Can You Get a Social Work Degree in 3 Years?

Yes, you can earn a social work degree in three years by enrolling in an accelerated learning program, carefully planning courses, and applying your prior knowledge with transfer credits and CLEP exams.

Accelerated online bachelor's degrees provide a more flexible approach to earning a social work degree. Students can earn their social work degrees in a shorter timeframe, often three years or less, with self-paced classes and independent coursework.

The social work profession involves working with a wide range of clients to provide support and advocacy, making it a fulfilling career. Understanding the various options can help you choose a program that best fits your timeline while still ensuring you receive a thorough social work education.

Is It Possible To Earn a Social Work Degree in Three Years?

Even though Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs generally take about four years to complete, there are opportunities to reduce that time. Online bachelor's degrees in social work and accelerated programs can combine heavier courseloads, year-round study, and credit from prior learning to help students graduate more quickly.

Programs that are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) prepare students for entry-level roles in a variety of settings from nonprofit organizations and criminal justice systems to education and healthcare.

Coursework covers core social work competencies and topics, while electives introduce students to other specializations in the social work profession. Some BSW degree course topics include:

• behavioral health
• social justice
• substance abuse
• social welfare
• child welfare and advocacy
• human behavior
• mental health

Although it can vary depending on the program, if you have previously attended college and completed coursework, you can use that to your advantage. You can reduce the number of college credits needed to finish your program by transferring credits from prior courses or demonstrating relevant knowledge with CLEP exams.

Some undergraduate social work programs, which can be completed in three years, are combined with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. After earning a bachelor's degree in social work, completing a master's degree can take about one additional year. MSW programs cover more advanced topics and lead to roles like school social worker, case manager, and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).

Tips for Earning a Social Work Degree Faster

You can earn a social work degree faster by enrolling in online accelerated degree programs, utilizing prior knowledge, and working with an academic advisor to plan courses. These tips can help you finish your degree quickly and prepare you for graduate programs.

Enroll in an Accelerated Degree Program

You can earn your degree more quickly by enrolling in an accelerated social work program. Accelerated degree programs provide an opportunity for students to earn their degrees at a faster pace. They are sometimes offered as degree completion or dual degree programs.

With some accelerated degrees, undergraduate students can pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at the same time. It takes about four years to complete the courses required for both degrees, with the bachelor's degree taking about three years plus the one-year accelerated master's degree program in social work.

Although accelerated programs are a great way to earn a social work degree in three years or less, coursework is generally more intensive. Students are expected to study full-time and attend courses year-round to complete their program requirements.

Take Advantage of Transfer Credits

By taking advantage of transfer credits, you can reduce the courses needed to complete your social work degree. Transfer credits are college credit hours that can be transferred and applied to a degree program at another school. If you have previously attended college classes, some of your coursework may be accepted by your new program.

Test Out of Courses Through CLEP Exams

Testing out of courses is another effective way to get a social work degree in three years. Many colleges accept CLEP credits, which are available in various subjects. CLEP exams give college credit to students who can accurately demonstrate their knowledge.

Students who utilize this tip can test out of certain courses and decrease the number of credit hours needed to earn their degrees.

Register for an Online Degree Program

Online programs offer a more convenient route for earning a social work degree than on-campus programs. They are a flexible and more affordable way to earn an accredited degree in three years.

Many online degree programs allow students to work through courses at their own pace, allowing them the opportunity to finish faster than an on-campus program. Online social work degrees can be a great option for students who work full-time but want to pursue a social work profession.

Speak to an Academic Advisor

If you're trying to finish your degree faster so you can begin gaining work experience, it is a great idea to speak with an academic advisor. They can help you efficiently map out your program so that you can meet your goals, whether that's starting a social work career in a specific specialization or continuing to graduate school to earn a master's in social work.

Academic advisors work with students to navigate admission requirements, like submitting high school transcripts, and help them select courses that ensure credit hour requirements are being met. They also help students find practicum sites to apply what they learned with field experiences.

Accelerated Online Social Work Degree Programs

Online social work degree programs allow students to earn a bachelor's degree in social work and begin working in just three years. These schools offer accelerated online programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Touro University-Worldwide

Touro University's Bachelor of Arts in social work degree can be completed in three years for students who utilize transfer credits and enroll in classes full-time. The program prepares graduates for various entry-level roles with comprehensive coursework and hands-on fieldwork experiences.

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

The Millersville University of Pennsylvania has an online degree completion program for students to earn their Bachelor of Arts in social work in about two years.

To meet the admission requirements, students must have either 60 transferrable higher education credits or an associate degree in human services, social services, or another closely related field.

Simmons University

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree at Simmons University combines online coursework with in-person field experiences to provide students with a thorough understanding of social work practices. Students in the accelerated BSW program can complete the bachelor's degree requirements in three years and continue to earn a master's degree in social work.

University of North Dakota

At the University of North Dakota, students can earn a Bachelor of Science in social work degree in three years or less by utilizing transfer credits. The program, which offers the flexibility of online classes, puts graduates at an advantage by preparing them for social work licensure exams.

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

The University of Tennessee offers the CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree for students with an associate degree and 60 transferrable credit hours. The online program encourages a hands-on learning experience with in-person field placements to provide a comprehensive social work education.