Top 28 Online MSW Programs With No GRE Requirements

online social work programs and courses

This article is all about the online Master of Social Work (MSW) programs with no Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) admission requirements. All of the programs listed in this article are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Enrolling in online master’s of social work programs seems to be a difficult job these days, with most of them requiring GRE results before admission. We have made some research and have provided you with the best Master of social work programs that do not require GRE results before admitting students.

The term “cost of degree” refers to the total amount of tuition fees over the period of study, with the addition of other fees we have information about.

How We Calculate the Cost of a Degree

In this document, we calculate the cost of a degree by multiplying the cost of a credit hour by the number of credit hours in the program, then we add the additional fees where applicable. The cost we present in this article refers to the standard track of the program.

To make an approximate calculation of the cost for an advanced standing track, divide the cost of the standard program by two.

Note that there may be little variations between the part-time and full-time programs, but they approximately cost the same. For details, visit the program’s official website through the link provided.

In cases where there are multiple tracks or program options, we calculate the cost of the degree with consideration of the full-time standard track alone.

In cases where the price of tuition fees varies between in-state, out-of-state, and/or international students, the calculation is made based on the out-of-state tuition price.

What to Consider Before Choosing a No-GRE MSW Program

  • Affordability
  • Accreditation
  • Length of study and employment status

Affordability

Affordability is undoubtedly one of the things you need to consider before making a choice of program. As a prospective student, you should take your time to find the cheapest online MSW programs with no GRE requirements.

Choosing an affordable program can help cut down on tuition costs and other program fees, enabling you to complete your study without getting a student loan.

Accreditation

When choosing a program, you should ensure to choose only accredited MSW programs, also ensure that the accreditation is from an agency that has authority over the area you live, work, or plan to work in.

For example, if you are a student residing outside the United States of America, be sure that programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education are valid in your area before you enroll in any of the no-GRE programs listed in this article.

Length of Study and Employment Status

The most important things to consider before choosing an online master of social program are the length/duration of the program and your employment status.

If you are a full-time employee who works more than 40 hours per week, it would be good for you to choose a part-time program and it would be better if the program is also self-paced.

If you are a part-time employee, a full-time program would be the best choice for you. If you are an unemployed individual, the best choice for you would be an accelerated program.

Here is a list of 6 different Master’s in Social Work (MSW) program options and how long it takes to complete them:

  • Full-time standard programs: typically take 2-3 years.
  • Part-time standard programs: typically take 3-4 years.
  • Accelerated standard programs: typically take 16 months.
  • Full-time advanced programs: typically take 16 months.
  • Part-time advanced programs: typically take 2-3 years.
  • Accelerated advanced programs: typically take 1 year.

Read also: top 20 1-Year Master of Social Work programs online.

Top 28 Online MSW Programs With No GRE Requirements

Rutgers University

Cost of degree: $55,380.
Location of school: Newark, New Jersey.

Rutgers University’s School of Social Work offers an affordable online no-GRE master of social work program, it can be completed without any need for physical visits or field placement. The program only makes use of flexible and self-paced education materials throughout the study period.

It takes 2-3 years to complete, depending on the mode of study: part-time or full-time study. There is an advanced standing track in the program that is only available to students with a Bachelor of Social Work certificate.

The Rutgers University School of Social Work utilizes the cohort system of learning for its programs which gives students the opportunity to communicate effectively among themselves and also support each other during and after their studies.

The program is open to generalist and clinical social workers because it has elective courses that students in any of these two categories to suit their immediate needs.

For more information about the program, see Rutgers University MSW 100% online program.

Northcentral University

Cost of degree: $47,290.
Location of school: Scottsdale, Arizona.

Northcentral University’s School of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers an online master of social work program and does not require GRE results for admission. The program is a generalist program and takes 2-3 years to complete: the standard track lasts three years while the advanced track lasts two years.

The program is flexible, self-paced, fully online, and accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students who enroll in the program will have access to their professors.

Students can also transfer credits from their previous qualifications, up to a maximum of 12 credits for the standard and 6 credits for the advanced track.

For more information about the program, see Northcentral University Master of social work.

University of Alaska Anchorage

Cost of degree: $64,740.
Location of school: Anchorage, Alaska.

The University of Alaska Anchorage’s school of social work offers an advanced generalist master of social work program that doesn’t require the GRE for admission.

The program is affordable and is only available to social workers in Alaska who want to go into advanced practice.

The program was created specifically for social who already working in the State of Alaska or plan to work in the State after they have completed the program.

In the program, students will gain the skills they need to succeed as advanced generalist social workers.

For more information about the program, see Master of social work program at the University of Alaska.

Widener University

Cost of degree: $53,751.
Location of school: Chester, Pennsylvania.

Widener University offers a trauma-focused online master of social work program, students can enroll in the program with no GRE results. The program views trauma as the main cause of all mental health and social problems.

There are two tracks available in the program: the standard and the advanced track. The standard track is open to anyone with a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree, and the standard track is only available to those with a bachelor of social work degree from nationally accredited programs.

The program is ideal for busy social workers who want to go into advanced trauma-informed social work practice.

The program prepares social workers to give social care to individuals, families, and communities. It takes 2-4 years to complete this program, depending on the track a student enrolls in.

For more information about the program, see Online Master of Social work at Widener University.

California State University-San Bernardino

Cost of degree: $36,000.
Location of school: San Bernardino, California.

The program is a no-GRE program offered by the San Bernardino Campus of California State University through its pathway distance education program. The program is available to all students in the United States of America who pass the admission requirements.

The focus-based generalist program takes three years to complete, it is meant for social workers who live far from the campus or are too busy to attend physical classes. Students who enroll in the program are advised more than 40 hours per week while attending the program so they can cope with the classes.

For more information about the program, see California State University-San Bernardino online MSW.

Aurora University

Cost of degree: N/A.
Location of school: Aurora, Illinois.

The no-GRE online master of social work available at Aurora University, this program prepares social workers for micro and mezzo social work practice. There are seven specializations in the program:

  • School of social work
  • Forensics
  • Health care
  • Child welfare
  • Military and veteran social work
  • Leadership administration
  • Gerontology

It is required that students complete field education before they can complete the program. At the completion of the program, students will have the skills they need to provide social services to marginalized and under-privileged populations.

For more information about the programs, see online MSW at Aurora University.

University of Louisville

Cost of degree: $46,500.
Location of school: Louisville, Kentucky.

The online master of social work program from the University of Louisville doesn’t require students’ GRE results before admission.

The program trains social workers to make positive impacts in society; fighting for equality and justice in society. There are two tracks in the program: standard and advanced standing, and they can be completed in one and two years respectively.

The program prepares social workers for advanced macro practice by teaching them the best decision-making skills, procedures, and techniques they need to make life-changing policies promoting justice and equity.

There are five available specializations in the program:

  • Psychosocial oncology
  • Mental health
  • Gerontology
  • Military social work
  • Alcohol and drug counseling

For more information about the program, see Online Master of Science in Social Work at the University of Louisville.

Walden University

Cost of degree: $46,803.
Location of school: Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Walden University offers an affordable online master of social work program that doesn’t require GRE results for admission.

If you are a social worker who wishes to see a more inclusive and egalitarian world, then this program is a perfect fit for you.

The program specially prepares social workers for State licensure exams. The program makes use of interactive online sessions and skill labs in a supportive online setting to help students better understand the contents of the courses.

There are five specializations in the program:

  • Addictions
  • Child and family
  • Healthcare
  • Military
  • Trauma

There are three tracks available in this program:

  • Standard track
  • Accelerated standard track
  • Advanced standing track

For more information about the program, see Online MSW program at Walden University.

Virginia Commonwealth University

Cost of degree: $48,000.
Location of school: Richmond, Virginia.

The master of social work program developed by Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)is a no-GRE program. The program prepares social workers for advanced social work practice, involving leadership roles in the social work industry.

The trauma-informed and evidence-based program trains social workers to become advocates of human rights, equity, justice, and inclusion.

There are five tracks in the program:

  • Part-time standard track
  • Full-time Standard track
  • Part-time advanced track
  • Full-time advanced track
  • Accelerated advanced track

For more information about the program, see Online Master of Social Work at VCU.

Winthrop University

Cost of degree: $41,940.
Location of school: Rock Hill, South Carolina.

The online master of work degree program from Winthrop University is a no-GRE specialist program.

The program trains social workers for advanced micro and mezzo practice: social work practice involving individuals, families, communities, and organizations.

The courses in the program are entirely online and it is CSWE-accredited. In this course, students will learn the ethics and professional practices to prepare for advanced social work practice and leadership roles.

The program teaches social workers to make policies that seek equity and justice for vulnerable populations.

There are two tracks in the program:

  • Standard track
  • Advanced track

For more information about the program, see Online Master of Social Work at Winthrop University.

Indiana University Bloomington

Cost of degree: $64,112.
Location of school: Bloomington, Indiana.

The Bloomington campus of Indiana University offers a no-GRE master of social work online program suitable for social workers who want to go into micro, mezzo, and/or macro practice.

Students who enroll in the program will also gain leadership skills that will prepare them for leadership roles in social work agencies.

It is one of the best no-GRE programs in the United States, there is only one specialization in the program: mental health and addictions.

There are five tracks in the program:

  • Accelerated advanced standing track
  • Full-time advanced standing track
  • Part-time advanced standing track
  • Part-time standard track
  • Part-time standard track

For more information about the program, see Master of Social Work at Indiana University.

Regis College

Cost of degree: $43,700.
Location of school: Weston, Massachusetts.

Regis University offers an online master’s of social work program, students can apply for this program without GRE because it is not required by the school.

The program’s main purpose is to prepare social workers for advanced practice and support those starting out a career in social work.

Aside from the field placement, which you will complete in your own area, other courses and learning materials in the program are delivered online. There are two tracks in the program:

  • Standard track
  • Advanced track

For more about the program, see Master of Social Work at Regis College.

The University of Texas at Arlington

Cost of degree: $73,569.
Location of school: Arlington, Texas.

The no-GRE online master of social work program at the University of Texas at Arlington utilizes the cohort system of online education but students are not required to join cohorts.

It is open to students in Texas and students living outside of Texas, however, there are no out-of-state fees.

There are four specializations in the program:

  • Direct practice with children and families
  • Direct practice in mental health and substance misuse
  • Direct practice in aging
  • Community and administrative practice

There are three tracks in the program:

  • Full-time standard track
  • Part-time standard track
  • Advanced track

For more information about the program, see MSW program online at UTA.

Capella University

Cost of degree: $46,110.
Location of school: Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The online master of social work program available at Capella University prepares social workers for advanced generalist practice, it is a no-GRE program.

The program is ideal for social workers who wish to improve the life vulnerable individuals, families, and groups: micro and mezzo practice.

During field education sessions, students will gain a first-hand experience of the theoretical and applied principles of social work. The is based on evidence-informed practice and practice-informed research.

For more information about the program, see Master of social work at Capella.

Columbia University

Cost of degree: $28,800.
Location of school: New York, New York.

Columbia University’s School of Social Work provides an online master of science in social work program that doesn’t have any GRE admission requirements. It is one of the pioneer master’s in social work programs in the program.

Students who graduate from this program have a 96% employment rate. Most of the curriculum courses cover topics on micro and mezzo practices, while a little percentage of them cover topics on macro practice.

There are six specializations in the program:

  • Advanced clinical practice
  • Advanced generalist practice and programming
  • Policy practice
  • Social enterprise administration
  • Family, youth, and children
  • Health, mental health, and disabilities

There are three tracks in the program:

  • Advanced standing track
  • Part-time to full-time track
  • Standard track

For more information about the program, see Online M.Sc in Social Work at Columbia University.

Sacred Heart University

Cost of degree: $50,400.
Location of school: Fairfield, Connecticut.

The no-GRE online master of social work program from Sacred Heart University is accredited by the CSWE. Students who enroll in the program will be equipped with the skills they need to provide social care services to vulnerable individuals and populations.

There are two specializations in the program:

  • Direct clinical practice
  • Direct community practice

There are two tracks in the program:

  • Standard track
  • Advanced track

For more information about the program, see Master of social work at Sacred Heart University.

Simmons University

Cost of degree: $73,600.
Location of school: Boston, Massachusetts.

Simmons University provides a trauma-informed clinical social work online master of social work degree program with no GRE admission requirements. The program prepares social workers for advanced clinical social work practice.

The field education is a combination of generalist and specialist field experiences, this gives the students extensive and intensive knowledge of social work.

The field education is divided into two parts: the online simulated field experience and in-person field education.

There are two available specialization programs:

  • Mental health practice
  • Trauma practice

There are four tracks in the program

  • Accelerated standard track
  • Full-time advanced track
  • Part-time advanced track
  • Advanced standing track

For more information about the program, see Online MSW at Simmons University.

University of North Dakota

Cost of degree: $60,000.
Location of school: Grand Forks, North Dakota.

The no-GRE online master of social work program provided by the University of North Dakota is open to both international and local students.

It is an ideal program for social who are employed full-time because the study periods are not jammed together

Social workers who enroll in the program will acquire the necessary skills they need to provide support to vulnerable populations and ensure they receive justice. There are three tracks in the program:

  • Accelerated advanced track
  • Advanced track
  • Standard track

For more information about the program, see Master’s in social work at the University of North Dakota.

California State University-Northridge

Cost of degree: $60,000.
Location of school: Northridge, California.

California State University-Northridge through its school of social and behavioral sciences in collaboration with Tseng College offers an online master of social work program with no GRE requirements. It is a self-paced program and spans over 4 semesters.

There are two available tracks in the program:

  • Full-time standard track
  • Full-time advanced track

For more information about the program, see Online master of social work program from CSUN.

Arizona State University

Cost of degree: $28,000.
Location of school: Tempe, Arizona.

The no-GRE online master of social work from Arizona State University is a generalist social work program.

Through the program, students will learn practice-informed techniques they will apply to improve the lives of underprivileged and vulnerable populations.

The program is not self-paced, but it is one of the best choices for an online masters in social work considering its cost, quality, and ease of admission.

For more information about the program, see Online master of social work at Arizona State University.

Portland State University

Cost of degree: $266,000.
Location of school: Portland, Oregon.

Portland State University through its School of Social Work offers a master’s in social work online program, it is the first of such programs in the Pacific Northwest. The program does not have any GRE requirements and is one of the best in the United States.

In the program, students will take synchronous and asynchronous classes, with the asynchronous classes in place for only two days per year. There are 78 credit hours in the program and 14 study hours per week.

There are two specializations in the program:

  • Advanced macro practice
  • Advanced clinical practice

There are three tracks in the program:

  • Full-time standard track
  • Part-time standard track
  • Advanced standing track

For more information about the program, see MSW online option at Portland State University.

Texas State University

Cost of degree: N/A.
Location of school: San Marcos, Texas.

The master of social work program provided by Texas State University was developed to prepare social workers for advanced clinical social work practice involving individuals, families, groups, and communities.

There are many elective courses in the program, this enables students to shape their course works to match their areas of interest.

The program is ideal for social workers who are looking to help improve the lives of vulnerable populations. Students from all parts of the United States of America can apply for the program.

Through the program, social workers will also learn some necessary skills they need to assume leadership positions in social work agencies. The program has no GRE requirements.

There are four tracks in the program:

  • Full-time standard track
  • Part-time standard track
  • Full-time advanced track
  • Part-time advanced track

For more information about the program, see Online MSW program and Texas State University.

Baylor State University

Cost of degree: $84,900.
Location of school: Waco, Texas.

Baylor State Universities is one of the universities offering no-GRE online master of social work programs. The program covers many areas of social work, including child care services, community practice, trauma care, mental health, etc.

The program is suitable for social workers interested in micro, mezzo, and/or macro level of social work as it covers topics from all three levels of social work.

There are many available elective courses that students can use to customize their learning.

There are two specializations in the program:

  • Clinical practice
  • Community practice

There are five tracks in the program:

  • Full-time standard track
  • Part-time standard track
  • Accelerated standard track
  • Full-time advanced track
  • Part-time advanced track

For more information about the program, see MSW online at Baylor State University.

University of Central Florida

Cost of degree: $30,200.
Location of school: Orlando, Florida.

The no-GRE program online master of social work program from the University of Central Florida is focused on the mezzo and macro levels of social work.

Through the program, students will learn the connection between the different levels of our society: individual, family, group, community, etc, and how a defect in any of them may affect our society.

Students who enroll in this program will gain a deeper understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of social work, they will also gain leadership and administrative skills that will enable them effectively assume leadership roles.

There are two tracks in the program:

  • Standard track
  • Advanced standing track

For more information about the program, see Online master of social work at UCF.

Boise State University

Cost of degree: $32,300.
Location of school: Boise, Idaho.

The Boise State University offers an online master’s in social work program available to students from all parts of the United States. there are no out-of-state tuition fees in the program for students residing outside Idaho.

The program has no GMAT or GRE admission requirements. The program trains social workers who will work toward improving the justice system in our society and help make an egalitarian society.

There are two tracks in the program:

  • Full-time standard track
  • Part-time standard track
  • Advanced track

For more information about the program, see Master of social work Online at Boise.

Cal Poly Humboldt

Cost of degree: $30,600.
Location of school: Arcata, California.

Cal Poly Humboldt, formerly known as Humboldt State University offers an online master of social work degree program through its College of Extended Education and Global Engagement. The program has no GRE requirements for admission.

Students who enroll in the program are required to be on campus for three days each year, until the end of the program. The program options are part-time, affordable, and a perfect option for busy social work professionals.

There are two tracks in the program:

  • Part-time standard program
  • Part-time advanced program

For more information about the program, see Extended MSW online at Cal Poly.

University of Missouri-Columbia

Cost of degree: $31,890.
Location of school: Columbia, Missouri.

The no-GRE online master of social work program from the University of Missouri is a micro-level program with a focus on improving the lives of individuals, families, and groups.

Social workers who enroll in the program will acquire the necessary skills they need to give, mental, social, and emotional support to vulnerable individuals, families, and groups.

Only students residing in any of these nine states are eligible to apply for the program: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.

There are two tracks in the program:

  • Standard track
  • Advanced track

For more information about the program, see Master of social work and the University of Missouri.

Saint Leo University

Cost of degree: $35,650.
Location of school: Saint Leo, Florida.

Saint Leo University offers an online master of social work program with no GRE and low GPA requirement. The aim of the program is to train social workers for advanced clinical social work practice.

Only students residing in any of these 12 states can apply for the program: Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

There are four tracks in the program:

  • Full-time standard track
  • Part-time standard track
  • Full-time advanced track
  • Part-time advanced track

For more information about the program, see Master’s degree in social work at Saint Leo University.

Most Asked Questions About Online MSW Program with No GRE Requirements

Here are the most frequently asked questions about online Master of Social Work (MSW) programs with no Graduate Record Examination (GRE) requirements.

How much do no-GRE online master of social work programs cost?

The average cost is $45,000, the price range is usually between $30,000 and $60,000.

Are there no-GRE and low GPA MSW programs?

Yes, there are many master’s of social work programs that accept students with low GPAs; 3.0 and below and do not require GRE or GMAT results.

What is the minimum required GPA for admission into no-GRE MSW programs?

The minimum GPA for no-GRE online master of social work programs varies depending on the school offering the program, it ranges between 2.5 and 3.5.

Do no-GRE master of social work programs require field placements?

Just like most other programs, most no-GRE online master’s of social work programs do require field placements, however, a handful of them do not require field placements.

What are the cheapest no-GRE master of social work programs?

The 2 cheapest no-GRE online master of social work programs is the program from Arizona State University costing $28,000 and the program from Columbia University costing $28,800.

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