Feb. 11, 2026 (Milwaukee) Mount Mary announced that in fall 2026 it will add social work to its growing list of reduced credit programs. Known as “Thrive in Three,” this option allows students to complete a bachelor’s degree in as little as three years. The reduced credit social work degree was approved by the Higher Learning Commission in early 2026, making it the first of its kind in Wisconsin.
The program offers rigorous, mission-based education, with educational cost savings and a faster pathway into the workforce. Students can also choose to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW), allowing them to graduate with both degrees in just four years. The MSW program offers coursework that is completed entirely online, making it accessible to working adults and learners across the country. This accelerated option with advanced standing is available to graduates of any Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program in the country.
Mount Mary Social Work Chair Melinda Kiltz believes that this will open the door for many students interested in this career. She added that a focus on clinical work equips students with a broad knowledge base, preparing them to successfully pass licensure examinations and enter a diverse variety of positions within their field.
The program maintains partnerships with organizations such as the Bread of Healing Clinic, which connects unemployed and underemployed individuals with resources like healthcare and dental work, and Life Navigators, a Milwaukee non-profit working with intellectually disabled people across the lifespan.
“We’re excited to bring this reduced-credit offering to our community,” Kiltz said. “By lowering the time required to graduate students will not only save money; they’ll be able to make a difference in the lives of others faster.”
Social work continues to be one of the fastest-growing fields in the country. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for the occupation is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade, a faster than average rate for most professions.
To learn more about the Social Work program and other reduced-credit degrees at Mount Mary University, please visit mtmary.edu.
