A Master of Social Work (MSW) program is a specialized graduate degree that prepares students for a career as a social worker in mental health. The program prepares students to work as clinicians offering mental health and therapy services or in administration and advocacy roles. Over the last decade, there has been a tremendous increase in the availability and accessibility of online programs where students can obtain specialized degrees as distance education learners. Another appeal for enrolling in MSW programs has been to waive the requirement for the GRE as a prerequisite for the application process.
The GRE stands for the Graduate Record Exam. This is a standardized test that was designed with the intention to assess a student’s readiness for graduate-level coursework after completing an undergraduate program. The GRE assesses students on topics such as critical thinking skills, analytical writing skills, and verbal and quantitative reasoning., including math and data analysis. The test takes about two hours to complete.
There have long been questions around whether or not the GRE is an accurate measure to determine whether or not a student is capable of successfully completing a graduate degree program. For many institutions, the GRE, coupled with the GMAT, are slowly being phased out as admissions directors look at other factors such as a letter of recommendation and prior experience, as better barometers to determine an applicant’s ability.
With the MSW degree programs themselves requiring a high level of time commitment and mental focus, adding a standardized test prior to a student even being enrolled in a program just adds a level of burden that is generally not required. Programs that do not require the GRE are generally of equal quality to ones that do have the requirement, with most offering the option of an advanced standing option. Highlighted below are some online Master of Social Work programs that do not require a GRE for admission.
Adelphi University
The no GRE required MSW program at Adelphi University can be completed 100% online, with the option for students to attend residencies online or in person. The program promotes involvement in academic research, and there is great flexibility in the entrance requirements. Students follow a curriculum that prepares them for licensure nationwide as a Licensed Master of Social Work.
Arizona State University
Arizona State prepares its students for direct practice as licensed social workers. This online program is not available to international students. The program consists of a 60-credit-hour path that includes a field practicum. While this program does not require the GRE for admission, it is required that students applying have a Bachelor of Social Work or a closely related and accredited undergraduate degree.
Baylor
This No GRE Required MSW program is a values-driven online degree that offers standard and advanced standing MSW program tracks with specializations in clinical or community practice. The Council on Social Work has accredited the program, and students have a variety of field placement options to choose from.
Boise State University
The online MSW degree is designed to prepare students for licensure and working with individuals and families. The program offers flexibility in taking coursework and completing degree requirements based on individual needs. The program has a variety of financial opportunities and is one of the most affordable MSW programs available.
California State University- Northbridge
CSU focuses on a generalist approach, preparing students for community practice as social workers. Students have the option of choosing between a two- or three-year option based on their desired career goals. GRE requirements have been wiped for most degrees at California State institutions. Students are offered support throughout the completion of this program and are offered flexibility in the completion of curriculum requirements.
California State University- San Bernardino
This program offers an option between a 2-year and 3-year curriculum where students can work towards an advanced standing program. Students are required to complete the field training and are offered support and guidance in choosing from the available options. This program has specific time and date requirements for virtual class attendance.
Campbellsville University
The MSW program at Campbellsville University is a faith-based graduate program that prepares students for licensure in social work. The program is CSWE-accredited and offers extensive training and education for the pursuit of a career in a variety of jobs in the field of social work, including direct mental health services.
Capella University
This MSW program is CSWE-accredited and offers an Advanced Standing program that better prepares students for licensure and practice within the field of mental health. The program also promotes involvement in academic research and offers a variety of field placements to choose from. Students are given the option of combining online and in-person learning experiences.
Case Western Reserve University
Ranked in the top 10 schools of social work, this program is affordable, with a variety of scholarships and financial options available. The program is CSWE-accredited and consists of 60 credit hours, including a variety of supported field placements to choose from. Students are offered support and guidance throughout the completion of their program requirements, and the GRE requisite has long been removed from this program.
Colorado State University
The no GRE MSW program at Colorado State University is a customizable degree designed to be completed within two to three years and has a plethora of research opportunities that prepare students for further education at the doctoral level. The degree is an advanced generalist degree that prepares students to practice as social workers in a multitude of settings.
Dominican University
This MSW program is offered online or in person, depending on the applicant’s choice, with offerings available full-time or part-time. The department also offers a variety of scholarships that make earning the degree more affordable. This program has various specialty tracks that allow students to concentrate on a specific area in which they wish to pursue a career.
Edinboro University
Ranked among the top ten online programs in the nation, this program focuses on delivering a hands-on experience that prepares students for licensure upon graduation. The program has a 60-credit curriculum that is also CSWE-accredited and is available online or in a hybrid format.
George Mason University
This MSW program offers an advanced standing program for applicants with a BSW and also offers an accelerated track where students can take 9 credit hours per semester. The program offers a variety of research and practicum opportunities, with multidisciplinary exposure and preparation available to students. This is another program that has long excluded the GRE for admission.
Hawaii Pacific University
The MSW program at Hawaii Pacific is a CSWE-accredited degree that offers a flexible schedule for working professionals. With classes offered on evenings and weekends, students are also able to receive support for internship placements within their communities. The department offers an advanced standing program for those holding a BSW.
Howard University
Howard University offers a two-program no GRE required track with the ability to earn the degree in 16 months. The department offers an advanced standing track and has an agency-based placement service for practicums and employment upon graduation. Specializations within the degree include direct practice and community, administration, and policy practice, which enable students to gain direct exposure to areas in which they wish to pursue a career.
Humboldt State University
This program is an advanced generalist MSW degree that prepares students as professionals in social work. The program is accredited by CSWE and has full-time and part-time offerings, with the option of attending online or in-person. This program requires that students live in the state of California while they are in the program due to licensure requirements, and does not require the GRE for entry.
Indiana University
Indiana University has a CSWE-accredited no GRE required MSW program that has six focus areas for students to choose from as areas of emphasis. These include an emphasis on children, youth, and families, health, school social work, community and organizational leadership, mental health and addictions, and specialty practice areas. Students also receive support during practicum placements during their time in the program.
Jackson State University
This MSW program is an advanced direct social work degree that prepares students for licensure upon graduation. Students are offered an option between a part-time and full-time curriculum, along with an advanced standing curriculum for those already holding a BSW. This program has an emphasis on preparing students for direct service as social workers in the community, and doesn’t require the GRE.
Louisiana State University
LSU offers an online MSW program that is CSWE-accredited and an intensive 7-week module format where students can attend full-time or part-time. Advanced standing tracks are available to those holding a BSW, and students receive support in placements for the completion of their practicum. This program is unavailable to international applicants.
Loyola University Chicago
This MSW program is a two-year degree with an advanced standing track offered designed to provide students with the education and training for direct services in the field of social work. Students can pick from macro and micro specializations, within which they could further choose areas of specialty. Students also have the option of taking courses online or in person, and no GRE is required for admittance.
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Accredited by CSWE, MSU Denver offers a no-GRE-required MSW program that has an expansive curriculum and opportunities for experience. This program encourages students’ involvement in academic research and offers several academic scholarships that make attendance at this program more affordable.
Missouri State University
The MSW program at MSU is offered 100% online, with full-time and part-time options to best fit students’ schedules. This program is CSWE-accredited and offers general or advanced standing tracks. The program is designed to prepare students for licensure as LCSWs.
Morgan State University
This MSW program has a generalist and advanced social work track that is based on the university’s core values. The degree consists of 60 credit hours and the completion of a supervised internship. This CSWE-accredited no GRE program offers students a variety of experience opportunities within the community during their time of study and for employment
New Mexico State University
Consisting of a 60-credit-hour curriculum, this program offers a two- and three-year sequence that can be full-time or part-time for students to choose from. Students receive support during internship placements. Course offerings are to be taken in the sequence that is required to be able to take coursework in the following semester.
Ohio State University
This program is CSWE-accredited, doesn’t require the GRE, and offers full-time and part-time attendance options, with flexibility and affordability for a wide range of student backgrounds. The program was ranked among the top six best graduate schools in the nation. The degree is designed to prepare students for licensure as direct care professionals within the field of social work.
Ohio University
This MSW program is offered in-person and online, where students receive education and training at a macro level and in advanced clinical practice. The MSW program is CSWE-accredited and has many part-time and full-time tracks to choose from, ranging from one to four years for completion. This program has long excluded the GRE from its admission requirements.
Our Lady of the Lake University
This CSWE program offers a flexible online format and has been ranked among the best social work programs in the nation. Designed to be completed within one to three years, the curriculum consists of 57 credit hours with a field practicum requirement. The program is also geared towards preparing students for licensure as LMSWs upon graduation.
Portland State University
Redesigned to be offered in a 100% online format, this no GRE MSW program consists of a curriculum spanning 11 weeks that is broken into smaller modules to fit student enrollment options. The curriculum consists of 78 credit hours, and students can complete the program in two to three years, including the completion of their field placements.
Regis College
This MSW program is CSWE-accredited and offers an extensive curriculum and internship opportunities geared towards preparing students for licensure or other career opportunities within the field of social work. The program also offers advanced and traditional tracks that can be completed in four to eight semesters.
Rutgers University
With the option of 100% online attendance and in-person course offerings, Rutgers is ranked one of the best MSW programs in the nation, especially given that it doesn’t require a GRE for entry. They offer robust field education with connections nationwide. Accredited by CSWE, the program has two areas of specialization: clinical social work and management and policy.
Salisbury University
This MSW program is geared toward the preparation of students for advanced direct practice as social workers. The program is CSWE-accredited and has a variety of field placement resources available to students. The two specializations available are clinical social work and advocacy and social change and leadership.
Samford University
This program is a faith-based and CSWE-accredited no GRE MSW program that offers a focus on clinical social work. Students are offered a variety of scholarship opportunities and courses are offered in full-time and part-time options. Students can complete the degree in two to four years. Students receive support in field placements and the pursuit of licensure upon graduation.
San José State University
This online/hybrid MSW program is flexible in its course offerings, where students can earn their degree in one to two years. Internships are completed in person and courses are typically offered on weekday evenings. Students are expected to have continuous enrollment throughout the entirety of the program.
Simmons University
The MSW program at Simmons University is CSWE-accredited and offers advanced skills in focus areas including mental health or trauma practice. This online degree could be completed in 9 months, doesn’t require the GRE, and students have the option to be enrolled either full-time or part-time. Students can also complete their internship requirements without having to relocate.
Stephen F. Austin State University
This MSW program consists of a 64-credit-hour curriculum designed to be completed in two years of full-time enrollment. The program also offers part-time enrollment to choose from. The program is accredited by CSWE and prepares students for practice as licensed social workers upon graduation.
Syracuse University
Syracuse University’s online MSW program offers a traditional and accelerated advanced track, with the opportunity to choose a concentration in advanced integrated practice or advanced clinical practice. This program is CSWE accredited, doesn’t require the GRE, and students typically graduate in two years. The program offers support in securing placements in the student’s local community, which adds to the convenience and accessibility of resources for students.
Temple University
This CSWE-accredited MSW program is also accredited by CEPH which is the only one of three in Pennsylvania to have this accreditation. The program encourages student involvement in academic research and offers support for students to find field placements in student communities. The program is for part-time enrollment and can be completed in three to four years.
Texas State University- San Marcos
This program is offered in-person and online, has no GRE requirement, and is fully accredited by CSWE. The degree is designed to prepare students for licensure upon graduation. Students are offered a regular and advanced standing track. There is no thesis requirement but students are encouraged to gain as many experiences within academia and field placements as they wish.
The Catholic University of America
Ranked among the top Catholic social work schools in the nation, this program prepares students for licensure as a social worker upon graduation. The program is fully CSWE-accredited and offers students part-time and full-time enrollment options. Students have a variety of scholarship opportunities and the program curriculum is highly flexible to suit working professionals.
Tulane University
This 60-credit-hour MSW program offers a number of specialty concentrations for students to choose from and is offered in full-time and part-time enrollment tracks. The program is geared towards advanced direct practice in social work and prepares students for licensure upon graduation. The focus of this program is resiliency, and the GRE is not required for admission.
University of Buffalo- SUNY
Offered 100% online, this no GRE MSW program is CSWE-accredited and prepares students for licensure upon graduation. The curriculum consists of 60 credit hours and is offered part-time, typically taking about three years to complete. Students receive support in field placements and also have the option of attending classes in person.
The University of Alabama
This MSW program is fully accredited by CSWE, doesn’t require the GRE, and consists of a 60-credit-hour curriculum. Students can choose from two concentration areas, including children, adolescents, and families, or adults and families. Students are also able to opt for an advanced standing program that is available to those holding a BSW.
University of Alaska, Anchorage
This MSW program is SCWe accredited and prepares students for licensure and clinical social work practice. The program follows an advanced generalist concentration and students receive support and connections for field placements that are most convenient to them. The program consists of approximately 60 credits, doesn’t require the GRE, and takes about three years to complete.
University of Arkansas, Little Rock
This 60-credit-hour program is entirely online and focuses on clinical social work practice. Fully CSWE-accredited, this program can be completed in three years. It is required that students complete field placements in person. Students receive academic and practical support throughout the program and are trained to receive licensure upon graduation.
University of Denver
Ranked #1 in Colorado, this online MSW program can be completed in one year and applicants don’t need to submit GRE test scores. There are flexible field placement opportunities available to students that can be completed in person or virtually. Students are offered two concentrations, and the program has an advanced standing track available to choose from as well.
University of Houston
This online MSW program is designed to offer flexibility and consists of a 63-credit-hour curriculum. Students are offered an advanced standing program that is offered online, in person, or in a hybrid format. Students get to choose from a clinical or macro approach and are then offered four areas of specialization. Students receive the education and training necessary to be eligible for licensure upon graduation.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
This MSW program is CSWE-accredited, doesn’t require the GRE, and prepares students for advanced social work practice. Students can enroll in person or on the online part-time track. As a part of the degree, students can choose from two concentrations, including leadership and social change, or an advanced clinical concentration.
University of Iowa
The MSW program at the University of Iowa is a three-year part-time program where students are promoted in their autonomy and involvement via distance education. The program is available to a select geographical location, and courses are delivered in real-time during most evenings. Students are to complete field placements within their communities as approved by the program.
University of Kentucky
This online MSW program consists of 60 credit hours and can be completed in two years. The program offers certificate options and an advanced standing track, and no GRE requirement. This MSW program is CSWE-accredited and offers students a variety of specialty concentrations to choose from. Students are encouraged to seek field placements that align with their individual career needs.
University of Louisville
This MSSW offers concentrations in the following areas: alcohol and drug counseling, gerontology, mental health, military social work, or psychosocial oncology. The program is CSWE accredited and has an advanced standing track and the degree consists of approximately 60 credit hours. Students are prepared at a micro and macro level of social work practice.
University of Missouri
CSWE-accredited, this MSW program prepares students for licensure upon graduation, whether they choose to go into clinical practice or policy, planning, and administration. The no GRE MSW degree consists of 60 credit hours and students can complete an advanced standing track. Students are provided support for field placements and seeking employment opportunities after graduation.
University of Nevada, Reno
This MSW program is designed to prepare students for licensure. It is NCCU and CSWE accredited and ranked among the top 150 universities for research and development. The program itself follows an advanced generalist practice and prepares students to work with a variety of populations.
University of New England
A 100% online and no GRE-required degree, this MSW program is CSWE-accredited and focuses on integrating clinical skills and intervention strategies at a micro and macro level. The program offers an advanced standing track, and students have a variety of scholarship opportunities available to them. The degree consists of approximately 64 credit hours and can be completed in about three years.
University of New Hampshire
This MSW program has an advanced generalist curriculum consisting of 62 credit hours and can typically be completed in about 28 months. The program is CSWE-accredited and is a top-tier research university. Students may enroll full-time or part-time and can specialize in areas including disabilities, mental health, substance abuse, children, youth, and families.
University of Northern Iowa
This MSW program is a specialization in trauma-informed care, where students are prepared for clinical practice through extensive education and field placement experiences. Students will also be prepared for licensure upon graduation. Students have the option of attending online or on-campus and receiving support in obtaining resources surrounding field placements.
University of South Florida
This no GRE required MSW program is offered as part-time and full-time curriculum sequences and has an advanced standing track. Students are to take courses sequentially and receive clinical training in preparation for providing advanced direct services. They complete online course content but also participate in live online learning experiences. Students can complete the program within three to five semesters.
University of Southern California
This MSW program is CSWE-accredited and consists of a 42-credit-hour curriculum that could be completed as fast as in a year. Students are prepared for licensure upon graduation and have the option of choosing between five specialty tracks. Students are also encouraged to participate in academic research opportunities while engaging in clinical training through field placements.
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
This MSW program is CSWE accredited, doesn’t require the GRE, and is offered in person and online. Students can choose between enrolling full-time or part-time and have the ability to choose from concentrations including clinical practice and organizational leadership. Students are encouraged to engage in academic research and are provided with a variety of support for field placement opportunities.
University of Texas, Arlington
With an expansion of accessibility to students outside of Texas, UT Arlington’s MSW now includes four areas of specialty. Students also have the option of earning graduate certificates along with their degrees. Enrollment is available full-time and the degree could be completed within one to three years.
University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley
This MSW program consists of a minimum course requirement of 33 credit hours and could be completed in a year. The program focuses on advanced direct care and prepares students for licensure upon graduation. The program offers a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities to make attendance accessible and affordable.
University of Utah
The University of Utah’s no GRE MSW program offers enrollment in advanced-standing and generalist tracks. Students typically complete this 60-credit-hour curriculum program in about two years. Students receive support to find field placements within their communities and are prepared for licensure and employment post-graduation. The program also offers scholarship and funding opportunities.
Virginia Commonwealth University
This MSW program has an equal emphasis on applied field education and training and academic research involvement. The program is available to students nationwide, and students are able to complete the program at their own pace, whether they are enrolled full-time or part-time. This program is CSWE-accredited, doesn’t require the GRE for entry, and prepares students for licensure as a social worker upon graduation.
Walden University
The MSW program at Walden University is CSWE-accredited and can be completed in approximately 30 months. The program is based on an experiential learning model that focuses on the field education and training of its students as social workers. Students are prepared for licensure and are provided with support for internships and employment opportunities.
West Virginia University
This program is designed for students in an advanced integrated social work practice at a micro and macro level. This MSW program is CSWE-accredited, has no GRE requirement, and students are prepared for licensure. Students typically earn their degree in two to three years and part-time enrollment is available for fall admission only.
Western Kentucky University
This program prepares students for professional social work practice and offers a traditional and advanced standing track. Students can be enrolled full-time or part-time. This program is CSWE-accredited and prepares students for licensure as social workers upon graduation. Students are also provided with several placement and employment opportunities throughout the program.
Western New Mexico University
This MSW program is CSWE-accredited and is designed to fit the needs of working professionals. Advanced standing and general tracks are available to students, and the program prepares graduates for licensure in the field of social work. Students can complete their field placement within their communities, and coursework can be completed at a pace that students are comfortable with. The GRE or GMAT are also not required to be admitted.
Widener University
This MSW program is a trauma-centered, direct service-oriented MSW program that is CSWE-accredited and prepares students for licensure upon graduation. The program offers regular and advanced standing admission, with hybrid dual degree options available. Students enjoy a collaborative field experience and the residency could be completed virtually.
Winthrop University
The no GRE MSW program at Winthrop University is focused on empowerment practice, where students receive education and training to work at a micro and macro level in the field of social work. The program is CSWE-accredited and students receive support in utilizing dedicated field placement assistance while earning pre-requisites for licensure.
Yeshiva University
This MSW program is CSWE-accredited and meets the requirements for licensure post-graduation. The curriculum incorporates coursework, field placements, and involvement in academic research, which sets students up for a variety of prospects in their careers. Students also have the opportunity to earn additional certifications while earning their degree, which provides further career advancement.
For those still looking to complete a graduate degree in mental health without having to complete the GRE, a no gre masters in psychology or a no gre masters in marriage and family therapy are alternative choices.
