Online MSSW Program
Yes, you can earn your MSSW degree online! The College of Social Work at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, recognizes the demands that work, family, and geographical location can place on those seeking a graduate degree in social work. That’s why we designed our coursework with flexibility in mind.
Program overview
The only difference between the online and traditional on-campus programs is where you take classes. It is important to note that whether you take courses on campus or online, the MSSW program is taught by the same professors, held to the same high standards, and fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). No GRE required!
See the MSSW Program Details Page for Complete Information
Resources for current students
Real-time and asynchronous courses
Courses in the Online MSSW Program are taught online through synchronous and asynchronous approaches. Real-time, or synchronous classes, are offered in the late afternoon and evening, allowing students to interact with each other and their professors. Asynchronous learning occurs between live sessions and allows more time for autonomy and flexibility.
Need more time to complete your degree?
The MSSW Extended Study Program is a part-time, online option starting each fall. Students complete 60 credit hours over three to four years. Perfect for balancing work and study.
Field placement
All students completing the Online MSSW Program will also be assigned to a field placement. Field practice is the signature pedagogy of social work education, and it allows students to apply the skills and knowledge they have learned in class in real-world settings.
Computer requirement
This may be an obvious statement, but please note that having a computer (laptop or desktop) is necessary for those in the Online MSSW Program. You cannot do everything you need for your classes on just a phone or tablet.
Why the Online MSSW?
The Online MSSW Program offers the same flexible courses of study—part-time, full-time, and advanced standing—the same concentrations, the same ability to pursue a certificate program, and the same field practice (internship) requirements as the On-campus MSSW Program.
The benefit of the Online MSSW Program is the flexibility it offers students, with course schedules designed to fit your schedule. Students take asynchronous courses on their schedules but still have the opportunity to engage with professors and fellow students in real time during synchronous courses taught in the afternoons and evenings.
Some students may be intimidated by online courses, but the staff and professors at the UT College of Social Work have developed a seamless, solid program designed with flexibility in mind. Time constraints or geography unfortunately prohibit some individuals from further pursuing their educational goals, but the Online MSSW Program eliminates these barriers while also ensuring that each student still receives a high-quality education. As a three-year alumna, I still consider earning my MSSW through the UT College of Social Work’s Online Program the best decision I made throughout my educational career.
beth Simpson
MSSW, LMSW
College of Social Work
Graduate Certificate Options
Customize your Online MSSW with one of four specialized graduate certificates, available to MSSW students at the University of Tennessee. Each certificate adds focused expertise to your degree, giving you a competitive edge in the Tennessee job market and beyond.
Forensic Social Work
Gain specialized knowledge in working at the intersection of social work and the legal system — including criminal justice, family court, child advocacy, and victim services.
Gerontology Social Work
Prepare to serve older adults and their families in healthcare, residential, and community settings throughout Tennessee, where the aging population is growing rapidly.
School Social Work Licensure
Earn the credential to practice as a licensed school social worker in Tennessee K–12 school systems — addressing student mental health, behavioral challenges, and family engagement.
Trauma Treatment Social Work
Develop advanced skills in trauma-informed care, evidence-based trauma interventions, and crisis response — critical competencies for social workers across all practice settings in Tennessee.
Veterinary Social Work
Address the human–animal bond, grief and loss, animal-assisted interventions, and compassion fatigue in veterinary settings.
Ready to take the next step?
Please visit the links below to learn more about pursuing an Online MSSW, contact us, or begin your application.
Attend an Online MSSW Information Session
Connect with a Student Ambassador
