Posted by The online fast-track social work degrees now available in 2023 give students the opportunity to earn their social work degree faster, perhaps in as little as two years.
These courses provide a thorough education in subjects like psychology, human behavior, social policy, and counseling, enabling students to develop the knowledge and abilities necessary for effective social work practice.
A fast-track online degree is a terrific opportunity to advance and improve the lives of others given the development of technology and the rising demand for social workers. Numerous institutions provide excellent opportunities for students to complete their online social work degrees as swiftly as feasible.
What are Fast-track Social Work Degrees?
Fast-track social work degrees online allow students to complete their degrees faster than with regular programs. These courses are intended to be completed fast, allowing students to start working as soon as feasible. Fast-track online social work degrees are typically designed so that students can go at their own pace, and some even include self-paced choices. These programs can be finished faster than conventional ones.
Are These Programs Available to Just Anyone?
Fast-track social work degrees online are available to anyone who meets the admission requirements, which may include a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Some programs may also require students to have completed certain prerequisite courses before applying.
How Can I Apply?
The application process for fast-track social work degrees online is similar to that of traditional programs. Students will need to submit an application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Some programs may also require students to complete an interview as part of the application process. It is important to research the admission requirements of the program you are interested in to ensure you meet all the necessary criteria.
List of 20 Fast-track Social Work Degrees Online
Some colleges and universities offer fast-track social work degrees online for working adults who may want to get their degrees and enter the workforce quickly. Here are our top picks of schools in this category:
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Campbellsville University
- Liberty University
- University of North Dakota
- Eastern New Mexico University
- Malone University
- University of Alaska Fairbanks
- University of Utah
- Spring Arbor University
- Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Brescia University
- Aurora University
- Indiana Wesleyan University — National & Global
- Angelo State University
- Ursuline College
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania
- Columbia University
- University of Alabama
- The University of South Florida
- Fordham University
Overview of the 20 Fast-track Social Work Degrees Online
Traditional school duration, whether online or in-person, takes at least 4 years to get your degree requirements completed to be awarded a bachelor’s degree. However, each of the schools listed above offers a fast-track social work degree online that can be completed in less than 4 years. These programs vary (by school) in length, tuition costs, and admission requirements. It is important to research each program to find the one that best suits your needs and goals.
1. University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Duration: 2 years for full-time students; 3 years for part-time students.
Tuition: $383 per credit hour.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program requires 120 credits and can be finished in as short as 24 months. Students can enroll in the program either full-time or part-time, and they have the option of synchronous or asynchronous class delivery.
2. Campbellsville University
Duration: Less than 2 years (according to their website).
Tuition: $603 per credit hour.
Campbellsville University’s online BSW program is designed for students who have completed an associate degree in social work. The program is 100% online and can be completed in as little as two years. The program requires 120 credit hours, including 62 credit hours of social work courses.
3. Liberty University
Duration: 3.5 years.
Tuition: $390 per credit hour.
A BSW degree can be earned online in a little less time at Liberty University, one of the forerunners in distant education since 1985.
The 120-credit hour online BSW degree from Liberty University can be finished in as little as 16 months. The program has an eight-week academic plan and is entirely online.
4. University of North Dakota
Duration: Less than 4 years.
Tuition: $11,514 per year.
The University of North Dakota (UND) offers a top-ranked online Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW) program, which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation ensures that the program meets or exceeds strict academic standards for excellence in social work education. Graduates from this program are eligible to take the social work licensing exam in any state that licenses at the BSSW level.
Admission to the online BSSW program requires an overall GPA of 2.75 and 45 semester hours of coursework. Applicants must also demonstrate a willingness to adhere to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics and the UND Code of Student Life.
5. Eastern New Mexico University
Duration: 2 years
Tuition: $174.75 per credit hour.
Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) offers a fast-track online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program designed for students seeking a high-quality, affordable, and flexible educational experience. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and adheres to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. This ensures that students receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for a successful career in social work.
6. Malone University
Duration: 2 years
Tuition: $585 per credit.
Malone University is a Christian liberal arts institution located in Canton, Ohio, that offers a fast-track online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program. The program is designed for students who have already earned an associate degree or have completed general education courses at another institution.
The fast-track option allows students to complete the program in as little as two years. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and provides students with a strong foundation in social work theory, practice, and ethics. Students will complete a total of 36 credit hours per semester, including field education, to graduate.
7. University of Alaska Fairbanks
Duration: 16 – 24 months
Tuition: $234 per credit
The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers an online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program in a fast-track format. It is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and can be completed in as little as 16 months.
The program prepares students for generalist social work practice and includes coursework in human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy and services, research methods, and field education. Students will complete 120 credit hours, including a field practicum, to graduate.
8. University of Utah
Duration: 4 years for BSW (traditional); 2 years for online MSW
Tuition: $27,943 per year (estimated).
The online MSW program at the University of Utah is designed to educate and train social workers to become agents of change who work on behalf of society and their fellow human beings.
The program focuses on establishing mutually respectful and supportive relationships with marginalized communities, such as people of color, indigenous and aboriginal communities, refugee and immigrant communities, LGBTQ communities, people with mental illness, and rural communities.
The goal is to assist in the development of community leaders and programs needed to achieve social justice and improve the human condition of all community members.
9. Spring Arbor University
Duration: Varies.
Tuition: $598 per credit.
Spring Arbor University offers a fast-track online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program designed for today’s working professionals. The program emphasizes Christian values and community while providing a valuable digital learning experience. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the online BSW program helps students develop core skills necessary to improve relationships and provide social work services to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
The duration of the online BSW program at Spring Arbor University varies depending on the number of transferable credits each student has. Full-time students can graduate in as few as 30 months, while some students with more transferable credits can complete the program in as little as 20 months. The program is authorized to be offered to students in all fifty states.
10. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Duration: About 18 months (accelerated)
Tuition: $375 per credit hour up to 12 hours; then $100 per credit hour thereafter. Online students only.
Northwestern State University offers a fast-track online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program that prepares students for a rewarding career in the field of social work. The program is designed to graduate competent and ethical generalist social work professionals who are prepared to meet the needs of diverse populations at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels, locally to globally.
One of the key features of the BSW program at Northwestern State University is its accelerated format, which allows students to earn their degree in as little as 18 months. This fast-track option enables students to get a head start on their careers and begin making a difference in the lives of others sooner than they would through traditional programs.
11. Brescia University
Duration: 2 years for the advanced standing track (Master’s of Social Work).
Tuition: $425 per credit.
Brescia University’s online BSW program is a 120-credit hour program that can be completed in as little as three years. The program is offered entirely online, and students can choose to take classes synchronously or asynchronously.
12. Aurora University
Duration: 2 – 4 years.
Tuition: $438 per credit.
Aurora University’s online BSW program is a 120-credit hour program that can be completed in as little as two years. The program is offered both full-time and part-time, and students can choose to take classes synchronously or asynchronously.
13. Indiana Wesleyan University — National & Global
Duration: 18 months to 4 years.
Tuition: Starts from $579 per credit.
Indiana Wesleyan University’s online BSW program is a 120-credit hour program that can be completed in as little as 18 months. The program is offered entirely online, and students can choose to take classes synchronously or asynchronously. The program also contains 400 supervised hours of field experience and students with a CGPA of 2.7 or higher are generally accepted into this program.
14. Angelo State University
Duration: 2 years.
Tuition: $9,130 for Texas residents and $21,550 for non-Texas residents.
Angelo State University’s online BSW program is a 120-credit hour program that can be completed in as little as two years. The program is offered both full-time and part-time, and students can choose to take classes synchronously or asynchronously.
15. Ursuline College
Duration: 2 – 4 years.
Tuition: $550 per credit hour.
Ursuline College’s online BSW program is a 120-credit hour program that can be completed in as little as 16 months. The program is offered entirely online and follows an eight-week course schedule.
16. Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Duration: 2 – 4 years.
Tuition: $516 per credit.
The Millersville University of Pennsylvania offers a fully online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program designed for students who want to pursue a career in social work. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and is taught by experienced faculty members with extensive backgrounds in social work practice. The curriculum includes courses in social welfare policy, human behavior, and the social environment, social work practice, research methods, and field education.
17. Columbia University
Duration: 2 years for regular online MSW; 1 year for Advanced Standing pathway.
Tuition: $26,752
Columbia University’s online Master of Social Work (MSW) program is a 60-credit hour program that can be completed in as little as 16 months. The program is offered both full-time and part-time, and students can choose to take classes synchronously or asynchronously.
18. University of Alabama
Duration: 2 years.
Tuition: $385 per credit.
The online MSW program at the University of Alabama is a 42-credit hour program that can be completed in as little as two years. The program is offered both full-time and part-time, and students can choose to take classes synchronously or asynchronously.
19. The University of South Florida
Duration: 2 years.
Tuition: $17,324
The online MSW program at the University of South Florida is a 60-credit hour program that can be completed in as little as two years. The program is offered both full-time and part-time, and students can choose to take classes synchronously or asynchronously.
20. Fordham University
Duration: 32 months.
Tuition: $1,045 per credit.
Fordham University offers a fast-track online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program that aims to expose students to the world and how they can use human service skills and a sense of social justice to sustain community well-being. It is highly rated and CSWE accredited, but is expensive.
FAQs About Fast-track Social Work Degrees Online
Are fast-track social work degrees accredited?
Fast-track social work degrees online are typically accredited. In the US and other countries, accelerated programs are a norm, where the coursework is compressed to be completed in a shorter time than usual. This helps working students get their degrees early enough and begin practice and is an attractive option for people who want to switch careers.
How long does it take to complete a fast-track social work degree online?
A fast-track social work degree online can take as little as 24 months (2 years) or as much as 36 months (3 years). It also depends on the mode of study, such as full-time study taking less time than part-time study.
Can I work while completing a fast-track social work degree online?
Enrolling in a fast-track social work degree online allows students to get their degree earlier and access classes from anywhere in the world, saving time on commuting.
Are online fast-track social work degrees respected by employers?
It is a standard degree. And it is recognized by CSWE, provided that your school of enrollment is accredited by the same body. So, yes, employers recognize online social work degrees.
Recommended Articles
If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, then you’ll love our top recommendations for you based on info guides on master’s of social work degrees and accelerated online degrees.
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- 40 Easiest Online Master’s Degree Programs
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- 15 Free Master’s Degree Courses With Certificates
- 1 Year Bachelor’s Degrees Online.
Wrapping It Up
There are so many colleges that offer fast-track social work degrees online; even outnumbering the 20 we have listed. And if this is something you are looking for to get your career started, we implore you to do some more research to discover more schools that fit your vision and educational goals.