A bachelor’s degree is the starting point for several job fields, including social work. A bachelor of social work (BSW) degree may be the best option for those who wish to work in public health or counselling and who have a strong desire to serve people. The minimal educational prerequisite for obtaining an entry-level social work license is often a BSW.
How to Get a Social Work Degree Online
Social workers are employed in a variety of contexts, such as community mental health institutions, schools, prisons, and healthcare systems. They serve the same objective despite their disparate settings. The dedication of social workers to promoting social justice that benefits communities unites them. They help clients find ways to change harmful behaviours, create good coping strategies for difficult circumstances, and make use of social resources.
Local students can enrol in a variety of BSW programs on campus, as well as online and hybrid options. No matter the format, admission to advanced standing Master of Social Work (MSW) programs and, where appropriate, entry-level social work licensing require completion of a program approved by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Accredited online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree programs
We have found several CSWE-accredited online BSW degree programs, some of which include minors.
1. Bemidji State University
School of Social Work
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Bemidji, Minnesota
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 3+ years
Credits: 70
Concentrations: N/A
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application
- Completed eleven goal areas of liberal education
- Completed SOWK prefix courses with a grade of C or higher
- Social Work course GPA 2.5 or higher, Overall 2.0 or higher
2. Briar Cliff
School of Social Work
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Sioux City, Iowa
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1 year
Credits: 58
Concentrations: N/A
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application
- Transcripts
- Personal Statement
3. California State University
School of Social Work
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Chico, California
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 120
Concentrations: N/A
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application
- Transcripts
- Prerequisite courses
- Minimum 10 hours of volunteer service
4. Campbellsville University
Carver School of Social Work
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Campbellsville, Kentucky
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 120
Concentrations: N/A
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application
- Transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- GPA Requirements
- ACT/SAT Scores OR Placements exam scores
5. Eastern Kentucky University
School of Social Work
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Richmond, Kentucky
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 120
Concentrations: N/A
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application
- Transcripts OR credit hours (24)
- Letters of recommendation
- GPA Requirements
- ACT/SAT Scores OR Placements exam scores
6. Humboldt State University
Department of Social Work
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
Arcata, California
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 60
Concentrations: Human Behavior
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- 3.0 GPA
7. Huntington University
School of Social Work
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Huntington, Indiana
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 60+
Concentrations: N/A
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application
- Transcripts OR credit hours (24)
- Letters of recommendation
- GPA Requirements
- ACT/SAT Scores OR Placements exam scores
8. Indiana Wesleyan University
School of Social Work
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Marion, Indiana
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 64
Concentrations: N/A
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application
- Transcripts OR Transferable credit hours (24)
- Application Fee
- FAFSA FIling
9. Liberty University
School of Social Work
Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW)
Lynchburg, Virginia
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 120
Concentrations: N/A
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application
- Transcripts
- GPA Requirement
- Standardized Test Scores
- Admissions Essay
What to expect from an online BSW program
You can study the principles of social work in an authorized online Bachelor of Social Work program. You will take online classes, some of which will have set schedules and others of which will be fully self-paced.
You can expect to take part in group discussions, write papers, conduct research, complete prescribed readings, listen to lectures, and give virtual presentations. You can attend in-person classes on the weekends and in the evenings with hybrid programs.
A specialization is an additional feature of numerous online Bachelor of Social Work programs. Students who are thinking about a career in social work should evaluate their ideal workplace, causes they are passionate about, or target populations. Your passions can guide your choice of BSW degree speciality.
Certification of BSW programs offered online
It is recommended that students pursuing a BSW degree become acquainted with the Council on Social Work Education External link:open_in_new (CSWE). Programs in MSW and BSW are accredited by this association. Depending on the requirements in your state, obtaining an online BSW degree approved by CSWE may help you get ready for entry-level licensing.
Certification of BSW programs offered online
It is recommended that students pursuing a BSW degree become acquainted with the Council on Social Work Education External link:open_in_new (CSWE). Programs in MSW and BSW are accredited by this association. Depending on the requirements in your state, obtaining an online BSW degree approved by CSWE may help you get ready for entry-level licensing.
Typical BSW degree subjects could include things like:
- Basics of psychology
- Fundamentals of social science
- Fundamentals of economics
- The social environment and human behaviour
- Social issues
- Local and state government
- Policies and social welfare
- Social work methodology
- Statistics
How long does it take to get an online BSW degree?
Four years is the average time for full-time students to finish a bachelor’s degree program. Nonetheless, a lot of part-time study options are available for online and hybrid Bachelor of Social Work programs, which could lengthen the program’s duration for individuals who select them. Your course load will probably include liberal arts and social work courses, regardless of whether you are a full- or part-time student.
If you plan to someday pursue a doctorate in social work (DSW) or a master’s degree in social work (MSW), you may find that completing a BSW degree now will save you time in the future. Completing an MSW typically takes two years. On the other hand, you could be eligible to apply to an advanced standing program that requires about a year to complete.
Social work scholarships
To pay for their tuition, many students rely on federal loans, grants, and scholarships. Social work scholarshipsExternal link:open_in_new are fortunately plentiful. Scholarships offered by regional and national professional associations, your chosen social work school, and businesses and nonprofits in your community can all be found. Searching for scholarships tailored to particular groups, including women, minorities, and veterans, might also be beneficial.
The following organizations offer various scholarships:
- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
- National Association of Black Social Workers.
- National Association of Social Workers Foundation.
- Phi Alpha Honor Society.
- Point FoundationExternal link.
Resources for Social Work
Blogs, online journals, and associations can provide prospective social work students with additional information about the field. Undergraduate social work students may find the following resources useful:
- The mission of the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), a nonprofit organization, is to regulate social work in the United States and Canada. Above all, it is the owner and administrator of social work license exams. Exam applicants should review the materials provided by the ASWB.
- The minimal academic and experience requirements for certified social work degree programs are set by the Council on Social Work Academic (CSWE). Both licensed social workers and students can benefit from its educational resources.
- The National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) offers information and assistance to Black professionals and students. Pupils can locate an NABSW.
- Puerto Rican Hispanic Social Workers National Association (NAPRHSW): This group welcomes student memberships and focuses on serving the Latinx community.
- The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) offers assistance to those in the social work field. Access to employment boards, networking opportunities, and education are all available to members. Students pursuing BSW and MSW degrees, as well as those enrolled in courses in other subjects and programs not authorized by CSW, may be eligible to join. Check your dues on the NASW membership page.
- The Society for Social Work and Research, or SSWR, is a nonprofit organization that serves students, professionals, and social work researchers. Student memberships are $50 per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone with a social work degree work as a counsellor?
- Social work and counseling have a lot in commonExternal link:open_in_new. Counsellors assist individuals and families in addressing obstacles and changes in life. Much like this, social workersExternal link:open_in_new typically work in a wider spectrum of social services. To put it another way, counselling is a part of social work.
- Most states mandate that you hold a master’s degree, such as a master’s in counselling, to practice counselling. To diagnose mental illnesses and treat patients through therapy, students must obtain a clinical license, which calls for at least a master’s degree.
How much does a social work degree cost?
- Depending on the BSW degree program, tuition varies. In general, public or in-state options are less expensive than private and out-of-state schools.
- When selecting a degree program, take into account the tuition, fees, and other costs associated with each one. To facilitate the delivery of online courses, certain online programs, for instance, might charge a fee per online credit. You might also want to look into social worker wages to get a sense of the possible earnings for recent graduates entering the industry, in addition to thinking about the cost of your degree and your financing strategy.
What distinguishes social work programs offered online and on campus?
- Some students might worry that a Bachelor of Social Work program offered online isn’t as demanding or prestigious as one offered on campus. But it isn’t the reality. The curricula of authorized online programs are often similar to those of on-campus schools. Additionally, full-time faculty members who instruct on-campus programs frequently create and instruct online courses. Online BSW programs can prepare students for careers in social work just as well as on-campus programs, even though they may offer fewer opportunities for face-to-face interaction.