<p>This might be a stretch, but does anyone know if there are any MSW programs that DON'T require a bachelors degree in social work?</p>
<p>My cousin has a BS in health sciences, and wants to be a health care social worker. But all of the MSW programs she's looked at require a bachelors degree in social work or a related social science. She understandably doesn't want to pay for another bachelors degree before she can get her masters, so I'm hoping someone knows of a few entry-level MSW programs intended for applicants without a social work background. </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Most MSW programs do not require that you have a BSW upon admission. MSW admissions accept a variety of college majors as long as you’ve taken a course in genetics and/or the social sciences. I have my MSW, and did not major in social work. I think you are confusing the BSW with Advanced Standing admissions (a special track for BSW grads who can obtain their MSW in one year). Most MSW students without a BSW enter the program under the two-year curriculum track. A bachelor’s degre in health sciences would qualify for admission into most MSW programs. If your cousin is interested in health education or epidemiology, then I also recommend the Master of Public Health (MPH) programs.</p>
<p>^Yes, I find it weird that your cousin is only finding programs that require an MSW - most of them don’t! The only programs I’ve seen that require a BSW are the accelerated programs that take 1-1.5 years. Most standard two year MSW programs accept a variety of majors.</p>
<p>Your cousin could also do a joint MSW/MPH at a variety of schools. They are 3-year programs, and if she is interested in hospital social work or doing social work in other health-care organizations, this may interest her.</p>