Fast Track Accelerated Social Work Degree Online

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Programs Currently Accepting Applicants

Grand Canyon University : Degrees in Social Work (As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition. No GRE Required.)

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

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

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Why Earn an Accelerated Social Work Degree?

Earning an accelerated social work degree offers a pathway to meaningful work in a shorter timeframe, providing an appealing option for prospective students who are eager to make an impact in their communities. 

Quick Entry into the Field

Accelerated social work programs are designed to be completed in less time than traditional degree programs. This means students can enter the workforce sooner, applying their skills and knowledge in real-world settings. For those who wish to transition careers or who have clear professional goals, these programs offer an expedited route without compromising the quality of education.

Financial Benefits

By shortening the duration of their education, students in accelerated programs often incur less tuition cost overall. This financial efficiency is coupled with entering the job market sooner, which allows graduates to start earning a professional income more quickly. This can be particularly advantageous considering the financial commitments involved in higher education.

Intensive Learning Experience

Accelerated programs are rigorous and require commitment, but they offer an immersive learning experience. Students engage with concentrated coursework that builds a strong foundation in core social work principles and practices. This intensive study not only deepens understanding but also enhances the development of practical skills needed in various social work contexts.

High Demand for Qualified Social Workers

The need for qualified social workers continues to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of social workers is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. An accelerated degree can prepare students to fill these roles in areas like healthcare, mental health, child welfare, and school social work.

Diverse Career Opportunities

With a degree in social work, graduates are well-prepared to work in diverse settings such as schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, and non-profit organizations. The skills learned in an accelerated social work program — like empathy, communication, and problem-solving — are highly valued in many other fields as well, providing graduates with a versatile skill set.

Types of Fast-Track Social Work Degrees

Fast track social work degrees provide an efficient route to entering a vital profession that focuses on helping individuals, families, and communities. These programs come in various formats, each tailored to different educational needs and career aspirations. This section outlines the primary types of accelerated social work degrees available to prospective students.

Bachelor of Social Work Fast-Track Options

Fast-track Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs are designed for individuals seeking to complete their undergraduate education in less than the traditional four years. These programs might offer year-round classes or condensed semesters, allowing students to accumulate credits more quickly. Some universities also offer advanced-standing options for students with relevant prior college credits or related professional experience, which can further accelerate their path to graduation.

Master of Social Work Fast-Track Programs

For students who already hold a BSW, fast-track Master of Social Work (MSW) programs offer a shortcut to obtaining a master's degree. Typically, traditional MSW programs take two years to complete, but accelerated or advanced-standing programs can be completed in as little as one year. These programs recognize the foundational knowledge gained in BSW programs and focus on more advanced topics, such as clinical practice, policy analysis, and specialized interventions.

Online Accelerated Social Work Programs

Online accelerated BSW and MSW programs offer flexibility that can be particularly advantageous for students who are working or have other commitments that prevent them from attending traditional, on-campus classes. These programs utilize online platforms to deliver intensive coursework and virtual interaction with instructors and peers. While the core curriculum is similar to traditional programs, the ability to complete assignments and participate in discussions asynchronously can significantly speed up the learning process.

Part-Time Accelerated MSW Programs

Part-time accelerated MSW programs are another option for individuals who need to balance work, family, and education. These programs offer evening and weekend classes, providing a faster pace than typical part-time offerings but with more flexibility than full-time programs. They are designed to be completed in less than the usual three to four years required for part-time studies, allowing students to progress more quickly while still managing their personal responsibilities.

Doctorate in Social Work

Some individuals may pursue Doctor of Social Work (DSW) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work degrees. The DSW degree can prepare you for careers in practice-based and advanced social work. The PhD degree primarily prepares students for professions in research, theory, and academia. These degrees may take three to five years to complete, and accelerated formats may be limited. 

Dual Degree Options

Some universities offer dual degree programs that allow students to work toward a social work degree concurrently with another graduate degree, such as a Master of Public Health (MSW/MPH) or a Master of Business Administration (MSW/MBA). These programs are structured to eliminate overlap and reduce the total time and coursework required to obtain both degrees. This option is ideal for students who are interested in combining social work with other fields to enhance their expertise and career opportunities.

Choosing the right fast-track social work degree depends on a student's prior education, career goals, and personal circumstances. Each program type offers unique advantages and can significantly shorten the time to graduation and entry into the social work field. By understanding the nuances of these accelerated paths, prospective students can make informed decisions that align with their professional aspirations and lifestyle needs.

Online Accelerated Social Work Degree Requirements

An online accelerated program can help you earn the requirements for social work efficiently and conveniently. If you are ready to consider a fast-track social work degree online, you will need to meet the specific requirements set by the universities and colleges offering the program. Generally, there are some programs that have very specific requirements, but most requirements are similar.

Admission Requirements for Social Work Degree Accelerated Program

The application process is much like that of your typical degree program. It is likely to include the following components:

• Formal application: This typically gathers valuable personal data. Some schools will use an online portal or the Common Application. You'll need to provide all general information about yourself, including the program you are applying to.
• Test scores: Some of these programs require SAT or ACT scores at the bachelor’s degree level or GRE scores at the graduate degree. You may be able to waive these or apply to a program that does not require them.
• Letters of recommendation: Most colleges want one to three letters of recommendation from non-family members that showcase who you are and what you offer.
• Essays: It’s common to need to answer a prompt in an essay. Be sure to follow all requirements set by the organization for this, including length, content quality, and topic.
• Transcripts: You'll also need to submit a transcript from your previous educators that document your education.

Graduation Requirements for an Accelerated Social Work Degree

Most colleges and universities will provide a full list of courses you’ll need to complete in order to graduate. You may need to maintain a specific GPA throughout your education as well. In an accelerated program, the goal is often more focused on completing credit hours and coursework rather than being in school for any length of time.

Some colleges and universities have an outgoing exam that graduates need to pass. Others have a capstone or thesis to complete. You’ll be able to see what this is before you apply to the school. 

Bachelor’s in Social Work

In addition to completing required coursework, accredited BSW programs require a minimum of 400 hours of supervised field experience.

Master’s in Social Work

In addition to completing required coursework, MSW programs inclued at least 900 hours of supervised field experience.

Fast-Track Master's of Social Work Degrees:

• Best 1 Year Online MSW Programs with No BSW
• Accelerated Online MSW Programs

Doctorate in Social Work

DSW and PhD in Social work programs include coursework, research, and dissertation requirements, as well as potential residency programs.

*Sponsored Counseling Programs

What Do You Study in an Accelerated Social Work Program?

The coursework is the same whether you attend a traditional or accelerated social work degree online program. The only difference is the amount of time it will take you to finish the coursework. An accelerated online program allows you to complete coursework more quickly to complete your degree sooner.

To acquire a social work degree from an accredited program, each student must complete and pass the coursework satisfactorily. The required coursework includes, but is not limited to, social welfare history, policy analysis, human behavior and the social environment, advocacy, social science research, generalist social work, social work practice, diversity and cultural competence, practice methodologies, and critical thinking and writing.

You’ll want to be sure that your time and effort were well spent by attending an accredited school, regardless of the level of degree you intend to achieve. You won’t be able to work as a licensed social worker unless you obtain a degree from an accredited institution or university.

Online Fast-Track Social Work Degree Program Length

The length of time it takes to earn the required credits for coursework completion will vary. The following are four factors to consider:

1. Obtaining credit for work and life experience
2. Testing out of college coursework with a placement test
3. Transferring existing college credits
4. The level of degree you wish to achieve

It typically takes four years to complete a bachelor’s degree in social work. In comparison, you can earn an online accelerated bachelor’s degree in social work in two to three years.

A fast-track master’s degree in social work usually takes about one year, in addition to the time it takes to get a bachelor’s degree in social work.

Certification and Licensing

Because social work is a licensed profession, you must first earn your degree from an approved institution, then apply and pass an exam to become a licensed social worker.

According to the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), there are four steps you’ll need to take to become a licensed social worker:

1. You must first apply for a social work license and be preapproved to take the licensing exam. You will apply to your state’s social work board, which is the state where you will practice.
2. You can register with ASWB to take the exam and pay the necessary fee once your state or provincial social work board has approved your application.
3. You will schedule your social work licensing exam at one of the many professional testing centers worldwide.
4. You will take and pass your examination for social work licensure.

The social work board in your state or province regulates social work practice, determines eligibility, issues your license, and handles license renewal.

The Association of Social Work Boards does not regulate social work practice. The organization supports your state or province’s social work board by developing the licensing exam.

Please keep in mind that the ASWB and the social work board are two separate organizations.

When it comes time to take the licensing exam, all of your education and hard work will pay off. Exam content reflects what a social worker should know and what professional social workers within a specific scope of practice are already doing because the ASWB examinations measure entry-level practice competencies.

Continuing Education

As a licensed social worker, continuing education requirements for license renewal are determined by your board. Regulatory boards recognize the value of lifelong learning in the field of social work. Your board determines the continuing education requirements for license renewal.

According to the Association of Social Work Boards, there are three ways to find continuing education credits:

1. Approved continuing education providers listed on the ASWB website
2. Approved individual courses and conferences
3. ASWB enables select Joint Accreditation providers to award approved continuing education credit to social workers

Career Options

It’s finally here: the moment you’ve been waiting for. You’ve worked tirelessly to move the needle forward so that you could finally enter a profession that truly benefits communities, society, and the world. Social work may just be the most versatile career path, and with that, your options are vast.

The practice of social work is categorized into three interrelated systems: micro, mezzo, and macro social work. Individuals pursuing a career in social work must be aware of each level’s extensive opportunities. 

Micro

Micro-level social work involves direct interaction with individuals to address individual problems. Here are ten examples of this type of work:

1. Child welfare social worker
2. City social services caseworker
3. Clinical social worker
4. Crime victim advocate
5. Family therapist
6. Gerontological social worker
7. Healthcare social worker
8. Military social worker
9. School counselor
10. Substance abuse counselor

Mezzo

Mezzo-level social work involves working with a group of people. Groups can be small or midsize, families, employees, support groups, and more. Here are ten examples of this type of work:

1. Business social worker
2. Community group leader
3. Corrections social worker
4. Drug and alcohol specialist
5. Forensic social worker
6. Group therapist
7. Parenthood educator
8. Rehabilitation specialist
9. Support group counselor
10. Trauma social worker

Macro

Macro-level social work entails large-scale interventions and advocacy that affect entire communities, states, or countries. Here are ten examples of this type of work:

1. Advocate
2. Community activist
3. Community organizer
4. Community outreach worker
5. Diversity and inclusion specialist
6. Field organizer
7. Lobbyist
8. Professor of social policy
9. Program developer
10. Researcher

Clinical Social Worker

A clinical social worker typically works in child welfare, healthcare, human service agencies, or schools to provide support to people in the prevention of problems and coping with challenges in daily life. A clinical social worker typically works closely with people and has a master’s degree with a license to do so. The most demand for these professionals is in offices where they will work with individuals, couples, or families in a private setting. They are providing clinical-level service, which involves supporting communication, working through trauma, applying various behavioral therapies, and supporting a person’s need to change.

Military Social Worker

Military social workers are professionals who provide social work services to individuals and families in the military. They may work with helping families who are transitioning into or out of the military, moving, or facing challenging situations. They often offer behavioral health support, counseling, and resource support for those who are looking for help with employment, their career, education, or financial support.

Child Welfare Social Worker

A child welfare social worker is an individual who works with those under the age of 18 to provide support, tools, and counseling as both a way to cope with challenges and to prevent negative outcomes. They typically work in a social agency providing services in private practice or in schools. They may work with children and their families through challenging situations or aid parents in managing behavioral issues. Some also work with those who need foster homes and support the adoption process. Some may work with abused children, those who are facing truancy, misbehavior, or teenage pregnancy difficulties.

Healthcare Social Worker

Healthcare social workers have a specific goal of providing for the needs of patients in a healthcare setting or as they are transitioning home. They may help people, patients, and families, to manage terminal illness, chronic conditions, and acute medical needs from a mental health standpoint. Many also provide not just counseling and personal support but also information and guidance on how to solve concerns, including help with managing finances, insurance concerns, and care. Some provide case and care management, while others will focus heavily on interventions to promote health.

School Counselor

School counselors, along with career advisors, may use their social worker degrees to help them meet the needs of students and their families at all levels of education. This includes helping individuals to choose educational paths, managing school challenges, working to overcome obstacles in learning, and supporting success in career selection. School counselors work in public and private settings and often are at all levels of education.

What Is the Annual Salary of a Social Worker?

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for social workers was $55,350 in May 2022. Please keep in mind that income is determined by a variety of factors, including location, work environment, experience, and the type of social work. 

The BLS reports that the median annual wage for those working as a healthcare social worker was $60,280, while mental health and substance abuse social workers earned $51,240 and child, family, and school social workers earned $50,820. 

What Is the Job Outlook for Social Workers?

Between 2022 and 2032, the BLS expects social worker employment to increase by 7%, faster than the national average. Approximately 63,800 job openings for social workers are projected each year, on average, over the next ten years.

The BLS reports that the employment of child, family, and school social workers will increase by 5% between 2022 and 2032. Additionally, there will be a 10% increase in employment of healthcare social workers and a 12% increase in employment of mental health and substance abuse social workers over the decade.

Social Worker Skills

As a social worker, the skills you possess may be as expansive as the career opportunities of this profession. Whether your skills are obtained naturally or through education and training, a career in social work requires a broad range of skills and qualities.

While this list isn’t exhaustive, a social worker who masters a core set of essential skills can succeed in almost any setting. Explore 25 key skills for social workers:

1. Active listening
2. Advocacy
3. Boundary setting
4. Care planning
5. Communication
6. Conflict resolution
7. Cooperation
8. Critical thinking
9. Cultural competence
10. Emotional intelligence
11. Empathy
12. Ethical standards
13. Information gathering
14. Interviewing skills
15. Organization
16. Patience
17. Persuasion
18. Problem-solving
19. Relationship building
20. Self-care
21. Supervision
22. Teamwork
23. Technology skills
24. Time management
25. Workload management

Don’t worry if you don’t have every skill listed. This is just a sample list to get you started. Because being successful in social work requires lifelong learning, you will be well on your way to developing the necessary skills as you complete the required curriculum and obtain your fast-track social work degree online.

Are Accelerated Degrees as Valuable as Traditional Degrees?

Completing a fast-track social work degree online could help you to get your education quicker, often completing it within a matter of months instead of years. If you obtain education from an accredited school, accelerated social work program courses are just as valuable as those taken in a more traditional format.

You are completing the same type of degree and meeting the same educational requirements. The only difference is that you will spend more time learning in a compacted schedule.

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Grand Canyon University - Degrees in Social Work (NASAC Accredited)

Liberty University - MSW: Social Work (SACSCOC Accredited)

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