12 Best Accelerated MSW Programs Without BSW 2024

If you have been looking for an opportunity to acquire a master of social work degree, without going through the stress of acquiring a bachelor of social work degree, don’t worry, because that opportunity has finally arrived at your door steps, as this blog post will put you through the best accelerated MSW programs without BSW.

I have already let the cat out of the bag by telling you the full meaning of a BSW and MSW right? Let’s ride on then!! In most programs and courses, you have to obtain a bachelor’s degree first, before you can think about getting a master’s degree. This is usually important because you get to learn the prerequisites of a program or course through the first degree. The second degree is usually obtained to give you advanced or added knowledge to what you know before.

But now, through this article, you will get to know that you can acquire a master’s degree without a bachelor’s degree and which would totally depend on the program of study. In this blog post, the program of study is social work. I will be letting you know about the master of social work degree programs you can study and get a degree at a fast pace without a bachelor of social work degree.

A social worker first off according to the national association of social workers (NASW), is a health professional who responds to social issues like disability, domestic abuse or violence, racism, poverty, and unemployment.

A social worker works with families, individuals, groups, and communities to improve lives. There is always a connection between social work and community development. If you are thinking about becoming a social worker, you need to have in your mind that it will require you to complete specific education and training requirements. Some of these requirements are as follows;

Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a Related Field
Pursue a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) or MSW-Equivalent Program
Complete Fieldwork Hour Requirements
Complete the ASWB Examination
Apply for State Social Work Licensure
Choose a Social Work Career
Advance Your Practice Through Continued Learning

Now, when you look at the requirements I listed above, you will find out that a Bachelor’s degree is needed to become a licensed social worker, but not to worry, I will soon talk about the accelerated programs you can enroll in as a social worker without obtaining a bachelor’s degree. In the meantime, check out this article on accelerated nursing programs.

It is worthy of note that some of these programs are offered online and their requirements are usually a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

Some schools added that the bachelor’s degree must be in a related field or with 10 credit hours of coursework in a related field.

Most programs included 1-2 years of full-time working experience or 3-4 years of part-time working experience in the field of social work. Some programs only added this requirement for students with a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field.

Accelerated MSW Programs without BSW

This section will be focusing on the accelerated MSW programs without BSW. Also, note that all the programs that will be mentioned here all accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation. They will be discussed, according to the different schools that offer them. They are as follows;

Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Kentucky
Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at The Catholic University of America
Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Master of Social Work (MSW) at Sacred Heart University
Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at Simmons University
Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at Fordham University
Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Southern California
Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Tennessee
Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at Indiana University
Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at Boise State University
Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Louisville
Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at The University of Texas at Arlington

1. Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Kentucky

The College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky offers an innovative and exciting MSW curriculum aimed to equip MSW graduates for the tasks and responsibilities encountered in professional social work practice. Their program is open to all undergraduate degrees and may be completed full-time or part-time, in either a hybrid or online format, and is accredited by CSWE. They are the first on our list of accelerated MSW programs without BSW.

The MSW program is an Advanced Generalist program that prepares students for social work practice across the micro-macro continuum with diverse populations. Students are afforded the opportunity to gain practice and research experience in a variety of professional settings, including:

healthcare/medical
clinical
gerontology
policy practice
community organizing
mental and behavioral health
International practice and more.

2. Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at the Catholic University of America

The Catholic University Online MSW offers a small, intimate learning environment. Through their unique learning platform, students develop a professional working relationship with their faculty. Faculty mentors enable students to become part of a valuable professional network to tap into for years to come. this is the next on our list of accelerated MSW programs without BSW.

The comprehensive clinical social work coursework will prepare you for a successful career in a wide variety of fields, including:

Medical/Public Health
Mental Health
Substance Abuse
Gerontology
Child Welfare
K-12 Social Work

The Online MSW program includes the same features that make the on-campus program unique such as;

Small class sizes – classes are typically capped at 25 students
A hands-on, responsive faculty
Student input in identifying field placements
Emphasis on the understanding and application of theory in evidence-based practices

Students in the asynchronous online MSW program learn at their own pace. Students have 24/7 access to their courses. There is no requirement to be online at set times. Students access their courses when it’s convenient for them. There also is no requirement for an on-campus presence

The Online MSW program prepares you for advanced clinical practice through a curriculum that covers social work topics, such as:

Psychopathology
Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness
Clinical social work with adults, children, and families
Cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic theories

3. Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation. This is the next on our list of accelerated MSW programs without BSW.

The CSWE-accredited, online Master of Social Work at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota prepares you to deepen your commitment to social justice issues through clinical practice.

As a graduate, you will gain autonomy in your partnerships with clients, working directly with individuals, couples, families, and communities to diagnose mental health conditions, treat issues, and encourage a positive response to personal and societal challenges.

The program is available to students with or without academic and career experience in social work.

The 60-credit Traditional track is offered to students without a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree so they may work in clinical practice.

The online MSW is taught by experienced practitioners who will guide and support you throughout the program with their diverse understanding of the realities of clinical practice.

Taken full-time, the curriculum can be completed in less than two years. Part-time students complete the program within four years

4. Master of Social Work (MSW) at Sacred Heart University

At sacred heart university, their master of social work program is built on the tenets of social work, the Catholic intellectual tradition, and a belief in experiential learning. Students with a bachelor’s degree in social work could be eligible for Advanced Standing status, with an accelerated version of the program to graduate in 20 months. Graduate with an understanding of advanced topics, such as:

Social Welfare and the Impact of Socioeconomic and political trends
Human identity formation and how it’s affected by diversity and our environment
Addressing inequities in social services due to institutionalized racism and sexism
Social policy formulation, implementation, and analysis
Coursework experience in substance abuse and addiction, aging and gerontology, grief, and working with children and families

5. Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at Simmons University

Located in Boston Massachusetts, Simmons University offers an online MSW. The online MSW program offers full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks, as well as an advanced standing track for BSW graduates, so you can earn your degree at the pace that best fits your lifestyle. It is the next on our list of accelerated MSW programs without BSW.

The program can be completed in as few as 9 months or as many as 32 months. Their hands-on program enables you to connect with your classmates and professors and build relationships that continue after graduation through one-on-one time with faculty during online office hours and study groups with fellow students

6. Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at Fordham University

Fordham University is accredited by the Middle States Association of the Commission of Higher Education. The Council on Social Work Education accredits the MSW program. Their MSW program is offered online by their Graduate School of Social Service.

The online MSW program offers two plans of study—traditional and advanced standing—to ensure your experience best fits your academic background and personal schedule. Students focus on graduate-level social work concepts, undergo extensive fieldwork training in or near their communities, and graduate ready to sit for licensure in their state.

7. Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Southern California

The University of Southern California located in Los Angeles California, offers an online MSW program with BSW requirements through their Suzanne Dworak – Peek School of Social Work. It is another one on our list of MSW programs without BSW.

The university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The Council on Social Work Education accredits the MSW program.

All of their courses are taught by distinguished USC faculty whose research and teaching have made them leaders in their respective fields.

The MSW at USC program can be completed on a full-time (four semesters) or part-time (six semesters) basis.

8. Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Tennessee

Through its College of social work, the University of Tennessee offers an online MSW. The courses in the program are fully delivered online, and you are required to own a laptop or desktop computer before you can enroll in the program.

The Online MSSW program has the same flexible courses of study (part-time, full-time, and advanced standing), the same concentrations (Evidenced-Based Interpersonal Practice and Organizational Leadership), the same ability to pursue a certificate program, and the same field practice (internship) requirements. The university is located in Knoxville, Tennessee.

9. Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at Indiana University

Located in Bloomington, Indiana, Indiana University offers an online MSW program. The IU Online Master of Social Work (MSW Direct) includes foundation coursework in diversity, human rights, and social justice; social policy; and social work practice in organizations, communities, and societies.

You are given the opportunity to explore specialized fields of practice, such as military social work, e-social work, telebehavioral health social work, mental health, and addictions.

Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the MSW offers an “advanced generalist” program with a focus area of Special Practice Areas in Social Work, which prepares you for work in many areas.

To graduate with the MSW, you must complete 60 credit hours.

Requirements are broken down as follows:

Social work core courses (30 credit hours)
Special practice areas courses (30 credit hours

The program is available for both residential students and out-of-state residents.

10. Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at Boise State University

Located in Boise Idaho, Boise State’s Master of Social Work (MSW) Online is designed to prepare students for advanced social work practice with individuals and families. Students learn clinical, organizational, and policy skills necessary for promoting social justice and equality and enhancing the quality of life for all people. With no out-of-state tuition and 100% online coursework, their program provides you the flexibility to get your master’s degree

Boise State Online offers both a Regular Program MSW and an Advanced Standing MSW. The Regular Program MSW is for students with a bachelor’s degree in other disciplines. The Advanced Standing MSW is designed for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree from an undergraduate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

The courses in the program are fully delivered online, but you need to be physically present at your fieldwork placement centers.

11. Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Louisville

Located in Louisville Kentucky, UofL’s online MSSW program is offered by the Raymond A Kent School of Social Work and Family Science. They focus on expanding students’ understanding and application of methods and decision-making practices that promote social justice and build stronger communities.

Within their highly-ranked and accredited Master of Science in Social Work program, students have the option of choosing a concentration and customizing their degree to align with their interests in Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Gerontology, Mental Health, Military Social Work, or Psychosocial Oncology.

The program lasts between 4 and 8 semesters, with 900 hours of supervised fieldwork practice. Your fieldwork placement center will be within your state of residence.

12. Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Texas at Arlington

Located in Arlington, Texas, the university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and is open to both residential and International students.

They offer full-time (1 to 2 years) and part-time online MSW degree plans (1 to 3 years).