LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Nov. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Best MSW Programs, an online guide to graduate education in the field of social work, has published a ranking of the top 25 online Master of Social Work programs for 2014. The University of Southern California in Los Angeles takes first place in the list, followed closely by Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio and Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts in second and third place, respectively.
The complete rankings can be viewed at: http://www.bestmswprograms.com/best-online-msw-programs-ranking/
Other programs making the list include (in alphabetical order):
Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts
California State University in Northridge, California
California State University in San Bernadino, California
Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
Edinboro University in Edinboro, Pennsylvania
Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida
Fordham University in New York, New York
Humboldt State University in Arcata, California
Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas
Portland State University in Portland, Oregon
Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey
Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, Florida
Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas
University of Indiana in Indianapolis, Indiana
University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky
University of New England in Portland, Maine
University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire
University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota
University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee
University of Texas in Arlington, Texas
Western New Mexico University in Silver City, New Mexico
Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania
The schools considered were limited to those accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) that offer a full MSW degree online. Criteria for this ranking included the number of specialization and concentration options within each program, variations in enrollment options such as full-time, part-time, and advanced standing, and the overall sense that the social work program – and online education – is important to each university as a whole.
Online MSW degrees are relatively new, and some of the programs are still in the early stages of their development, points out Julian Schroer, Senior Editor for Best MSW Programs. "Online programs can draw from the strengths of their campus-based curriculum to some extent, but we are seeing a rapid development of technology and delivery, and some of these schools are really beginning to show us what's possible for the future." Schroer went on to say that "This ranking can be a resource for prospective students who are looking into online study. It can be confusing trying to sort through all the different options out there, and one thing this list does is offer a starting point for comparing the strengths and specialties of the best online MSW programs in the country."
Best MSW Programs (bestmswprograms.com) is an independent online guide to finding the best Master's in Social Work degree programs. The site offers expert reviews and rankings of campus-based and online MSW programs, as well as information on scholarship opportunities for MSW students, careers in social work, salary and job prospects, and much more.
Contact:
Julian Schroer
Site Editor, Best MSW Programs
479-841-8450
Email