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Why GCU’s Social Work Program is Perfect for Degree Hacking
Looking to earn your Bachelor of Social Work without breaking the bank? GCU’s online program offers flexibility and focuses on the real-world skills that employers value. You set the pace, so you can balance life and learning. Plus, it’s designed with degree hacking in mind, offering perks like these:
Flexible Learning Model Speeds Up Your Degree
- No fixed semesters—start and finish courses on your own schedule
- Ability to transfer up to 90 credits, saving time and tuition
- Flat-rate tuition lets you take as many courses as you can handle without extra fees
Builds Career-Ready Social Work Skills Fast
- Hands-on projects and real-world case studies prepare you for the job market
- Courses aligned with current social work practices and licensure requirements
- Graduates are equipped to meet the demands of entry-level social work roles
Why Most People Take 4+ Years (And How to Do It in 12–18 Months)
Why Most People Take 4+ Years
Getting your social work degree doesn’t have to drag on for four years or cost over $58,000. GCU offers a quicker, more budget-friendly path. But to make the most of it, you’ll want to steer clear of these common roadblocks that often slow students down:
- They delay key social work courses: Waiting too long to start social work-focused courses can hold up your entire degree progress at GCU.
- They don’t maximize transfer credits from previous classes or certifications: This causes them to retake courses and repeat material they’ve already mastered unnecessarily, adding time and cost to their degree program.
- They treat GCU’s flexible program like a traditional four-year schedule: By sticking to a semester-style pace instead of using the self-paced structure, they miss opportunities to overlap courses, move ahead more quickly, and shorten the time to graduation.
- They overload themselves with difficult BSW courses all at once: Tackling advanced classes without pacing or balance leads to unnecessary stress, failed attempts, and extended time to degree completion.
Here's what degree hackers do that others don't:
- They earn as many transfer credits as possible before enrolling: Whether it’s credit-by-exam, online learning platforms, or work experiences, these let them skip basic courses and focus on the important social work classes at GCU.
- They follow a strategic course plan to avoid waiting on prerequisites: By mapping out their classes ahead, they keep steady momentum and graduate faster.
- They take full advantage of GCU’s self-paced terms and flexible scheduling: Moving quickly through courses means finishing the degree in record time.
- Result: Graduate in less than 18 months for ~$14,550 total.
The smartest way to fast-track your Bachelor of Social Work at GCU is to knock out those lower-level credits through affordable options before you enroll. This lets you jump right into GCU’s core social work classes that really prepare you for your career.
Strategy Guide: Tips on How to Hack GCU’s Social Work Program
Here’s a simple, step-by-step plan for earning your Bachelor of Social Work at GCU, packed with advice from grads, advisors, and students who’ve fast-tracked their degree.
This guide is designed to help you avoid common setbacks, save money, and focus on the skills that’ll get you into the social work field faster.
GCU Online Social Work Pre-Enrollment Hacks
- Complete transferable courses before enrolling - Use affordable online platforms like Study.com to finish general education and prerequisite classes on your own schedule and at a more affordable rate starting at $95/month.
- Earn credits by testing out - Take CLEP ($97/exam) or DSST exams ($100/exam) to bypass courses in subjects you already know and save both time and tuition.
- Plan your degree with expert tools – There are resources like DegreeHacked.org that can create a personalized graduation roadmap complete with cost estimates, timelines, and expert guidance that is tailored to your pace and budget.
- Know your transfer options upfront - Review GCU’s transfer credit policies early to make sure your previous credits apply and avoid unnecessary coursework.
GCU Social Work Degree Hacking Plan
Social Work Transfer Credits: What Transfers and What Doesn't
To earn your BSW, you’ll need 120 credits, but not all those credits transfer. A savvy strategy is to complete your general education, electives, and some beginner-level social work courses through more affordable options before enrolling at GCU.
This way, once you start at GCU, you can zero in on the key social work classes that matter most for your career.
Here’s a breakdown of how to organize your transfer credits and speed up your path to graduation:
- ~34-40 Credits: General Education courses (easily transferable)
- ~72 Credits: Major courses (mostly GCU only)
- ~8-14 Credits: Open Electives (many transferable options)
GCU Social Work Degree Requirements: Course Transfer Strategy
Why Degree Hacking Works for GCU Social Work Students
- Focus on Core Social Work Skills at GCU: By completing general education and elective courses elsewhere, you save time and money while dedicating your GCU studies to the essential social work courses that prepare you for the field.
- Significantly Lower Tuition Costs: Using affordable alternatives for many credits can reduce your overall tuition by $40K+, making your degree much more budget friendly.
- Graduate Much Faster: With a smart degree-hacking plan,what typically takes 4 years can be completed in 12 to 18 months which will get you into your social work career sooner without compromising quality.
Ready for Your Complete Plan?
Here’s what the degree-hacking plan for social work students looks like:
✓ More than 30 courses you can finish before enrolling at GCU
✓ Cost-effective credit options, including Study.com and CLEP/DSST exams
✓ Simple,step-by-step guides to help you manage your schedule and budget
✓ Flexible strategies designed to work with your lifestyle and financial goals
Applying to GCU for the Bachelor of Social Work
When to Apply: Ideal Enrollment Schedule
Before you enroll in GCU’s Social Work program, you should finish earning your credits through other alternatives first. That way, these credits will be credited and count towards your BSW degree program.
GCU Admissions and Transfer Logistics
- Apply online anytime with no deadlines or fixed enrollment dates
- Submit your application and upload required documents
- Send official transcripts from all previous schools directly to GCU
- Check transfer credit policies to see what counts
- Stay in touch with your admissions advisor for updates
GCU Tuition and Other Aid Information
- Tuition is approximately $485 per credit, plus additional fees
- Financial aid options include FAFSA, military benefits, GCU scholarships and grants, and credit for work experience
- Lower your costs by earning transferable credits through courses or exams before enrolling
GCU Bachelor of Social Work Career ROI
- Median Annual Salary: $61,330
- Degree Payback Time: 3-4 months of work
- Plus: Strong job growth, opportunities to make a real impact in communities, and flexibility to work in various industries
- Typical Roles: Case Manager, Community Outreach Worker, Behavioral Health Tech
Finish your GCU Bachelor of Social Work in 2 years or less and cut over $40K off your tuition with smart degree-hacking strategies. Launch your social work career sooner and stay ahead!
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