Online MSW Program for Wisconsin Residents

Florida State University is located in Tallahassee, Florida, but its online degree programs are available in states across the country including Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin. 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 Our Online MSW Program

• You can take and complete 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 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 Wisconsin clinical social worker license.

To be licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Wisconsin you must fulfill the following requirements:

• A Master’s or Doctorate degree in social work with a concentration in clinical social work, including completion of supervised clinical field training. To qualify as Master’s or Doctoral degree in social work with a concentration in clinical social work, the course of study shall include one course in psychopathology in social work and, two (2) theory and practice courses from among the following:
  • (a) Case Management
  • (b) Clinical assessment and treatment of specific populations and problems, such as children, adolescent, elderly, alcohol and drug abuse, family or couples relationships
  • (c) Psychopharmacology
  • (d) Psychotherapeutic Interventions
  • (e) Electives such as family therapy, social work with groups, sex- or gender-related issues, and topics. In lieu of supervised clinical field training, applicants may submit an affidavit indicating that they have completed 1,500 hours of supervised clinical social work experience in not less than one year within a primary clinical setting, which includes at least 500 hours of face-to-face client contact and is supervised as provided. MPSW § 4.01. However, this does not eliminate the 3,000 hours of supervised experience requirement. The dates and hours must not overlap dates and hours indicated on Form #2560 (post-graduate experience).

Supervision Requirements

Verification of at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work experience, including at least 1,000 hours of face-to-face client contact, after receiving the Master’s or Doctoral degree. The supervised experience must include DSM diagnosis and treatment of individuals under the supervision of a supervisor approved by the Social Worker Section and will be accepted only if the applicant was certified at the time as an Advanced Practice Social Worker or an Independent Social Worker.

Approved supervisors include:

1. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Doctorate degree in social work

2. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree in social work

3. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker with five (5) years of full-time clinical social work experience

4. A Psychiatrist or Psychologist

5. Another individual approved in advance by the Social Worker Section

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE REQUIRED, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED:

A. Completed Application (Form #2681)

B. Appropriate fee

C. Convictions and Pending Charges (Form #2252), if applicable

D. Wisconsin Statutes and Rules exam (if not taken within last five (5) year, will be authorized upon receipt of application)

E. Official transcript showing Master's or Doctorate degree (sent directly from school)

F. Official transcript for any postgraduate coursework

G. Supervised clinical field training (Form #2672)

H. Documentation of post-graduate clinical experience (Form #2560); this form must be completed by a supervisor

I. A formal position description with (Form #2560)

J. Verification of Credential (if credentialed in other state(s) or territory(ies), active or inactive status)

K. Verification of clinical coursework (Form #2673)

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 Wisconsin social workers is approximately $48,000 per year.

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

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker - General Practice
• Clinical Director - Healthcare Facilities
• Hospice Care Social Worker
• Therapist - Crisis Resource Center

Alternatives to Traditional Social Work Careers

Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin MSW careers include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Appleton.