Find your degree of interest from one of our many programs of study offered 100% online.
Liberty University's online programs offer you the flexibility to study at your own pace, from your home or office, while retaining a level of structure that will help you stay on track toward achieving your educational goals. You'll receive a quality education - that is both flexible and affordable - from an accredited institution.
Master of Social Work (MSW) – General
Promote Justice and Human Rights with a Master of Social Work from Liberty University
Are you seeking an online master’s degree that can help you become a licensed social worker? If so, Liberty’s 100% online Master of Social Work (MSW) – General cognate may be for you! Our program can help prepare you to sit for social work licensure exams and pursue a variety of careers, including refugee resettlement, human trafficking intervention, trauma recovery, and nonprofit management.
Because our MSW provides foundational training in core skills, you can apply to this program even if you don’t have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. In addition to engaging in hands-on projects and class discussions throughout the program, you’ll also participate in practicum courses and at least 1,000 hours of field experience. At least 600 of these hours will be completed under the supervision of a master’s-level social worker. That way, you can boost your résumé with real-world experience and learn how to better serve your clients.
The general cognate for our MSW degree has no set courses, so you can study topics that best match your interests and career goals. Whether you want to work in the United States or abroad, Liberty is committed to helping you develop your skill set, advance your career, and become a Champion for Christ — wherever God is calling you.
We also offer a cognate in individual and family clinical.
Liberty University offers detailed information about the educational requirements for licensure programs. To see if this program aligns with your state, you can research requirements here: https://www.liberty.edu/statelicensure/
What Will You Study in Liberty University’s Online Master of Social Work Program?
- Advanced practices for working with individuals, families, and groups
- Methods for conducting multi-level agency assessments and recommending micro- or macro-level intervention
- The biological, psychological, social, spiritual, and environmental aspects of the human experience
- The importance of integrity, competence, social justice, and service in the field of social work
Throughout this program, our professors will encourage you to demonstrate humility and understanding as you engage with diverse populations. Our core MSW content explores practical techniques for working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Within the general cognate, you’ll have the freedom to select 4 elective courses.
You can also learn how to promote the health and safety of social workers and conduct multi-level agency assessments. By studying American social policy through the lens of a biblical worldview, you can prepare to navigate critical challenges in the field of social work.
Potential Careers for Online MSW Graduates
- Agency director
- Medical social worker
- Mental health therapist
- Program director
- School social worker
- Social work supervisor
Benefits of Pursuing Your Master of Social Work Degree with Liberty University
As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked among Niche.com’s Top 5 College Campuses in America – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your online Master of Social Work – General cognate from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
- The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
- You’ll complete at least 1,000 hours of field experience prior to graduation, including 600 hours under the supervision of a master’s-level social worker.
- Our MSW is designed to help you sit for social work licensure exams.
Military Benefits
Service is important to us, so whether you’re currently serving in the Armed Forces, have served, or are married to someone who serves, we’re here to serve you. Liberty’s military benefits are available to:
- Active duty service members of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/retirees
- Spouses of service members and veterans/retirees
- Current Department of Defense employees
We are proud to support you in your pursuit of a flexible and affordable online education by offering you the following benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses
- Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
Credit Hours
Class Type
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Date
Jun 23, 2025
Accreditation
CSWE
Maximize Your Time
- 100% online programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level.*
- Earn credit for prior learning.
- Transfer in up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree.
- Transfer in up to 50% of a master’s degree.
* excludes licensure, certification, and some doctoral programs
Your goals on your time
We are committed to helping you achieve your goals and complete your degree as quickly as possible. One of our admissions counselors is ready to assist you with starting the process.
Contact Us: (800) 424-9595
Why Choose Liberty University?
Prepare for a Career
Go from merely surviving in your current job to thriving in the career of your dreams.
Enjoy Flexible Courses
Complete assignments at your own pace, at a time convenient to you within each week.
Access Academic Support
Access our electronic and print resources through the Jerry Falwell Library, writing resources, study aids, and IT support.
Grow in Your Faith
Each of our programs is grounded in biblical principles, and our professors consider teaching to be more than a job – it’s their calling.
Liberty’s online courses give you the ability to choose when and where you study.
Financing Options
Financial Aid
87% of all Liberty students in an online program are awarded financial aid.
Tuition Discounts
Available for military service members, including active duty, reserve, veterans, and their spouses, as well as emergency response personnel.
Corporate Tuition Assistance
Deferred – If your company reimburses you for the cost of your education, you submit your grades to your employer who pays you, and then you pay for your classes.
Other Payment Options are Available
Contact one of our admissions counselors for more information by calling (800) 424-9595.
An Accredited Private Education Made for You
As a nonprofit university, we have been pioneering distance education since 1985 and offer a unique and proven approach to online education.
Along with our advanced accreditations, we also have been recognized by the following organizations for our excellence in education.
Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked among Niche.com’s Top 5 College Campuses in America – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well.