Study Abroad in Austria
Tuition & Financial Aid
International Students
Living Your Faith
Housing & Dining
Student Opportunities
Student Resources
Alumni & Giving
Resources
News & Events
The online Master of Social Work (MSW) at Franciscan University of Steubenville prepares aspiring and experienced social workers for advanced practice through rigorous graduate education rooted in Catholic social teaching and the God-given dignity of every human person. You'll develop the knowledge, clinical judgment, and practical skills to understand each person in the context of family, community, and social environment and to address the factors that shape human well-being.
The program combines the flexibility of online coursework with supervised field education and integrative on-campus conferences that deepen your professional preparation and personal formation.
Whether you're entering the profession through the Foundations Track or building on your Bachelor's in Social Work through the Advanced Standing Track, you'll graduate prepared to serve in clinical practice, community engagement, advocacy, leadership, and more.
Through rigorous coursework and supervised field education, Franciscan's online Master of Social Work prepares you to become a skilled, compassionate leader in the social work profession. Rooted in Catholic social teaching, you'll graduate with the skills to serve individuals, families, organizations, and communities across a wide range of practice settings.
Advanced Practice Skills: Assess individuals and families within their social environments and develop evidence-informed interventions that address mental health and the social, economic, and environmental factors affecting well-being.
Community Engagement and Collaboration: Collaborate with health care providers, educators, community organizations, and other professionals to strengthen individuals, families, and communities.
Leadership and Advocacy: Lead organizations, advocate for vulnerable populations, and influence policies that uphold the dignity of every person, protect the vulnerable, and promote the common good.
Research and Program Evaluation: Interpret research, evaluate program outcomes, and apply best practices to improve services and support informed decision-making.
Whole-Person and Ethical Practice: Integrate professional ethics, Catholic social teaching, and an understanding of social, cultural, economic, and spiritual factors to serve each person with sound judgment and compassion.
At Franciscan, we keep the graduate admissions process simple. You'll begin the online Master of Social Work as part of a supportive cohort. The inaugural Foundations Track is expected to begin in fall 2027, followed by the inaugural Advanced Standing Track in summer 2028.
Because enrollment is cohort-based, prospective students are encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient time for application review and enrollment preparation.
1. Admission Requirements
Admission requirements differ for the Foundations Track and Advanced Standing Track. Review the requirements for your chosen pathway before beginning your application.
2. Free Online Application
Your journey to Franciscan begins with a free online application that takes about 15 minutes to complete. From there, you'll work with our Graduate Admissions team through the enrollment process.
3. Submit Documents
Submit official transcripts, a résumé, professional references, a personal statement, and any additional materials required for your chosen track.
The online Master of Social Work offers two pathways to accommodate different educational backgrounds. Both tracks share a commitment to rigorous academic preparation, supervised field education, and formation rooted in Catholic social teaching, but differ in admission requirements, credit hours, and time to completion.
Students with a bachelor's degree in a field other than social work who are preparing to enter the profession.
2 Years
64
Bachelor's degree and program admission requirements
3
Graduates with an eligible Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree seeking an accelerated path to an MSW
1 Year
39
CSWE-accredited BSW earned within the past five years (or approved waiver) and program admission requirements
2
The online Master of Social Work curriculum draws from psychology, sociology, public policy, research, and other disciplines to help you understand individuals within the broader environments that shape their lives. Through coursework in clinical practice, human behavior, policy, advocacy, organizational leadership, and supervised field education, you'll prepare to address needs at both the individual and systems level.
Foundations Track (64 Credits)
Designed for students entering the social work profession from a variety of academic backgrounds, the Foundations Track introduces core concepts in social work theory, practice, policy, research, and human behavior before progressing to advanced coursework, supervised field education, and electives that align with your career goals and areas of interest.
Coursework includes topics such as:
Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Social Welfare Policy
Generalist Social Work Practice
Research Methods and Program Evaluation
Advanced Practice and Field Education
Advanced Standing Track (39 Credits)
Designed for graduates of CSWE-accredited Bachelor’s degree in Social Work programs, the Advanced Standing Track builds on your undergraduate preparation by moving directly into advanced practice coursework, leadership development, field education, and specialized electives while allowing you to complete your degree on an accelerated timeline.
Coursework includes topics such as:
Advanced Clinical Practice
Leadership and Organizational Practice
Advanced Policy and Advocacy
Advanced Field Education
Elective Coursework in Your Area of Emphasis
Areas of Emphasis Electives
Deepen your knowledge by selecting electives in one of three Areas of Emphasis. Each option allows you to focus your studies on the populations, settings, or ministries that best align with your professional goals and personal vocation.
Pastoral Social Work
Integrate Catholic social teaching, pastoral care, and professional social work practice to accompany individuals, families, and communities with both clinical competence and spiritual sensitivity.
Clinical Social Work
Develop advanced assessment, intervention, and therapeutic skills for direct practice with individuals, families, and groups in clinical and behavioral health settings.
Children, Families, and Social Networks
Explore strategies for strengthening families, supporting children, and building healthier communities through collaborative, relationship-centered social work practice.
Tuition for the online Master of Social Work is $650 per credit hour. Estimated tuition is $41,600 for the Foundations Track (64 credits) and $25,350 for the Advanced Standing Track (39 credits).
Franciscan University is committed to making graduate education accessible through scholarships, financial aid, and flexible payment options. Learn more about available funding opportunities or contact the Graduate Admissions Office for the most current information about tuition, eligibility, and payment plans.
Explore Financial AidAn MSW degree gives you the flexibility to build a career across direct clinical practice, community programs, health care, advocacy, nonprofit leadership, public policy, and other areas of social work. As your interests and calling evolve, your training can prepare you to serve at the individual, organizational, or community level.
Graduates pursue careers such as:
Success in graduate school involves more than completing coursework. At Franciscan University, you'll find support for your career, vocation, leadership development, and long-term professional growth through resources designed to help you thrive during your studies and beyond.
Career Services Phi Alpha Honor Society Alumni Network Online Student Support ServicesAt Franciscan University, you'll be mentored by faculty who bring together academic scholarship, social work practice, and a faithful Catholic witness. They'll challenge you intellectually, mentor you personally, and support your formation as a social worker prepared to serve with professional excellence, moral clarity, and compassion.
Is this online Master of Social Work program fully online?
Mostly. The online Master of Social Work combines flexible online coursework with supervised field education and required on-campus integrative conferences. This format allows you to complete the majority of your coursework online while participating in hands-on experiences that strengthen your practical skills, ethical formation, and connection to the Franciscan community.
How long does it take to complete the online MSW?
The time to completion depends on your track and enrollment status. Full-time students taking 12 credits per semester can complete the Foundations Track in approximately two years (64 credits) or the Advanced Standing Track in approximately one year (39 credits). Part-time students may complete the program in three to four years. Both tracks follow a cohort model and include summer terms.
What is the difference between the Foundations Track and the Advanced Standing Track?
The Foundations Track is designed for students with a bachelor's degree in a field other than social work who want to enter the profession. The Advanced Standing Track is intended for graduates of a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program who qualify for an accelerated path to the MSW. Both tracks prepare you for advanced social work practice but differ in admission requirements, credit hours, and time to completion.
How is an MSW different from a counseling degree?
Both social workers and counselors may provide mental health services, but their training and professional scope differ. An MSW prepares you to understand individuals within the broader social environments that affect their well-being while developing skills in clinical practice, advocacy, policy, community engagement, and organizational leadership. Clinical mental health counseling programs typically focus more specifically on mental health assessment, counseling, and psychotherapy.
Can I work while earning my MSW?
Yes. The program includes flexible online coursework that allows you to balance graduate study with work and personal responsibilities while completing supervised field education and attending the required on-campus integrative conferences.
How does field education work?
Field education is an essential part of the MSW curriculum, providing supervised experience in professional social work settings where you'll apply what you learn in your coursework. Students in the Foundations Track need to complete 900 hours of field practicum, while students in the Advanced Standing Track need to complete 600 hours. These can be completed in a variety of locations and settings that accommodate your needs.
Does this program prepare students for social work licensure?
Yes, the Master of Social Work provides the educational preparation required for licensure for graduates pursuing clinical practice. Since additional licensure requirements vary by state, students pursuing clinical practice should review the requirements of the licensing board in the state where they intend to practice.
What can I do with an MSW degree?
An MSW prepares graduates for careers in health care, behavioral health, education, nonprofit organizations, community agencies, ministry, and other settings. Career paths may include clinical social work, medical social work, school social work, child welfare, community development, nonprofit leadership, and related fields.
Franciscan University’s Master of Social Work program is currently pursuing candidacy for accreditation through the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The MSW program is entering the CSWE new applicant program process. Candidacy for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted. Our program expects to attain accreditation that is retroactive to Fall 2027.