Florida State University
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The demand for social workers is on the rise, especially in Georgia. 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.
Projected Georgia Social Work Job Growth by Job Title:
- 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%
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.
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.
Our devoted faculty and commitment to research help put us in the top 12% of social work graduate schools ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
Hear From Our Students
Join the vibrant FSU community consistently recognized by INSIGHT Into Diversity for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
As one of the first online MSW accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, we rigorously adhere to CSWE accreditation standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more than 100 years, FSU has offered classes on social welfare—establishing us as a center of social work practice and policy.
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 field placements that develop practical competence and confidence through hands-on experience.
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.
The Traditional MSW program is 61 credit hours, the Advanced Standing MSW is 39 credit hours. Tuition varies based on your location:
- In-state (Florida): $444 per credit hour
- Out-of-state: $625 per credit hour
Costs are subject to change. Additional course fees may apply.
An online Master of Social Work equips you to achieve and lead greater outcomes in schools, communities, government, healthcare, and public and private organizations. Possible roles could include:
- Case management supervisor
- Clinical social worker
- Crisis manager
- Licensed mental health therapist
- Private practitioner
All field placements are completed in person, generally during regular business hours. Traditional MSW students complete two field placements, Advanced Standing MSW students must complete one field placement.
For this online program, there is currently only a part-time option. You can take a maximum of two courses at a time.
No, the College of Social Work does not require a GRE at this time.