Florida – Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Written by Genevieve Carlton | Edited by Victoria Hudgeons
Last Updated: June 2024
Social workers in the Sunshine State benefit from job growth projections more than twice that of the national average. Earning a master of social work (MSW) degree online can help you become a licensed clinical social worker in Florida.
This ranking lists the top online social work programs in Florida to help you compare your options and reach your professional goals.
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 Florida
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,616
- Out-of-state$18,746
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate25%
- Students Enrolled44,161
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,559
- Out-of-state$15,473
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled49,708
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,368
- Out-of-state$19,810
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate41%
- Students Enrolled67,959
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Leo University
- Saint Leo, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$23,990
- Out-of-state$23,990
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled2,788
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment84%
- 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. This ranking is from 2020. To learn more, read about our rankings methodology.
Accreditation for Online Social Work Programs in Florida
Accreditation identifies schools and programs that follow the best practices in higher education and provides a guarantee of education quality. Accreditation status matters for your education, financial aid opportunities, and career prospects.
Florida requires an accredited social work degree to become a licensed clinical social worker. When researching programs, check for programmatic accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE-accredited programs report strong outcomes for educating social workers, while also meeting licensure requirements in Florida.
Benefits of Studying Social Work Online in Florida
Online social worker programs in Florida appeal to degree-seekers for many reasons. An online format offers greater flexibility and scheduling convenience, particularly for working students. Earning an MSW online also makes it easier to choose a specialized program outside of your geographic area.
The affordability of an online MSW program appeals to many students. By attending an MSW program online, you can save on tuition, transportation costs, and living expenses.
When comparing online MSW programs, consider any in-person requirements and the program’s format to find the right fit for you.
Online MSW Course Formatting
Online MSW programs use different formats to educate students. By understanding these delivery formats, you can make an informed choice about your education.
- 100% Online: These programs allow students to complete coursework requirements in an entirely online format. However, you may still need to complete supervised learning requirements in your local area.
- Hybrid: A hybrid program blends online and on-campus coursework, which can include taking certain classes in person or through weekend residencies to connect with faculty and classmates. This option appeals to students who want more personal components in their program.
- Asynchronous: With an asynchronous format, you complete coursework on your schedule, with no required log-in times. You can watch recorded lectures and participate in class discussions at a time that’s most convenient for you.
- Synchronous: A synchronous format comprises live class sessions where you interact with faculty. While a synchronous format offers less flexibility, some students prefer the live discussions with classmates and the opportunity to network.
As an online MSW student, you can complete many requirements from home. However, social work degrees still require in-person participation for fieldwork and internships. Online programs work with graduate students to arrange supervised learning experiences in their local area.
Florida Social Worker Career and Salary Information
Florida social workers are in high demand. According to long-term occupational projections from the Department of Labor, many social work careers could see 15% or higher job growth from 2020-2030. Healthcare and mental health social workers will benefit from the fastest growth, followed by child, family, and school social workers.
The average social worker salary in Florida ranges from $50,100-$63,000, according to May 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These figures are slightly lower than the national average salaries, which range $59,000-$68,000.
Florida licensure requirements include a CSWE-accredited MSW degree, plus three years of supervised work experience for a clinical social work license. Online social work programs in Florida can help prospective clinical social workers meet the requirements.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Projected Job Growth (2020-30) |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $50,160 | +15.3% |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $62,990 | +17.8% |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $55,540 | +17.9% |
| Social Workers, All Other | $59,390 | +7% |
