Alabama – Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Written by Janice Monti | Edited by Victoria Hudgeons
Last Updated: June 2024
An online social work degree offers a flexible and convenient stepping stone to becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). If you are considering a career as an LCSW in Alabama, check out our rankings to find out what to look for in an accredited online degree and what to expect when you graduate.
Popular Online MSW Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Programs in Alabama
Samford University
Birmingham, AL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$34,410
- Out-of-state$34,410
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled5,682
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Alabama
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,100
- Out-of-state$31,460
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled38,644
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Alabama
- Florence, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,200
- Out-of-state$20,400
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled10,191
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
At SocialWorkGuide.org, we use a student-oriented methodology to evaluate and rank social work programs. Using datasets from sources including the U.S. Department of Education, our objective approach focuses on academic quality, affordability, school reputation, and program appeal.
As part of our process, we focus on important and relevant information for social work students searching for their ideal programs. To learn more, read about our rankings methodology.
Accreditation for Online Social Work Programs in Alabama
If you plan to apply for a social work license in Alabama, you must have a degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
CSWE-accreditation ensures that the program you attend meets high quality academic standards and prepares you for professional practice. Attending an unaccredited program can hurt your chances of qualifying for federal financial aid, pursuing a state social work license in Alabama, or finding employment.
Benefits of Studying Social Work Online in Alabama
If you are interested in a career in social work, an MSW meets the minimum educational requirements for becoming an LCSW in Alabama, preparing you for state licensure and top employment opportunities.
A major advantage of online learning is its flexibility. Because many schools allow you to advance through coursework on your own schedule, you can manage work or family responsibilities while earning your degree.
If you live in an area some distance away from schools offering in-person social work degrees, an online MSW expands your access to high-quality programs. Online programs can save you money by eliminating commuting or housing expenses, or by offering discounted tuition and accelerated degree options.
Online MSW Course Formatting
While online MSW programs offer similar curriculum content in social work policy and practice, not all programs rely on the same course delivery formats. Before choosing your program, make sure you understand the different formats you may encounter.
- 100% Online: These programs feature all web-based courses with no required face-to-face components. The most flexible of all delivery formats, entirely online learning enables you to work at your own pace, anytime, anywhere, and on any device.
- Hybrid: Hybrid, or blended, delivery formats require one or more courses that include some face-to-face instruction. You may have to attend on-campus classes at designated times, in addition to taking virtually delivered courses. In some programs, a course may deliver some content in person for specific activities and remotely for other parts.
- Asynchronous: With no designated meeting times, asynchronous courses offer the freedom to learn on your own schedule, accessing lectures, readings, and assignments at any time. Asynchronous delivery works best for self-motivated students with good time management skills, but provides limited opportunities for real-time interaction with faculty or other students.
- Synchronous: In a synchronously delivered format, you must log in to online courses that provide live instruction at a specific day and time. Although more rigidly structured than asynchronous programs, synchronous formats encourage distance learners to interact with one another and with faculty in real time through live-streamed lectures, presentations, and chat room discussions.
Whether you choose a fully online program or one with face-to-face components, all MSW degrees require in-person field placement experiences to prepare you for social work licensure. If you plan to become an LCSW in Alabama, you must complete 24 months of supervised social work field experience within a 36-month time frame.
Alabama Social Worker Career and Salary Information
Several factors impact how much you can earn as a social worker in Alabama, including your career specialization and licensing status.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median salaries for all social workers in the U.S. in May 2023 ranged from $38,400 to $94,910. Median salaries in Alabama range from $39,830 to $54,650, except for the BLS category “all other social workers,” which includes specialties like criminal justice, adult protective services, and forensic social work. The median salary for these social workers in Alabama is $63,770.
The BLS projects the demand for social workers specializing in healthcare and mental health and substance use in Alabama to grow faster than the national average from 2022-2032. Because of regional economic factors, social work salaries in Alabama are generally lower than the national average but remain competitive given the state’s low cost of living.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Projected Job Growth (2022-32) |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $47,650 | 4.6 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $54,650 | 9.7 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $39,830 | 11.6 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $68,800 | 2.0 |
