The best 1 year MSW programs online offers school Social Workers an accelerated path as the fastest online master of social work degree programs. There are several reasons for earning an online Master’s in Social Work.
People normally choose social work because social workers want to be able to help others who are in need. It is a very rewarding career for those who look forward to helping people find ways to improve their lives. Social work requires that people have strong problem-solving skills and a positive outlook even during the bleakest of times. Individuals who make a career out of social work can look forward to long hours and a rewarding career that is sometimes paid in smiles instead of dollars.
The 10 Best Accelerated MSW Programs Online are:
- Columbia University
- Case Western Reserve University
- University of Southern California
- Boston University
- Fordham University
- Indiana University
- Florida State University
- University of Central Florida
- SUNY University at Buffalo
- University of Houston
For the full Top 30, read on!
Choosing to pursue your Social Work Master’s online allows you to begin working while you are still attending class. The flexibility of online degree programs makes it possible to continue to work in your chosen career field while you are trying to earn your degree. While you can find employment as a licensed clinical social worker with a Bachelor’s degree, going back to school to earn your Master’s in Social Work online will give you what you need to advance up to a supervisory role. The additional education will give you the skills you need to advance quickly.
How We Ranked the Fastest Online MSW Programs
For the Social Work Degree Center ranking of the Fastest Online MSW Programs, the editors researched accelerated online programs from accredited, reputable schools. But speed isn’t everything, so we also ranked programs according to their student satisfaction and alumni salary, using data from IPEDS and Niche.
1. Columbia University
The School of Social Work at Columbia University offers one of the nation’s best accelerated online MSW programs, according to US News school rankings. The school’s fast track Social Work degree online offer several method area concentrations that include social enterprise administration or advanced clinical practice or policy practice. Fieldwork and field experiences for Columbia’s accelerated MSW programs online are done in the area closest to the student’s residence. The MSW programs from Columbia are offered in a variety of formats to meet most students’ time demands and need for flexibility.
Established in 1754 as King’s College by a British Royal Charter, Columbia University (Columbia) now operates the state’s oldest higher learning institution and an ivy league private school. Columbia is among the United States’ oldest schools and a colonial college. More than 33,100 students attend classes online and on-campus.
Highlight: In its early history, Columbia was led by John Jay and Alexander Hamilton.
2. Case Western Reserve University
The Mandel Applied Social Sciences School at Case Western Reserve University offers a Master of Social Work degree (MSW) program that is one of Ohio’s best online accelerated MSW programs. Case Western Reserve University’s accelerated online MSW program includes live intuition learning modules and a cohort of about fifteen students. CWRU’s accelerated MSW programs online require the completion of 60 credit units but meet the requirements of social work licensure in every state.
Case Western was established when existing schools combined forces in 1967. The university’s campus is located a few miles from Cleveland’s downtown and offers students more than 500 acres of campus and grounds. Prerequisite would include a bachelor’s degree.
Highlight: Case Western Reserve University is noted for its research and contributions in the fields of electrochemical engineering and electrochemistry.
3. The University of Southern California
The University of Southern California’s Peck Social Work School offers a Master of Social Work degree program (MSW) that was the first CSWE accredited program available online. The USC accelerated MSW programs online offer social work students two paths – a traditional online or an advanced standing path. Students may enroll in Southern Cal’s online accelerated MSW programs as full-time or part-time students. The University of Southern California’s accelerated online MSW program requires students to complete specialized research in one of three areas – mental health, human behavior in a social environment, critical thinking skills, mental health, children/families, or social change & innovation.
The University of Southern California (SC) was founded in 1880 as a research institution. As a sea- and space-grant university, USC serves more than 48,100 students annually. Prerequisite would include a bachelor’s degree.
Highlight: The University of Southern California is recognized to be the oldest private school that is considered a research higher learning institution.
4. Boston University
The Social Work School at Boston University offers one of New England’s best accelerated MSW programs online with its Master of Social Work degree (MSW) program that offers degree candidates two delivery formats macro clinical practice or clinical practice. The three academic paths offered by BU’s online accelerated MSW programs include a traditional track, an advanced standing track, and a human service experience track. Students can then further specialize in one of BU’s accelerated online MSW program in the areas of trauma/violence, behavioral health, mental health, aging practice/social justice, or children/youth/families.
Established in Vermont in the late 1860s, Boston University operates several campuses throughout the City of Boston, with the main campus along the Charles River, on the opposite side from MIT. BU serves approximately 34,100 undergraduate and graduate students. Prerequisites would include a bachelor’s degree.
Highlight: BU athletes excel in men’s hockey and have won five national hockey championships.
5. Fordham University
Fordham University’s Graduate Social Work School offers a Master of Social Work degree program (MSW) that is among the Empire State’s best accelerated MSW programs online. Students who wish to enroll in Fordham University’s online accelerated MSW programs can do so in the school’s traditional program or its advanced standing MSW program. Fordham University’s accelerated online MSW program offer degree candidates four focus areas – policy practice/ clinical practice, individuals & families, mental health, evaluation, or organizations and community. Prerequisites would include a bachelor’s degree.
Fordham University was established as a Roman Catholic school named St. John’s in 1941. The university is the oldest Jesuit higher learning institution in the northeastern section of the nation. The school’s student enrollment exceeds 15,100 students across its three campuses in the southern district of New York.
Highlight: The Graduate School of Social Work at Fordham operates a number of facilities that focus on aging, child welfare, religion and poverty, and women, among others.
6. Indiana University
Indiana University offers a Master of Social Work degree program (MSW) that is recognized as one of the state of Indiana’s best accelerated online MSW program. IU’s accelerated MSW programs online require degree candidates to complete at least sixty graduate semester credits. Students who graduate from Indiana University are prepared for rewarding careers as a hospital social worker, geriatric case management, youth specialist, adult protective service agent, or substance abuse social worker, to name a few. Classes for IU’s online accelerated MSW programs include social policy and services, mental health, research for social work, diversity and human rights, and behavioral health social practice, to name a few. Prerequisites would include a bachelor’s degree.
Founded in 1920, Indiana University is a multi-campus school that has a student body that exceeds 100,000 students online and on the school’s campuses in Indianapolis and Bloomington and seven other locations.
Highlight: Famous alumni of Indiana University include actors, musicians, athletes, playwrights, and scientists, to name a few.
7. Florida State University
Florida State University’s Social Work College offers one of the best online accelerated MSW programs, according to US News school rankings. Students enrolled in FSU’s accelerated MSW programs online with advanced standing (having already earned a BSW) can finish the MSW program in only two years. Kiplinger’s ranks Florida State University’s CSWE-accredited accelerated online MSW program among one of the best value for public colleges in the nation. FSU’s graduate degree in social work accelerated program is designed for working professionals from across the country to earn their degrees while working full time. Prerequisites would include a bachelor’s degree.
Florida State University was established in 1851 and operates as a land-, a space- and a sea-grant school. More than 41,250 students attend classes at FSU.
Highlight: The school’s art museum is among the largest museum complexes in the country
8. The University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida’s Health Professions & Sciences College offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program that is ranked as one of Florida’s most innovative and accelerated online MSW program. Degree candidates that are attending the University of Central Florida’s online accelerated MSW programs must complete at least 62 semester credits to graduate. Additionally, these accelerated MSW programs online have received accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education and offer applications three start-dates each year. Prerequisites would include a bachelor’s degree.
The University of Central Florida (UCF) was founded by the state’s legislative body in 1963. UCF operates as a space-grant and member school of the state university in the Sunshine State. Nearly 70,000 students attend classes offered on-campus and online.
Highlight: The University of Central Florida’s campus is about one-half hour from the Space-coast and only a dozen miles from Orlando’s downtown.
9. SUNY University at Buffalo
SUNY University at Buffalo’s Social Work School offers a part-time Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program that offers students two tracks. Students can choose an advanced standing that requires 35 credits or a traditional course that requires 60 credits to graduate. In addition, the SUNY Buffalo accelerated online MSW program have been accredited by the CSWE. These accelerated MSW programs online do have a limited number of seats, so students are encouraged to apply early. Classes for Buffalo’s online accelerated MSW programs include social welfare policy and history, mental health, diversity and oppression, and theories of organizational behavior/development, among others.
SUNY’s University at Buffalo was founded by Millard Fillmore in 1846. The school was initially a medical college but merged with the SUNY system about a decade and one-half after it was established. Buffalo operates as a space- and sea-grant school with more than 32,100 students. Prerequisites would include a bachelor’s degree.
Highlight: Buffalo offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degree options.
10. The University of Houston
The Graduate Social Work College at the University of Houston offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program that ranks among Houston’s best accelerated online MSW program. UH’s online accelerated MSW programs offer two tracks of specialized practice – either macro practice or clinical practice. Classes for students enrolled in the University of Houston’s accelerated MSW programs online include targeted interventions, policy in a social environment, mental health, human diversity and development, and confronting oppression and injustice, plus a field practicum, to name a few.
The University of Houston (UH) was founded in 1927 as a junior college but is now the 3rd largest in the Lone Star State. Houston’s urban campus is home to approximately 37,100 students. Additionally, the University of Houston is a research facility that conducts more than 140 million dollars of research annually. Prerequisites would include a bachelor’s degree.
Highlight: The University of Houston became a four-year school soon after it was first established.
11. The University of South Florida
The University of South Florida’s Behavioral & Community Sciences College offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program that is considered among the best online accelerated MSW programs in the southern United States. Students enrolled in USF’s accelerated online MSW program complete the degree path as a cohort model, which allows degree candidates to build professional relationships. USF’s accelerated MSW programs online require degree candidates to complete at least 900 hours of fieldwork throughout the program. Classes for this CSWE-accredited MSW degree include foundations in human behavior, social work welfare policy, mental health, psychopathology, and health, illness, and disability, to name a few.
The University of South Florida is a multi-campus university that was established in the mid-1950s. USF is recognized to be the 4th largest of universities in the Sunshine State, with a student enrollment that nears 51,000 students. Prerequisites would include a bachelor’s degree.
Highlight: Students attending classes at USF hail from more than 140 countries and all fifty states.
12. Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University’s Social Work School offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program that can be completed entirely online. LSU’s online accelerated MSW programs are offered in intensive formats that cover seven-week classes. Full-time students enrolled in Louisiana State University’s accelerated online MSW programs can complete the program in only 24 months, with part-timers finishing in about 3.5 to 4 years. Applicants with a BSW degree are offered to enter these online programs as students. Louisiana State University’s MSW degree is accredited by CSWE and recognized among the best and most affordable online degrees in the state and the marketplace.
Established under the Morrill Act in 1860 as a seminary of learning/military academy, Louisiana State University (Louisiana State) now operates as a space- and sea-grant school with more than 34,100 students attending classes offered online and on-campus. Prerequisites would include a bachelor’s degree.
Highlight: Louisiana State University maintains more than 750 research projects sponsored by NASA and other federal agencies.
13. The University of Missouri
The University of Missouri’s School of Social Work and Health Professions offers a CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work degree program (MSW) that is ranked as one of Missouri’s best online programs. Students enrolled in Mizzo’s accelerated online MSW programs are required to finish a minimum of 60 semester credits for regular students and 39 credits for those students that are advanced standing. Degree candidates graduate from the University of Missouri’s online accelerated MSW programs to find rewarding careers as adoption specialists, counselors, public health managers, or family advocacy representatives, to name a few.
The University of Missouri opened in 1839. Furthermore, it was the first public higher learning institution that was situated to the west of the Mississippi River. Prerequisites would include a bachelor’s degree.
Highlight: The University of Missouri maintains several hospitals, clinics and is home to the state’s historical society.
14. Colorado State University
Colorado State University’s School of Social Work offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program that is entirely online. The CSU online accelerated MSW programs require students to complete 39 credit units for advanced standing social work students. Traditional students need 64 credit units to graduate. In addition, Colorado State’s online programs offer concentrations. Students can pick organizational research, social welfare policy, individual practice, and also community practice. Classes for Colorado State University’s accelerated online MSW programs include principles & philosophy of social work, working with indigenous and rural communities and other diverse communities, child welfare, social justice, social welfare policy analysis, and anti-oppressive social work practice. There is also a required field placement.
Established as a land-grant school in 1870, Colorado State University (Colorado State) is also a space-grant school. It is the flagship campus of the state’s university system with nearly 35,000 students. Prerequisites would include a bachelor’s degree.
Highlight: The school offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree options from its eight colleges/schools.
15. The University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee’s College of Social Work offers a Master of Science in Social Work that is ranked among the best accelerated online MSW programs in Tennessee. This master degree from the University of Tennessee are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Those applicants with a BSW can enter these UT online accelerated MSW programs as advanced standing students. With advanced standing, students can complete the MSSW in only one year if studying full time. Part-time students take 1.5 to 2 years if studying part-time.
Founded as Blount College in the mid-1790s, the University of Tennessee is also the flagship campus of Tennessee’s university system, with more than 30,100 students. The school operates one of the two LEVEL 1 trauma centers in the eastern part of the state.
Highlight: The University of Tennessee was established before Tennessee became a state by legislative action of the Southwest Territory.
16. The University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas offers an advanced standing Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program that is among the easiest online MSW program formats to complete in one year. This accelerated online MSW program from UA is a full-time programs only, and applicants are required to hold a Bachelor of Social Work degree to gain admission. Additionally, UA’s CSWE-accredited programs can be completed in only twelve months but requires a year-long internship (of 22 hours each week) to graduate.
The University of Arkansas (UArk) was founded in the early-1870s as a land-grant school and industrial university. UArk’s campus in Fayetteville is known for its poultry and animal science programs as well as its architecture degrees. The University of Arkansas’s campus is home to more than 27,100 students.
Highlight: The University of Arkansas holds the distinction of being the school that founded the Chi Omega Sorority.
Visit the program website for more info about 1 year MSW programs online no BSW.
17. The University of Louisville
The University of Louisville’s Kent Social Work School offers a Master of Science in Social Work that is ranked among the best accelerated online MSW programs in Kentucky. UL’s online accelerated MSW programs are CSWE accredited. In addition, students can customize the degree. Social workers can choose a specialty area of psychosocial oncology, substance abuse counseling, gerontology, military social work, social justice, or mental health. Advanced standing applicants applying to UL’s masters degree are required to complete 30 graduate semester credits. The traditional students are required to complete 60 semester credits at the graduate level.
The University of Louisville (UL) was established as a seminary in 1798. UL is now home to more than 21,100 students who hail from more than 100 countries and all fifty states.
Highlight: The School of Medicine at UL has been hailed for its innovations, including the world’s first successful hand transplant.
18. The University of Alabama
The University of Alabama’s School of Social Work offers an MSW – a Master of Social Work degree that is ranked by AffordableColleges.com within the top 25 online accelerated MSW programs. These accelerated online MSW programs are offered as advanced standing and traditional tracks, depending on a student’s previous education (must hold a BSW degree) and work experience. Students enrolled in the University of Alabama’s must complete 42 to 60 credit units to graduate, depending on the track. Degree candidates are offered two concentrations – Adults and their Families, or Children and Adolescents and their Families.
The University of Alabama (Alabama) is the flagship school of Alabama’s university system that was founded in 1920. The University of Alabama is a sea-, space- and land-grant university that serves approximately 37,550 students.
Highlight: Alabama holds the distinction of being the oldest and the largest of all public learning institutions of higher education in the state.
19. The University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota offers two accelerated online MSW programs, which offer students an advanced standing or traditional path to a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. These programs are CSWE accredited and require degree candidates to complete classes in human behavior and social environment, practice with communities, research methods and analysis, and social policy, plus several field higher education experiences, to name a few. The field placement requirement for students enrolled in the University of North Dakota’s online accelerated MSW programs includes 500 hours in the field.
The University of North Dakota operates as a space-grant school that was established prior to North Dakota becoming a state in 1883. UND operates the only medical and law school in the state.
Highlight: UND is home to several national research facilities focused on energy, the environment, and nutrition.
20. Simmons University
The Clinical Social Work School at Simmons University offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program that is considered one of Boston’s best accelerated online MSW programs. As the country’s first Clinical Social Work school, SU’s online accelerated MSW programs can be completed in as few as sixteen months but require at least 1,000 hours of field experience. Additionally, Simmons University has been accredited by the CSWE and requires 37 to 65 credit units at the graduate level, depending on students’ standing when entering the program.
Simmons University operates as an all-women’s undergraduate school but offers coeducational programs at the graduate level. Founded in 1899, Simmons is now home to nearly 2,900 undergraduate and graduate students.
Highlight: The school maintains dual campuses, one for residential students and the other for academics.
Visit the program website for more info about the 16-month MSW programs online
21. The University of Nevada
The University of Nevada Reno offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program that is accredited by the CSWE and ranked among the top best accelerated online MSW programs according to SocialWorkGuide.org. Students interested in enrolling in the University of Nevada’s online accelerated MSW programs can enter as an advanced standing program student (requiring 32 semester credits) or a traditional path for students without a BSW degree (requiring 62 semester credits). The traditional master degree can be completed in as few as two years, eight months, if a student studies through the summer sessions.
The University of Nevada’s Reno campus is recognized to be a land-grant and flagship school of the state’s higher education system. UN is home to Nevada’s first medical school, which serves much of the state’s rural residents.
Highlight: UN’s School of Journalism’s alumni includes six winners of the Pulitzer Prize.
22. Texas State University
The Social Work School and Graduate College at Texas State University offers a Master of Social Work degree program (MSW) that is ranked as one of the Lone Star State’s best accelerated online MSW programs. TSU’s foundational online accelerated MSW programs are designed for those students entering without a baccalaureate degree in social work. Additionally, Texas State University offers an advanced standing track for its accelerated MSW programs online that are available as part-time or full-time students.
Established as a teacher’s training school in 1899, Texas State University now operates as the Lone Star State’s fifth-largest school with a student enrollment of approximately 38,100 students. TSU has ten colleges and schools and is the only university in the state to have a President among its alumni in Lyndon Baines Johnson.
Highlight: TSU operates a satellite facility to the north of Austin – known as the Round Rock Campus.
23. The University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington’s School of Social Work offers a Master of Social Work degree program (MSW) that is also one of the best military-friendly accelerated online MSW programs in Texas. Advanced standing full-time students can complete UT’s online accelerated MSW programs in only one year. Furthermore, these accelerated MSW from the University of Texas offer students in Texas and outside of Texas the same tuition expenses to complete the program.
The University of Texas at Arlington started in 1895. UT was part of the A&M system prior to joining the state’s university system. In addition, the Arlington campus serves approximately 43,750 students.
Highlight: Originally, The University of Texas operated as Arlington College and served students in primary and secondary schools.
24. Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University offers a Master of Social Work degree (MSW) program that is one of Florida’s top accelerated online MSW programs. These SLU online accelerated MSW programs are available to students in Virginia, Florida, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Maryland, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, and also New Jersey. Both traditional and advanced standing students can enroll in Saint Leo University’s accelerated MSW programs online. Students can take a part-time or full-time program of study for the master’s degree program in social work.
Founded as an Abbey and Benedictine Monastery, Saint Leo University is a liberal arts school. It serves students at both its rural campus and online. SLU offers students more than 40 academic degree and certificate program options.
Highlight: SLU ranks among the top 26 schools in the United States’ southern category.
25. The University of New England
The University of New England offers a CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work degree (MSW) program that is one of Maine’s top accelerated online MSW programs. UNE’s online accelerated MSW programs offer students an advanced standing academic track that also requires no campus visits. The accelerated program is 35 semester credits. However, the traditional, accelerated MSW programs online take three years or less to complete, require no campus visits, and 64 semester credits to graduate.
The University of New England formed in 1831. UNE maintains several campuses in Maine, one international in Morocco, and a robust online learning platform. The various campuses offered by UNE serve approximately 13,200 students.
Highlight: The University of New England operates the only medical school in the state and the only dental school located in Northern New England.
26. Boise State University
Boise State University offers a CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program. It is one of Idaho’s top accelerated MSW programs online. Both in-state and out-of-state residents enrolled in Boise State University’s online accelerated MSW programs pay the same in-state tuition rates. Several ranking services recognize BSU’s accelerated online MSW programs among the best and most affordable in the state. Furthermore, advanced standing students must complete 37 semester credits. But, full traditional track students must complete 61 semester credits to meet the MSW program’s requirements.
Boise State University (Boise State) started the Episcopal Church in the early 1930s. However, it became a public institution of higher education two years later and began offering bachelor’s degrees in the mid-1960s. BSU’s athletes play as Broncos in the Mountain West Conference.
Highlight: Boise State University alumni total more than 70,000.
27. The University of Alaska Anchorage
The University of Alaska Anchorage offers a Master of Social Work degree program (MSW) that ranks as one of Alaska’s top accelerated MSW programs online. Degree candidates enrolled in the University of Alaska’s online accelerated MSW programs have received accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education. Additionally, UA Anchorage offers students enrolled in its online accelerated MSW programs the opportunity to each a dual degree with a Master’s in Public Health simultaneously. However, completion time depends on the student’s previous education and ranges from two to four years.
The University of Alaska (UAA) started in 1954. This public school maintains four community campus facilities in both south and central Alaska. The school’s campuses and online platform serve more than 15,100 students.
Highlight: UA has five colleges and schools in the areas of arts and sciences, business, community/technical, engineering, and health.
28. Humboldt State University
Humboldt State University has a Master of Social Work degree program (MSW) that is one of California’s top online accelerated MSW programs. HSU’s accelerated MSW programs online are available to both full-time and part-time students. Humboldt State University’s accelerated online MSW programs have accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education and require students to dedicate a minimum of 25 hours every week to the MSW program.
Humboldt State University started as a normal college in 1913. The Humboldt State campus is in Northern California on the coast is about 300 miles north of San Francisco. Additionally, the school maintains various academic facilities, which include a research center dedicated to marine biology.
Highlight: HSU also maintains a demonstration forest, art gallery, and astronomical observatory atop a mountain.
29. Our Lady of the Lake University
Our Lady of the Lake University’s Worden Social Service School offers a Master of Social Work degree program (MSW) that ranks among Texas’s top accelerated online MSW programs. OLLU’s accelerated MSW programs online have a foundational track that requires 57 credit units. Additionally, the program has an advanced standing track that requires 30 credit hours to graduate. Our Lady of the Lake University’s online accelerated MSW programs has accreditation for the CSWE. Also, OLLU’s MSW degree offers one of the nation’s only concentrations in Hispanic Children & their Families.
Our Lady of the Lake University (The Lake) was founded by the Congregation of Divine Providence in 1895. Furthermore, the school is the first founded in the city of San Antonio to receive accreditation at the regional level.
Highlight: Our Lady of the Lake University’s School of Social Work is the oldest program in the Lone Star State.
30. Edinboro University
Edinboro University offers a Master of Social Work degree program (MSW) that is recognized among the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s top online accelerated MSW programs and requires no campus visits to graduate. In addition, all of the accelerated online MSW programs offered by Edinboro University have accreditation from the CSWE. SR Education Group ranks Edinboro University’s accelerated MSW programs online among the top ten distance learning MSW degree programs in the United States. Core classes for these MSW degree options from Edinboro University include human behavior in the social environment, diverse communities, colleges and schools commission, adult mental health, licensed clinical social workers with cohort model with trusted partner programs, emphasizing critical thinking skills, other editorially independent information, study editorially independent information published, social policy, social work research, community practice as working professionals, and two field education internships, to name a few.
Edinboro University (EU of P) was established in 1857 as the first school for teacher training that is situated west of the Allegheny Mountains.
Highlight: Edinboro enrolls approximately 4,650 students annually on its 500+ acre campus and online. In 2020, Edinboro became the first higher learning institution to offer a music degree in the education of bagpipes.
How Do I Choose An Online Social Work Master’s Program?
Choosing an online Social Work Master’s program isn’t as hard as you think. Once you have made the decision to take your classes online, the next step is finding a degree program that provides you with the courses and skills you want. Additionally, accredited courses in an online MSW program meet or exceed the standards of the industry. Additionally, the online format gives you the flexibility and convenience to complete your education in a way that works best for you.
Should I Get My MSW From The School Where I Got My BSW?
You can choose one of the social work degree programs based on your favorite school or also based on the program itself. If you already completed a bachelor’s at a particular school, then you can save time and money if you return to that school to complete one of the MSW advanced standing programs. If the program is your main concern, then do your research. Explore what options are available to you in terms of online degree programs. By choosing an online program, you can choose a program based on what it offers instead of where it is located. By taking classes online, MSW students can attend classes from any location that offers an internet connection.
What Can I Do With An Online MSW?
There are several career choices to choose from once you have earned your Master’s in Social Work online. Most people think of a social worker as someone who works with individuals who are ‘in the system’. While many do work in social services or community agencies, social work also includes working as advocates for children, teens, and also adults who may be in peril. Social workers often appear in court to speak on behalf of children and adults who are abused, abandoned, and also neglected. This is where social workers can make a huge difference in their clients’ lives.
Other Jobs With An Online Master Of Social Work
In addition to working with the state and federal health and welfare departments and as an advocate for others, social workers can also find work in schools and as counselors. Social workers who have earned a Master’s in social work can work on their own as mediators and negotiators in the family law system. Social workers can also offer their advanced generalist practice, clinical practice services at private schools as either a counselor or an educator. A Master’s degree in Social Work is used in a variety of ways, especially if social workers have a background in law or education.
How Much Can I Make With An MSW?
With an MSW, graduates who have a few years of experience can expect to earn around $45,000 per year. However, just as with any type of career, the more experience you have the better your pay will be. As you continue with your education, you will encounter more opportunities for advancement with every degree or certification you complete. But, with a Master’s and 20 years of experience, your median salary can jump as high as $52,000 per year.
Boosting Salary With An Online Master Of Social Work
The more education you have, the higher your earning potential will be with every advancement opportunity. Taking the time to return to school and take a class or two each year will also help to improve your income. Individuals who have made a career out of being social workers can expect to make over $60,000 as social workers move forward to retirement.
Individuals who have worked their way up to a managerial position can expect to make as much as $75,000 per year if social workers have both the experience and the education social workers need to meet the requirements of their position. Continuing to take additional courses throughout their career is also extremely beneficial.
Your Career With An Accelerated 1 Year MSW
This is not a career for the faint of heart. Those who choose to become school social workers do so because social workers have a desire to help others. But, you can apply the same commitment it takes to be a social worker to earn a master’s degree. Accelerated degrees take dedication to complete, so find your program and get started!
Related:
- Top 20 Best Online Masters in Social Work Programs (MSW)
- 10 Accredited MSW Programs (On-campus)
- 15 Best International Social Work Degree Programs
- Best MSW Programs for Child Welfare Careers
- 15 Best Online LCSW Programs
- Best Online Human Services Degree Programs
- 25 Best CSWE Accredited Online MSW Programs
