georgia Department of Human Services - Honoring 50 years of social services in Georgia
- Georgia Department of Human Services - State Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Report
- Georgia Department of Human Services - Demand for professionals in aging field increasing
- NASW - Welcome to NASW Georgia Chapter
