Accelerated MSW Programs Online

Programs Currently Accepting Applicants

Capella University : MSW - Social Work (CSWE accredited. No GMAT or GRE required.)

Liberty University : MSW: Social Work (100% online, 8-week courses)

Case Western Reserve University : Master of Social Work (Earn your Master of Social Work online at CWRU in as little as two and a half years. No GRE required. CSWE accredited.)

Fordham University : Master of Social Work (Earn an MSW online. Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available. Accredited by the CSWE.)

Syracuse University : Master of Social Work (CSWE accredited. Standard and Advanced Standing tracks. No GRE required.)

University of Denver : Master of Social Work (Earn an MSW in as few as 12 months. No GRE required. CSWE accredited)

Northern Kentucky University : Master of Social Work (100% Online, Prepare for LCSW/LISW)

Our Lady of the Lake University : Online Degrees in Social Work (Bachelors, Masters, and Dual MSW/MBA. CSWE accredited.)

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What Is an Accelerated Master’s in Social Work?

The conventional path toward a social work career begins with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. Like most undergraduate degrees, a BSW typically takes a full four years to complete. During this time, you will hone the skills necessary for working with clients and for assessing the needs within a particular community. A BSW can prepare you to practice as a social worker or simply lay the foundation for further education in a master’s-level program.

After completing an undergraduate degree, many aspiring social workers seek a master’s in social work. Depending on the program you choose, an MSW will typically take two years to complete, but may sometimes take longer.

Earning an MSW prepares you to sit for the licensure exam and become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). It can also yield more advanced professional opportunities with increased responsibility and autonomy. All told, this educational path can take between six and eight years to complete.

An accelerated master’s in social work is a fast-track option, allowing you to complete your social work education in less time. Accelerated programs enable you to take courses year-round — including during the summer — helping you graduate with your MSW earlier. An accelerated MSW program normally takes up to a year less time to complete than a more traditional program does.

Different Types of Accelerated MSW Programs

Multiple types of accelerated MSW programs are available to choose from. Two of the main options are the accelerated traditional MSW and the accelerated standing MSW.

Accelerated Traditional MSW: This program is for students who do not already have a BSW. It allows them to combine their bachelor’s and master’s education into one accelerated program. Completing these programs usually takes between 18 months and two years.

Accelerated Standing MSW: This program is for students who already have their BSW, but wish to accelerate the completion of their MSW. Many students can finish their MSW work in as little as one year.

1 Year Online MSW Degree with no BSW Requirement: A 1-year MSW program is designed for those without a Bachelor's in Social Work. This accelerated program offers comprehensive training, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to make a profound impact in diverse communities.

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School and Program Information	Online Program? Entry Requirements	Course Information
Capella University MSW - Social Work CSWE Accredited	✔ Online No GMAT or GRE Required	Advance your skills to help be an effective leader, researcher, educator or practitioner in the social work field. Capella’s CSWE-accredited MSW program offers a strong focus on leadership, advanced practitioner skills and using technology to expand the reach and effectiveness of social service programs. No GRE required. Learn More
Liberty University MSW: Social Work SACSCOC	✔ Online 100% online, 8-week courses	This program offers a general cognate and an individual and family clinical cognate. No matter which option you choose, you’ll receive advanced generalist training in social policy, research, and practice — as well as the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in your field. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More
Case Western Reserve University Master of Social Work CSWE accredited.	✔ Online No GRE Required Bachelor's Degree	Lead lasting change in your community. With no GRE required, you can earn a CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work online through Case Western Reserve University's top-10 ranked school of social work and prepare to pursue licensure. The online program curriculum offers three paths of study: Children, Youth and Families; Community Practice for Social Change; and Mental Health with Adults. Complete in as little as 2.5 years for the traditional track or 1.5 years for students with advance standing. Learn More
Fordham University Master of Social Work Accredited by the CSWE.	✔ Online Bachelor's Degree	Fordham’s top-ranked Graduate School of Social Service offers a future-focused online MSW program, preparing students for integrated practice with all populations. Bachelor's degree required. Learn More
Syracuse University Master of Social Work CSWE accredited	✔ Online No GRE Required	Syracuse University’s CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work program is preparing the next generation of social work leaders through an emphasis on digital innovation and social justice. Learn More
University of Denver Master of Social Work CSWE accredited. Designed to adhere to CACREP standards.	✔ Campus, Online No GRE Required Minimum GPA 2.5	Earn your CSWE-accredited MSW online from Denver's GSSW, a top-15 school of social work. Gain a strong foundation for social work practice with a concentration in Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness. GRE scores are not required. Students with a BSW can earn their MSW in as few as 12 months in the online advanced-standing track; students without a BSW can earn an MSW in as few as 21 months. Learn More
Northern Kentucky University Master of Social Work	✔ Online 100% Online, Prepare for LCSW/LISW	This flexible program is for individuals who have earned an undergraduate degree in a field other than social work. It provides the path to help you transition into this sector and take on leadership roles as a clinical practitioner. Learn More
Our Lady of the Lake University Online Degrees in Social Work Bachelors, Masters, and Dual MSW/MBA CSWE accredited	✔ Online No GRE Required. Minimum GPA 3.0	Earn a degree online from a university that's pioneered social work education since 1942. Earn your Bachelor's or Master's in Social Work & Graduate Ready to Apply for Licensure. OLLU also offers an online dual MSW/MBA program for students interested in pursuing leadership, administrative, and management positions. Our Lady of the Lake University is one of three schools in the nation that provides a focus on the Hispanic community in social work programs. Learn More

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☰ For detailed degree information, view the guides to:
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs

The Benefits of Accelerated MSW Programs Online

Many accelerated MSW programs are available online. Enrolling in one of the top accelerated MSW programs online can be advantageous in a number of ways:

Learn according to your schedule. One of the best things about online courses is that you can learn during the hours that work for you. This can give you the flexibility to pursue your education while still managing other home or professional responsibilities.

Graduate in less time than it would normally take. Can’t wait for a full six to eight years to start practicing as a social worker, or to sit for the licensing exam? Accelerated programs can allow you to condense the timeline considerably.

Choose from among the top universities in the world. When you enroll in a traditional on-campus program, you may be bound by geography. Choosing an online accelerated MSW program enables you to attend one of the top schools in the field without having to relocate.

Prepare for licensing and practice. An online accelerated MSW gives you an education comparable to a traditional degree program. It can be a great way to cultivate the skills and competencies you need to become licensed, and to make a positive impact on behalf of your clients.

What Will You Learn in an Accelerated BSW/MSW Program?

While accelerated BSW/MSW programs can vary slightly in their curricula, you can anticipate that your education will encompass courses such as:

Introduction to Social Work

Human Behavior

Cultural Diversity and Justice

Social Work Case Management

Social Welfare Policy

Social Work Research Methods

Well-rounded courses like these can prepare you to succeed in the field of social work and to achieve positive outcomes for the communities you serve.

Most MSW programs also allow students to choose from areas of specialization, further honing their skills and focusing their practice. Some common specialization examples include:

Clinical Practice

Community Practice

Policy and Administration

MSW - Social Work Program at Capella University

Capella University - MSW - Social Work (CSWE Accredited)

MSW: Social Work Program at Liberty University

Liberty University - MSW: Social Work (SACSCOC Accredited)

Master of Social Work Program at Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)

Master of Social Work Program at Fordham University

Fordham University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)

Master of Social Work Program at Syracuse University

Syracuse University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)

Master of Social Work Program at University of Denver

University of Denver - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)

Master of Social Work Program at Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)

Online Degrees in Social Work Program at Our Lady of the Lake University

Our Lady of the Lake University - Online Degrees in Social Work (CSWE Accredited)

Learn More About Accelerated MSW Programs

Any of a number of educational programs can prepare you for a successful career in social work. For those seeking a more condensed timeline, accelerated programs may be the best approach. A quality online accelerated program can help you earn an MSW in a short span of time.

Explore some of the available accelerated MSW programs and start planning your career in the field of social work.

Sources:

The Balance Careers, “What Does a Social Worker Do?”
Choosing Therapy, “What Is an LCSW?”
Council on Social Work Education, Social Work Education at a Glance
Council on Social Work Education, What Is Social Work?
Indeed, “How to Become a Clinical Social Worker: Guide to Becoming a LCSW”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Social Workers

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