Distance learning for social worker has increased in recent years as an effective way to provide access to education for students in underserved communities and increase the diversity of the workforce. However, the extent to which distance learning lives up to these goals remains unclear.

This article describes a study that analyzed data on 2018 social work graduates to examine whether the type of educational program students are enrolled in is associated with greater racial diversity and whether having been enrolled in a distance learning program is associated with practicing in rural areas.