Should You Do Your MSW Online or In-Person?

Sep. 3

When considering applying to MSW two years ago, I was unsure whether I should apply to programs in person or ones I could complete at a distance. Ultimately, I chose an in-person program, but I have taken several online courses, both asynchronous and synchronous, during my degree. This experience taught me that every option has benefits and drawbacks, and there isn’t one “best” option. In this article, I will break down the various types of programs, discuss the pros and cons of each, and highlight a few program examples, all to help you decide the best fit for you!

Let’s break down the types of programs:

In-Person MSW Programs

In-person programs require on-campus attendance and have scheduled classes.

Online MSW Programs- Synchronous

An online synchronous program features live lectures. While you’ll have the freedom to attend from anywhere, you do need to be online at scheduled times. An example of this program would be the University of Windsor’s MSW for Working Professionals. In the United States, examples are the online MSW programs at Arizona State University and Columbia University.

Online MSW Programs - Asynchronous

In an asynchronous program, there will be no live lectures to attend, and coursework can be completed at a convenient time for you. The online MSW program at Wilfrid Laurier University is mostly asynchronous. In the United States, a couple of examples are the online MSW programs at Wayne State University and Rutgers University, although there are many!

Blended- Online & In-Person MSW Program

A blended program requires students to complete some coursework online and some in person. Another blended program is still offered at a distance but requires asynchronous and synchronous work. Depending on the program, students may be required to be on campus only for certain courses each week or complete a period in person while completing the rest online. An example of a blended program in Canada is the BSW program at the University of Calgary-Lethbridge, which offers the first version of a blended program. Examples in the United States are the University of Michigan and the University of Maine, which both offer the latter completely online version.

What are the benefits of an online MSW program?

Completing coursework from your own home or a location of your choosing can provide comfort.
Online MSW programs open a wider range of programs if moving to another city for graduate school is not an option.
Course material is always available and can be frequently revisited.
Missing synchronous classes due to weather, illness, travel, or a sick child may not be as necessary when classes are offered online.
Online asynchronous classes may allow students to take the classes they really want to take because there is no timeframe to work their schedule around.

What are the drawbacks of an online MSW program?

Forming strong relationships with your fellow students in an online format may be difficult.
These programs, especially those that are asynchronous, often require a lot of discussion posts. While many of us may be used to these from online classes during the pandemic, graduate expectations for discussion posts can be higher. “I agree, great point” doesn’t cut it at the graduate level, and discussion posts often need to be well thought out to facilitate conversation.
Depending on the program, you may have less support finding a placement. For example, Yorkville University’s online MACP program requires students to find their own placement. However, it is important to note that this is not the case for every online program.
Some online programs may take longer to complete than in-person programs, such as if they are only offered online, like Wilfrid Laurier’s online MSW.
Some students may struggle to learn online or adapt to the required technologies.
Online MSW programs are often more competitive than in-person programs because, without geographical barriers, there is a bigger pool of potential applicants.
Online fatigue is real!

What are the benefits of in-person MSW programs?

You’ll have regular face-to-face contact with your cohort, which can help you network and build connections.
The ability to use the various services available on campus, such as the library, student centre, and counselling services.
It may be easier to practice counselling skills in person, such as during role plays because body language is clearer.

What are the drawbacks of in-person MSW programs?

If you can’t move, finding the right program in your city may be difficult.
Managing work and childcare schedules around class schedules may be challenging.
Commuting to campus or paying for parking may be expensive and time-consuming.
Some students may feel distracted by the classroom environment.

So, Should You Do Your MSW Online or In-Person?

Now that you have the basics you may be wondering, how do I decide? Based on the information I just shared, online and in-person MSW programs are both great choices. I recommend reviewing the pros and cons lists I shared in this article and evaluating which aspects you value the most. Do you need to remain in your current job while you study? Did you struggle online during the pandemic? Do you live far from your nearest MSW program? Do you value in-person discussion? These are just a few questions you can reflect on as you decide.

When applying, I was set on completing my MSW in person because I wanted to have those valuable in-class discussions with my cohort and form relationships. However, several times during my first year, I found myself wishing I had applied to online MSW programs instead, especially during early mornings when I was tired or my responsibilities were piling up, and the last thing I wanted was to go to campus. This summer, I took all my courses online, a mix of both asynchronous and synchronous. While I have enjoyed these courses, I now crave returning to classes in person in September and no longer have to write multiple discussion posts a week or spend hours on Zoom. This anecdote shows that no matter what format you choose, there will always be drawbacks, which means there is no perfect choice.

Ultimately, the end goal is an MSW, and each format provides a viable way to achieve that goal. Like I say in many articles, you are the expert on your life and needs, and only you can decide, but I hope this overview was a helpful first step in that decision-making process!

Sydney Citro

Sydney is an Application Advisor at MSW Helper, and a Master of Social Work Candidate.

MSW Helper is a platform designed to help future social workers get accepted to their dream MSW programs. Through our personal statement editing services and free resources, we’re here to help you write your MSW personal statement with confidence.

MSW Helper is the ONLY grad school application service designed specifically for students who are applying to social work programs. Learn more about MSW Helper here.