The Fastest Online MSW Programs are 1 year MSW programs that offers Social Workers an accelerated path to earn a master of social work degree. There are several reasons for earning an online Master’s in Social Work.
People normally choose social work because social workers want to be able to help others who are in need. It is a very rewarding career for those who look forward to helping people find ways to improve their lives. Social work requires that people have strong problem-solving skills and a positive outlook even during the bleakest of times. Individuals who make a career out of social work can look forward to a rewarding career.
Methodology for How We Ranked the Fastest Online MSW Programs
To develop this ranking for the fastest online Master of Social Work (MSW) programs, our analytics team created a list of schools with accelerated online MSW degree programs. Data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS, College Navigator, and each school’s website. Then, they gathered information regarding tuition, accreditation, support services, and degree completion times.
Finally, our analytics team applied a ranking methodology and scored the schools based on specific criteria. We used the school’s in-state graduate tuition, the duration of the program, school accreditation, and the presence of an online student support network or services. If any information did not fit the scoring parameters, no points are given in that category. In the case of a tie, the school with the lower tuition pulled the higher rank.
Time to Completion
- 25-36 Months: 1 point
- 19-24 Months: 2 points
- 13-18 Months: 3 points
- =/<12 Months: 4 points
Graduate Tuition
- =/< $25,000: 1 point
- =/< $20,000: 2 points
- =/< $15,000: 3 points
- =/< $10,000: 4 points
For this ranking, Social Work Degree Center spent 60 hours of research and looked at 50 colleges and universities to compile the online MSW programs ranking. More information on the accuracy of data and how we rank programs is found on the Social Work Degree Center Methodology page.
Our editors first ranked accelerated online MSW programs in April 2023. This ranking was updated November 2023.
1. Columbia University
The School of Social Work at Columbia University offers one of the nation’s best accelerated online MSW programs, according to US News school rankings. The school’s fast track Social Work degree online offer several method area concentrations that include social enterprise administration or advanced clinical practice or policy practice. Fieldwork and field experiences are done in the area closest to the student’s residence. The MSW programs from Columbia have a variety of flexible formats to meet most students time demands.
Established in 1754 as King’s College by a British Royal Charter, Columbia University (Columbia) now operates the state’s oldest higher learning institution and an ivy league private school. Columbia is among the United States’ oldest schools and a colonial college. More than 33,100 students attend classes online and on-campus.
Highlight: In its early history, Columbia was led by John Jay and Alexander Hamilton.
2. Case Western Reserve University
The Mandel Applied Social Sciences School at Case Western Reserve University offers a Master of Social Work degree (MSW) program. It is one of Ohio’s best online accelerated MSW programs. Case Western Reserve University’s accelerated online MSW program includes live intuition learning modules and a cohort of about fifteen students. CWRU’s accelerated MSW programs online require the completion of 60 credit units but meet the requirements of social work licensure in every state.
Case Western was established when existing schools combined forces in 1967. The university’s campus is located a few miles from Cleveland’s downtown and offers students more than 500 acres of campus and grounds. Prerequisite would include a bachelor’s degree.
Highlight: Case Western Reserve University is noted for its research and contributions in the fields of electrochemical engineering and electrochemistry.
3. The University of Southern California
The University of Southern California’s Peck Social Work School offers a Master of Social Work degree program (MSW). It was the first online CSWE accredited program. The USC accelerated MSW programs online offer social work students two paths – a traditional online or an advanced standing path. Students may enroll in Southern Cal’s online accelerated MSW programs as full-time or part-time students. The University of Southern California’s accelerated online MSW program requires students to complete specialized research in one of three areas – mental health, human behavior in a social environment, critical thinking skills, mental health, children/families, or social change & innovation.
The University of Southern California (SC) opened in 1880 as a research institution. As a sea- and space-grant university, USC serves more than 48,100 students annually. Prerequisite would include a bachelor’s degree.
Highlight: The University of Southern California is one of the oldest private schools that is also a research higher learning institution.
4. Boston University
The Social Work School at Boston University offers one of New England’s best accelerated MSW programs online with its Master of Social Work degree (MSW) program that offers degree candidates two delivery formats macro clinical practice or clinical practice. The three academic paths offered by BU’s online accelerated MSW programs include a traditional track, an advanced standing track, and a human service experience track. Students can then further specialize in one of BU’s accelerated online MSW program in the areas of:
- trauma/violence
- behavioral health
- mental health
- aging practice/social justice
- children/youth/families
Established in Vermont in the late 1860s, Boston University operates several campuses throughout the City of Boston, with the main campus along the Charles River, on the opposite side from MIT. BU serves approximately 34,100 undergraduate and graduate students. Prerequisites would include a bachelor’s degree.
Highlight: BU athletes excel in men’s hockey and have won five national hockey championships.
5. Fordham University
The Graduate Social Work School at Fordham University offers a Master of Social Work degree program (MSW). It is among the Empire State’s best accelerated MSW programs online. Students who wish to enroll in Fordham University’s online accelerated MSW programs can do so in the school’s traditional program or its advanced standing MSW program. Fordham University’s accelerated online MSW program offer degree candidates four focus areas:
- policy practice/ clinical practice
- individuals & families
- mental health
- evaluation
- organizations and community
Prerequisites would include a bachelor’s degree.
Fordham University is a Roman Catholic school and is the oldest Jesuit higher learning institution in the northeast. The school’s student enrollment exceeds 15,000 students across its three campuses in the southern district of New York.
Highlight: The Graduate School of Social Work at Fordham operates a number of facilities that focus on aging, child welfare, religion and poverty, and women, among others.
6. Indiana University
The Master of Social Work degree program (MSW) at Indiana University is one of the state’s best programs. IU’s accelerated MSW programs online require degree candidates to complete at least sixty graduate semester credits. Students who graduate from Indiana University find rewarding careers. Popular roles include:
- hospital social worker
- geriatric case management
- youth specialist
- adult protective service agent
- substance abuse social worker
Classes for IU’s online accelerated MSW programs include social policy and services, mental health, research for social work, diversity and human rights, and behavioral health social practice, to name a few. Prerequisites would include a bachelor’s degree.
Founded in 1920, Indiana University is a multi-campus school that has a student body that exceeds 100,000 students online and on the school’s campuses in Indianapolis and Bloomington and seven other locations.
Highlight: Famous alumni of Indiana University include actors, musicians, athletes, playwrights, and scientists, to name a few.
7. Florida State University
Florida State University’s Social Work College offers one of the best online accelerated MSW programs, according to US News school rankings. Online students with advanced standing can finish the MSW program in only two years. Kiplinger’s ranks Florida State University’s CSWE-accredited accelerated online MSW program among one of the best value for public colleges in the nation. FSU’s graduate degree in social work accelerated program is for working professionals from across the country to earn their degrees while working full time. Prerequisites would include a bachelor’s degree.
Florida State University is a land-, a space- and a sea-grant school. More than 41,250 students attend classes at FSU.
Highlight: The school’s art museum is among the largest museum complexes in the country.
8. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida’s Health Professions & Sciences College offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. UCF’s program ranks as one of Florida’s most innovative and accelerated online MSW programs. Degree candidates must complete at least 62 semester credits to graduate. Additionally, these accelerated MSW programs online have received accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education and offer applications three start-dates each year. Prerequisites would include a bachelor’s degree.
The University of Central Florida (UCF) was founded by the state’s legislative body in 1963. UCF operates as a space-grant and member school of the state university in the Sunshine State. Nearly 70,000 students attend classes offered on-campus and online.
Highlight: The University of Central Florida’s campus is about one-half hour from the Space-coast and only a dozen miles from Orlando’s downtown.
9. SUNY University at Buffalo
SUNY University at Buffalo’s Social Work School offers a part-time Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program that offers students two tracks. Students can choose an advanced standing that requires 35 credits or a traditional course that requires 60 credits to graduate. In addition, the SUNY Buffalo accelerated online MSW program have been accredited by the CSWE. These accelerated MSW programs have a limited number of seats, so students should apply early. Classes for Buffalo’s online accelerated MSW programs include:
- social welfare policy and history
- mental health
- diversity and oppression
- theories of organizational behavior/development
SUNY’s University at Buffalo was initially a medical college but merged with the SUNY system about a decade and one-half after it opened. Buffalo operates as a space- and sea-grant school with more than 32,100 students. Prerequisites would include a bachelor’s degree.
Highlight: Buffalo offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degree options.
10. University of Houston
The Graduate Social Work College at the University of Houston offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program that ranks among Houston’s best accelerated online MSW program. UH’s online accelerated MSW programs offer two tracks of specialized practice – either macro practice or clinical practice. Classes for students enrolled in the University of Houston’s accelerated MSW programs online include:
- targeted interventions
- policy in a social environment, mental health, human diversity and development,
- confronting oppression and injustice
- a field practicum
The University of Houston (UH) started as a junior college in 1927 but is now the 3rd largest in the Lone Star State. Houston’s urban campus is home to approximately 37,100 students. Additionally, the University of Houston is a research facility that conducts more than 140 million dollars of research annually. Prerequisites would include a bachelor’s degree.
Highlight: The University of Houston became a four-year school soon after it was first established.
11. University of South Florida
The University of South Florida’s Behavioral & Community Sciences College offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. This program is among the best online accelerated MSW programs in the southern United States. Students enrolled in USF’s accelerated online MSW program complete the degree path as a cohort model, which allows degree candidates to build professional relationships. USF’s accelerated MSW programs online require degree candidates to complete at least 900 hours of fieldwork throughout the program. Classes for this CSWE-accredited MSW degree include:
- foundations in human behavior
- social work welfare policy
- mental health
- psychopathology
- health, illness, and disability
The University of South Florida is a multi-campus university that opened in the mid-1950s. USF is the 4th largest of universities in the Sunshine State, with a student enrollment that nears 51,000 students. MSW prerequisites include a bachelor’s degree.
Highlight: Students attending classes at USF hail from more than 140 countries and all fifty states.
12. Louisiana State University
The Social Work School at Louisiana State University offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) that is entirely online. LSU’s accelerated MSW has an in intensive format with seven-week classes. Full-time students can complete the program in only 24 months, with part-timers finishing in about 3.5 to 4 years. Louisiana State University’s MSW degree has accreditation from CSWE. Additionally, it is among the most affordable online degrees in the state and the marketplace.
Established under the Morrill Act in 1860 as a seminary of learning/military academy, Louisiana State University (Louisiana State) now operates as a space- and sea-grant school with more than 34,100 students attending classes offered online and on-campus. Prerequisites would include a bachelor’s degree.
Highlight: Louisiana State University maintains more than 750 research projects sponsored by NASA and other federal agencies.
13. University of Missouri
The School of Social Work and Health Professions at the University of Missouri offers a CSWE-accredited MSW. Traditional students must finish a minimum of 60 semester credits and advanced standing students complete 39. Degree candidates graduate from the University of Missouri’s online accelerated MSW programs to find rewarding careers as:
- adoption specialists
- counselors
- public health managers
- family advocacy representatives
The University of Missouri opened in 1839. Furthermore, it was the first public higher learning institution west of the Mississippi River. Prerequisites would include a bachelor’s degree.
Highlight: The University of Missouri maintains several hospitals, clinics and is home to the state’s historical society.
14. Colorado State University
Colorado State University’s School of Social Work offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program that is entirely online. The CSU online accelerated MSW programs require students to complete 39 credit units for advanced standing social work students. Traditional students need 64 credit units to graduate. In addition, Colorado State’s online programs offer concentrations. Students can pick organizational research, social welfare policy, individual practice, and also community practice. Classes for Colorado State University’s accelerated online MSW programs include:
- principles & philosophy of social work
- working with indigenous and rural communities and other diverse communities
- child welfare, social justice, social welfare policy analysis
- anti-oppressive social work practice
There is also a required field placement.
Established as a land-grant school in 1870, Colorado State University (Colorado State) is also a space-grant school. It is the flagship campus of the state’s university system with nearly 35,000 students. Prerequisites would include a bachelor’s degree.
Highlight: The school offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree options from its eight colleges/schools.
15. The University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee’s College of Social Work offers a Master of Science in Social Work that is ranked among the best accelerated online MSW programs in Tennessee. This master degree from the University of Tennessee are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Those applicants with a BSW can enter these UT online accelerated MSW programs as advanced standing students. With advanced standing, students can complete the MSSW in only one year if studying full time. Part-time students take 1.5 to 2 years if studying part-time.
Founded as Blount College in the mid-1790s, the University of Tennessee is also the flagship campus of Tennessee’s university system, with more than 30,100 students. The school operates one of the two LEVEL 1 trauma centers in the eastern part of the state.
Highlight: The University of Tennessee was established before Tennessee became a state by legislative action of the Southwest Territory.
16. University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas offers an advanced standing Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program that is among the easiest online MSW program formats to complete in one year. This accelerated online MSW program from UA is a full-time programs only, and applicants are required to hold a Bachelor of Social Work degree to gain admission. Additionally, UA’s CSWE-accredited programs can be completed in only twelve months but requires a year-long internship (of 22 hours each week) to graduate.
The University of Arkansas (UArk) was founded in the early-1870s as a land-grant school and industrial university. UArk’s campus in Fayetteville is known for its poultry and animal science programs as well as its architecture degrees. The University of Arkansas’s campus is home to more than 27,100 students.
Highlight: The University of Arkansas holds the distinction of being the school that founded the Chi Omega Sorority.
17. University of Louisville
The University of Louisville’s Kent Social Work School offers a Master of Science in Social Work that is ranked among the best accelerated online MSW programs in Kentucky. UL’s online accelerated MSW programs are CSWE accredited. In addition, students can customize the degree. Social workers can choose a specialty area of:
- psychosocial oncology
- substance abuse counseling
- gerontology
- military social work
- social justice
- mental health
Advanced standing applicants applying to UL’s masters degree are required to complete 30 graduate semester credits. The traditional students are required to complete 60 semester credits at the graduate level.
The University of Louisville (UL) was established as a seminary in 1798. UL is now home to more than 21,100 students who hail from more than 100 countries and all fifty states.
Highlight: The School of Medicine at UL has been hailed for its innovations, including the world’s first successful hand transplant.
18. The University of Alabama
The University of Alabama’s School of Social Work offers an MSW – a Master of Social Work degree that is ranked by AffordableColleges.com within the top 25 online accelerated MSW programs. These accelerated online MSW programs are offered as advanced standing and traditional tracks, depending on a student’s previous education (must hold a BSW degree) and work experience. Students enrolled in the University of Alabama’s must complete 42 to 60 credit units to graduate, depending on the track. Degree candidates are offered two concentrations – Adults and their Families, or Children and Adolescents and their Families.
The University of Alabama (Alabama) is the flagship school of Alabama’s university system that was founded in 1920. The University of Alabama is a sea-, space- and land-grant university that serves approximately 37,550 students.
Highlight: Alabama holds the distinction of being the oldest and the largest of all public learning institutions of higher education in the state.
19. University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota offers two accelerated online MSW programs, which offer students an advanced standing or traditional path to a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. These programs are CSWE accredited and require degree candidates to complete classes in:
- human behavior and social environment
- practice with communities
- research methods and analysis
- social policy
- several field higher education experiences
The field placement requirement for students enrolled in the University of North Dakota’s online accelerated MSW programs includes 500 hours in the field.
The University of North Dakota operates as a space-grant school that was established prior to North Dakota becoming a state in 1883. UND operates the only medical and law school in the state.
Highlight: UND is home to several national research facilities focused on energy, the environment, and nutrition.
20. Simmons University
The Clinical Social Work School at Simmons University offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program that is considered one of Boston’s best accelerated online MSW programs. As the country’s first Clinical Social Work school, SU’s online accelerated MSW programs can be completed in as few as sixteen months but require at least 1,000 hours of field experience. Additionally, Simmons University has been accredited by the CSWE and requires 37 to 65 credit units at the graduate level, depending on students’ standing when entering the program.
Simmons University operates as an all-women’s undergraduate school but offers coeducational programs at the graduate level. Founded in 1899, Simmons is now home to nearly 2,900 undergraduate and graduate students.
Highlight: The school maintains dual campuses, one for residential students and the other for academics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing an online Social Work Master’s program isn’t as hard as you think. Once you have made the decision to take your classes online, the next step is finding a degree program that provides you with the courses and skills you want.
Additionally, accredited courses in an online MSW program meet or exceed the standards of the industry. Additionally, the online format gives you the flexibility and convenience to complete your education in a way that works best for you.
You can choose one of the social work degree programs based on your favorite school or also based on the program itself. If you already completed a bachelor’s at a particular school, then you can save time and money if you return to that school to complete one of the MSW advanced standing programs.
If the program is your main concern, then do your research. Explore what options are available to you in terms of online degree programs. By choosing an online program, you can choose a program based on what it offers instead of where it is located. By taking classes online, MSW students can attend classes from any location that offers an internet connection.
There are several career choices to choose from once you have earned your Master’s in Social Work online. Most people think of a social worker as someone who works with individuals who are ‘in the system’.
While many do work in social services or community agencies, social work also includes working as advocates for children, teens, and also adults who may be in peril. Social workers often appear in court to speak on behalf of children and adults who are abused, abandoned, and also neglected. This is where social workers can make a huge difference in their clients’ lives.
In addition to working with the state and federal health and welfare departments and as an advocate for others, social workers can also find work in schools and as counselors. Social workers who have earned a Master’s in social work can work on their own as mediators and negotiators in the family law system.
Social workers can also offer their advanced generalist practice, clinical practice services at private schools as either a counselor or an educator. A Master’s degree in Social Work is used in a variety of ways, especially if social workers have a background in law or education.
With an MSW, graduates who have a few years of experience can expect to earn around $88,000 per year. However, just as with any type of career, the more experience you have the better your pay will be. As you continue with your education, you will encounter more opportunities for advancement with every degree or certification you complete. But, with a Master’s and 20 years of experience, your median salary can jump as high as $120,000 per year.
Boosting Salary With An Online Master Of Social Work
The more education you have, the higher your earning potential will be with every advancement opportunity. Taking the time to return to school and take a class or two each year will also help to improve your income. Individuals who have made a career out of being social workers can expect to make over $60,000 as social workers move forward to retirement.
Individuals who have worked their way up to a managerial position can expect to make as much as $88,000 per year if social workers have both the experience and the education social workers need to meet the requirements of their position. Continuing to take additional courses throughout their career is also extremely beneficial.
Your Career With An Accelerated 1 Year MSW
Choosing to pursue your Social Work Master’s online allows you to begin working while you are still attending class. The flexibility of online degree programs makes it possible to continue to work in your chosen career field while you are trying to earn your degree. While you can find employment as a licensed clinical social worker with a Bachelor’s degree, going back to school to earn your Master’s in Social Work online will give you what you need to advance up to a supervisory role. The additional education will give you the skills you need to advance quickly.
This is not a career for the faint of heart. Those who choose to become school social workers do so because social workers have a desire to help others. But, you can apply the same commitment it takes to be a social worker to earn a master’s degree. Accelerated degrees take dedication to complete, so find your program and get started!
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