MSW programs are some of the most competitive out there, which means that you need to take the time to find an accredited, quality program that will give you all the education and resources you need to succeed in the field. However, with so many MSW programs available, it can be tough to know which ones are right for you. If you’re hoping to attend one of the fastest online MSW programs available, look no further than these five options.
1. Ivy Tech Community College
Two-Year Alternative to a Four-Year Degree: Ivy Tech Community College is a state college located in Bloomington, Indiana. The school offers an online degree completion program for students interested in obtaining their master’s degree of social work (MSW). In order to apply, students must have already completed an undergraduate social work degree from an accredited institution and be able to submit official transcripts for their undergraduate coursework. The application process is free and can be done online, as well as allowing students to receive more information about costs, available scholarships and more. If approved, students will have eight consecutive semesters of full-time study over which they can complete their master’s degree.
2. Southeastern University
Southeastern University, located in Lakeland, Florida, offers a Master of Social Work online degree program that can be completed within two years. The program emphasizes community practice and courses include field instruction and supervised experience for students to develop their professional skills. Faculty are all licensed social workers who have extensive clinical experience with issues such as substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment and family counseling. Students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college to apply for admission. Transfer credits from an accredited institution are not accepted; however, students can receive credit for relevant military training or prior work experience through portfolio assessment.
3. Walden University
Walden University is an accredited, nonprofit, online-only university that offers both graduate and undergraduate degree programs. In addition to several accelerated master’s degree programs (which can be completed in as little as 18 months), Walden offers a BSW online program that can be completed over two years, which is a good option for working professionals who need full-time study. Walden also has a solid reputation and is well respected among employers of social workers. Additionally, Walden tuition costs fall below many traditional schools with similar graduate programs. Students receive funding assistance based on their GPA; those with GPAs above 3.0 receive full tuition reimbursement through either Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans or scholarships/grants directly from Walden University.
4. Capella University
Capella University offers an online Master of Social Work program with almost two decades of experience. This is an entirely online program that features 100% live, real-time instruction. Though it’s a traditional school, Capella is proud to offer one of the lowest tuition rates on our list (only $6,400 per year). According to Capella, social workers earn a median salary of $43,000 at entry level and up to $78,000 after 10 years. The program comes with built-in resources like career counseling and advisors who can help students succeed—there’s also access to academic programs for those pursuing other degrees like professional counseling. This social work master’s degree can be completed within as little as two years!
5. Liberty University
In only two years, students can complete an online Master of Social Work from Liberty University. Designed for working adults, students who are unable to attend on-campus classes have up to 12 hours of weekly group meetings with an instructor. In their first year, students take core courses like Human Behavior and Theories of Intervention and Abuse Prevention. Second-year courses focus on specialized topics such as Clinical Practice and Social Policy. Students can even receive a $1,000 scholarship from Liberty University if they enroll in fall 2022!