Walden University MSW Program Tuition: A Comprehensive Overview

The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program at Walden University prepares students to serve individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities effectively. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education's (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation. Walden University is a private/for-profit institution, just like University of Phoenix, Capella, Kaplan, Devry, etc.

Program Overview

By selecting one of four concentrations focused on specific populations, students learn to draw from social work theory and methods to engage, evaluate, and intervene in the problems experienced by individuals, families, and groups. Skills gained through this program can be applied in schools, hospitals, private practice, social service agencies, and mental health clinics. Students have an additional opportunity to increase their knowledge by choosing an optional focus area in one of five key areas, and customized case studies throughout the program add perspective to the curriculum.

The Walden University Master of Social Work (MSW) program is designed to prepare graduates to practice as licensed social workers in many states. However, the requirements for licensure as a social worker vary greatly from state to state. Each state board that is responsible for regulating the practice of social work has its own academic requirements and issues its own license to practice as a social worker in that state. While Walden enrollment specialists can provide general information relating to the state-by-state educational requirements for social work licensure or certification, it remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to field education experiences, licensing or certification, authorization, or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of its coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure, certification, authorization, endorsement, or other state credential. Prospective students enrolling in licensure-leading programs are advised that relocation to another state may impact the student’s ability to complete field experiences and/or to obtain professional licensure, certification, or other credential in another state.

The MSW program emphasizes practical experience and real-world application, so you’ll have opportunities to engage in fieldwork and apply what you learn in real settings. Walden’s MSW program emphasizes practical experience and real-world application, so you’ll have opportunities to engage in fieldwork and apply what you learn in real settings.

Core Competencies

The program focuses on developing essential skills and competencies, including:

Demonstrating the development of a professional orientation and identity as a social worker.
Applying legal and ethical standards in clinical social work practice.
Applying principles of advocacy that promote cultural understanding and positive social change.
Utilizing evidence-based research and critical-thinking skills to inform practice clinical social work practice in meeting the needs of diverse clientele.
Synthesizing and applying theories of human growth and development to develop culturally responsive social work practices.
Demonstrating knowledge and skills in the areas of engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation with individuals, families, and groups.

Program Structure and Options

The MSW program offers flexibility with options like the Traditional Fast Track. Students are required to select two electives from the Focus Areas or electives and may select an optional third elective for an embedded certificate from the same Focus Area.

Traditional Fast Track: This track requires students to complete three courses in the first quarter, with opportunities to select electives and focus areas.
Skills Labs: Two Social Work Skills Labs (1 credits each) are required. Complete after completing SOCW 6002; required before entering SOCW 6500 - Social Work Field Education I. (Exception: Advanced Standing students can skip Social Work Skills Lab I.)Complete after SOCW 6510 and prior to enrolling in SOCW 6520 - Social Work Field Education III.
Focus Areas and Certificates: Students can choose to focus their studies by selecting two elective courses from the same focus area. An optional certificate, along with the MSW, can be added to the MSW program if students select three courses from a specific focus area.

Walden is committed to providing students with resources and support in preparation of field experience(s). To help ease anxiety in the field experience process, Walden offers a 0-credit Field Experience Preparation course, a structured experience that guides students through the application process and currently available readiness resources. The course is designed to complement other pre-requisite courses needed in preparation for field experience(s). The goal is that students submit their field experience application by the end of the course. Of course, there may be reasons why a field experience needs to be postponed, or the readiness course may not be needed if a field experience opportunity has already been secured. In this instance, students may opt-out of the course. By opting out of the Field Experience Preparation course without having submitted a complete field experience application you are notifying Walden that you have chosen to delay the beginning of your field experience indefinitely, it is your responsibility to notify Walden when you plan to begin the field experience component of your program. In some instances, opting out of the Field Experience Preparation course indicates the foundational components of the field experience process have been satisfied and submission of the field experience application is pending.

Experiential Learning

Walden’s online Master of Social Work (MSW) program is grounded in experiential learning and multicultural perspectives-so students emerge from their program ready to make a difference for their clients and community. Walden is the No. Interactive simulations and virtual Skills Labs allow you to practice skills in scenarios that reflect what social workers face in the field. Apply your skills and social work concepts while working with teachers and other online MSW students.

In Walden’s online Master of Social Work program, you are required to complete 900 hours in an approved social services agency under the supervision of a licensed social worker. In this practicum experience, you will gain an introduction to the roles of a social work practitioner. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your skills in maintaining social work boundaries and ethics while interacting in a professional manner with clients.

Tuition and Fees

Walden is not cheap but neither are a lot of other schools. Sometimes people pay more for something else they want - like maybe being able to start class sooner and not have to wait. Tuition for the MSW program at Walden University varies depending on the program option (Traditional or Advanced Standing) and whether you pursue an optional certificate. It’s important to note that the "scholarships" and "grants" are simply marketing tools to try to lure in unsuspecting potential students (customers). The "enroll by X, receive $X scholarship funds" is used by many other for profit institutions.

Read also: Walden University: A Detailed Look

Traditional Option

Tuition: \$555 per credit hour
Credit Hours: 92 quarter credit hours (97 with certificate)
Skills Lab Fee: Included (travel, lodging, and other expenses are additional if the face- to-face option is selected.)
Program Fee: \$180 per quarter (Standard), \$1,980 (with optional Certificate)
Total (Standard): \$52,860**
Total (with Certificate): \$55,815**
Believe & Achieve Scholarship: -\$6,105
Your Tuition (with Scholarship): \$46,755**

Advanced Standing Option

Tuition: \$555 per credit hour
Credit Hours: 52 quarter credit hours (57 with certificate)
Skills Lab Fee: Included (travel, lodging and other expenses are additional if the face- to-face option is selected)
Program Fee: \$180 per quarter (Standard), \$1,260 (with optional certificate)
Total (Standard): \$29,940*
Total (with Certificate): \$32,895*
Believe & Achieve Scholarship: -\$3,330
Your Tuition (with Scholarship): \$26,610*

Note: These figures represent the minimum time to completion. Actual total program time and costs may vary. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Books and materials are not included and may cost between \$2,500 to \$3,500 for the Traditional option and \$1,500 to \$2,500 for the Advanced Standing option. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Walden students may qualify for government student loans and grants. For more information about the financial aid process at Walden, talk to an Enrollment Specialist at 1-866-492-5336. Walden also offers scholarships.

Online Learning Experience

The Walden online experience is designed with the adult learner in mind, allowing students to balance their courses with their careers, families, and other responsibilities. Students can access the online classroom at any time. They interact with faculty and peers using online discussion boards, and assignments are submitted via the online classroom. Students have access to a wide variety of support services, including the Writing Center, Walden library, and the Student Success Advising team.

Field Experience

Field experience is required by all CSWE-accredited MSW programs and is an opportunity for students to work in real-life settings, interacting with clients under the supervision of a professional social worker. As part of the Walden online Master of Social Work curriculum, students complete two field experiences over four quarters/terms for a total of 900 hours (students in the Advanced Standing option will complete one field experience for 500 hours). It is important that students consider how they will manage the field experience requirements with other responsibilities.

Field experiences can normally be completed in or near a student’s town or community, and some sites offer tele-practice experiences to meet the direct practice requirements. While we cannot guarantee field sites in any community will have availability or be able to provide a field placement, we partner with students to help them thoroughly explore their community options.

Read also: Ensuring Quality at Walden

Skills Labs

You will not need to come to a campus, but the MSW program includes two six-week hybrid Skills Labs, which comprise three weeks of online content, followed by a three-day intensive experience (available face-to-face or virtually), and then closes with two weeks of online content. When you attend your Skills Labs depends on your degree option (Traditional, Traditional Accelerated, or Advanced Standing) and when you plan to enter your field placement. Students work closely with their academic advisors to plan their attendance.

Skills Labs are an integral part of the online MSW program at Walden, providing invaluable hands-on experiences. The labs allow MSW students to meet and collaborate with peers and faculty, get support, discuss ideas, and practice critical professional skills needed to be a social worker.

Program Duration

The amount of time it takes to complete your degree will vary based on your previous educational experience, course load, and field placement schedule. We anticipate that students with other life commitments will take two courses per quarter and complete their program in approximately three years. Some students will take longer, and some will complete the program in less time by decreasing or increasing their course load.

Accelerated MSW Programs

With social work jobs projected to grow steadily, earning an accelerated online Master of Social Work (MSW) can fast-track your career. These flexible programs maintain accreditation and quality while allowing you to graduate sooner and make an impact faster.

Accelerated MSW programs aren’t for everyone. Before you enroll into an intensive one-year master’s, evaluate your situation and learning style. Below are four key questions to ask yourself when considering an accelerated MSW.

Can I commit full-time to graduate school for the next year?
Am I comfortable with an intensive, fast-paced learning environment?
What are my career goals, and how soon do I need the MSW?
Do I have a support system and financial plan in place?

Tuition for accelerated MSW programs varies widely by university. Generally, public universities tend to have lower per-credit rates for in-state students, while private schools cost more but may offer scholarships. Expect to pay anywhere from around \$20,000 to over \$70,000 total for a one-year MSW, depending on the program.

Accreditation and Licensure

Walden’s MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and is available online. Walden is not cheap but neither are a lot of other schools. Sometimes people pay more for something else they want - like maybe being able to start class sooner and not have to wait.

Yes, an accelerated online MSW is respected if it’s CSWE-accredited. These programs must meet the same standards and core competencies as traditional MSWs. This qualifies graduates for state licensure paths like Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Career Opportunities

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for social work professionals is expected to increase. An accelerated MSW opens doors to diverse career opportunities, from clinical social work to program administration. Fast-track your journey to becoming a licensed social worker with our ranking of accelerated online MSW programs.

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