02-23-2026, 09:32 AM
(This post was last modified: 02-23-2026, 09:59 AM by swlearner71.)
"Good to know, thank you. I got confused as it seems like the CSWE does accredit certain BSW schools, but those aren't prerequisites for obtaining a CSWE MSW. If it's possible to go from a big-3 bachelors in psych to an accelerated 18-month MSW, that would be a huge cost/time improvement over trying to get into a generalist MSW."
BSW programs are accredited and lead to bachelor-level licensing in some states. However, those licenses are much more limited than the master’s ones and do not include clinical practice.
Unfortunately, the only way to get into a fully advanced standing MSW, which typically takes 1 year, is by having an accredited BSW. Simmons has a rather unique MSW, no BSW required, that is accelerated and can be done in 16 months, but its tuition is close to 75k. Fordham has a similar program for a similar cost. Personally, I would much rather take an extra 8 months at a place like A-State and save 50k.
For the LPC route, Northwestern has one of the few accelerated programs I know of, with an estimated 18 months completion time. But their tuition is, I believe, over 130k for the program! It may also not be available to California residents.
It seems like accelerated programs that lead to licensure, besides advanced standing MSWs, have significantly greater costs and are not common.
Completing a BSW should take you at least a year because of CSWE and internship requirements, so even with that, you’d still probably take 2 years at least. I think the most realistic and cost-effective option would be a big three bachelor's degree plus a traditional MSW or counseling degree, with an estimated completion time of ~28 months if you’re studious.
BSW programs are accredited and lead to bachelor-level licensing in some states. However, those licenses are much more limited than the master’s ones and do not include clinical practice.
Unfortunately, the only way to get into a fully advanced standing MSW, which typically takes 1 year, is by having an accredited BSW. Simmons has a rather unique MSW, no BSW required, that is accelerated and can be done in 16 months, but its tuition is close to 75k. Fordham has a similar program for a similar cost. Personally, I would much rather take an extra 8 months at a place like A-State and save 50k.
For the LPC route, Northwestern has one of the few accelerated programs I know of, with an estimated 18 months completion time. But their tuition is, I believe, over 130k for the program! It may also not be available to California residents.
It seems like accelerated programs that lead to licensure, besides advanced standing MSWs, have significantly greater costs and are not common.
Completing a BSW should take you at least a year because of CSWE and internship requirements, so even with that, you’d still probably take 2 years at least. I think the most realistic and cost-effective option would be a big three bachelor's degree plus a traditional MSW or counseling degree, with an estimated completion time of ~28 months if you’re studious.
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