Explore one-year online MSW programs

Differences between a one-year online MSW and a traditional MSW

A one-year program prepares students for a direct or clinical social work career at the master's level.

The program allows BSW-holders to complete their MSW in one year and skip the foundational coursework they learned in their undergraduate program, making these and quicker to complete.

While a traditional MSW program may suit almost anyone with a bachelor's degree, advanced standing and accelerated MSW programs require candidates to have foundational social work knowledge in the form of a BSW.

If you earned your bachelor's degree in a different field or wish to continue working while you earn your MSW, a traditional or extended program may suit you best. Accelerated and advanced standing programs typically allow you to graduate in 9-16 months if you already have a BSW and can learn on a full-time schedule.

What can I learn in a one-year online MSW?

Students in traditional MSW programs generally spend one year focusing on the history of social work, human rights, and social justice. In their second year, they typically learn about social welfare policy and clinical practice. One-year MSW programs, also called advanced standing or accelerated MSW programs, commonly focus on:

• Social welfare policy
• Assessment and diagnosis
• Advanced clinical practice
• Practicum education

You'll also take electives based on your concentration. You can complete practicum hours, which are required for CSWE accreditation and state licensure, at a location near you. You may have to find your own location, or the program may assist you.

Practicum hours allow you to apply your direct and clinical and may vary based on your concentration.

How quickly can I complete a one-year online MSW?

Learners typically complete their one-year online MSW in 9-16 months. How quickly you can complete a program depends on several factors, including your chosen school, undergraduate GPA, and schedule. Some advanced standing MSW programs offer two- and three-term options to suit different learner schedules.

What can you do with a one-year online MSW?

An accredited one-year online MSW program qualifies students to become licensed master social workers (LMSWs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), or their state's equivalent.

LMSWs work in many settings, such as state and local governments and individual and family services. The client population you work with will help determine your work setting. You can work with children and families, veterans, or older adults.

As an LMSW, you can obtain the supervised experience you need to become an advanced generalist or clinical social worker. You'll need to complete 1,500-4,000 hours of supervised experience, depending on your state and license type. Clinical social work opens opportunities for you to work with people with mental health and substance use conditions.

How much can you make with a one-year MSW?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social workers earned a median annual salary of $61,330 in 2024. Most social workers earn between $41,580 and $99,500 a year.

This salary range includes bachelor's-level social workers and master's-level social workers. With an MSW, you can typically earn a salary on the higher end of this range.

An MSW and an LMSW qualify you for the supervised experience needed to become a clinical social worker. Clinical social workers work in some of the highest-demand .

The overall employment for social workers is projected to grow by 7% between 2023 and 2033, according to the BLS. Mental health and substance use social worker jobs are projected to grow by 12% in the same time period. Social workers need a master's degree and a license in clinical social work to qualify for these jobs.