Pursuing social work brings tremendous satisfaction as you empower those in need to cope, participate, and thrive. Although some enter the workforce with a BSW, many more further their education, become licensed social workers and clinical social workers, and earn master’s degrees.
If social work wasn’t your bachelor’s focus, don’t worry! Many programs welcome those with other degrees. Here’s the lowdown on one-year online MSW programs without a BSW:
Online Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Gaining MSW Admission Without a BSW
An accredited bachelor’s degree qualifies you for MSW programs, regardless of major. Degrees in associated fields like psychology or sociology may allow undergrad credits to apply, decreasing total hours. Previous graduate degrees like counseling could waive some MSW requirements too.
Most schools mandate a 3.0+ GPA, personal essay, references, and English fluency. Some require GRE scores.
Introductory social work classes usually pave the way for MSW program admission by providing a knowledge base for graduate work. Prerequisites like communication or writing may apply too, so ask what your prospective school requires.
MSW Career Pathways
Many avenues exist with an MSW degree. Social workers may serve in schools, courts, hospitals, or other agencies. Some potential jobs with an online MSW:
Nonprofit Executive
As CEOs of clinics, charities, and social good groups, nonprofit execs earn a median $84,023 annually. Many rise from active social work roles. Some hold business, management, or leadership credentials too. Execs spearhead strategic plans, oversee operations and staff, handle finances, and fundraise extensively.
Community Service Manager
Overseeing staff at social work nonprofits, for-profits, and government agencies, these managers earn a median $74,000 yearly. The 12% projected growth by 2031 outpaces other fields. Managers coordinate programming between agencies to efficiently and cost-effectively help those in need. They may supervise, hire, and fire staff.
Mental Health Counselor
Treating psychiatric disorders and substance abuse, counselors work in diverse care settings. They empower patients managing depression, bipolar disorder, addiction, and more. Social workers may have broader scope, while counselors work with stable voluntary patients. Specializations exist. Counselors earn an average $71,868 salary.
Healthcare Social Worker
In diverse healthcare settings, these social workers earn a mean annual $62,760 salary. They support patients/families through disease/illness, counsel caregivers, and serve on care teams. Assessing mental health, educating families, and planning discharges, they focus on patient advocacy and optimal care.
Family Social Worker
Earning a mean annual wage of $56,680, family social workers empower family function and child growth via in-home services. They assist foster/adoptive families, abuse victims, and young parents. Collaborating with schools, nonprofits, or private practices, they may investigate abuse and neglect, securing housing, food, and welfare.
School Social Worker
Like family social workers but school-based, these professionals earn $56,680 annually. Serving students, families, staff, and communities, they provide counseling to address mental health and behaviors. They participate in assessments, crisis intervention, and training while advocating for student needs.
1 Year Online MSW Programs No BSW
University of Louisville
Empowering diverse populations, the University of Louisville’s Kent School of Social Work propels students through a 1-year online Master of Science in Social Work (MSW) program. This 60-credit accelerated format readies those without bachelor’s degrees in social work (BSW) for generalist practice with vulnerable individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Offered fully online in an asynchronous model, the program allows self-paced learning on students’ schedules. Support services like advising, counseling, and financial aid further student success.
For admission, a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0+ GPA from an accredited university is required, alongside prerequisites in sociology, psychology, and human development. Applicants must also submit personal statements, recommendations, and transcripts.
With its Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation certifying rigorous training for professional practice, the program prepares students to take Kentucky’s social work licensing exam. Graduates pursue diverse careers in casework, counseling, community organizing, social policy, and beyond.
This accelerated online MSW format empowers diverse learners to propel social work careers in just one year.
University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington energizes careers with its rigorous 1-year online MSW program, open to those without bachelor’s degrees in social work. Though demanding, this accelerated format empowers degree completion in a fraction of traditional timelines.
Fully asynchronous yet featuring synchronous webinars and discussions, the program advances professionals on their schedules. Three concentrations exist: Direct Practice with Children and Families, Direct Practice in Mental Health and Substance Abuse, and Direct Practice in Aging.
Learners must conquer 60 credit hours covering core courses in social work practice, human behavior, policy, and research methods, alongside concentration electives in child welfare, mental health, gerontology, and more.
For admission, a 3.0+ GPA bachelor’s degree from an accredited college is required, as well as introductory social work courses like Introduction to Social Work and Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families.
With its Council on Social Work Education accreditation certifying the highest quality training, the UTA online MSW program empowers professionals to accelerate social work careers in just one year.
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville accelerates social work careers through its fully online, one-year Master of Social Work (MSW) program open to non-BSW degree holders. Tailored to working professionals, the flexible asynchronous format empowers learners to complete coursework independently.
Two tracks exist: The Generalist Track covers foundational social work courses in policy, human behavior, and practice for new MSW students. The Advanced Standing Track allows those with existing social work degrees to bypass fundamentals and take advanced clinical, research, and policy coursework.
Admission requires a bachelor’s degree with 3.0+ GPA from an accredited university, personal statement, recommendations, and transcripts.
Bearing the Council on Social Work Education’s accreditation seal certifies rigorous training for licensure. Graduates can sit for Tennessee’s Licensed Social Worker exam.
With flexible pacing and focus, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville removes barriers to accelerate social work careers through an accredited 1-year online MSW.
Boise State University
Boise State University’s 100% online, 1-year Master of Social Work (MSW) program removes barriers for non-social work degree holders seeking to propel careers. With no out-of-state tuition, the program empowers remote learning.
MSW coursework immerses students in advanced clinical, organizational, and policy practices that champion social justice, equality, and enhanced wellbeing.
The robust curriculum covers:
Human Behavior and Social Environment
Social Welfare Policy and Services
Social Work Practice
Social Work Research
Field Practicum
A capstone project culminates the program.
For admission, a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0+ GPA from an accredited university is required, alongside a personal statement, recommendations, and transcripts.
Boise State’s affordable and flexible online MSW program removes location restraints, preparing students for myriad social work roles in just one year.