Online Master of Social Work | Case Western Reserve University

Two Mandel students hug one another at graduation

Master of Social Work

About the Program

Study at one of the nation's top schools of social work—from wherever you're located in the U.S. In our flexible online program, you can maintain your personal and professional commitments while pursuing your graduate education in social work to create a more just world. You'll take live, online classes and conduct real-world fieldwork wherever convenient.

Plus, you can specialize in one of four paths of study—Adult Behavioral Health, Child and Family Practice, Community Practice for Social Change, and Trauma and Healing—so you can hone your skills and prepare to serve a specific population. Add an optional Certificate in Trauma-Informed Practice and graduate equipped with specialized skills to enhance your career.

In as few as eight semesters, you'll learn how equity, innovation and transformation will help you lead change in your organization, community and beyond.

What to Expect

In our top-ranked social work master's program, you'll experience the same rigor and prestige of our on-campus degree programs, but without a need to spend time on campus.

Through the 60-credit-hour program or 39-credit-hour advanced standing program—which you can start in January (Spring) or August (Fall)—you'll meet for class live via Zoom each week, and conduct in-person field placements at one of the organizations around the country that partner with the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences.

And bonus: You'll graduate with the educational requirements for licensure in all 50 states.

“I chose the Mandel School because of the school’s reputation and the student reviews of the program. I wanted to make sure that I was making the best decision for my future, and the Mandel School was the complete package.”

Katie Russell, (MSSA '18)

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Beyond the Classroom

Field Education is a signature offering at the Mandel School and an experience many students find to be a highlight of their academic experience. Our students have been placed with over 1,000 partners in the Greater Cleveland area and throughout the United States. Through their experiences in the field, Mandel School students gain critical skills and expand their professional networks while enriching the lives of those they serve.

By the Numbers

graduate program in social work in Ohio (U.S. News & World Report)

paths of study

97%

of alumni have a positive career outcome

A professor instructing social work students

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Curriculum

Our Social Work Resources

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Admissions Details

We are committed to recruiting a community of students with diverse perspectives and a range of robust educational, professional and life experiences. These experiences, along with demonstrated student excellence, enrich the dialogue and teamwork in the classroom.

To apply, you'll need: