Accelerated Master's In Social Work Program Guide

Accelerated MSW Programs

Social workers help vulnerable community members cope with challenges that negatively impact their well-being. They work with clients to address trauma, substance abuse, and family issues. Clinical social workers diagnose and treat mental health disorders and help patients access community resources.

Students earning a master of social work degree (MSW) acquire specialized skills for advanced practice and licensure. MSW graduates work as clinical social workers, mental health counselors, and marriage and family therapists. Salaries vary among these specializations. Broadly speaking, however, social workers earn about $58,300 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS projects that the social work fields will grow by 7% per year between 2023-2033

This guide ranks accelerated social work degrees. It covers other topics such as common courses for accelerated social work programs, certification requirements, and scholarship opportunities.

Why Get a Degree in Social Work?

The need for social workers continues to grow as more Americans require services from the helping professions. According to BLS estimates, the field will grow by 54,700 workers between 2023-2033. The 7% estimated growth rate for the field is more than twice the national average of 3% for all occupations.

Learners can prepare for advanced job opportunities with a master of social work degree from some of the nation's top schools. Many MSW programs offer concentrations in high-demand practice areas including child welfare, clinical social work, and hospital social work. While social workers can practice with a bachelor's degree, they need an MSW and licensure for clinical roles in most states.

Accelerated social work programs allow BSW holders to earn an MSW while they continue their careers. Enrollees can earn an accelerated social work degree on a full- or part-time basis in 9-24 months.

How Much Does a Social Work Degree Cost?

Total accelerated social work degree costs depend on factors such as prior college credits, school, and delivery format. A sampling of schools reveals enrollees may pay between $487-$1,995 per credit for a master of social work degree. Degree seekers complete 30-60 credits depending on their educational background. Social workers with a BSW enter MSW programs with advanced standing, precluding a year of foundational courses.

Students can complete a master of social work degree online except for immersions and required field placement in their community. Virtual learners do not need to pay for room and board or commuting. Many colleges offer distance learners a flat tuition rate regardless of residency. Those who attend public schools tend to pay less than peers at private institutions. Individuals attending public schools in their home state pay in-state tuition, a rate significantly less than out-of-state tuition.

How Much Do Social Work Majors Make?

Social workers' earnings vary by factors such as their level of experience, role, and location, among other factors. The lowest 10% of social workers earn an average of $38,400 each year, while the top 10% averages $94,910. Salaries vary even more based on specialization. For example, marriage and family therapists earn a $68,730 median salary.

Other nonclinical roles such as policy analyst or research analyst serve as rewarding and well-paying careers. According to April 2024 PayScale data, these professionals make average salaries of $64,100 and $61,564, respectively.

Courses in Social Work

An MSW develops highly skilled practitioners and social work leaders. Curricula differ among accelerated social work programs, but those with Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation share some common features.

Many accelerated social work degrees offer advanced standing to social workers with a CSWE-accredited BSW. Advanced standing students complete 30-45 credits of live or asynchronous classes in as little as a year. MSW course topics include human behavior and the social environment, social work practice, and social welfare policies and services.

Learners choose an advanced generalist practice or specialize in areas including child and family social work, geriatric social work, or policy practice and advocacy. Enrollees complete about 900 hours of supervised field experience with an organization in their community. Advanced standing students complete fewer hours depending on the institution. The three courses below represent a sample curriculum for an accelerated social work program.

• Social Work Practice

  The course explores the social worker's role, mission, and ethics. Participants examine generalist practice with individuals, families, and groups. Degree seekers study theories and interventions used in different settings, and how to work with specific populations such as women, minorities, and the elderly.

• Psychopathology in Clinical Practice

  The class introduces the symptoms and behaviors associated with mental health illness. Learners explore the factors that influence emotional and mental health. Enrollees examine assessment and diagnostic tools, such as the Diagnostic Statistical Manual, and learn how to develop treatment plans for clients.

• Personnel Administration in Social Services

  Students learn how to manage personnel within human service organizations to optimize service delivery and explore various management approaches. Participants learn how to apply best practices for employee recruitment and retention, motivation, and professional development.

Certifications and Licensure for Social Work

Social workers pursue licensure and certification to demonstrate advanced education and training. Each state issues licenses for social workers to practice in the jurisdiction. Students should research their state's specific licensing requirements. The following list outlines three certification options for social workers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Master in Social Work Degrees