Get a Masters Degree Quickly with 1-Year MSW Programs Online

There are so many 1-year Master of Social Work (MSW) programs that are ideal for social workers who already have a BSW degree and wish to further their education in social work for professional development.

1-year MSW programs are exclusively available to professional social workers who have completed a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program and have some years of working experience.

It is important you know that students who enroll in any of the 1-year MSW programs online will still have to complete field education, however, they would do this at the nearest agency in partnership with the university they choose for their studies. All Master of Social Work programs listed here are accredited and some of them are the cheapest.

This MSW degree program is fully online, however, students who prefer the traditional mode of study may attend school at any of the learning centers in Edmonton, Calgary, and Lethbridge.

The 1-year online MSW programs featured in this article are run by universities in the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), and Canada, some of the programs are available to international students while others are not. Carefully read this article to know if you are eligible to apply for any of them based on your location.

If you do not choose any of these verified institutions of online learning on our list, then you should see our article on the list of fake online universities in the US and UK to know not just the name of these already known fake online universities but also know how to spot a fake online university.

Before you proceed to enroll in any of these online MSW degree programs, I think you will want to take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of studying online.

Fast Track Your MSW Degree: 20 1-Year MSW Programs Online and Admission Requirements

Here are the 20 fast-track master of social work programs you can complete online:

University of Calgary

The University of Calgary offers one of the 1-year MSW programs online, this program is nationally accredited and is aimed at giving students a headstart for a higher level of practice in social work. It is a course-based program made for students who wish to be at the forefront of social service.

It is only available to holders of BSW degrees with some work experience. There are three different specializations available in this program, interested students may visit the school website to learn more.

Admission Requirements

The program requirements for admission into the 1-year MSW online degree program at Calgary University are only for Canadians and Permanent Canadian residents, International students would refer to the school website for more information. Below are the requirements:

• Proof of proficiency with any English language tests listed.
• A minimum of 97 TOEFL score.
• A minimum of 7.0 IELTS score.
• A minimum of 68 PTE score.
• A minimum score of 70 in writing and speaking, and a minimum score of 60 in reading and writing on the CAEL test.
• A minimum grade of A in academic writing and oral communication, and a minimum grade of B in other ACC courses.
• A minimum of 3 in a 4.0-grade system, 60 units, or a minimum equivalent of 10 full courses.
• A CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree.
• Three thousand hours of volunteer or paid work, or 2 years of full-time paid work in social or human services.
• An academic and a professional reference letter as proof of work and academic credentials.
• A program proposal document detailing social work views and educational objectives.

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California offers an advanced MSW online program this program lasts for 1 year and is open to students who fulfill the admission requirements.

There are 3 specializations in the program: Social change and innovation, adult mental health and wellness, and children, youth, and family care. there are 37 credits and 3 semesters in the program.

This program is one of the best 1-year MSW programs online, and also has multiple start dates per academic session.

Admission Requirements

• Proof of English proficiency with one of the approved tests (non-native speakers only).
• A minimum score of 100; with at least in each category in the online TOEFL test.
• A minimum overall score of 7 points, with at least 6.5 points in each band score.
• A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited school within 5 years of issuance.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 in a 4.0 grading system, with at least a 3.0 GPA in social work courses.
• A recommendation letter from your agency field placement advisor recommending you for the advanced program.
• A recommendation letter from a professor from your BSW program recommending you for the advanced program.
• An academic or professional recommendation letter (optional).
• A resume focusing on your work experience.
• A document stating the purposes of your application and career (visit the requirements page for clarity).
• Official transcripts.
• Application fee of $90.

Fordham University

MSW with Fordham University is one of the 1-year MSW programs online, this program is meant for students who already have a BSW degree, and transfer students who have completed the 1-year foundational courses elsewhere.

Students who enroll in this online program will be eligible for MSW certificates with just 8 months of full-time study, however, they may choose to complete this program with 16 months of part-time study.

This program is fully online just like others, it has four areas of specialization: Evaluation, Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, and Policy Practice and Advocacy. This program is only available to students in the United States.

Admission Requirements

• Personal statement (visit the requirements page for clarity).
• Official transcript(s).
• A letter of recommendation from any of these: a professor, a volunteer coordinator, current employer, or previous employer.
• A resume.
• Application fee of $60.
• A Bachelor of Social Science (BSW) certificate.
• A final or midyear evaluation from a faculty advisor (for students still undergoing a BSW degree program).
• A transfer student field form is completed by the faculty advisor or program director (for transfer applicants only).
• Proof of proficiency in English with any of the approved tests.
• A minimum score of 600 in paper-based TOEFL or a minimum score of 100 in the online version (for non-native speakers only).
• A minimum overall score of 7 in IELTS with a minimum score of 6 in each category (non-native speakers only).

Indiana University

Indiana University’s online master of social work program takes one year to complete, the program’s coursework cuts across social work and law because the university believes that the knowledge of both fields of study gives social workers the necessary skills needed to fight injustice and defend the vulnerable.

In this 1-year MSW degree program, social work courses are combined with some law courses to help students understand both professions and thrive in their careers as social workers.

Admission into this university is not easy because they always get tons of applicants annually, hence prospective students should ensure to follow instructions.

There are 5 available specializations in this program: Children Youth and Families, Health, Community and Organizational Leadership, Mental Health and Addictions, and School Social work; students have to choose only one of the specializations. The wide range of available specializations contributes to making it one best advanced MSW programs online in and outside the United States (US).

Admission Requirements

• An application fee of $70.
• Official academic transcripts.
• Standardized tests (for international students).
• A professional resume.
• A personal statement (visits admission requirements page for clarity).
• Three professional recommendation letters.
• Choice of specialization (may be altered later).
• Minimum required GPA (not specified).
• Minimum required period and nature of work experience (not specified).

University of Central Florida

This is also one of the cheap 1-year MSW programs online, it was developed by the University of Central Florida. This online degree program is aimed at solving health problems within the US and all over the world.

This program is a tool for the elimination of mental health effects on the nation, communities families, and individuals. Students who enroll in this program will better understand how health challenges affecting individuals or parts of communities may impact everyone in society.

Just like other programs in this article, this program is accredited by CSWE and it provides students with the skills required to provide solutions to the challenges facing the world and give people better lives, this is achieved through the combination of theory and practical lessons.

This program covers many topics, including sexual trauma, health, emotional trauma, domestic violence, psychological health, overall wellbeing, mental health, disability, child welfare, substance addiction, etc.

This 16-month MSW program was designed for students with a CSWE-accredited BSW degree

Admission Requirements

• A BSW degree is earned within 6 years before the application date.
• Minimum required Graduate Records Examination (GRE) or General Management Admissions Test (GMAT) scores.
• Official transcript from university of graduation.
• An application fee of $30.
• Refer to the admissions for more (it is quite complicated to put down on this page).

University of Houston

The University of Houston offers a self-paced master of social work program that can be completed in 1 year.

The technology used in this program mimics that of a traditional classroom; it gives room for connection between students and teachers and also lets the students connect with each other, thus they experience a virtual simulation of classes.

This program is fully accredited and was designed for flexibility and effectiveness, despite the flexibility of this program, it still has deadlines (it is partially self-paced).

Students who enroll in this program will develop their critical thinking skills, they will also take courses on various topics, including political justice, social and economic policies, etc.

Students who enroll in this MSW program will be required to complete at least 900 hours of fieldwork just like they are required to do in other programs, it is available to students in the US and those in US military camps.

See also: 1-Year MSW Programs Online with No BSW Admission Requirements.

Admission Requirements

• A BSW degree certificate.
• Proof of completion on foundation courses (for transfer students only).
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 in a 4.0 grading system (for unconditional admission).
• A GPA below 3.0 will be accepted under certain unspecified conditions.
• Recommendation letters from professors of your BSW program, employment supervisors, professional colleagues, program directors, and other individuals who are in a position to speak about your BSW performance.
• A personal statement describing your ambitions in social work and your dedication to justice (visit requirements page for clarification).
• An application fee of $50.
• A 50 US dollar fee in case of a late application.
• Proof of English Proficiency.

University of South Florida

This is also one of the accredited one-year MSW programs, like most of the other programs on our list, this program utilizes technologies and strategies that imitate traditional classes; slowing students who interact with themselves and their teachers.

This accelerated MSW online program prepares students for a successful career in social work, classes in this program are hosted weekly and students also have to complete the required hours of fieldwork; they do this by completing 12 to 16 hours of fieldwork weekly.

This program is accredited only in the US, topics on clinical social work involving families, individuals, groups, and societies are covered in this program.

Admission Requirements

• A BSW degree from a regionally accredited school with a minimum grade of B.
• A BSW degree from a regionally accredited school with a minimum grade of 3.0 in a 4.0 grading system.
• Must be a CSWE-accredited BSW degree certificate earned within 5 years from the term of entry.
• An essay on “life experiences”.
• An essay on “a social problem”.
• An official resume.
• MSW-AS program application.
• Internship evaluation.
• The recommendation letters: one from an academic individual, one from a professional individual, and the third from any of them.
• Students who are not able to provide these recommendations should check the requirements page for instructions.
• Official transcript sent by mail.
• Students may be required to pass an interview.

Louisiana State University

This is one of the 1-year MSW programs, this MSW program is offered by Louisiana State University and is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

students who fall below the required standards for admission into this program may be required to enroll in the traditional MSW program online.

Students who have an undergraduate degree from any of the following programs may be considered as those with a BSW degree: Human Behavior and the Social Environment 1 and 2, Social Work Practice 1 and 2, Social Work Research, Social Work History, Social Work Policy, Human Diversity, and Oppression.

Admission Requirements

Passing the requirements listed does not guarantee admission, here are the admission requirements into the advanced standing MSW program online:

• Minimum of 33 hours as an LSU student.
• A BSW degree is obtained from a CSWE-accredited university or college within 5 years of issuance.
• Proof of undergraduate preparation in liberal arts through the completion of a minimum of 12 credit hours, in the social and behavioral sciences, and a minimum of 9 hours in the humanities (refer to the requirement page for details).
• A minimum of grade B in the BSW degree.
• A minimum grade of 3.0 in a 4.0 grading system.
• Completion of differential diagnosis 3 hours before the beginning of the advanced coursework.
• A minimum of grade C in an introductory statistics course in any undergraduate department; this course cannot be taken concurrently with MSW courses.
• Proof of possession of required personal academic qualities for a career in social work.
• Interest in human service, social care, and emotional stability.

University of Tennessee

The next program on our list is from the University of Tennesse, it is a flexible accelerated program created to suit working professionals, this program is accredited by CSWE.

This program runs on futuristic online teaching technologies aimed at giving the students a similar experience to that of traditional education in terms of interaction, supervision, and teamwork.

This program also supports small class sizes, thus delivering quality online education to students, the students are also updated regularly on campus news and activities. Thus the school is ranked as one of the best schools for online social work studies.

Admission Requirements

• An accredited Bachelor’s degree.
• At least three-fourths of the undergraduate courses should be in the humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, and other liberal arts.
• Undergraduate course work covering at least 4 of the required 5 required courses or groups: psychology, economics or mathematics, government or political science or history, sociology or anthropology, and philosophy or literature or the arts.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 in a 4.0 grading system.
• Personal qualifications are acceptable also (qualifications not specified).
• An application fee of $60.
• Official transcripts from each of the previously attended schools.
• Minimum required scores in the TOEFL or IELTS (for non-native English speakers only.
• A personal statement.
• Three recommendation letters: one from a field coordinator, field instructor, or field supervisor, another from academic personnel; preferably a professor, and the third from any of the first two (letters from nor relations are not allowed).a
• An official resumed.
• A device capable of handling live streams effectively.

See also: Top 28 Online MSW Programs With No GRE Requirements.

University of Arkansas

The accelerated program is run by the University of Arkansas and is accredited by CSWE, it is aimed at preparing social workers for the assumption of leadership or supervisory roles.

Students who complete this program are eligible to practice independently, they get better pay than social workers with BSW degrees, and they also get preference in selections for supervisory or leadership positions by the government.

This program offers no part-time option to students and is delivered fully online, however, it is a flexible program and partially self-paced; giving as much flexibility as possible.

In this program, students also have to complete fieldwork as it is necessary; in some cases, students may complete their internships in their current workplaces; the internship requires 22 hours per week for the whole year.

Admission Requirements

• A CSWE-accredited BSW degree or with equivalent international accreditation.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 in a 4.0 grading system in the last 60 credit hours of your BSW degree.
• A personal statement.
• Social needs paper.
• Three recommendation letters: the first from an academic personnel, the other from an employer, and the third from a supervisor (refer to the website for further specifications).
• Compulsory completion of basic statistics course.
• Proof of computer literacy with the use of previous coursework.
• An interview may also be required.
• Possession or access to the internet and a computer capable of handling live classes.

University of Alaska Anchorage

This MSW program is one of the 1-year master of social work programs online, the program is run by the University of Alaska Anchorage, this program is CSWE-accredited and was developed with the aim of creating a community of MSW professionals who will devote themselves to anti-racism, human right activism, equity, social justice, etc in Alaska.

The program was developed with the hope of training students who would in turn create solutions to the health and social challenges of the people in Alaska, the program was officially launched in the 2016-2027 academic session and is only available to people in Alaska, US.

Students who enroll in this program are trained to serve the complex social needs of Alaska; trained to fit into multiple roles in their society, the program is divided up into five major sections or courses: Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Social Work Practice, Policy, Field Practicum, and Research.

Admission Requirements

• An official resume containing information on work experience, volunteer experience, and honors or awards.
• Residency in the State of Alaska.
• A personal statement detailing career goals and experience.
• A writing sample (refer to the requirements page for details).
• Three recommendation letters; one of them must be from an academic personnel who instructed or supervised you during your BSW days.
• Official transcript(s) from previously attended universities.
• A CSWE-accredited BSW degree that is no more than 5 years old.
• A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in a 4.0 grading system.
• A minimum GPA of 3.5 in a 4.0 grading system in the major BSW courses.
• A grade A in all field placement courses.
• At least a grade C in the two prerequisite courses.

Boise State University

This program is one of the cheapest 1-year master’s programs in social work despite being. This accelerated program is accredited by CSWE and is only available to BSW degree holders.

This program is only available to students in the United States, hence, students outside the United States are required to come and live in the country until they have completed the program because of the fieldwork requirements.

Admission Requirements

• A CSWE-accredited BSW degree that is no more than 7 years old or no more than 10 years old with lots of working experience.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in a 4.0 grading system or a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last two years of students’ BSW degree.
• Residency of the United States.
• Agreement to abide by the NASW code of ethics.
• A background check on students’ criminal history.
• Work experience as a paid or volunteer work (length of experience is unspecified.
• A personal statement; typically serves as a test for English proficiency.
• Recommendation letters stating the likeliness of the applicant to succeed in the program (no information on the individual it should come from).
• A 30-minute interview for the best picks of students who pass all the basic requirements.

Saint Leo University

This program was developed by Saint Leo University and is only available to students in Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Maryland, Illinois, New Jersey, Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and South Carolina.

This accelerated program helps social workers prepare for an advanced career in social work encouraging social justice, equity, and inclusion in the US and other parts of the world.

This program is delivered fully online, and students who complete the program are more likely to excel in leadership or supervisory roles in social work.

Admission Requirements

• A BSW degree accredited by CSWE and no longer than 5 years.
• A minimum of 3.25 GPA.
• Official transcripts.
• Three recommendation letters; one from an academic source, the second from a professional source, and the third from any of the first two sources.
• Official resume.
• Final field evaluation form or professional skills form.
• A minimum of grade B in all social work courses.
• A personal statement detailing the goals the applicant wants to achieve with this program and social work career (3-5 pages).

University of Texas

The University of Texas offers a 16-month MSW program and an accelerated 12-month MSW program, the programs have multiple start dates throughout every academic session.

There are two specializations in this program: Direct Practice with Children and Families, and Direct Practice in Mental Health and Substance Misuse.

The technology and tutors used in the program aim a bridging the gap between traditional learning while also delivering quality education. This school accepts applications from students outside the United States and they have no application deadlines.

Admission Requirements

• Official or unofficial transcripts.
• A minimum grade of 3.0 in a 4.0 grading system in the last 60 credit hours of students’ BSW degree studies.
• Recommendation laters and essay writing (for those who have grades less than 3.0).
• Application fee (price not specified).

University of Nevada Reno

Talking about 1-year MSW programs online, our list won’t be complete without talking about this program, this program lasts just 15 months and is run by the 6th best University for online MSW programs: the University of Nevada Reno.

This program is accredited by the CSWE and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, it is aimed at preparing students for advanced social work practice and licensure.

Admission Requirements

• A BSW degree accredited by CSWE.
• Graduation from a regionally accredited university.
• Completion of at least one undergraduate course in statistics and research methods.
• Application essays (no details given).
• An application fee of 60 US dollars.
• A recommendation letter from the field instructor.
• Three extra recommendation letters from unspecified individuals.
• An official resume.
• A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or a minimum GPA of 3.25 in the last 60 credit hours.

Read also: Cheapest Online MSW Programs.

University of North Dakota

This MSW program is also one of the 1-year MSW programs online, this program was created to suit working social work professionals, so it was created as a flexible accelerated program, the program is run by the University of North Dakota.

This program is only available to students with a BSW degree, however, students with a related degree may take the foundation courses before applying for the program or take the 2-year option.

Admission Requirements

• A personal statement (2-5 pages in length, refer to the requirements page for more details).
• An official resume.
• A CSWE-accredited BSW degree.
• A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in a 4.0 grading system or a minimum or a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 credit hours.
• A minimum of grade C in one statistics course.
• The knowledge of the NASW code of ethics and willingness to abide by it.
• Willingness to abide by the University of North Dakota’s code of student conduct.
• Proof of English proficiency with TOEFL (not for students who graduated from an American university or English-speaking Canada).

University of Alabama

The accelerated program is meant only for BSW degree holders who pass the requirements, this program is fully accredited. It is offered by the University of Alabama.

students who enroll in this program have to complete 500 hours of practicum, they also have to physically meet with tutors for skills acquisition and assessment in some selected locations on some selected Saturdays.

There are two available fields of specialization for students who enroll in this program: Adults and Their Families, and Children, Adolescents and Their Families.

At the completion of the program, students may provide services in family service, healthcare, substance abuse treatment, geriatric services, behavioral health, child care, mental health, etc.

Admission Requirements

• A minimum of grade B in all field education courses.
• a minimum of grade C in all professional social work courses.
• A BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited university.
• A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in a 4.0 grading system or a minimum grade of 3.0 in the last 60 credit hours.
• Students who don’t meet the minimum GPA requirement may gain admission by passing the admission test, but they have to make a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their first 12 credit hours.
• A medical proof that the applicant is free from tuberculosis; this proof must be less than a year old.

University of Louisville

The University of Louisville’s MSW program is one of the fastest 1-Year MSW Programs online, this program is accredited by CSWE and is designed to prepare social workers for an advanced level of social work and to encourage social justice and equality.

This program helps students understand how social policies work, they will also learn the best decision-making practices that encourage social justice, racial equality, gender equality, and social stability.

There are 5 available fields of specialization in this program: Psychosocial Oncology, Mental Health, Gerontology, Alcohol and Drug Counselling, and Military Social Work.

This program requires students to complete 900 hours of fieldwork and also helps them develop self-discipline, time management skills, and critical thinking.

Admission Requirements

• An application fee of 65 US dollars.
• Official transcripts from all previously attended universities.
• Knowledge of the NASW code of ethics and willingness to abide by it.
• An accredited BSW degree.

Case University

This MSW program is one of the 1-year MSW programs online, it was developed by Case University; one of the top 10 schools of social work studies in the United States.

This program is a 21-credit accelerated MSW program and is fully accredited, it was created for working professionals who are interested in continuing with graduate education and advanced social work services, the program aims at promoting social justice in the world through this.

The program is fully run online with technologies that help bridge the gap between traditional education and online education in terms of interaction and quality.

This is one of the best 1-year MSW programs online in terms of quality and accessibility, students who take this program get 15 months of guidance in their career in addition to the program.

Admission Requirements

• An accredited BSW degree.
• An official resume.
• Official transcripts from all previously attended schools.
• Proof of paid or volunteer work experience.
• Three letters of recommendation from people are in a position to talk about your qualifications: professors, field directors, supervisors, coordinators, previous and present employers, etc.
• An essay analyzing a social problem.
• Essay on all previous fieldwork experience.
• A personal statement containing information on students’ career goals, past achievements, etc.

Boston University

MSW online program is one of the most popular 1-year MSW programs online in the city of Boston, this social work program is meant for working professionals who have some years of work experience and a BSW degree.

There are no specializations in this program, students who wish to specialize will have to enroll in the on-campus version of the program. This 22-credit-hour program is fully accredited, delivered online, and is available to students in the US and outside the US.

Admission Requirements

• A BSW degree obtained from a CSWE-accredited university.
• A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in a 4.0 grading system.
• An application fee of 95 US dollars.
• A personal statement is written in a minimum of 3 pages and a maximum of 4 pages and double-spaced writing.
• Three recommendation letters: One from a member of the faculty, the other from a field supervisor (may not include the individual who evaluated the student’s fieldwork).
• A copy of the final field evaluation or mid-year evaluation.
• Current official resume.
• Official transcripts from all previously attended universities.
• An online interview may be required.
• Internation students and transfer students may visit the requirements page to know the requirements they have to meet.

FAQs on 1-Year Master of Social Work Programs

Conclusion

For all of the program requirements on this page, there are extra details not mentioned here, including specifications involving international, dual degree, and transfer students, students who are interested in any of these programs may visit the respective requirement page to get these details.

Among these 1-year MSW programs online are 10-month MSW programs, 12-month MSW programs, and 16-month MSW programs online, all of these are classified as 1-year programs.

You may also read about the social work certificate programs available online, some of these programs have transferrable points which will help you complete your MSW online programs faster than 1 year.

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