Best Online & Affordable MSW Programs in Tennessee

Austin Peay State University's MSW program delivers a comprehensive educational experience for emerging social work professionals. Accredited by CSWE through 2029, the program uniquely supports career transitions with a flexible hybrid learning model. Students explore advanced generalist practice across individual, group, and community intervention levels. The curriculum accommodates diverse academic backgrounds without strict undergraduate prerequisites. Notably, the program eliminates GRE requirements, offers part-time and full-time tracks, and provides advanced standing options. With a 2.75 minimum GPA threshold, students can leverage exemption exams and enjoy extensive professional preparation strategies.

• CSWE Accredited Program
• Hybrid Learning Model
• Advanced Generalist Concentration
• No GRE Required
• August 2025 Admission
• Application Review Begins February 2025
• 2.75 Minimum GPA
• Part-time and Full-time Options
• Exemption Exams Available
• Advanced Standing Option

Austin Peay's Advanced Generalist MSW concentration empowers students to develop multifaceted social work skills spanning micro, mezzo, and macro practice domains. The hybrid program strategically accommodates working professionals through evening classes and online coursework flexibility. CSWE accreditation ensures rigorous academic standards, while the program's inclusive approach welcomes diverse student backgrounds. With no GRE mandate and a 2.75 GPA requirement, students can seamlessly transition into social work careers. The curriculum emphasizes adaptable learning models, transfer credit possibilities, and comprehensive professional development.

• CSWE Accredited Program
• Advanced Generalist Concentration
• Hybrid Learning Model
• No GRE Required
• Application Deadline February 1st
• Part-time and Full-time Options
• Late Applications Accepted
• Flexible Career Preparation
• Online Course Components
• Transfer Credit Possibilities

Austin Peay State University's Administration-focused MSW program prepares students for leadership roles in social service organizations. The hybrid learning environment combines online and in-class instruction, enabling professionals to balance academic pursuits with career commitments. CSWE accreditation guarantees high-quality educational standards through an advanced generalist curriculum. Students benefit from flexible admission cycles, no specific undergraduate prerequisites, and multiple licensure pathways. The program's strategic design supports career transformation, offering part-time and full-time options without GRE score requirements.

• CSWE Accredited Program
• Hybrid Learning Model
• Advanced Generalist Concentration
• No Specific Undergraduate Prerequisites
• Application Deadline February 1st
• No GRE Required
• Part-time and Full-time Options
• August 2025 Admission Available
• Flexible Career Licensure Paths
• Online and In-class Courses

Austin Peay's Clinical MSW concentration provides a dynamic pathway for aspiring mental health professionals. The program's advanced generalist approach equips students with comprehensive intervention skills across micro, mezzo, and macro practice levels. CSWE-accredited through 2029, the curriculum features a flexible hybrid model accommodating diverse learning preferences. Without GRE barriers, students can leverage part-time and full-time tracks, advanced standing opportunities, and exemption exams. The program welcomes career changers, maintaining a 2.75 GPA requirement and offering multiple professional licensure trajectories.

• CSWE Accredited through 2029
• Hybrid Learning Model
• Advanced Generalist Concentration
• No GRE Required
• Application Deadline February 2025
• Part-time and Full-time Options
• 2.75 Minimum GPA
• Advanced Standing Available
• Exemption Exams Offered
• Multiple Licensure Pathways

The University of Tennessee's Online Master of Science in Social Work in Clinical Practice offers a robust, flexible program tailored for working professionals. Emphasizing clinical intervention strategies, this CSWE-accredited degree enables students to develop advanced therapeutic skills without GRE requirements. The curriculum integrates synchronous and asynchronous learning formats, allowing students to balance academic pursuits with professional responsibilities. Field placements provide critical hands-on experience in clinical settings, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to address complex mental health challenges and deliver evidence-based interventions.

• Fully online MSSW program
• No GRE required
• Multiple study options
• Synchronous and asynchronous courses
• CSWE accredited program
• Flexible evening class times
• Mandatory field placement
• Part-time and full-time paths
• Advanced standing available

The University of Tennessee's Online Master of Science in Social Work focusing on Organizational Leadership prepares professionals to navigate complex social service systems and drive strategic change. This innovative program equips students with advanced leadership skills, organizational management techniques, and policy implementation strategies. With no GRE mandatory and flexible course scheduling, students can develop comprehensive competencies in program development, resource allocation, and systemic transformation. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, enabling graduates to become effective change agents in nonprofit, governmental, and community-based organizations.

• Fully online MSSW program
• No GRE required
• CSWE accredited program
• Synchronous and asynchronous courses
• Part-time and full-time options
• Field placement included
• Evening course schedules
• Same professors as on-campus
• Advanced standing available

Union University's Master of Social Work program offers a dynamic educational pathway for future social work leaders, providing two distinct tracks: an Advanced Standing 33-credit program for BSW graduates and a comprehensive 60-credit Traditional program. Distinguished by its Christian-centered approach, the program integrates evidence-based practice with social justice principles. Students benefit from flexible hybrid learning options across two campus locations, with a trauma-informed curriculum that prepares professionals for complex social work environments. Notably, the program waives the GRE requirement, maintains a competitive $655 per credit hour rate, and offers a Trauma Studies Certificate. CSWE accreditation ensures high-quality training for students seeking advanced generalist practice.

• Online and in-person options
• Advanced Generalist Concentration
• $655 per credit hour
• No GRE required
• CSWE Accredited Program
• Advanced Standing for BSW graduates
• Two campus locations
• Trauma Studies Certificate available
• Minimum 2.65 GPA requirement
• Fall and Spring start terms

Middle Tennessee State University's Master of Social Work program delivers a transformative educational experience that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical community engagement. Through a meticulously designed hybrid curriculum, students explore advanced generalist practice methods while developing robust social justice and cultural competency skills. The program's distinctive 400-900 hour practicum placement ensures graduates are thoroughly prepared for diverse professional environments. CSWE accreditation guarantees high-quality training, with opportunities for advanced standing and multiple career pathways in mental health, healthcare, and social services. A competitive 2.75 undergraduate GPA requirement ensures academic rigor and professional potential.

• M.S.W. fully accredited by CSWE
• 400-900 hour practicum experience
• On-ground and hybrid options
• 2.75 undergraduate GPA required
• Fall and spring admission
• January 31 fall application deadline
• October 15 spring application deadline
• Advanced standing available
• Prepares for state licensure
• Multiple career path opportunities

UTC's Master of Social Work program stands out as a comprehensive evening program meticulously designed for aspiring social work professionals seeking advanced practice skills. Fully accredited by CSWE, the hybrid program equips students with sophisticated knowledge to excel in diverse practice environments including medical, clinical, and hospice settings. Emphasizing life course perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches, students benefit from flexible learning formats that accommodate working professionals. The curriculum strategically prepares graduates for licensure and specialized roles across multiple demographic contexts, ensuring practitioners are well-positioned for dynamic social service careers.

• CSWE fully accredited program
• Evening program format
• Advanced practice focus
• Licensure preparation
• Multiple career path options
• Life course practice emphasis
• Practice across demographics
• Independent learning approach