FAQ: Are there any one year online MSW programs?
Answer: Yes for Professionals with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW).
One year online Master of Social Work (MSW) programs are basically full-time programs that accept advanced standing students, those who have already completed a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited undergraduate program. These programs can typically be completed in one to one and a half years and are a great option for professionals with a BSW who are looking to increase their credentials or become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (which requires a MSW) in a shorter period of time. For students who have not earned a BSW, a traditional full-time online MSW program typically takes two years to complete.
Earn an Online MSW From a Top-Ranked School at DU
The University of Denver’s online Master of Social Work program is CSWE-accredited and allowing students to customize their own MSW Pathways. GRE scores are not required.
- Complete the online MSW program in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the program may be completed in as few as 21 months.
- GRE scores are not required to apply.
- Customize your own Pathway to your interests.
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Advanced standing MSW programs typically have stricter admission criteria than traditional programs. In addition, most programs require students to have completed their BSW within the past five to eight years to be eligible for admission. For more information about these programs including admission requirements, visit our main page on advanced standing online MSW programs.
There are over 30 schools that offer online MSW programs that can be completed in approximately one year (i.e. full-time advanced standing online MSW programs). On OnlineMSWprograms.com, we classify any MSW program that requires students to visit the campus two or fewer times per year as an online program. All but two of the schools that offer these programs are 100% online and do not require students to visit the campus during the program. All online MSW programs require field education which is typically completed at a local health services agency.
Online MSW Programs That May Be Completed in One Year (Advanced Standing Programs)
| University | Enrollment Type | Study Length |
|---|---|---|
| Boise State University | Full-Time and Part-Time | 12 months (3 semesters) FT or ~2 years (5 semesters) PT |
| Campbellsville University | Full-Time Part-Time | ~2 semesters (also marketed “as little as 9 months”) |
| Columbia University | Full-Time | 1 year |
| Delaware State University | Full-Time | 1 year |
| PennWest Global Online | Full-Time | 1 year |
| Howard University AD | Full-Time and Part-Time | As few as 12 months |
| Hawai’i Pacific University AD | Full-Time and Part-Time | 12-24 months |
| Louisiana State University | Full-Time and Part-Time | 3 terms (~1 year) |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | Full-Time and Part-Time | 1+ years |
| Morgan State University | Full-Time | 1 year |
| New Mexico State University | Full-Time and Part-Time | 1+ years |
| Ohio State University | Full-Time and Part-Time | 1+ years |
| Our Lady of the Lake University | Full-Time and Part-Time | 1+ years |
| Portland State University | Full-Time | 1+ years |
| Rutgers University | Full-Time and Part-Time | 1+ years |
| Samford University | Full-Time and Part-Time | 1+ years |
| San José State University | Full-Time | 1 year |
| Simmons University AD | Full-Time Part-Time | As few as 9 months |
| The Catholic University of America | Full-Time and Part-Time | Less than 1 year |
| Tulane University | Full-Time and Part-Time | 1+ years |
| University of Alaska, Anchorage | Full-Time and Part-Time | 1+ years |
| University of Central Florida | Part-Time | 16 months |
| University of Denver AD | Full-Time Part-Time | As few as 12 months |
| University of Kentucky | Full-Time | 1 year |
| University of Louisville | Full-Time and Part-Time | As few as 9 months |
| University of Nevada, Reno | Full-Time | 1.25 years |
| University of New England | Full-Time | 1.3 years |
| University of New Hampshire | Full-Time | 1.3 years |
| University of North Dakota | Full-Time | 1+ years |
| University of South Florida | Full-Time and Part-Time | As few as 3 semesters (full-time) |
| University of Tennessee at Knoxville | Full-Time Part-Time | 1+ years |
| University of Texas, Arlington | Full-Time | 1+ years |
| University of Utah | Full-Time | 1+ years |
| Western New Mexico University | Full-Time Part-Time | 1+ years |
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*Programs that are 100% online do not require students to visit the campus during the program.
Syracuse University
Syracuse University’s Online MSW—No GRE Required
Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.
- Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
- No GRE required
- Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice
Information last updated: January 2026