Posted by Social workers are part of an important workforce responsible for communal growth, social development, and generally improving the quality of lives they serve. As a result of this service, some workers are dedicated to working in mental health and substance abuse correction centers, while many others choose to work in childcare, healthcare, or ambulatory services.
Overall, the general outlook for social workers is that they will continuously be in demand, even in the next decade. So, if you have a career calling or plan to switch paths and become a social worker, this is very okay. Currently, social workers generally take home a median annual income of $61,900—with the potential to earn more as experience grows.
Social workers are do-gooders who will ever continue to reap the good rewards of social servitude. If you have a plan in motion to study 1 year MSW program online without BSW in 2023, this is indeed possible. There are a few schools that provide these 1 year MSW programs online with no BSW needed. These programs have all been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and will prove no problem for you to obtain your license after your studies.
In this blog post, we will discuss whether it is possible to do an MSW in the USA without a BSW and provide a list of 1-year MSW programs online (without BSW) in 2023.
Ready to see this? Let’s dig in.
But first, let’s try to answer all the questions and doubts you may have in your mind concerning the credibility of online MSW (Master’s of Social Work) programs that don’t require a bachelor’s degree.
Can You Do MSW in the USA Without BSW?
Indeed, you can get an MSW without a BSW in the United States. Many MSW programs are designed for students without a BSW. These programs, known as “advanced standing,” are designed for people who already have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than social work, but are looking to fast-track their studies in social work and get into the field as soon as possible.
Students in advanced-standing programs must typically have completed specific coursework as part of their bachelor’s degree. Specific program requirements may differ, but most programs require courses in psychology, sociology, and statistics. Furthermore, many programs require students to have completed a certain number of hours of volunteer or work experience in the field of social work.
What are the Easiest Social Work Master’s Programs to Get Into?
The ease of getting into an MSW program may depend on several factors, including the program’s admission requirements, the number of applicants, and the program’s popularity. However, some MSW programs may have lower admission requirements or higher acceptance rates than others.
One factor that may impact the ease of getting into an MSW program is whether the program requires a BSW degree. Programs that do not require a BSW degree may have more applicants and therefore be more competitive, but they may also have more spots available for students without a BSW degree.
Another factor that may impact the ease of getting into an MSW program is the program’s location. Programs in areas with a higher demand for social workers may have more applicants and therefore be more competitive. However, programs in areas with fewer social work programs may have fewer applicants and therefore be less competitive.
Which MSW Programs Have the Highest Acceptance Rates?
The acceptance rate for MSW programs can vary widely, depending on the program’s admission requirements, the number of applicants, and the program’s popularity. However, some MSW programs may have higher acceptance rates than others.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, some of the MSW programs with the highest acceptance rates in 2022 were:
- Western Kentucky University
- Eastern Kentucky University
- Lancaster Bible College
- University of Kentucky
- University of Montana
- Portland State University
- Cleveland State University
- University of Maine
- Southern Illinois University
- Herzing University
It is noteworthy to understand that acceptance rates can change from year to year and may also vary depending on the applicant’s qualifications and other factors.
But at this time, these are some of the schools with high acceptance rates generally. If you want to learn more about these easy admission schools for MSW online, we have an article in the pipeline focused solely on this. So, it is paramount that you stick around our blog to be notified of when new articles are released.
Are Social Workers in Demand?
Yes, social workers are in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social workers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031, slightly faster than the average for all occupations.
The demand for social workers is driven by an aging population and an increased need for healthcare and social services.
Social workers are needed in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
They may work with individuals, families, and communities to address issues such as poverty, mental health, and substance abuse.
The List of 1-Year MSW Programs Online (Without BSW)
The following are some of the known colleges and universities that offer 1 year MSW programs online without BSW. Some of these schools provide this education at a significantly higher cost, while others are fair and affordable. If you want to seek funding opportunities, feel free to still check these schools to learn which ones provide opportunities for scholarships and grants.
- University of Kentucky
- Grand Canyon University
- Our Lady of the Lake University
- Campbellsville University
- University of Southern California
- Fordham University
- Boise State University
- Indiana University
- The University of Texas at Arlington
- University of Louisville
- Simmons University
- University of Tennessee
Overview of Our Recommended 1-Year MSW Programs Online (No BSW)
Let’s talk about these schools in detail.
1. University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky offers an online MSW program that can be completed in as little as one year. The 30-credit program is designed for students who do not have a BSW degree but have completed an undergraduate degree in a related field. The curriculum covers a variety of topics, including social policy, social work research, and practice with individuals, families, and groups. Students can choose to specialize in either clinical or macro practice. The cost of tuition in this program is around $715.50 per credit hour, which tends to be on the high side.
2. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University‘s MSW program is also available online and can be completed in as little as one year. The program is designed for students who do not have a BSW degree but have completed an undergraduate degree in a related field. The curriculum covers a variety of topics, including social work research, social policy, and clinical practice. This program is also designed to meet the academic requirements for the Licensed Master of Social Work (LSWE) required by the CSWE, and students are equipped with the knowledge to serve as effective leaders in the industry. The cost of tuition is $455 per credit.
3. Our Lady of the Lake University
Our Lady of the Lake University‘s MSW program is available online and can be completed in as little as one year to three years. OLLU Online offers Social Work degree programs to students who are both foundational students and those who are opting for an Advanced Standing program. The cost of tuition for the latter students is $28,860 in annually tuition. With this school, you can be sure you’re getting quality educational services for your money, as they have been voted to be one of the best value schools for social work degrees.
4. Campbellsville University
Campbellsville University offers an online MSW program that can be completed in as little as one year. The program is designed for students who do not have a BSW degree but have completed an undergraduate degree in a related field. The curriculum covers a variety of topics, including social work research, social policy, and clinical practice.
5. University of Southern California
The online MSW program at the University of Southern California is offered to students who already have a bachelor’s degree. This program focuses deeply on teaching students the social skills and training required to be drafted into any area of social service in that they may want to build a career.
6. Fordham University
Fordham University is a top-tier university that offers an online MSW degree without prior background in social work. One of the core focuses of Fordham’s MSW program is its field education experience which aims to provide students with the best education quality. Students will be required to enroll in partnered agencies near their community and commit to service. This program is one of the top 25 MSW online programs in the United States, the university’s website claims.
7. Boise State University
Boise State University‘s online MSW program provides no tuition fees for out-of-state students. This means that the tuition fees remain at a flat rate of $30,195. The Advanced Standing program applies to two sets of students, viz;
- Students who graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited university or college within the last five years; or
- Students who graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited university or college within the last 10 years, but have significant post-BSW social work experience.
However, candidates who do not meet either of these requirements is encouraged to apply to their regular Master of Social Work program. Boise State University is widely recognized as a top school and has received numerous awards to back this claim.
8. Indiana University
Indiana University offers an online MSW program for students and can be completed in as little as one year or less than 24 months. The program includes synchronous and asynchronous coursework and prepares students to be effective social workers in a variety of settings. Students can specialize in clinical social work, community, and social systems, or leadership and management.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredited the program, which is designed to prepare students for licensure in all 50 states. In addition to coursework, students must complete a field placement in their home community or another location of their choice.
9. The University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington offers a 36-credit hour online MSW program for both Texas resident students and non-resident students. The program comes in different options:
- 12-month full-time cohorts
- 16-month full-time cohorts.
Either option you choose, you will complete the compulsory requirement necessary to become a social worker and obtain your license to practice.
10. University of Louisville
The University of Louisville offers an online MSW program that can be completed in as little as 12 months for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in any field. The program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in social work and provides training in evidence-based practice, policy analysis, and program evaluation. Students can choose to focus their studies on one of three areas: alcohol and drug counseling, gerontology, or military social work.
11. Simmons University
Simmons University offers an online MSW program that can be completed in as little as 16 months for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in social work.
12. University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee offers a 1-year online MSW program that is designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than social work. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and prepares students to work with individuals, families, and communities.
The program consists of 37 credit hours and includes a field placement that provides students with real-world experience in the field of social work. The program is accredited by the CSWE.
Popular FAQs About 1-Year MSW Programs Online Without BSW
Can I get a job with a 1-year MSW program online?
Yes, graduates of 1-year MSW programs online are eligible for social work positions just like graduates of traditional MSW programs.
Are 1-year MSW programs online accredited?
There are 1 year MSW programs online that are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). You must look out for this accreditation when applying for 1 year MSW programs online; else, you will not be eligible to become a practicing social worker.
What can I do instead of a master’s in social work?
Should you decide at any point in time to not pursue a social work career with your MSW degree, it will interest you to know that you still have many more career options. Some of which are:
- Adult guidance worker
- Chaplain
- Advice worker
- Life Coaching
- Mediator
- Youth worker
- Counselor
- Detective
- Education consultant, etc.
Can a social worker be HR?
Social work graduates fit right in with a human resources department because of their excellent organizational and communication skills. As an HR coordinator, you will manage new employee hiring and training, resolve workplace conflicts among employees, and implement policy changes.
What is the lowest degree in social work?
The bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is the lowest-possible attainable degree in Social Work.
Do social workers make a lot of money?
Maybe not a lot like top earners in health and healthcare. But they make decent incomes and are comfortable earners.
How hard is social work?
Being a social worker is a difficult job. Because there is so much going on at once, social workers can expect to work long hours. The heavy workload that social workers frequently face has no end because cases are constantly changing and piling up.
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Wrapping It Up
Finally, if you’re wondering whether there are 1 year MSW programs online that let you complete your studies even without a bachelor’s degree prior, then the answer is a solid positive. These programs are all accredited by the CSWE. So, you know you have nothing to fear about your licensure or your degree being valid.
If getting your MSW as a social worker is the next big step for you in your career, then this article is just one of a few ones dedicated to helping you scale with education. In the coming days, we plan to put out great articles about MSW and BSW opportunities, so you might want to continually check out our updates to find out when those are published. If this made a great article for you, kindly leave a comment and tell us how it impacted you.