16 Fast Track Social Work Degrees Online

Want to get your social work degree online faster? You’re making a smart career move. The social work field will grow 7% between 2023 and 2033, which is much faster than other professions. The outlook gets even better for specialized roles. Mental health and substance abuse social work jobs will surge by 18%, while clinical social work positions will grow by 17%.

Regular MSW programs take two years, but you can complete fast-track options in just 12 to 18 months. These online accelerated MSW programs work great for busy professionals who want to advance their careers or students ready to jump into the field. The fastest MSW programs can lead to annual earnings of around $88,000 after a few years of experience. Top schools like the University of Southern California and Columbia University offer complete accelerated programs with different specializations.

Social workers make a median annual salary of $61,330 as of May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Your earning potential goes up by a lot with an advanced degree and specialization. We’ll show you accredited fast-track social work degree options that can reshape your career prospects quickly.

Syracuse University

Syracuse University offers a fully online Master of Social Work program that combines digital innovation with social justice principles. Students learn to support vulnerable communities through online learning and hands-on field placements.

Program Highlights

The MSW program holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates can take licensing exams in all 50 states. The curriculum teaches students how to develop, implement, and support inclusive, socially just, and culturally competent mental health practices. Students can choose between two concentrations:

• Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) – Prepares future mental health clinicians who want to become Licensed Clinical Social Workers
• Advanced Integrated Practice (AIP) – Builds skills for direct practice and leadership roles in human service organizations

The university also offers specialized training in Military Culture & Mental Health Practice for students who want to work with military service members, veterans, or their families.

Length

Students can complete the traditional 60-credit MSW program in 36 months. The Advanced Standing track needs only 36 credits and takes 24 months. This faster option works for students who earned their bachelor’s in social work in the last 10 years. Both tracks require field placements, with Advanced Standing students completing more than 500 hours of fieldwork.

Tuition and Affordability

Each credit hour costs $1,196. The total cost comes to about $66,660 for the traditional MSW and $39,996 for the Advanced Standing option. The program prefers a minimum 3.0 GPA and doesn’t require GRE scores.

Who is Syracuse University Best For?

Working professionals who need flexibility will find this program valuable. Students can attend weekly Zoom classes, complete coursework at their own pace, and study using mobile devices. The Advanced Clinical Practice track suits people who want to work in mental health settings. The Advanced Integrated Practice concentration works well for those interested in community organizations, human service administration, and policy work.

Simmons University

Simmons University started the first school of clinical social work in the country in 1904. Their clinically focused online Master of Social Work (MSW) promotes social justice values and multicultural views. The program will help you prepare for direct practice in settings of all types.

Program Highlights

SocialWork@Simmons delivers a CSWE-accredited curriculum that prepares graduates to pursue licensure as clinical social workers. Students can choose specialized areas like Trauma Practice, Mental Health Practice, and Military Practice after completing foundation courses. The program includes:

• Small, interactive weekly classes with 20 or fewer students
• Expert faculty who are distinguished clinicians
• Full access to all tools and course content
• A dedicated team that secures practicum sites in your community

Program Length

Simmons offers one of the fastest MSW programs with several timeline options:

• Advanced Standing: Complete in as few as 9 months (34 credits) if you hold a BSW
• Accelerated: Finish in as few as 16 months (65 credits)
• Full-time: Complete in as few as 23 months (65 credits)
• Extended: Graduate in as few as 32 months (65 credits)
• Extended-plus: Finish in as few as 40 months if you need more flexibility

Tuition and Affordability

The 2025-2026 academic year tuition costs $1,185 per credit hour. Students in the traditional 65-credit program pay approximately $77,025, while Advanced Standing students pay $40,290 for the 34-credit option. Additional costs include a $75 practicum education fee per placement and a $75 student fee per term. Students can access several financial aid options, including Simmons Future Leader Scholarships and Dean’s Scholarships that reward academic excellence.

Who is Simmons University Best For?

This fast track social work degree works perfectly for future clinical practitioners who need flexibility. BSW holders can make use of the Advanced Standing option to earn their degree in just 9 months. Working professionals value the multiple track options and clinical focus that prepares them for licensure. Students graduate ready for clinical practice – traditional MSW students complete over 1,000 hours of practical experience while Advanced Standing students finish 672 hours.

Baylor University

Baylor University’s online MSW program blends mental health training with social justice principles through a faith-based perspective. Students learn clinical skills that emphasize spirituality’s role in social work practice.

Program Highlights

The CSWE-accredited program delivers personal instruction in a 100% virtual environment. Students engage in foundational coursework and live discussions about clinical and social justice topics. Two specialization paths are available:

• Clinical Practice – Students prepare for direct client work, counseling, and mental health services
• Community Practice – Students work with public/nonprofit organizations, communities, and religious agencies

A dedicated team finds two quality internships within 75 miles of your location. You can gain experience without moving. Baylor’s unique approach includes religious and spiritual elements in anti-oppressive social work practice.

Program Length

BSW holders can take the Advanced Standing track with 30 credit hours in as few as 12 months. Students choose between full-time (3 terms) or part-time (5 terms) schedules. The Standard Program needs 58 credit hours with several completion paths:

• Accelerated: 4 terms (about 16 months)
• Full-time: 6 terms (2 years) or 8 terms (32 months)
• Part-time: 10 terms (40 months)

Tuition and Affordability

Online MSW tuition runs $1,100 per credit hour. The total cost comes to about $33,000 for Advanced Standing students and $63,800 for Standard track students. Each course may include a $50 lab fee.

Who is Baylor University Best For?

This fast track online social work degree works well for students who want faith-integrated social work education with complete clinical or community training. Working professionals benefit from flexible completion options and evening classes (Tuesdays-Thursdays from 5:30-9pm CST). Graduates qualify as Licensed Master Social Workers or Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and MSW graduates typically earn 40% higher median salaries.

California State University, Chico

The hybrid MSW program at California State University, Chico blends online learning with on-campus elements. This makes it an available option for students across Northern California. The CSWE-accredited program focuses on advanced generalist practice with specialized areas in mental health or youth and family services.

Program Highlights

The School of Social Work at CSU Chico delivers several program options through a cohort model that combines synchronous and asynchronous learning. Students can:

• Choose advanced generalist practice with concentration options in Mental Health Services or Families, Children and Youth Services
• Learn through a hybrid format that blends online instruction (67%) with face-to-face components (33%)
• Complete field placements within CSU Chico’s 18-county service region in Northern California
• Get detailed training through programs like the Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Program and the Behavioral Health Program

CSU Chico’s acceptance rate for MSW programs averages around 50%, and they receive approximately 150 applications each year.

Program Length

Students can choose from multiple completion paths:

• One-Year Accelerated Program: 34 credit hours for students with a BSW earned in the last five years, requiring 720 field hours
• Two-Year Traditional Program: 61-63 total credit hours including 1,200 field practicum hours
• Three-Year Distributed Learning Program: Same curriculum as the two-year program delivered part-time in a hybrid format over three years

The distributed learning format requires students to attend campus two weekends per semester along with regular Zoom sessions.

Tuition and Affordability

California residents pay approximately $4,751 per semester. Non-resident students need to pay an additional $396 per unit. Students can access several financial assistance options:

• Title IV-E Child Welfare Training grants
• CalSWEC PBH program offering $25,000 yearly stipends to eligible students
• Adult Protective Services Training Program providing up to $20,000 per academic year

Who is CSU Chico Best For?

This fast track social work degree works best for:

• BSW graduates who want to speed up their path to MSW completion
• Working professionals who need flexible study options
• Students interested in rural social work practice throughout Northern California
• Those building careers in child welfare, behavioral health, or services for aging populations

University of Denver

Ranked #12 among the best social work programs by U.S. News & World Report, the University of Denver provides accelerated online MSW options that combine academic excellence with schedule flexibility. Students at the Graduate School of Social Work learn through a progressive educational model that promotes equity across communities.

Program Highlights

The CSWE-accredited online MSW program teaches students to think critically and develop creative solutions for social justice. Students can shape their Advanced Social Work Practice concentration through two main paths:

• Mental Health and Trauma: Students learn to deliver trauma-informed care as behavioral health clinicians or psychiatric social workers
• Health, Equity and Wellness: Students gain skills for integrated health settings, including hospitals and experiential treatment centers

Licensed social workers supervise field internships near your location, and a dedicated team ensures valuable hands-on experience.

Program Length

Students can choose from several completion options:

• Online MSW: Students complete 81 credits in 27 months full-time or 21 months through accelerated study
• Online Advanced-Standing MSW: BSW holders finish 54 credits in 18 months full-time or through the fastest MSW program option of 12 months accelerated

Standard MSW students complete 900 field hours while Advanced-Standing students need 500 hours.

Tuition and Affordability

Each credit hour costs $1,200 plus a $4 technology fee. Total program costs amount to:

• Standard MSW: $97,200 for 81 credits
• Advanced-Standing MSW: $64,800 for 54 credits

Students can access federal loans, work-study positions, and external scholarships.

Who is University of Denver Best For?

This fast track social work degree suits:

• BSW graduates wanting the 12-month accelerated option
• Students focused on trauma-informed practice or integrated health settings
• Working professionals needing flexible study with four yearly starts (January, March, June, and September)
• Students seeking a top-ranked program with social justice emphasis and practical field experience

University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota delivers a CSWE-accredited MSW program that focuses on rural social work practice at an affordable price. The program has managed to keep its accreditation since 1989 and prepares students to take on clinical, policy, and leadership roles in social work.

Program Highlights

UND’s MSW program excels with its Advanced Generalist approach that prepares you to handle complex practice in settings of all types. Key features include:

• North Dakota’s only online Social Work master’s program
• Award-winning Student Social Work Association and Phi Alpha honor society
• Children & Family Services Training Center conducting research with strong rural focus
• Specialized training that delivers vital services to rural communities
• Financial support available to students who commit to working in approved North Dakota child welfare agencies

The curriculum quality stays similar between on-campus and online formats. Students receive the same transcript and diploma whatever delivery method they choose.

Program Length

Students can choose between two pathways:

• Advanced Standing (Concentration): BSW holders from CSWE-accredited programs need 36 credits. Students complete this in three semesters full-time or two years part-time
• Traditional (Generalist): Students with bachelor’s degrees in related fields need 60 credits. This typically takes three or more years part-time[273]

Students in the online program join a cohort model. This creates built-in peer support during studies and builds a professional network after graduation.

Tuition and Affordability

Online MSW students pay $675.59 per credit plus $73.43 in fees (2024-2025). The total comes to $749.02 per credit whatever your residency. Your total program cost will be approximately:

• Advanced Standing: $27,000 (36 credits)
• Traditional: $45,000 (60 credits)

UND stands among the most affordable online colleges in the region and provides over $105 million in financial aid each year. Active military members, veterans, and their dependents can qualify for reduced tuition rates.

Who is UND Best For?

This fast track social work degree works best for:

• BSW graduates who want to accelerate completion through the Advanced Standing option
• Students drawn to rural social work practice or child welfare
• Working professionals who need flexible online study with evening classes
• Military-affiliated students seeking specialized financial benefits and tuition discounts

UND consistently ranks among the top 30 best online MSW programs nationwide. The program successfully balances educational quality with affordability and practical field experience.

Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University’s College of Health provides a flexible online Master of Social Work program with a curriculum that focuses on advanced-level practice with vulnerable populations. Students benefit from this CSWE-accredited program’s complete training while balancing their personal schedules and needs.

Program Highlights

Cleveland State’s online MSW program builds clinical competency through a 100% asynchronous curriculum without campus visits. Students can expect:

• Free field placement services that coordinate hands-on learning in their local community
• Two specialization options: Clinical Social Worker or Advanced Generalist Practice
• Optional certificates in Chemical Dependency, Gerontology, and Veterinary Social Work
• Clinical track that includes trauma-informed curriculum

Graduates can become Licensed Independent Social Workers ready to tackle human needs, social justice issues, and oppression through policy practice and clinical interventions.

Program Length

Students can choose from several paths toward graduation:

• Traditional Track (60 credits): Full-time students graduate in 5-6 semesters (about 1.7-2 years). Part-time students complete their degree in 8-10 semesters (2.7-3.3 years)
• Advanced Standing (30 credits): BSW holders studying full-time graduate in 2-4 semesters (7 months to 1.3 years). Part-time students finish in 4-5 semesters (1.3-1.7 years)

Traditional track students complete 900 field practicum hours, while Advanced Standing students need 500 hours.

Tuition and Affordability

Both in-state and out-of-state students pay $618.25 per credit hour. Traditional track students invest about $37,095, and Advanced Standing students pay $18,547.50. Students should budget for insurance ($3,013.22), transportation ($1,513.88), and additional fees. Financial aid can help reduce these costs.

Who is Cleveland State Best For?

This social work degree works best for:

• BSW graduates who want to accelerate completion through Advanced Standing
• Working professionals who need flexible asynchronous study
• Students drawn to clinical practice with trauma-informed approaches
• People seeking specialized training through certificate options

The career outlook remains strong. 90.4% of MSW graduates report high job satisfaction, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 9% growth in social work jobs by 2031.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign sets itself apart with its unique block field placement approach in its MSW program. Students complete all coursework before diving into field experience. This CSWE-accredited program, ranked #33 among national universities, welcomes both traditional students and those with social work backgrounds through flexible pathways.

Program Highlights

Students can choose between traditional on-campus and part-time online options that maintain similar curriculum quality and degree recognition. UIUC stands out by offering multiple concentrations:

• Advanced Clinical (direct practice)
• Leadership and Social Change (macro practice)

Advanced Clinical students can choose specializations in Healthcare, Mental Health, Children, Youth and Family Services, or Schools. The program’s structure blends online learning with monthly weekend campus visits. This format gives students flexibility while maintaining valuable face-to-face connections.

Length

BSW graduates can complete the Advanced Standing track with just 32 credit hours in 12 months through the on-campus program. Traditional students without a social work background need 44-72 total credit hours. UIUC’s Illinois Placement Plan lets students finish core coursework before starting their internship. Students can complete their placement anywhere in Illinois or across the nation, making this fast track social work degree truly flexible.

Tuition and Affordability

The online iMSW costs $620 per credit hour for the 2025-2026 academic year. Campus-based students pay around $11,360 per semester for Illinois residents and $19,916 for non-residents. Full-time campus students can access financial aid through grants, assistantships, fellowships, and tuition waivers.

Who is UIUC Best For?

This online accelerated MSW program works great for professionals who want flexibility without moving. The blended format combines online convenience with monthly campus meetings for networking. The program fits perfectly with students pursuing specialized clinical practice or leadership roles who need a well-laid-out yet adaptable learning environment.

University of Saint Joseph

The University of Saint Joseph offers a hybrid MSW program that focuses on community-based clinical social work practice through a person-in-environment framework. This CSWE-accredited program teaches graduates to use evidence-informed practices that champion human rights and social justice in a variety of settings.

Program Highlights

USJ provides an intimate learning atmosphere where students benefit from small classes averaging 14 students and an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The program features:

• A unique student unit model with university-hired clinical preceptors (LCSW clinicians) who supervise field placements
• A hybrid format that blends online courses with in-person sessions during evenings and weekends
• Internship options based on current employment that help you gain experience while keeping your current job
• Admission without GRE requirements

Students learn community-based services and develop skills to implement evidence-based interventions that support underserved populations. The program prepares graduates to take the licensing exam for master’s level social workers.

Program Length

Students can choose from four flexible completion paths:

• Standard Two-Year Option: Students complete 61 credits in four semesters with two internships (480 hours in year one, 600 hours in year two)
• Three-Year Part-Time Option: Students finish 61 credits over eight semesters, including two summer terms to reduce course load
• One-Year Advanced Standing: BSW holders can earn 31 credits in three semesters, including the Advanced Standing Bridge course and Skills Lab
• Two-Year Advanced Standing: BSW graduates who need more flexibility can complete 31 credits over six semesters

Tuition and Affordability

The complete BSW Completion Program costs $34,588 for up to 61 credits. Graduate students can access scholarship opportunities, including merit-based MSW Scholarships that provide $500 per semester for up to two years. Small classes and individual attention demonstrate the program’s value commitment.

Who is University of Saint Joseph Best For?

This fast track social work program serves:

• BSW graduates who want an accelerated path through Advanced Standing
• Working professionals who need flexible evening/weekend scheduling
• Students drawn to community-based clinical practice
• Those who value personal faculty attention in a supportive environment

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% growth for social workers through 2033. USJ graduates can build rewarding careers in healthcare, mental health, and community settings of all types.

Portland State University

Portland State University now brings the Pacific Northwest’s first online MSW program. Students can balance their work, family, and education needs easily. This CSWE-accredited program helps students dismantle oppressive systems and build racial equity in a variety of communities.

Program Highlights

Nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report, PSU’s online MSW delivers a curriculum that matches the on-campus program but works better for online learning. Students start with foundation coursework and then choose between two advanced concentrations:

• Advanced Macro Practice – Prepares for leadership roles in policy-making and community response
• Advanced Clinical Practice – Builds direct practice skills with individuals, families, and groups

Students work with social service organizations in their communities through two 500-hour field placements. Learning happens through both self-paced sessions and scheduled online meetings. Students must attend 2-day virtual intensives when each academic year begins.

Program Length

The traditional online program needs 78 credits and takes two or three years to finish. Students choosing the two-year path take about 13 credits each term. The three-year option requires 6-10 credits per term. BSW holders can choose the Advanced Standing option with just 46 credits, completing their degree in four terms. This makes it one of the quickest social work degrees available online.

Tuition and Affordability

MSW online students will pay $566 per credit (Oregon residents) or $812 per credit (non-residents) for the 2025-2026 academic year. A technology fee of $22 per credit applies. The Advanced Standing track’s total cost ranges from $29,226 (residents) to $40,542 (non-residents). The traditional 78-credit program costs between $49,158 and $68,346.

Who is Portland State Best For?

Pacific Northwest students wanting better work-life balance will find this online accelerated MSW program helpful. The program attracts students passionate about racial equity and social justice work. BSW graduates can speed up their career growth through the Advanced Standing option. Students from 49 states can enroll, except those from Colorado.

Roberts Wesleyan University

Roberts Wesleyan University stands out as the first Christian college to receive CSWE accreditation for its MSW program. The university offers an unmatched educational experience that combines faith principles with professional social work practice. Students consistently achieve licensure exam pass rates that exceed both state and national averages.

Program Highlights

The values-driven curriculum shapes trustworthy leaders by blending professional competencies with character development. The MSW program has two distinct concentrations:

• Mental Health – Preparing clinical practitioners for therapeutic roles
• Child & Family Services – Preparing professionals for family-centered practice

Students learn through a bio-psycho-social-spiritual-cultural model that supports integrated practice. The program delivers fully online synchronous courses with optional in-person sections for clinical courses on Saturdays. Students participate in meaningful fieldwork at healthcare facilities, schools, and community organizations.

Program Length

The Advanced Standing track is 38 credits and students can complete it in 11 months full-time. This makes it one of the fastest MSW programs accessible to more people. Part-time students can finish this track in 22 months. The Standard Program requires 60 credits with completion times of 24 months full-time or 48 months part-time. Both options feature online synchronous evening classes that work well for professionals.

Tuition and Affordability

Tuition costs $805 per credit as of 2025-26. The total program cost comes to approximately $48,300 for Standard Program students and $30,590 for Advanced Standing students. Benefit-eligible employees, spouses, and corporate partners’ dependents receive a significant 25% tuition discount. The MSW BT Roberts Service Scholarship provides additional financial support to students who show dedication to compassionate service.

Who is Roberts Wesleyan Best For?

This fast track social work option works perfectly for BSW graduates who want faster completion through Advanced Standing. The program is an excellent fit for students who want to combine faith views with clinical practice. Small class sizes and evening schedules give working professionals the flexibility to balance their education with current commitments. Graduates can pursue various careers as mental health therapists, school social workers, medical social workers, and addiction counselors.

St. Catherine University

St. Catherine University’s MSW program shapes clinical social workers who champion social justice principles. The program helps graduates understand human value through critical reflection in their practice.

Program Highlights

The CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work program centers on clinical practice with individuals, small groups, and families. Students gain these advantages:

• A learning environment built on social justice and scholarly inquiry
• Evening classes that fit working adults’ schedules (4:30-6:55 or 7:10-9:30)
• A mix of on-campus courses and hybrid options
• Field placements at over 200 settings with leading regional employers
• The chance to help diverse communities, including immigrants, refugees, and trauma survivors

Students can join the Clinical Social Work Expansion Project, a Minnesota Department of Health grant initiative that reduces tuition costs.

Program Length

Advanced Standing options for BSW graduates include:

• 1-year track: A 33-credit program for quick completion
• 2-year track: A balanced approach between work and study
• 3-year track: Maximum flexibility that suits working professionals

Regular Standing students without a BSW can select 2-year, 3-year, or 4-year tracks with 51 total credits.

Tuition and Affordability

The program costs $760 per credit (2025-26 rate), with total expenses around:

• Advanced Standing: $25,080 (33 credits)
• Regular Standing: $38,760 (51 credits)

The university reviews all applications for MSW scholarships. Many students receive a 10% tuition discount through MSW Alumni Grants.

Who is St. Catherine Best For?

This program works well if you have:

• A BSW degree and want to complete through Advanced Standing
• Interest in clinical practice to address mental illness, discrimination, and oppression
• A need for evening classes due to work
• A desire to work with diverse communities through an integrated approach

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

UNC Charlotte runs a nationally-ranked Master of Social Work program that stands out for its culturally-aware and community-focused approach to social work education. Students learn to become social work professionals through a detailed curriculum that emphasizes social justice principles.

Program Highlights

The MSW program at UNC Charlotte excels with its flexible delivery options and hands-on approach. Students connect with over 200 urban and rural practicum placement agencies throughout the Charlotte region. They can customize their education through electives and practicum experiences while building a strong foundation in generalist practice. The faculty brings rich expertise in mental health, racial institutional inequity, trauma, public health, substance abuse, gerontology, social justice, and youth development.

Program Length

Students looking for a fast track social work degree online can choose from five distinct paths:

• 1-Year Advanced Standing (on-campus): BSW holders complete this over three semesters (summer, fall, spring)
• 2-Year Traditional (on-campus): Four semesters over two years
• 1-Year Advanced Standing Online: One of the fastest MSW programs you can find
• 2-Year Advanced Standing Online: Part-time option with practicum in year two
• 3-Year Online: Part-time option with practicums in years two and three

Students complete their field experience during fall and spring semesters across all tracks.

Tuition and Affordability

Standard graduate tuition rates apply to on-campus programs, while online students pay Distance Education rates. Online MSW students pay approximately $288.82 per credit hour as North Carolina residents and $1,098.21 as non-residents. Students outside North Carolina pay $536.98 per credit hour.

Who is UNC Charlotte Best For?

This online accelerated MSW program serves students who want to work in urban and rural social work settings. Graduates build careers in schools, hospitals, hospice, health departments, trauma centers, shelters, and domestic violence centers. The program works well for people who need evening or online formats to balance their studies with work. Graduates can qualify for state licensure or certification after completing the program.

Keuka College

Keuka College offers a clinically focused online MSW program that builds mental health treatment skills and prepares graduates to become licensed clinical social workers. Active practitioners have designed this CSWE-accredited program’s curriculum to connect theory with real-world practice.

Program Highlights

The online MSW program at Keuka College develops clinical competencies by focusing on:

• Assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness
• Management of emotional and behavioral disturbances
• Flexible asynchronous learning
• An online community that builds professional networks
• Free field placement support services

After graduating, you’ll be ready to become a licensed clinical social worker who can work as a mental health provider and accept insurance referrals. The program gives you versatile social work knowledge that applies to generalist roles and leadership positions of all types.

Program Length

Students can choose between two tracks based on their education:

• MSW Traditional Track: Open to students with bachelor’s degrees in any field
  • Program length: 2.6 years
  • Credit hours: 60
  • Field hours: 900
  • Next start date: August 2025
• MSW Advanced Track: Created for BSW graduates
  • Program length: 1.7 years
  • Credit hours: 33
  • Field hours: 500
  • Next start date: August 2025 [562]

Tuition and Affordability

Both tracks cost $846 per credit hour. The total investment comes to:

• Traditional Track: $50,760 plus applicable fees
• Advanced Track: $27,918 plus applicable fees

Each semester requires a $125 comprehensive fee ($375 yearly), and two specific courses have technology fees totaling $241. Keuka College makes financial planning easier with various aid options and accepts the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA school code: 002744).

Who is Keuka College Best For?

This fast track social work degree suits professionals who want to work in mental health services. The program’s clinical focus prepares graduates to work in mental health, addiction treatment, family services, and community outreach. BSW holders can use the Advanced Track to move their careers forward while getting thorough clinical training.

Misericordia University

Misericordia University’s BSW Accelerated Degree Program helps working professionals balance their education with life responsibilities. The program blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience at Social Welfare Agencies.

Program Highlights

The program stands out as the region’s only accelerated BSW of its kind. Students benefit from:

• CSWE accreditation that ensures quality education standards
• A hybrid/online format that combines easy access with personal attention
• A well-laid-out cohort model that builds peer support
• Field experience that prepares graduates for real-life practice
• Agreements with Marywood University and Monmouth University that lead to advanced standing in MSW programs

Students can get their license in Pennsylvania and many other states, which opens doors to various career paths.

Program Length

You can complete this fast track social work degree in just 2-2.5 years with part-time study. The program includes:

• Flexible schedule options with weekly classes or online learning
• A maximum of 12 credits each semester
• Face-to-face courses lasting 5 weeks at Luzerne County Community College
• Online courses running for 7.5 weeks
• The option to start anytime during the year with prerequisites, core, and elective classes

Tuition and Affordability

The 2024-2025 academic year costs $38,400 for tuition plus a general fee of $1,970. Total estimated costs vary based on where you live:

• On-campus: $61,802
• Living with parents: $54,981
• Off-campus: $66,560

Graduate studies cost about $850 per credit hour.

Who is Misericordia Best For?

This online accelerated social work program works best for:

• Adults who juggle work and family duties
• People who need flexible, predictable schedules
• Students looking for personal attention and support
• BSW graduates planning to get MSW degrees through advanced standing
• Those interested in special certificates in Gerontology or Addictions Counseling

The program’s cost-effective approach, quick completion time, and mixed online-classroom format make it perfect for motivated students who want to start their social work career quickly.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Mount Vernon Nazarene University launched its Master of Social Work degree program in Spring 2025. The program provides an integrated faith-based approach to advanced social work practice. Students can choose specializations that meet critical workforce needs.

Program Highlights

Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s MSW program gives working professionals the flexibility they need. The program is currently seeking CSWE accreditation and offers:

• Two distinct specializations: Behavioral Health and School Social Work
• A curriculum that blends faith with specialized knowledge from a Christ-like point of view
• Fully online coursework with practical field experience
• 20 hours weekly in social work field settings
• Preparation to get licensed in clinical practice and community settings

Program director Dr. Rachel Young explains: “School social work and behavioral health were chosen after looking at the needs in our community… Throughout the United States, there is a great need for behavioral health social workers and in Ohio there is a need for school social workers”.

Program Length

Students can choose from multiple completion paths:

• “ASAP Starts Here” Option: Advanced standing track needs 31 credit hours and takes just one calendar year
• Standard Track: 62 credit hours usually completed in two years

Students who want to join the accelerated ASAP program must have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution. They need a minimum 3.0 GPA and good field evaluations from the last five years.

Tuition and Affordability

Each credit hour costs $565. The total investment comes to:

• Standard Track: $35,030 (62 credits)
• Advanced Standing: $17,515 (31 credits)

MVNU’s Graduate and Professional Studies program costs less than similar programs. Students can access financial aid options including Graduate Assistantships that help with teaching experience, research opportunities, and tuition support.

Who is MVNU Best For?

This fast track social work degree works best for:

• BSW graduates who want the accelerated ASAP pathway
• Students drawn to behavioral health careers (medical social work, clinical therapy)
• People planning to work in Ohio’s underserved educational settings
• Working professionals who need online study with nearby field placements
• Students looking for faith-integrated social work education

University of Alabama (Online Track)

The University of Alabama has spent over five decades preparing advanced social work practitioners. Their primarily online MSW program ranks among the top 25 online options nationwide.

Program Features

The University of Alabama’s CSWE-accredited program combines flexible online coursework with hands-on skills labs. These labs take place on selected Saturdays at convenient locations throughout Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. Students can choose between two concentration paths:

• Adults and their Families
• Children, Adolescents and their Families

The university goes beyond the standard MSW by offering dual degree options. These include the MSW/MPH (Master of Public Health) and MSW/JD programs. Students who complete the MSW/MPH dual degree are ready to lead in community healthcare settings, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. They learn to create population-based solutions for complex health problems.

Program Length

BSW graduates can take the advanced standing track which is 42 credit hours. This usually takes two years part-time but full-time students can finish faster. The traditional program requires 60 credit hours and takes about three years. Both paths follow similar quality standards and include extensive field education. Advanced standing students complete around 500 hours while traditional students do twice that amount.

Tuition and Affordability

Both program tracks cost $440 per credit hour. The total investment comes to about $26,400 for traditional students and $18,480 for advanced standing students. Full-time students who qualify can get financial assistance.

Who is UA Online Best For?

This social work degree works great for professionals who need flexible education options. You’ll become specialized in either adult services or child/adolescent practice. The program shines when you have interest in interdisciplinary approaches. The dual degree options open up more career paths in public health and legal fields.

University of Southern California (Advanced Standing)

USC’s Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work runs one of the oldest continuously accredited social work programs in the nation. The school has held CSWE accreditation since 1922. Their Advanced Standing MSW track helps qualified BSW graduates accelerate their careers.

Advanced Standing Highlights

The Advanced Standing program takes students’ BSW foundation to the next level through an innovative Integrative Social Work approach. This method combines practice, policy, and research with ground scenarios. USC’s curriculum moves away from traditional course silos and delivers specialized knowledge through detailed practicum education—the “life-blood” of their MSW curriculum. Students spend 1,100 hours at approved agencies and 100 hours in classroom learning. They start with a unique Virtual Practicum where they work with actors who portray clients in crisis under professor supervision. The program offers five specialty tracks: Adult Mental Health & Wellness, Children, Youth and Families, Social Change and Innovation, School and Educational Settings, or Military Populations.

Length

BSW holders can complete this MSW program with just 24 credits instead of the traditional program’s 48 credits. Students finish the program in 12 months through full-time study. The program lets students skip first-year foundational requirements and jump straight to the second-year level. Campus-based and fully online formats follow similar educational standards through USC’s Virtual Academic Center. The center blends self-paced coursework with live web sessions. Students learn through a mix of asynchronous learning and synchronous sessions and complete assignments on their schedule.

Tuition

Students pay $2,256 per unit when enrolled in 1-14 units or a flat rate of $33,840 for 15-18 units. Advanced Standing students take about half the coursework of traditional students. This is a big deal as it means their total investment stays below the full ISW MSW program cost of $108,298. Students must also pay mandatory fees including student health insurance ($2,296-$4,441), health services ($700 per semester), and student programming fees. The school helps students by offering scholarships to more than 65% of incoming on-ground MSW students.

Who is USC Advanced Standing Best For?

This fast track social work degree serves recent BSW graduates who want to advance their careers quickly. The admission process remains competitive. Students need strong academic credentials, including a minimum 3.0 GPA in all social work courses. The program works best for those interested in specialized practice areas who want to use USC’s century-old legacy and detailed field education model. The significant investment pays off through extensive support services, including academic advisors, career enhancement teams, and field placement coordinators.

Comparing Fast Track Social Work Programs

Start Your Fast Track Social Work Degree Today

A fast track social work degree can help you move up in this ever-changing field. You’ll find 16 accredited programs that let you complete your MSW in 12-24 months, especially when you have a BSW already.

Program costs range from $27,000 to over $100,000, but the career benefits are worth this investment. Social work jobs will grow by 7% through 2033. Mental health social work jobs will expand even more at 18%. Your yearly earnings could reach $88,000 with experience.

Each program has its own strengths to think about. Simmons University’s 9-month program stands out from the rest. USC offers prestigious credentials with its hands-on practicum approach. Other schools focus on high-demand areas like clinical practice, trauma, military support, and school settings.

Field experience is the life-blood of these programs. You’ll need between 500 and 1,100 practical hours. This hands-on training will prepare you to work right away in clinical settings, community organizations, or policy development.

Here are the key factors to think about when choosing your program:

• Time to complete and schedule flexibility
• Career-focused specialization options
• Total costs and financial aid options
• Field placement support
• CSWE accreditation status (vital for getting licensed)

Master’s level social workers earn up to 40% more than those with bachelor’s degrees. Your choice to get an accelerated MSW will help both your personal growth and career advancement. These fast-track programs give you the education you need to succeed in this rewarding field where you help others.