10 Best One-Year MSW Programs Online With No BSW Requirement

A Master of Social Work (MSW) is a graduate-level degree that prepares licensed clinical social workers. Students interested in 1-year MSW programs online with no BSW requirement can choose from various accelerated online options.

While most 1-year master's programs are designed for students who have a bachelor's degree in social work, there are programs open to students with different academic backgrounds. Continue reading to explore 10 of the best accelerated online MSW options that do not require a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) for entry.

How Long Does It Take To Complete a Master of Social Work Program?

The length of time that it takes to complete an MSW depends on your academic background, the specific program, and how many classes you take each semester. The fastest MSW programs are the advanced standing MSW programs, which require a BSW degree for entry and typically take one year (full-time) to complete.

Accelerated MSW programs without a BSW are typically designed to take around two years or less of full-time study to complete, although many offer part-time options, though these take longer. If you don't have a bachelor's degree, you can alternatively pursue a dual-degree BSW/MSW program, which usually takes around five years to complete.

Can You Get an MSW Without a BSW?

You don't need a BSW to get into an MSW program. Traditional MSW programs are typically open to students who have earned a bachelor's degree in a field other than social work. Students may need to have completed certain prerequisites, such as a social sciences course.

Students who don't hold a bachelor's degree in any field can instead complete a dual-degree program that leads to a BSW and MSW. These programs require students to have a high school diploma or equivalent and secure a student's spot for the graduate portion of the program.

Top 1-Year Online MSW Programs That Don't Require a BSW

There are numerous graduate schools across the country that offer accelerated online MSW programs for students without a bachelor's in social work. Below are 10 of the top programs, each of which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) for the preparation of licensed social workers.

1. Simmons University

Simmons University offers an MSW online for students who have a bachelor's degree in a field other than social work. This CSWE-accredited program prepares students for licensure and enables them to choose an area of specialization and complete practicums locally.

Students can pursue an accelerated, traditional, or part-time enrollment and finish the program in four semesters to four years.

Estimated tuition cost: $1,185 per credit

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), CSWE

2. The University of Alaska Anchorage

The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) offers a Master of Social Work that can be completed online in as little as one year of full-time study. The curriculum has an advanced generalist approach, meaning students learn a broad range of clinical social work competencies, including transformational leadership and community practice. Students can complete practicum experiences at various facilities across Alaska.

Estimated tuition cost: $528 per credit (in-state); $1,128 per credit (out-of-state)

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), CSWE

3. Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University (CSU) offers a traditional MSW program to students whose baccalaureate degree is in a field other than social work. The program can be completed entirely online, and students can complete clinical practice hours at locations near their homes.

Students can complete the program in as few as five semesters and take coursework such as diversity, human behavior, and social welfare.

Estimated tuition cost: $614 per credit (in-state); $615 per credit (out-of-state)

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC), CSWE

4. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati has a hybrid Master of Social Work program that can be completed in one year through an accelerated, full-time enrollment. Students complete some program requirements on campus and can choose a specialization in family/children, mental health, or aging/health.

Practicum hours are integrated throughout the program, enabling students to apply the competencies of direct practice that are emphasized within the curriculum.

Estimated tuition cost: $662 per credit (in-state); $677 per credit (out-of-state)

Accreditation: HLC, CSWE

5. Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) offers both an on-campus and an online MSW program. Students can complete the online program in 16 months of full-time study.

The program emphasizes professionalism and leadership, as well as the advancement of practice and community well-being. Students receive experienced guidance through expert faculty and can complete practicums close to where they live.

Estimated tuition cost: $901 per credit (in-state); $2,400 per credit (out-of-state)

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), CSWE

6. University of Texas at Arlington

University of Texas at Arlington offers an MSW that can be completed on campus or online. Students can choose from four specialization options, including substance abuse/mental health and children/families. The program allows students to pursue a macro-level or clinical practice focus, and enables students to complete their internship near where they live.

Estimated tuition cost: $1,345 per credit

Accreditation: SACSCOC, CSWE

7. Fordham University

Fordham University has an online MSW program that integrates online coursework, occasional on-campus sessions, and clinical practicum hours. Students can complete their degree in four semesters of full-time study.

Enrollees can choose courses of interest for the second stage of their program to customize their experience. There are two main practicum components: real-world practice hours in various facilities and an annual on-campus intensive session.

Estimated tuition cost: $1,098 per credit

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), CSWE

8. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC) offers an MSW that allows students to take all coursework online, but students can also choose to mix in some on-campus classes. The online program consists of asynchronous coursework, virtual practicum hours, and in-person clinical practice hours. Students can fulfill in-person practice hours at locations near them.

Estimated tuition cost: $2,256 per credit

Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), CSWE

9. University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky offers a 60-credit online MSW that can be completed in four semesters. Students choose an area of specialization for their program, such as school social work, child welfare, military behavioral health, or an individualized curriculum. The program includes coursework in research methods, injustice and poverty, family practice, and social work practice theories.

Estimated tuition cost: $790 per credit

Accreditation: SACSCOC, CSWE

10. Tulane University School of Social Work

Tulane University School of Social Work (TSSW) offers an online MSW with optional concentrations in addiction, mental health, collective trauma, and family. Every MSW student receives scholarships and can apply for other institutional and programmatic financial aid. The program can be completed in 16 months and enables students to complete practicum hours across Louisiana and the U.S.

Estimated tuition cost: $1,403 per credit

Accreditation: SACSCOC, CSWE

How We Rank Schools

Our team reviews dozens of schools across the U.S. to find programs that offer the best learning experiences. Cost, reputation, and other criteria are used to determine which schools are featured.

• Accreditation All of the schools featured are institutionally accredited and each of the MSW programs are accredited by the CSWE.
• Program length These are among the fastest hybrid and online MSW programs in the nation for students who do not hold a BSW.
• Program reputation Featured programs utilize experienced social workers and evidence-based practice theories to better prepare students for professional roles.

FAQs About 1-Year Online MSW Programs

If you are considering an accelerated Master of Social Work program, determine what program features are the most important for your experience and success. The FAQs below should help you to gain a clearer idea of what some of your criteria are.

What Is the Easiest Online MSW Program To Get Into?

The easiest MSW program is one that has more relaxed admissions requirements. Common admissions requirements include a specific GPA, a GRE (entrance exam), specific prerequisites, letters of recommendation, and an application fee. Consider choosing one of the cheapest online MSW programs as well as those with less strict admissions requirements.

How Can I Become a Social Worker Without a Bachelor's Degree?

If you do not have a bachelor's degree, the fastest way to become a social worker is to complete at least a bachelor's degree and obtain a license if required. You can finish an accelerated BSW in as few as three years, or obtain both a BSW and MSW through a five-year dual-degree program.

Can I Become a Social Worker Fully Online?

No, you cannot become a social worker through online coursework alone. Because of the nature of the healthcare profession, you must complete the required number of practice hours through a program accredited by the CSWE. This can be referred to as field education and involves hands-on practice in various settings.

Discover More Online Social Work Degrees

Explore more of the top social work and related degree programs on Learn.org and reach out to your favorite schools to get started.