Best Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Florida
Explore today’s top online and hybrid MSW programs in Florida to find the one that’s best for your social worker career in this STEPS guide. Learn about how to get help to pay for your degree, career opportunities for MSW graduates, and more.
If you live in Florida and want to begin a career in social work, you’ll need to earn a master in social work degree to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). But, you are in luck. Florida is home to many public and private colleges and universities that offer quality, fully accredited master of social work programs with a wide range of specializations, study options, and content delivery formats including online, hybrid, and in-person.
We’ve written this guide to provide you with a one-stop resource for information and advice to help you locate, gain admission to, and succeed in your Florida MSW program. You’ll also find plenty of valuable information on the career opportunities awaiting you upon graduation. Keep reading to discover how you can launch your social work career by earning your master’s degree through one of top MSW programs in Florida.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for MSW Students in Florida
Finding the money to pay for graduate education is a major concern for nearly all Florida MSW students. The good news is that the full array of financial aid types is available to qualifying MSW students, whether they’re studying online or on-campus. That includes scholarships and grants, fellowships and assistantships, federal and private loans, work study programs, employer tuition reimbursement, military education (VA) benefits, and more.
The most obvious place to start your funding search is at the financial aid offices of the schools you’re considering. A great online resource is the State of Florida’s Office of Student Financial Assistance website where you can get information on student loans and a variety of state-sponsored scholarship and grant opportunities. And for more on finding help to pay for your Florida MSW program, be sure to check out STEPs own Social Work Student Resources, Scholarships, and Support Services webpage, as well as our 30 Top Scholarships for Public Service Students and Getting Financial Aid for Your Public Service Degree guides.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for MSW Graduates in Florida
Generally speaking, the job market for Florida MSW program graduates is respectable and, for some occupations, pretty impressive. As the Department of Labor figures in the chart below indicate, job growth projections for several common occupations for MSW degree holders beats the 13% projection for all Florida occupations and substantially tops the 7.7% projected increase for all occupations across the entire U.S. during the same period.
As for earnings, Department of Labor figures indicate annual median salaries for many common Florida social work jobs hover around the mid-five figures mark, which puts them in line with those for all Florida occupations combined. Keep in mind, though, that what you actually earn in your social work job will depend on several factors, most impactfully your specific job title and employer, your geographic location, and level of professional work experience.
To learn more about careers in the social work field, visit our What Can I Do with a Social Work Degree? guide.
| Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) | Average Annual Openings (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (2022) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 15.3% | 1,400 | $49,910 |
| Health Care Social Workers | 17.8% | 1,240 | $55,270 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 17.9% | 500 | $47,520 |
| Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary | 13.5% | 40 | $70,310 |
| Social Workers, All Other | 7.0% | 520 | $55,990 |
Sources: Projections Central; Bureau of Labor Statistics
Top Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Florida
There are lots of online master of social work programs in Florida. Online programs offer students a number of benefits you simply can’t get with an on-campus program. Most notably is the major convenience of being able to access and complete your coursework and attend classes from anywhere and, in some cases, at any time you like. As with campus-based programs, online MSW programs in Florida are available in a variety of formats including full and part time, traditional and advanced tracks, various specializations, etc.
Below is our ranking of the top online and hybrid MSW programs in the state. Take a look and see if any of these schools stand out to you.
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, Florida
Private
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida
Public
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
Public
University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Public
The University of West Florida
Pensacola, Florida
Public
Barry University
Miami, Florida
Private
Florida Social Work Professional and Student Resources
There are lots of resources available to you to help you succeed as a Florida MSW program student and in your career as a professional social worker, starting with the academic and career support services offered by your own college or university. Below are links to five additional resources providing support to social work students beyond their campus’s borders.
- Florida Association School Social Workers (FASSW)
State affiliate of the School Social Work Association of America, the FASSW is dedicated to the promotion of the school social work profession and development of school social workers throughout the state. Visitors to the site can access lots of useful information on Florida LCSW licensure, employment opportunities, association sponsored scholarships, and more. - Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling
This State of Florida agency handles the licensing and practice of clinical social workers in the state, including Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Certified Master Social Workers, and Registered Clinical Social Worker Interns. Visitors to the site can access detailed information on requirements (including fees) for both initial licensure and license renewal. - Getting Your Social Work License: State-by-State Requirements
This STEPs guide offers a list of the requirements for social work licensure in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia. You’ll also find answers to a number of frequently asked questions about social work licenses and the licensing process. - How to Become a Licensed Social Worker Step-by-Step
Also from STEPs, this guide will walk you through the steps you’ll take to becoming a licensed, employed, and successful social work professional. - National Association of Social Workers – Florida Chapter
The NASW is the preeminent association of social work professionals in the United States. Joining the NASW includes membership in both the national organization and Florida’s state chapter. Student memberships are available that offer a variety of valuable benefits such as participation in state and national events, plus access to an array of valuable resources including the NASW research library, association publications, online member community, and more. - Phi Alpha Honor Society
With chapters currently operating on over 450 college and university campuses throughout the U.S., Phi Alpha is the nation’s social work honor society. Florida schools with Phi Alpa chapters include Florida A&M University, Florida International University, and all six schools spotlighted in this guide. Graduate student membership is open to students who are currently ranked in the top 35% of their class. Membership benefits include networking opportunities and eligibility to apply for any of several member scholarships and other awards. - Social Workers in Florida
This Facebook group has nearly 3,000 members and “gives all levels of social workers, DSW, MSW, BSW, and students in social work throughout Florida a forum to discuss ideas and share creative interests with others in the field.” Access to content is limited to group members, so you’ll have to join to participate.
