Connecticut – Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.
Connecticut’s three-year, $35 million initiative, CT Health Horizons, provides tuition assistance and makes now a great time to consider a career in social work. Graduates of online master of social work (MSW) programs enter a job market with high employment growth and well-paying jobs.
Explore our directory of online MSW programs in Connecticut and state-specific salary and career outlooks. Use this information to help plan your career in this growing field.
Popular Online Social Work 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 Connecticut
- Fairfield University
- Areas of Practice: Clinical Practice, Social Justice
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
- Sacred Heart University
- Areas of Practice: Direct Community Practice, Direct Clinical Practice
- Enrollment Options: Part-Time, Advanced Standing
- Southern Connecticut State University
- Areas of Practice: Clinical Practice, Community Practice
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Advanced Standing
- University of Connecticut
- Areas of Practice: Individuals, Groups, and Families Practice
- Enrollment Options: Part-Time
Accreditation for Online Social Work Programs in Connecticut
The Connecticut State Department of Public Health issues social work licenses to eligible candidates with an MSW accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or the equivalent. Accredited MSW programs meet the state’s educational and supervised work experience requirements for licensure.
Accreditation has other implications. CSWE accreditation ensures you receive an education that meets industry standards and best practices. Many employers prefer to hire online MSW graduates from CSWE accredited programs. Getting into a reputable doctoral program may also hinge on CSWE accreditation.
Benefits of Studying Social Work Online in Connecticut
Working professionals and others value the flexibility that online learning provides. Brick-and-mortar institutions can limit accessibility due to location, while online learning expands access beyond your geographic location. Students can choose fully online, hybrid, and asynchronous or asynchronous formats.
The cost of an MSW also matters. Some MSW programs in Connecticut may charge reduced tuition for online learners. Other programs could offer in-state tuition or a flat tuition rate regardless of where you live. With an online social work program you may also save on commuting, housing, or other expenses affiliated with in-person learning.
Course Formats in Online Social Work Degrees
Online social work degrees offer various formats to accommodate different learning preferences. Explore the different options to see which best suits your needs.
- 100% Online: Students view lectures, access course materials, and complete all activities entirely online with no need to visit the campus. However, Connecticut MSW programs that are otherwise 100% online still require in-person training.
- Hybrid: This blended format combines online learning with on-campus instruction. A hybrid MSW may involve most or all classes delivered in the virtual classroom, with weekend or week-long residencies required to facilitate interaction with faculty and peers.
- Asynchronous: Participants access pre-recorded lectures, complete assignments, and interact with faculty and peers at their own pace. You should expect deadlines for assignments and other requirements.
- Synchronous: Students attend live online classes on a fixed schedule using technology such as live webinars and video conferencing. Participants engage in real-time interaction with faculty and peers. This format most mimics the on-campus experience.
While online social work degrees provide flexibility, MSW students must still complete in-person components. An MSW’s required supervised internship and field experience ensure social workers are ready to competently provide clinical services in the community.
Connecticut Social Worker Career and Salary Information
Connecticut’s social workers can expect a strong labor market in the coming years. Long-term projections from the Department of Labor show Connecticut’s social workers could see 8%-9% higher job growth between 2022-2032. Healthcare and mental health social workers will see the fastest job growth, followed by those specialized in children, family, and school.
The Nutmeg State’s social workers earn salaries far above the national average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers in Connecticut earn an average annual salary of $70,000-$79,000 as of May 2023. Comparatively, the national average salaries for social workers range between $59,000-$68,000.
Connecticut’s path to social work licensure begins with an accredited MSW and 3,000 hours of supervised work experience.
Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Projected Job Growth (2022-32) |
---|---|---|
Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $70,200 | 8.4% |
Healthcare Social Workers | $79,360 | 9.5% |
Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $77,930 | 9.4% |
Social Workers, All Other | $72,710 | 5.3% |