7 Fastest Online Social Work Degree Programs 2025

If you are interested in a social work career, a good first step is to earn a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. But perhaps you're in a hurry to get started and don't want to spend a ton of time in school. So, you're wondering: are there any colleges or universities offering online social work degrees you can finish quickly?

Keep reading as we look at some top accelerated programs for aspiring social workers who want to get their degree online. We'll also explore answers to some frequently asked questions about getting an online BSW degree.

Accelerated Online Social Work Degrees

It's important to note that many states require students to earn both a bachelor's degrees and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree to pursue social work licensure. While there are accelerated MSW programs available, we will be exploring accelerated BSW programs only for the purpose of this article.

1. Simmons University

Simmons University is a private women's college located in Boston, MA. It offers an accelerated bachelor's degree completion program. This degree provides a generalist education in various topics like social justice, human behavior, and advocacy. A coeducational online Master of Social Work program is also available through the college's graduate school.

Both the BSW and MSW degree programs are accelerated thanks to flexible online coursework and a generous transfer policy. Students can complete the bachelor's degree in as little as one year and the master's degree in even less time.

2. Malone University

Malone University is a nonprofit Christian school located in Canton, OH. It provides both online and in-person degrees to an enrollment of around 1,600 students. A CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work is available for online students hoping to enter generalist practice or enter an advanced-standing program.

Flexible coursework for this program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Students taking heavy courseloads or who have transfer credits can earn their degree within two years.

3. Liberty University

Liberty University is a large private school headquartered in Lynchburg, VA, though the majority of students study online. Students at this school can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in social work. The program helps students gain a strong understanding of human psychology so they can be successful in a variety of social environments including public health, child welfare, and more.

The program provides highly flexible asynchronous courses, and those taking an affordable courseload of at least 12 credit hours per semester receive tuition discounts. A generous transfer policy makes it even easier for students to earn their degree in a shorter timeframe.

4. Briar Cliff University

Briar Cliff University is a private school located in Sioux City, IA. Students at this school can pursue a Bachelor of Social Work degree either online or in-person. The program provides options to gain work experience through fieldwork and study abroad opportunities, and coursework covers a variety of pertinent topics such as:

• mental health and mental illness
• substance abuse and addiction
• social science research methods
• social policy
• trauma-informed practice

This bachelor's degree completion program offers four specializations and requires that students hold an associate degree or at least 62 hours of college credit. It can be completed in two years or less.

5. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is a public university in Grand Forks, ND. It offers a unique second bachelor's degree program for students interested in pursuing social work. This BSW degree enables students already holding a bachelor's degree to pursue a second undergraduate degree in a greatly reduced timeframe. In 39 credit hours, the program teaches the competencies and methodologies necessary to pursue entry-level social work careers.

Students enrolled in this program full-time can finish in just three semesters of study. They can also choose to pursue a master's in social work program as long as they meet prerequisite requirements for the graduate school of their choice.

6. University of Utah

The University of Utah is a public school in Salt Lake City, UT. Its school of social work provides an online bachelor's degree in the field. This CSWE-accredited program can serve as a degree completion program for those with significant transfer credits or an associate degree. Students are prepared for careers in various social services fields, from healthcare to criminal justice.

The major itself consists of 48 credit hours, not including general education and elective credits. Students who have completed all of their prerequisites can complete the program in as little as three semesters.

7. Concordia University

Concordia University is a private university system with campuses throughout the U.S. The Wisconsin campus provides a highly flexible BSW degree program for online students. Those interested in pursuing advanced job titles like licensed clinical social worker and school social worker can also enroll in an accelerated bachelor's-to-master's program, potentially graduating with both degrees in four years.

The school features a generous transfer policy, accelerated courses, and multiple yearly start dates to allow students to work through the program at their own pace. Those with sufficient transfer credits can graduate in as little as a year and a half.

Our Selection Criteria

Our team uses a rigorous vetting process when choosing schools to include in our rank lists. The following criteria were used to select the top institutions of higher education presented in this article:

• Accreditation: All schools are accredited by organizations that the U.S. Department of Education recognizes as acceptable accrediting bodies. In addition, all social work degrees discussed above have received specialized accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
• Flexible or accelerated coursework: The programs in this article provide flexible coursework that students can complete on a schedule that works for them. Many of the programs offer accelerated class sessions as well.
• Degree completion or generous transfer policy: All of the programs above provide a generous transfer policy or are specifically designed as degree completion programs. Having the option to get credit for previous college or life experiences can help students graduate faster.

FAQs About Social Work Online Degree Programs

If you still have questions about completing the education requirements to become a social worker online, read on. Below, we'll answer some commonly asked questions you may be wondering about.

How Does an Online Social Work Program Work?

Those enrolled in online social work programs generally enjoy more flexibility than those in traditional programs. Coursework is often flexible, allowing students to study on a schedule that works for them. Online programs typically provide the same high-quality education as on-campus programs. Students complete writing and reading assignments, video lectures, and other lessons in a virtual format and often have opportunities to connect with classmates and professors through forum discussions.

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Accelerated Online Social Work Degree Program?

Different schools and social work programs often have different admissions requirements. Generally speaking, students must complete applications and be accepted into both the university and the social work program. They are usually expected to submit official high school transcripts (and college transcripts for transfer students) and to have a GPA of at least 2.0. Additional requirements may exist; it's important to check with your school's admissions department to learn more about specific requirements.

How Long Does It Take to Get an MSW Online?

Those who complete a Bachelor of Social Work degree can go on to pursue an advanced-standing Master of Social Work degree. According to U.S. News, this type of online MSW program can typically be completed in a much shorter timeframe than most social work master's degrees. Fast-track online MSW programs can sometimes be completed in as little as 9 months.

Discover Accredited Online Bachelor's Degrees Today

If you're ready to enter the diverse field of social work practice, explore the degrees available through the colleges and universities on Learn.org. Reach out to the admissions department at each school for more information about their social work programs and to find out which one is best for you.