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Online Master of Social Work: MSW Careers

Gain Expertise in Rural Social Work

Career-Ready Skills

Pathway to Licensure

  • Keep working as you take online, asynchronous courses
  • Complete the MSW degree online in 22 months
  • Help fulfill the high demand for social workers

The online Master of Social Work (MSW) program from Eastern Oregon University will prepare you to take on greater responsibilities in your career and advance in this rewarding field. When you graduate, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to succeed as a trauma-informed, ethical social worker.

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Your MSW Degree Prepares You for a Variety of Rewarding Roles*

Social Worker (General)1 $58,380 2023 median pay

Social Worker (Healthcare)2 $62,940 2023 median pay

Social and Community Service Manager3 $77,030 2023 median pay

Thriving Careers for Those with an Online MSW Degree*

The need for social work professionals is growing, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expecting the field to expand faster than average, with an expected 67,300 new jobs each year from 2023 to 2033.1 With our online MSW program, you’ll graduate with the skills to pursue advanced positions and become a compassionate leader in your social work career. Our leading-edge strategies for effective engagement, intervention and advocacy will prepare you for positions that positively impact your community.

  • Trauma-informed substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors will experience rapid career growth as their unique skills serve diverse populations impacted by addiction and mental health conditions.1
  • According to initiatives sponsored by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, social workers in rural communities are urgently needed because their services reduce the stigma of receiving help.4

“As the Program Director of EOU’s online MSW program, I am honored to lead a program committed to excellence in social work education. We provide accessible, high-quality education that prepares students for impactful careers while emphasizing service and social justice. Our graduates gain the skills and knowledge needed to advocate for change and effectively serve diverse communities, allowing them to make a meaningful impact in the world.”

– Christine M. Saladino, Ph.D., LMSW (she/her/hers)
MSW Program Director
College of Education

Program Outcomes and Skills Acquired

What You’ll Learn

When you complete Eastern Oregon University’s master’s in social work online, you’ll be able to:

  • Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
  • Advance human rights and social, racial, economic and environmental justice
  • Apply anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in practice
  • Become immersed in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
  • Engage in policy practice
  • Assess diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
  • Provide effective intervention services
  • Evaluate practice with diverse clients

Skills You’ll Gain

  • Advanced generalist practice
  • Advocacy
  • Anti-oppressive practices
  • Constructing professional relationships
  • Ethical decision making
  • Evidence-based practices
  • Group facilitation
  • Interventions for clients who are marginalized
  • Interviewing skills
  • Professionalism
  • Reflective practices
  • Trauma informed care

Career Support

Prepare for the role you want with the career support services offered by Eastern Oregon University. As a student and a graduate, you’ll benefit from a variety of services designed to help you stand out among employers and succeed professionally in your field.

Career Services

Eastern Oregon University Career Services offers in-person coaching and online resources to help students broaden their career choices and understand the value of their education in relation to employment. This includes outreach to all students in all academic programs, on and off campus, coupled with outreach to employers, service providers and government agencies.

Career Readiness: Resume and Cover Letter Assistance

EOU Career Services has a robust collection of tutorials available to students, including information on resumes, cover letters, interview skills and soft skills.

Sources and Disclaimer

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Social Workers.” August 29, 2024. Retrieved September 10, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm.
  2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors.” August 29, 2024. Retrieved September 10, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm.
  3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Social and Community Service Managers.” August 29, 2024. Retrieved September 10, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm.
  4. Rural Health Information Hub. “Human Services to Support Rural Health.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). June 6, 2024. Retrieved September 10, 2024, from https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/rural-human-services.

*Note that some career paths require licensure after the MSW is completed. Please investigate licensure requirements in your state for more details.