Take the next step in your social work career with an online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. If you’re concerned about earning this graduate degree without completing the GRE, then it’s time to explore online MSW programs with no GRE required. Explore the overview, benefits, common courses, and example careers related to these programs today.
Online MSW Programs With No GRE Required Overview
An online master’s in social work with no GRE can help you become qualified for a position or a promotion in the field of social work. This degree is available to students with a bachelor’s degree in social work or another field. You can apply with little or no experience in the field, though any relevant experience or volunteer projects may strengthen your application.
In some cases, an MSW degree is required to pursue state licensure. Check with your state to see what you must do to qualify and if a graduate degree is the right step for your career. Consider a program that’s accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) for a program that meets both professional ethical standards and licensure requirements.
Online Program Overview
You can apply to MSW programs across the nation in both on-campus and online options. As an online student, you’ll receive the same degree as an on-campus student. Many programs are also taught by the same faculty and offer the same course options.
An online program may offer more flexibility in scheduling and class selection. Some allow you to take classes when they are convenient for you and go through the program at your own speed. Other programs require you to attend virtual classes at set times, just like an on-campus student.
Applying to an MSW Program
The application process for a graduate degree can be a stressful experience for some students. If you haven’t been a student for some time or if you had a difficult undergraduate experience, then you may feel like you can’t apply to an MSW program.
For many graduate schools, these steps are required to apply:
- Submit an application
- Send in undergraduate transcripts
- Write one or more admissions essays
- Include one or more letters of reference
- Pay an application fee
- Schedule an interview
- Take the GRE
However, many online MSW programs have no GRE (Graduate Record Examination) requirements. Explore flexible application opportunities to keep your options open as you consider graduate school. Don’t let a challenging standardized test discourage you from applying to a program that fits your career ambitions.
The GRE Test
This standardized test is administered by the Educational Testing Service. It’s used by many graduate schools to determine acceptance, scholarships, and other important decisions.
Not every program requires you to take the GRE. Social work graduate programs that do not require GRE use your application, interview, and/or other factors. This allows you to enroll in an online MSW program without the stress of studying for a major test.
Online MSW Programs With No GRE Required Benefits
Enrolling in an online MSW program without taking the GRE is a distinct pathway to receiving your master’s degree. If you’re considering this type of program, then you may enjoy the following benefits.
Flexible Schedule
Most online programs grant you more flexibility to set your schedule. You can watch recorded lectures on your own time and study for exams when it’s most convenient for you. These features can help you balance your studies with home life, work, or other commitments.
Some programs still require you to log in during specific class periods. While not as flexible, these online options still help you avoid commuting to class or relocating to an area with a highly rated college.
Increased Career Opportunities
Pursuing an MSW can be a rewarding career experience. According to PayScale, the median yearly salary for a Bachelor of Social Work degree holder is about $52,000, compared with $56,000 for a Master of Social Work degree holder. Some roles, promotions, and state licenses require advanced training, so exploring social work graduate programs that do not require GRE can be a strong step in your career.
Expanded College Choices
You don’t need to pack your bags to enroll in graduate school. Online social work graduate programs that do not require GRE are available as long as you have a stable internet connection. Apply to the best schools, not just the ones that are close to your home.
A growing number of reputable colleges are offering online options. You can choose from highly-rated public and private institutions across the country to find the best faculty, concentration, coursework, or cost for your degree program.
Fulfilling Work
Pursuing a career as a social worker or a related career can be incredibly rewarding. These positions work closely with individuals, families, communities, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies to improve lives and provide essential support.
Whether you’re working in the healthcare industry or assisting with legal issues, you can use your MSW training and knowledge to advocate, inspire, encourage, and assist disadvantaged individuals and community groups.
How Much Do Online MSW Programs With No GRE Required Cost?
The specific cost of an MSW program varies depending on the type of institution, length of study, and other factors. The cost of a graduate program can vary between $10,000 and over $100,000.
Many online programs are more affordable than traditional alternatives. When studying online, you can also expect to save any on-campus fees, such as room and board. Review tuition rates carefully, as some online programs cost more than on-campus versions of the same program.
Common Courses in Online MSW Programs With No GRE Required
MSW programs offer both a broad range of social work skills and specialized classes to focus on your chosen career path. While the exact course titles and areas of specialization vary, here are some common courses you can expect in your graduate program:
- Social advocacy
- Social justice
- Empathy
- Substance abuse
- Policy analysis
- Death and dying
- Couples and family therapy
- Fieldwork
You can expect to take a range of courses that include many or all of these topics. Some online master’s in social work with no GRE programs offer concentrations to focus your learning and prepare for a specific career:
- Mental health and trauma
- Healthcare
- Children, youth, and families
- Community administration
- Clinical work
How Long Does It Take to Complete Online MSW Programs With No GRE Required?
Choose an online master’s in social work with no GRE to receive your degree in less time. While a standard master’s degree program can take about two years to complete, there are a few accelerated options available:
- Advanced standing MSW: These programs are available to students with a Bachelor of Social Work degree and can take only 12 months.
- Accelerated program: Accelerated programs typically require more hours or more coursework in a shorter period of time. If you’ve completed social work coursework or practical experience, then you may be able to earn a degree in 16 months or less.
You can apply for online MSW programs with no GRE and a low GPA. Your chosen course and your availability can help determine whether you can earn your MSW in 12 months or 24 months. As a part-time student, you can take up to 36 months to complete your coursework.
Career Options and Job Outlook for Online MSW Programs With No GRE Required Graduates
You can still apply to online MSW programs with no GRE and low GPA and take the next step in your career. Explore these career options and job outlook data by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to see if an online program is right for you.
Social Worker
Online MSW programs with no GRE required can prepare you to enter or advance in the field of social work. Social workers earned median pay of $50,390 in 2021, according to BLS. These roles are also expected to increase by 12% between 2020 and 2030.
Probation Officer or Correctional Treatment Specialist
As a probation officer or correctional treatment specialist, you can work closely with individuals in the criminal justice system. Offer support, guidance, and treatment to law offenders and their families. According to BLS, these roles earned median pay of $60,250 in 2021. They also were expected to grow by 4% between 2020 and 2030.
Marriage and Family Therapist
Counsel couples and families going through trauma, stress, and other experiences as a marriage and family therapist. These roles earned median pay in 2021 of $49,880, according to BLS data. Expect to see an increase in available positions in the future, as the number of therapists in this group is projected to grow about 16% between 2020 and 2030.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, or Mental Health Counselor
While these positions are grouped for BLS data, they represent a broad range of skill sets and professional support for individuals and communities. Consider whether you wish to support individuals through mental health issues, behavioral disorders, alcoholism, drug addiction, or other substance abuse. The 2021 median salary for these roles was $48,520, according to BLS. This category has a significant job outlook projection, with an estimated 23% increase between 2020 and 2030.
Sources:
PayScale, Bachelor of Social Work Degree
PayScale, Master of Social Work Degree
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social Workers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Marriage and Family Therapists