If you are looking to pursue a career in social work, Arizona offers many online degree programs designed to meet your needs. Online social work programs in Arizona provide the flexibility to balance your studies with personal and professional responsibilities, while equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to support individuals, families, and communities.
From bachelor’s to master’s degrees, these programs cover essential topics like human behavior, ethics, and policy practice, along with hands-on field experiences. Whether you are starting your educational journey or seeking advanced qualifications, Arizona’s online social work programs can help prepare you for impactful roles.
This guide highlights some of the popular online social work programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels in Arizona.
Online Social Work Programs in Arizona
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online social work programs in Arizona:
- University of Phoenix
- Arizona State University Online
- Northern Arizona University
- Simmons University
- Walden University
- Chamberlain University
- Syracuse University
- National University
University of Phoenix
Online Social Work Degree (BSSW)
The online BSSW program at University of Phoenix is tailored for working adults who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree in social work. This program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
The average length of the BSSW program is approximately four years, requiring a completion of 120 credits. You will complete your Field Experience in either two 15-week Field Education Experiences, or in a single 15-week placement Field Education Block. The field education courses fall within the standard course sequence and do not extend the program length.
The mission of the online BSSW program at University of Phoenix is to empower you to develop into effective, ethical, culturally aware social workers who advocate for social change and promote resilience in a rapidly evolving global environment. Graduates will be prepared to apply knowledge, skills, and social work values to enhance the lives of diverse individuals, families, organizations, and communities.
Curriculum, coursework, and field education courses of the program introduce and reinforce outcomes related to the CSWE social work competencies. You demonstrate competency through the application of knowledge, skills, values, and affective and cognitive behaviors in the classroom, as well as in the micro, mezzo, and macro settings during field education courses. Outcome-based assessments of social work competencies and behavioral dimensions are an ongoing component of the program structure and course sequencing, and these assessments are designed to lead to student mastery of the program learning outcomes.
The program includes core courses for your foundational knowledge as a case worker addressing human services across diverse communities. General education courses and electives are also required to enhance the soft skills like critical thinking and diversity training you will need as a social worker. Core courses of the program include:
- Introduction to Social Work
- Professional Behaviors for Social Work Practice
- Communication Techniques
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- Social Work Policy
- Social Work Advocacy
- Social Justice and Diversity In Social Work
- Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice
- Social Work Practice: Engage
- Social Work Practice: Assess
- Social Work Practice: Intervene
- Social Work Practice: Evaluate
- Field Education I and II
Overall program learning outcomes include:
- Apply ethical and professional behavior in a social work setting.
- Apply advocacy strategies to advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.
- Apply anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion in practice strategies.
- Apply practice-informed research and research-informed practice in a social work setting.
- Analyze policies related to social work practice.
- Apply social work skills to engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Apply assessment skills with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Apply intervention skills with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Analyze practice outcomes with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Field Education I and Field Education II (or the compressed Field Education) comprise an essential component of the BSSW program. You must complete the minimum required number of hours for each Field Education (FE) course(s) at an approved agency site. The FE courses represent continued experiential training and require a minimum of 200 total hours each (for the two-course series) and a total of 400 hours for the Field Education Block.
The agencies provide rich and diverse opportunities, which the University believes augments and extends social work knowledge, values, skills, and affective and cognitive behaviors to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate at the micro, mezzo, and macro-level within a field setting. The field education process is designed to integrate classroom and field components and is systematically designed, supervised, coordinated, and evaluated based on criteria by which students demonstrate the Social Work Competencies.
In the courses that accompany the field placements (Field Education I and Field Education II or Field Education Block), you integrate their theoretical understanding with practice, develop your professional identities, and learn to be reflective practitioners through self-evaluation, mutual feedback, and instructor guidance. You develop in-depth case conceptualizations at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels, and in this process gain a deeper understanding of the intersectional and dynamic nature of diversity.
You also identify your own areas for growth and methods for self-care in order to sustain your careers as social workers. Field education courses provide opportunities for you to serve clients in community settings under supervision by both faculty and supervisors at the sites and provide services to individuals, families, groups, and communities.
You do not begin Field Education until the appropriate prerequisites have been met. Field education generally includes opportunities for you to work with diverse populations in multiple modalities.
You are required to work with a Field Placement Coordinator to secure and obtain approval for their Field Education sites prior to beginning their Field Education. Choosing from the list of suggested social service agencies may help accelerate the process of gaining agency approval. A student’s work/home schedule may require adjustments to effectively meet site requirements and attain the minimum 400 Field Education hours.
In addition to requiring students to meet University of Phoenix’s admission criterion, the BSSW program has instituted additional criteria to help ensure qualified candidates progress to their social work coursework. The first measure is program/course prerequisites. This measure will help ensure candidates have sufficient exposure to college-level work prior to commencing their core curriculum.
In order to be eligible to start BSSW coursework candidates must have earned 24 general education credits. An additional measure is the minimum grade requirement in the first BSSW course, SWRK/200 Introduction to Social Work.
In order to progress in the BSSW program candidates must earn a B or better in SWRK/200 to be eligible to continue in their core social work courses. Students who do not meet this standard will be placed on scholastic disqualification status and are notified in writing of their status. Students who have been scholastically disqualified from SWRK/200 will not be allowed to continue in their degree program until they have taken the following steps:
- Completion of the academic progression student agreement form signed by the student and returned to the appointed administrator. This form requires students to submit a short reflection on the circumstances that may have contributed to the nonpassing grade and their plan to successfully complete the course during the second attempt.
- Retake the course to achieve a B or better.
Students who fail to meet the minimum grade requirement after the second attempt will be permanently withdrawn from the program and will be placed on scholastic suspension. They receive written notification from the university of their standing. An additional measure the BSSW program implements to ensure candidates perform at an acceptable level is a minimum grade requirement for all BSSW courses.
Unless otherwise outlined as having a higher-grade requirement, students must earn a C- or better in all BSSW courses. Candidates who do not achieve this minimum grade must repeat the course until the minimum grade requirement is met.
Previous credits earned at a school accredited by the CSWE will be reviewed and evaluated by the Office of Admissions and Evaluation to determine how/if the course fits the requirements for the University of Phoenix BSSW degree. The following courses are not eligible for transfer and must be taken at University of Phoenix.
Arizona State University Online
Online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
If you are committed to supporting individuals, families, groups, and communities facing various challenges, the 120-credit online BSW program at Arizona State University (ASU) may be the right choice for you. This program offered by ASU’s School of Social Work provides the knowledge and practical experience needed to build a fulfilling career in social work. Upon graduation, you will be well-prepared to provide direct services and positively impact your community.
A BSW degree equips you to work as a generalist social worker, engaging with individuals, groups, communities, and broader societal systems. In this role, you will provide support to those affected by challenges such as mental health, aging, child welfare, criminal justice, disability policy, and human rights.
Your coursework will cover topics like micro and macro human behavior, ethics, and whole-person health. In your final two semesters, you will apply these concepts in a 480-hour practicum within your geographic area. Practicum sites may include hospices, youth organizations, and community centers.
This program is ideal for individuals from diverse backgrounds. If you have experience working or volunteering in social services, you may find this program to be a great fit. Successful candidates often possess a passion for helping others and addressing complex social issues that affect vulnerable populations.
Courses in this program are designed to build your understanding of key social work concepts and skills. You will focus on areas like advocacy, consultation, and education, while developing competencies in assessment, engagement, evaluation, intervention, intake, and research.
The program offers the following social work courses:
- Social Work Practice in Health Care Settings
- Domestic Violence and National AmeriCorps Service
- Technology, Interpersonal Relationships and Abuse
- Global Violence Against Women
- Child Welfare Practice
- Mastering Mindfulness
- Overview of Addictions
- Behavioral Health Services
- Legal Issues in Social Work
- Advocacy Strategies
- Intersecting Domestic Violence Child Maltreatment
- Aging in Context
- Indigenous Social Policy & Advocacy
During the 480-hour practicum, you will work under supervision at a local site, gaining practical experience and making an immediate impact. This hands-on training helps solidify your skills and explore your professional identity. Practicum settings include schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and correctional facilities.
ASU offers this BSW program through ASU Sync for transfer students or those with an associate degree. ASU Sync allows you to attend live classes remotely via Zoom, enabling real-time discussions and collaboration.
Graduates of this program are well-prepared for generalist social work roles, focusing on advocacy, case management, and problem-solving with individuals, groups, families, and communities.
To apply, you must meet the following requirements:
- First-Year Students: You are considered a first-year applicant if you have never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours. To be admitted to ASU, you must hold a high school diploma and have completed at least 14 core courses, including four years of math and English, three years of lab sciences, two years of social sciences, two years of the same second language, and one year of fine arts or technical education. You must also meet one of the following criteria:
- Top 25% in your high school graduating class.
- 3.00 GPA in competency courses.
- ACT score of 22 (Arizona residents) or 24 (nonresidents), or SAT score of 1120 (Arizona residents) or 1180 (nonresidents).
- Transfer Students: You are a transfer applicant if you have attended college or university with at least 12 transferable credits. Transfer applicants with 12-23 credits must meet first-year student requirements and have a minimum cumulative transfer GPA of 2.50. Applicants with 24 or more credits must have a minimum cumulative transfer GPA of 2.50 to qualify.
Northern Arizona University
Online Master of Social Work (MSW)
At Northern Arizona University (NAU), the online MSW program focuses on social work practice that emphasizes diverse individuals and rural client well-being. This program incorporates theoretical perspectives and approaches that contribute to a strengths-based framework. This framework is crucial for elaborating on the program’s mission and shaping its goals, including the necessity of culturally competent practice.
Your course of study in this Two-Year MSW includes 60 credits of instruction. You will undertake Foundation level courses during your first year, complete your field placement, and then progress to Specialization Year courses. These focus on advanced generalist practice, advanced topics, cognates, and advanced field placement.
The program mandates two separate internships, each requiring a minimum of 450 hours per year, accumulating at least 900 hours in total.
You are also required to attend a virtual orientation session before starting your coursework. This orientation session will provide you with essential information about the MSW Program, including the plan of study, student expectations, and resources available through NAU. Additionally, orientation is necessary before commencing your field placement, to clarify the expectations and policies related to the completion of your internship, offering a chance to connect with peers and faculty.
This online MSW degree empowers you to combine your passion for helping others with practical instruction and practice to make significant impacts. You will learn about fostering social change through a curriculum that covers social policy, clinical practice, research, cultural competence, social justice, and administration. Your field placements will offer you the chance to gain valuable experience working with individuals, groups, and marginalized communities, guided by seasoned practitioners.
Upon graduation, you will be well-equipped with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to be a potent agent for change. This MSW degree is versatile, enabling work in diverse settings and with various individuals and communities. It is often required for third-party reimbursement by insurance companies or government agencies, offering flexibility to practice at elevated levels within human service environments. The degree is considered the terminal degree for professional social work practice and licensure.
Overall goals of the program include:
- Preparing competent Advanced Generalist social workers to engage effectively with diverse rural, vulnerable, disenfranchised, and underserved populations globally.
- Promoting professional identification and continual development in Advanced Generalist social work practice.
- Providing service to the community and promoting human rights, social, economic, and environmental justice.
- Advancing social work practice through the use and development of research knowledge and skills.
- Equipping students with skills to develop and implement policies and programs from a strengths-based perspective.
Year One Generalist – Competencies include:
- Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
- Competency 2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
- Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
- Competency 4: Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
- Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice
- Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Year Two – Advanced Generalist include:
- Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
- Competency 2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
- Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
- Competency 4: Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
- Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice
- Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
For admission to this MSW program, the requirements are:
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university.
- A 3 credit hour course in human biology.
- A 3 credit hour course in basic or applied statistics.
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- A professional resume including at least 250 hours of volunteer or relevant paid work experience.
- Completion of a personal statement.
- Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended.
Simmons University
Online Master of Social Work – Traditional
Simmons University’s clinically focused, CSWE-accredited online MSW program is rooted in social justice values and a multicultural perspective, preparing you for direct practice across a wide range of clinical settings.
This online MSW program includes weekly, interactive classes with an average of 20 students or fewer, allowing you to discuss social work concepts and practice methods. Live classes provide direct communication with classmates and expert faculty, who are dedicated clinicians. As a student, you will have 24/7 access to tools, features, and course content.
This program offers full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks, as well as an advanced standing track for BSW graduates. You can earn your degree at the pace that best suits your lifestyle.
You can complete the program in as few as 9 months or as many as 40 months. This hands-on program enables you to build connections with classmates and professors, fostering relationships that continue beyond graduation. You will also benefit from one-on-one time with faculty during online office hours and study groups.
The online MSW program offers five tracks:
- Advanced Standing: If you hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, you may qualify for this track. Complete 34 credits and earn your MSW in as few as 9 months (two terms) or 12 months (three terms).
- Accelerated: This intensive track requires 65 credits and allows you to earn your MSW in as few as 16 months.
- Full-Time: Complete a standard course load each term, requiring 65 credits and finishing in as few as 23 months.
- Extended: This track offers a manageable pace, requiring 65 credits over 32 months.
- Extended Plus: For those balancing additional responsibilities, this slower-paced track takes 65 credits and up to 40 months.
Throughout your studies, you will examine key theoretical frameworks and practice methods, including:
- Ecological systems theory
- Human development
- Sociocultural theory
- Psychodynamic theory
- Cognitive behavioral theory
- Solution-focused therapy
- Motivational interviewing
Upon graduation, you will possess a strong foundation in evidence-informed approaches and intervention skills for professional practice.
Traditional MSW students will complete over 1,000 hours of practical experience in community settings. Advanced standing students will complete 672 hours. You will begin with a Simulated Practicum Experience (SPX), practicing skills through simulated client encounters, before transitioning to a community-based agency.
Simmons University’s placement team assists in securing a practicum site near your community, supervised by professional social workers.
To apply, you must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Relevant work or volunteer experience is required. If you are enrolled in another CSWE-accredited MSW program, you may apply as a transfer student.
During the admissions process, a dedicated counselor will be available to answer your questions about the program and application process.
How Much Does a Licensed Social Worker Make in Arizona?
As of January 2025, the average annual salary for a licensed social worker working in Arizona is $88,613. More experienced and top earning social workers in Arizona make over $130,000 per year.
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