10 Best 1-year MSW Programs Online no BSW

In search of the best 1-year MSW Programs Online no BSW? Carefully read this article to find out which MSW programs online no BSW is suitable for you or your wards.

Social work is a practice-based profession that supports social growth, cohesiveness, and individual and community empowerment. The practice of social work requires knowledge of social, economic, and cultural structures, interactions, and human growth and behavior. Professionals in social work who deal with families and institutions have contributed to and advanced certain social implications.

To begin your path to this job, getting into a social work degree program is the first step, regardless of whether you want to work with families, veterans, communities, or another population. The best part of this career choice is this; you can go ahead to acquire a master’s degree in social work (MSW) even without having a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) and you can do this in the comfort of your home. Yes, I am talking of a 1-year MSW program online, no BSW.

We believe that you can choose the program that is appropriate for your goals and situation best when you understand the options available. Hence in this article, we have compiled a list of the best 1-year MSW programs online no BSW. If you stick around long enough, you would come to understand the scope of these MSW online programs and what their requirements are.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

What are MSW programs online?

Having a master’s degree in social work (MSW) is a prerequisite for getting a social work license. MSW programs online are online programs that allow students to acquire an MSW degree at their speed, and from any location with an internet connection. Graduates from these online programs go on to work as social workers at all levels, including micro, meso, and macro.

If the student enrolls full-time, traditional MSW programs could take two years. Programs that are accelerated, in which students enroll full-time for several consecutive semesters, can be finished in less time than two years.

Are MSW programs in demand?

Injustices and difficulties inside systems have come to light over the last few years, which has eventually increased the demand for medical services and social workers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that social workers’ employment will increase by 9% by 2031, which is greater than the average for all occupations. Additionally, according to BLS data, there have been nearly 75,000 available social work opportunities annually during the previous ten years.

To meet the demand for this profession, several universities have recently established new social work (MSW) master’s degree programs, both online and in person. The average educational requirement for social workers is a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited institution.

Your goals will determine if earning an MSW is the correct choice for you. According to the BLS, students wanting clinical careers should get an MSW while non-clinical social work positions typically only need a bachelor’s degree. Earning an MSW is frequently necessary if you wish to practice independently and if you are applying for licensure in the area.

Requirements for MSW programs without a BSW?

Different schools have different requirements for their 1 year MSW programs online, no BSW. These requirements are listed below:

Bachelor’s Degree from an Approved Institution

Although applicants for an MSW program must typically hold a bachelor’s degree, they are not required to hold a bachelor’s in social work. Almost any bachelor’s degree from an authorized college is acceptable for entry into a standard MSW program. It is best to major in a field like psychology, sociology, economics, or political science. Considering that they frequently cover social work-related coursework.

Required Courses

For admission to the MSW program, some schools have specified criteria that applicants must have fulfilled. Even though most institutions are accommodating about the credits they accept, the credits often need to be related to particular subjects to be taken into account. Candidates for other degrees might need to have completed coursework in statistics and research methodology.

Grade Point Average and GRE

MSW programs have different GPA and GRE specifications. Schools often need a GPA between 2.5 and 3.5. Nevertheless, some institutions don’t need the GRE. When applying to an MSW school, individuals are usually required to submit their transcripts.

Other Requirements to be met

Applicants for the MSW program may be required to pay an application fee. For applications received before the final cutoff date, several colleges charge a lower fee. Your resume or CV, which details your career experience, academic achievements, awards, and any other pertinent positions or activities you have held, may also need to be sent with your application. Many universities may ask students to submit a personal essay outlining their professional aspirations and reasons for applying to the MSW program.

Additionally, applying to an MSW school often necessitates one or more letters of recommendation.

Top 10 Best 1-year MSW Programs Online no BSW

Some of the top 1 year online MSW programs, no BSW in the US are included on this list. Each of the highlighted colleges is a nonprofit, accredited school that is either public or private and adheres to the highest standards of academic excellence for post-secondary education. We assessed the tuition fees, acceptance, retention, graduation rates, faculty, and reputation of each school’s program to help make finding a college easier for you.

#10. Columbia University

According to the US News rankings of schools, the School of Social Work at Columbia University has one of the best accelerated online MSW programs in the country. The school’s online accelerated MSW programs provide several technique areas focuses, including advanced clinical practice, social enterprise administration, and policy practice. For the online accelerated MSW programs at Columbia, fieldwork and field experiences are conducted in the vicinity of the student’s place of residence. The MSW programs at Columbia are provided in a range of formats to accommodate the time constraints and needs of the majority of students.

Click here to get more information about the online MSW program at Columbia University.

#9. University of Southern California (Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work)

The private university, the University of Southern California was established in 1880. It is ranked #25 in the 2022–2023 Best Colleges edition. The total cost of tuition and fees is $64,726. USC has a graduation rate of 93% and an admission rate of 16%. The estimated cost per credit is $2,045 and the required credits to graduate is 42.

Both the full-time (four semesters) and part-time (six semesters) options for the USC MSW program are available. To be considered for admission, you must finish the online application and deliver all required materials by the deadline. USC offers three start dates throughout the year for the MSW program: January, May, and September.

Click here to get more information about the online MSW program at USC.

#8. Case Western Reserve University

One of Ohio’s top online accelerated MSW programs is the Master of Social Work degree program offered by Case Western Reserve University’s Mandel Applied Social Sciences School. The accelerated online MSW program at Case Western Reserve University has live intuition learning modules and a cohort of roughly fifteen students. The online accelerated MSW programs from CWRU are 60 credit units long yet satisfy all state criteria for social work licensure.

Click here to get more information about the online MSW program at Case Western Reserve University.

#7. Fordham University

Fordham University has a graduation rate of 79% and an admission rate of 53%. One is required to complete 62 course credits to graduate and the estimated cost per credit is $995. Those who have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university are eligible for this MSW program at Fordham University. The 62 credits of generalist and advanced direct practice coursework you must complete can be finished in as little as 16 months of full-time study, 24 months of part-time study, or 32 months of part-time study.

Click here to get more information about the online MSW program at Fordham University.

#6. Simmons University

Simmons University has a graduation rate of 80% and an admission rate of 83%. One is required to complete 34-65 course credits to graduate and the estimated cost per credit is $1,125. The duration of the curriculum ranges from 9 months to 32 months. Through one-on-one time with faculty during online office hours and study groups with other students, Simmons University’s practical curriculum enables you to interact with your classmates and instructors and create relationships that last long after you graduate.

Click here to get more information about the online MSW program at Simmons University.

#5. Boise State University

The Master of Social Work (MSW) Online program at Boise State is developed to get students ready for more advanced social work practice with people and families. Students acquire the clinical, administrative, and policy skills required for advancing social justice and equality and raising the standard of living for everyone. With 100% online courses and no out-of-state tuition, our program gives you the flexibility to earn your master’s degree. Since 1992, the MSW program at Boise State has maintained its CSWE accreditation. The next deadline for application to Boise State University’s MSW is August 15.

Click here to get more information about the online MSW program at Boise State University.

#4. Indiana University

Founded in 1820, Indiana University—Bloomington is a public university. It is located in a city, with a total undergraduate enrolment of 34,253 (fall 2021), and has a 1,953-acre campus. The academic calendar is based on semesters. The National Universities section of the Best Colleges ranking for 2022–2023 places Indiana University–Bloomington at number 72. The cost of tuition and fees for in-state students is $11,447, while that for out-of-staters is $39,120. The school has a graduation rate of 44% and an admission rate of 92%. One is required to complete 60 course credits to graduate and the estimated cost per credit is $597.

To submit a program application to Indiana University, you have to submit your Transcript, three recommendation letters, (Five pages maximum, double-spaced) Writing sample, and a statement.

Click here to get more information about the online MSW program at Indiana University.

#3. University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Flexibility is what the University of Tennessee has in mind when designing coursework for their online MSW students. Though the format for course delivery is flexible, students of the MSW program can expect to receive the same quality and rigorous education that face-to-face students receive. Class sizes are small, all students have a dedicated advisor, and online students have many opportunities to be involved and engaged with campus activities or organizations. The school has a graduation rate of 71% and an admission rate of 78%. One is required to complete 60 course credits to graduate and the estimated cost per credit is $700 (in-state) and $775 (out-state).

Click here to get more information about the online MSW program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville

#2. University of Texas at Arlington

In 1895, the University of Texas at Arlington was established as a public university. The campus is 420 acres in size, has a total undergraduate enrollment of 32,962 (fall 2021), and is located in an urban area. The academic calendar is based on semesters. The University of Texas at Arlington is ranked #299 nationally in the 2022–2023 edition of Best Colleges. Out-of-state tuition and fees are $29,300, with in-state costs totaling $11,728. The school has a graduation rate of 58% and an admission rate of 88%. One is required to complete 61 course credits to graduate and the estimated cost per credit is $1433.

Click here to get more information about the online MSW program at the University of Texas

#1. University of Louisville

The University of Louisville has a graduation rate of 54% and an admission rate of 65%. One is required to complete 30 – 60 credit hours to graduate and the estimated cost per credit is $775. You have the option to select a specialization and tailor your degree to fit your interests in areas like alcohol and drug counseling, gerontology, mental health, military social work, or psychosocial oncology within our well-regarded and recognized Master of Science in Social Work program.

Click here to get more information about the online MSW program at the University of Louisville

FAQs

Is it possible to do MSW in the USA without BSW?

Yes is the quick response. Graduates without a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) can still pursue a career in social work. The majority of typical Master of Social Work (MSW) degree programs are designed for students with a variety of academic backgrounds, including those who may have an undergraduate degree in a different subject.

Is it possible to do MSW in Canada without BSW?

Some Canadian Universities accept applications from applicants with Bachelor’s degrees in fields other than social work for their MSW programs. For instance, the University of Calgary provides these courses; however, enrollment in the 36-month program is a must.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of MSW programs online?

The most obvious advantage of the MSW programs online is the flexibility it offers. It also offers broader networking chances. Despite its advantages, online MSW programs may not be the best option for a majority of learners, particularly those who want a rigorous pedagogical framework and one-on-one, in-person mentoring. An on-campus program, for instance, would likely be more advantageous for students who prefer having the option of asking questions in person or approaching lecturers after class to discuss specific questions. In general, people who can manage their time well and who are extremely independent are best suited for online MSW programs.

Are any of the online MSW programs free?

Yes, there are online MSW programs that are free. Programs like those offered in the open university and so on.

Conclusion

It may surprise you to know that the majority of MSW programs are created by students with backgrounds other than social work. This is aimed at promoting a diversity of talents within the profession and enabling anybody with a bachelor’s degree to pursue the education and training required to become a social worker. If you desire to help people and communities, then take that step to acquire a MSW and become a social worker; licensed to help the community and her people. The 1 year MSW program online, no BSW has taken care of having to acquire a BSW first and also gives you an opportunity for flexibility. Nothing stops you now but you.

References

Intelligent.com – Best One-Year MSW programs online (No BSW)

Socialworkicence map.com – What is a Masters of Social Work (MSW) degree

Bls.gov – Community and social service

USnews.com – University of Louisville

Assumpta Chibuzor

Computer Engineering Student & Educational Content Writer

Udegbe Assumpta Chibuzor is a highly motivated undergraduate pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering at a respected university. As a skilled writer with a passion for education, she leverages her research skills to create informative and top-ranking educational content. Udegbe has a proven track record of assisting students in their academic pursuits, including helping them find the best schools for their goals.

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