Should I Get an Accelerated Master's in Social Work Degree?

Major Takeaways:

Accelerated MSW programs allow students to complete their degree faster, often within 18 months, compared to the traditional two-year timeline.
These programs are intense, requiring students to take a heavier course load or attend year-round classes, which can lead to increased stress.
Graduates of accelerated MSW programs can enter the job market more quickly and might qualify for higher-paying positions with more responsibilities.
Despite concerns about the intensity and comprehensiveness of accelerated programs, CSWE accreditation ensures that the education quality is equivalent to traditional MSW programs.

Social work is an important part of improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities. As a social worker, you can help equip people with the tools they need to overcome obstacles like homelessness, joblessness, and family violence. Furthermore, you can use your skills to enable other vulnerable populations, such as children and older adults, to improve their day-to-day lives.

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Though you can work in this field with a Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW), getting an advanced education like an accelerated Master of Social Work (MSW) can be highly beneficial. On the one hand, an MSW gives you a wider skill set for helping your clients with a broader range of problems. On the other hand, an MSW might help qualify you for a better job with more responsibilities and higher pay.

So the real question comes down to this: is the hard work and effort needed to get an accelerated MSW worth the benefits you derive from this degree? This guide will help you make that decision!

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What is an Accelerated MSW Program?

An accelerated master’s in social work is a specialized graduate program for students who do not already have a BSW. Typically, an MSW program for non-BSW students takes at least two years to complete. However, fast-track MSW programs are much shorter, often just one year to 18 months.

The shorter timeframe for completing the degree results from two primary program changes. First, accelerated programs often require you to take a larger class load. So, for example, where you might take three classes at a time in a traditional MSW program, you might take four at a time in an accelerated program.

Alternatively, the program might offer accelerated classes. Usually, this format involves taking one class at a time. Instead of the class lasting a semester, it might be 5-8 weeks long. This allows you to move through the curriculum quickly but without the added pressure of taking multiple classes simultaneously.

The second change that intense social work degrees rely on is year-round coursework. Where a typical MSW program might only have classes in the spring and fall, accelerated programs also commonly require summer studies.

There are other accelerated MSW programs, too:

Advanced Standing MSW programs are specifically designed for students who already have a BSW. These programs skip the introductory and foundational work that usually occurs in the first year of a typical MSW and focus instead on advanced coursework and practice. These programs are usually 30 credits and can be finished in one year of full-time studies.
Direct-entry programs for Non-BSW students allow you to pursue an MSW with any undergraduate degree. This requires you to complete certain prerequisites, including fieldwork. However, you might find online and on-campus MSW programs that provide accelerated studies once you complete the foundational courses in social work.

Pros of Pursuing an Accelerated MSW

There is a long list of benefits of an accelerated MSW program that make this educational path an attractive one. In particular, a time-efficient MSW degree allows you to complete your studies in less time, meaning you can more quickly get into the workforce or change jobs if you’re already working with a BSW. But time savings is just the tip of the iceberg:

Accelerated, cost-effective MSW programs allow you to save money while also getting your degree faster.
The streamlined nature of accelerated MSW degrees allows you to focus more intently on the subject matter.
Career advancement in social work can occur more quickly with an accelerated degree.

Cons of Pursuing an Accelerated MSW

Getting a graduate degree is hard work. Getting an accelerated degree is even more difficult. The workload is extremely intense, and as a result, you’re likely to experience a greater degree of stress because of the compressed schedule. Other cons to consider include the following:

Some accelerated programs might require you to have a BSW or to complete prerequisite courses.
Accelerated MSW degrees typically require a full-time, year-round commitment. This might preclude you from working at your current job.
Not all schools offer accelerated studies in this field. You may have to be more selective when choosing the accelerated MSW that’s right for you.

It’s important to consider the accelerated social work degree pros and cons and weigh which factors are most important for your purposes. Only you can decide if the benefits of an accelerated program outweigh the disadvantages of accelerated studies.

Who Should Consider an Accelerated MSW?

So, is an accelerated Master of Social Work a good choice for you? The answer is, “it depends.” The individual factors in your life, including your work and family obligations, your current level of education, and your experience in social work are all important things to consider. And while an accelerated MSW can be beneficial for people of all educational and occupational backgrounds, a few groups stand out as prime candidates for a fast-track MSW:

Current BSW holders can complete an MSW in just one year, making graduate school a no-brainer for advancing their knowledge and skills.
Workers in related professions, such as human services, education, criminal justice, and counseling, can quickly change careers with an accelerated MSW degree.
Highly motivated students tend to thrive in the fast-paced learning environment of accelerated MSW programs.
Current social work professionals who wish to advance their careers can do so faster with an accelerated Master of Social Work degree.

Admission Requirements

Typical accelerated MSW degrees are likely to require the following (or similar) for admission:

A bachelor’s degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) earned in the last five years.
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Completion of required fieldwork (e.g., 400 hours or more of direct client contact time)
2-3 letters of recommendation from undergraduate teachers and/or professional colleagues.
A current resume.
A personal statement outlining your interest in an accelerated program and how such a program can help you achieve your career goals.

Again, the specific MSW program admission requirements vary from one school to the next. Do your due diligence to ensure you understand the specific requirements you must meet to be eligible for each program.

Career Opportunities with an Accelerated MSW

One of the advantages of working in this field is that you can pursue any number of jobs in wide-ranging settings. Some popular options are listed below:

Clinical Social Worker – A clinical social work career revolves around providing mental health services to individuals, families, and groups. For example, you might provide counseling to someone experiencing anxiety and depression after losing their job.
Healthcare Social Worker – Healthcare social work jobs focus on supporting people with acute and chronic injuries and illnesses. For example, you might provide a patient with terminal cancer with resources for end-of-life planning.
School Social Worker – School social worker roles vary from one school to the next but typically focus on providing support services for students with individualized education plans (IEPs), mental disorders, or behavioral issues.
Policy Advocate – A social work policy advocate is responsible for influencing social policies and programs that benefit vulnerable populations. For example, you might work with state, local, or federal agencies to make more equitable policy decisions, address discrimination, support mental health programs, and otherwise improve the ability of vulnerable people to lead safe, healthy, independent lives.
Administration – Social work administration roles revolve around developing programs and policies that help specific populations and address specific problems. Likewise, administrators oversee social work organizations’ staffing and financial needs, take part in advocacy campaigns, and work in the community to improve awareness of key social issues.

Financial Considerations

As with any college degree, the financial component is sure to be at the forefront of your mind. On the one hand, you’ll need to consider the tuition costs associated with accelerated programs. Though fast-track programs tend to be less expensive than their traditional counterparts, they still require thousands of dollars in tuition. Fees, books, and other expenses make these degrees even costlier.

Of course, financial aid for MSW students is widely available and can help you minimize the cost of getting your degree. Prioritize funding sources like scholarships, grants, and fellowships, which don’t have to be repaid. Some degrees might offer work-study programs in which your tuition is offset by the work you perform for the university. Loans are available as well, though they should be your last resort since they must be repaid with interest.

Think of the return on investment of an accelerated social work degree, too. Sure, a graduate degree is expensive, but you will reap the rewards of higher potential earnings and more robust career opportunities. For many students, the hard work, time, and expense needed to complete an accelerated Master of Social Work is worth it to achieve higher pay. Ultimately, though, this is yet another factor you must weigh when deciding if a fast-track MSW is right for you.