Bachelor’s degrees in social work (BSW) online

From helping clients adjust to major life changes to developing crisis intervention plans, social workers are trained to provide solutions in a wide range of situations. Before obtaining an advanced degree in this field, many professionals earn a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW).

BSW programs can be taken online or in person. The decision to get your BSW online or in person could depend on factors such as your schedule, personal obligations, or your desired program’s requirements. Below is a list of accredited online BSW programs, helping you compare and select the BSW program that is right for you.

The program cards featured on this page were last updated in January 2022. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.

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A BSW is not always required for admission into a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program. But those with a BSW looking to continue their studies and expand their professional opportunities may find that their undergraduate degree gives them an advantage, as a number of MSW courses will build on the foundational social work knowledge acquired as a BSW major.

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CSWE-accredited online BSW degree programs

Below is a selection of CSWE-accredited BSW programs. This list is not exhaustive. Visit the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) website for the most up-to-date information on whether a program is accredited.

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 
Learn more about the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Bemidji State University

Brescia University

School of Social Work

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Owensboro, 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
  • 12 or more transferable baccalaureate credits
  • Completed eleven goal areas of liberal education
  • Completed SOWK prefix courses with a grade of C or higher
Learn more about the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Brescia University

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
Learn more about the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Briar Cliff

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 
Learn more about the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from California State University

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 
Learn more about the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Campbellsville University

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
Learn more about the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Eastern Kentucky University

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
Learn more about the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Huntington University

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
Learn more about the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Indiana Wesleyan University

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
Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) from Liberty University

Metropolitan State University of Denver

School of Social Work

Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW)

Denver, Colorado

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
  • Application Fee
  • GED OR Test Scores
Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) from Metropolitan State University of Denver

Millersville University

School of Social Work

Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW)

Millersville, Pennsylvania

Name of Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW)

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
Learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) from Millersville University

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

School of Social Work

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Natchitoches, Louisiana

Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 4 years

Credits: 120

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Transcripts Online Application
  • Application Fee
  • GED OR Test Scores
  • TOEFL or IELTS for international students
Learn more about the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Spring Arbor University

School of Social Work

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Spring Arbor, Michigan

Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 4 years

Credits: 120

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Transcripts 
  • Online Application
  • Application Fee
  • GED OR Test Scores
  • TOEFL or IELTS for international students
Learn more about the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Spring Arbor University

The University of Utah

College of Social Work

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Salt Lake City, Utah

Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 3+ years

Credits: 120

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Transcripts
  • Online Application
  • Application Fee or approved Fee Waiver
Learn more about the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from The University of Utah

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

School of Social Work

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Little Rock, Arkansas

Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 4 years

Credits: 120

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Transcripts
  • Online Application
  • ACT/SAT Scores
  • 2.25 GPA Requirement
Learn more about the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from University of Arkansas at Little Rock

University of Cincinnati

School of Social Work

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Cincinnati, Ohio

Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 4 years

Credits: 57

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Transcripts
  • Online Application
  • ACT/SAT Scores
  • 2.25 GPA Requirement
Learn more about the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from University of Cincinnati

University of Louisville

Kent School of Social Work

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Louisville, Kentucky

Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 3+ years

Credits: 120

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Transcripts
  • Online Application
  • Application Fee
  • 2.50 GPA Requirement
Learn more about the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from University of Louisville

University of Massachusetts Global

School of Social Work

Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW)

Irvine, California

Name of Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 3+ years

Credits: 120

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Online Application 
  • Transcripts 
  • 12 or more transferable baccalaureate credits 
  • Completed eleven goal areas of liberal education 
  • Completed SOWK prefix courses with a grade of C or higher 
Learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) from University of Massachusetts Global

University of Nebraska at Kearney

School of Social Work

Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW)

Kearney, Nebraska

Name of Degree: Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 3+ years

Credits: 120

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Transcripts
  • Online Application
  • Application Fee
  • 2.50 GPA Requirement
Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) from University of Nebraska at Kearney

Ursuline College

School of Social Work

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Pepper Pike, Ohio

Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 4 years

Credits: 120

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Transcripts
  • Online Application
  • Application Fee
Learn more about the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Ursuline College

Western New Mexico University

School of Social Work

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Silver City, New Mexico

Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 3+ years

Credits: 120

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Transcripts
  • Online Application
  • Application Fee
  • 2.50 GPA Requirement
Learn more about the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Western New Mexico University

What is a Bachelor of Social Work degree?

A Bachelor of Social Work is an undergraduate degree that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise for generalist practice positions in social work, such as casework. While earning a bachelor’s in sociology or psychology may also prepare learners for entry-level positions in the social work field, BSW degree students benefit from a specific curriculum that covers areas such as human behavior and teaches them how to employ social work research methods in everyday life.

Every BSW program is different. When doing research to find the best BSW program for you, there are a few factors you may want to keep in mind. Examples include social work degree accreditation, general BSW program requirements, curricula differences, scholarship availability, and more.

On-campus vs. online social work degrees

If you choose to earn your social work degree on campus, you will be in a traditional classroom setting on designated days of the week. However, when you earn your social work degree online, you enjoy location flexibility. As a distance learner, you avoid daily commutes to and from campus.

Many social work positions involve direct client services. Both on-campus and online BSW programs include fieldwork requirements. Supervised fieldwork is an essential component of social work education. Be mindful of this when selecting your BSW program and be sure you can balance personal obligations with fieldwork requirements.

Accreditation of social work degrees

The Council on Social Work Education is the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the United States. All CSWE-accredited bachelor’s and master’s social work degree programs meet educational standards that prepare graduates for professional work in the field. More importantly, an accredited program sets students up to obtain the appropriate social work licensure for their state.

General admission requirements

Every social work program will differ in terms of admissions standards. However, some general admission requirements may include:

  • A high school diploma or GED
  • SAT or ACT scores (acceptable scores for the program will vary)
  • GPA (standard GPA for the program will vary)

Some programs may also require letters of recommendation, high school transcripts, or a personal essay. When researching your desired BSW program, either on campus or online, familiarize yourself with the specific admission requirements so you know what to expect and what materials to prepare when applying.

Internships, practicums, and fieldwork

All accredited social work programs require fieldwork, which may be in the form of internships or practicums. CSWE-accredited BSW programs usually require a minimum of 400 hours of fieldwork. The exact number of hours required for internships or practicums vary from program to program. Fieldwork hours required for licensure may also vary by state.

Fieldwork is important when working toward your BSW because it provides real, hands-on experience. This will prepare you for entry-level social work jobs and give you a feel for what to expect as a social worker.

Though supervised internships and practicums have a set duration, you can still contribute to the wellbeing of the people and communities you are serving.

Scholarships

Whether you decide to get your BSW online or on campus, you can still apply for social work scholarships. The college or university offering your desired program may offer scholarship funding, as well as the state and federal government.

Scholarship eligibility requirements and the amount of money offered varies. As you do your research, you can also discover scholarships available exclusively to social work students.

BSW coursework and specializations

BSW coursework and program curricula will differ depending on the program you choose. You will typically complete coursework on topics such as social work research methods, policy and advocacy, the history of social work, and more.

While working toward your BSW, whether online or on campus, you will have the chance to explore and identify the social work specialization that interests you most.There are different types of social work. Depending on your desired specialization, the coursework will differ to meet those needs.

Some of the many BSW specializations you can explore include:

  • Case management
  • Human services
  • Community outreach
  • Juvenile liaison

Core concepts you will encounter during your BSW studies

A lot of the core concepts you can expect to encounter during your BSW studies may stem from subjects like psychology, sociology, research, and public policy. Those subjects serve as foundations to help you understand general social work theories and other specializations in the field. The profession of social work requires ample research to prepare you to serve individuals and communities.

Why you might consider a BSW and a career in social work

Through coursework, field placement, and more, your BSW degree can prepare you to work in a variety of settings. Whether you find yourself meeting with clients in their homes or attending court hearings, your daily efforts can have a positive and wide-reaching impact. This is what drives many professionals in the field. If you’re empathetic, an active listener, and possess strong organizational skills, a career in social work might be a good fit.

What can you do with a bachelor’s in social work?

Traditional or online BSW programs may lead to different types of opportunities in social work. While all social workers aim to improve the quality of life for their clients, how they work to achieve this goal may look different. One social worker might be employed by a community organization that works with policymakers to develop or improve programs, services, policies, and social conditions, while another might carry out their daily tasks in a group home.

Examples of social work positions include:

  • Case manager
  • Mental health assistant
  • Residential counselor

Pursuing licensing with a BSW

Social work state licensing is important in social work, as it ensures social workers are meeting professional standards. The education requirements for social work licensure vary depending on the level of licensure you’re seeking. Some states provide licensure to BSW holders.

Every state has different licensing rules and requirements, so you will need to spend time learning about them. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)  is a good starting point to review your state’s licensing and testing requirements.

Advanced social work degrees

A BSW is often the first step in becoming a social worker, however, there are higher social work degree options available that may help you elevate your social work career. Some programs even combine on-campus and online instruction. If you are interested in becoming a clinical social worker for example, you must earn a master’s degree in social work (MSW) to provide clinical services.

Once you receive your BSW, which typically takes about four years, you can go on to obtain your MSW. An MSW can be completed in as few as two years through an on-campus or online program.

Master’s degree in social work

A master’s degree in social work is the degree you earn upon graduation from an accredited MSW program. While a BSW allows you to explore entry-level positions within social work, an MSW enables you to explore more advanced career options.

Upon obtaining your MSW and fulfilling additional requirements specified by your state’s licensing board, you may become eligible for the relevant graduate-level social work license in your state.

Advantages of a BSW: Advanced standing MSW programs

A possible advantage to earning your BSW online or on campus is that you have access to advanced-standing MSW programs. These are programs designed for students who have earned their BSW from an accredited social work program. They tend to take less time to complete than the traditional MSW program and build on your existing BSW education.

Jobs available with an MSW

Earning your MSW may open up a larger range of social work careers to you. As with BSW programs, MSW students have the opportunity to specialize depending on their interests. Some MSW jobs include:

  • Clinical social worker
  • Hospice or palliative social worker
  • Pediatric social worker
  • Policy analyst
  • Mental health counselor
  • Substance use and recovery treatment counselor

Doctorate in Social Work (DSW)

A doctorate in social work or DSW is another educational path within the field of social work. A DSW offers advanced training in a specific social work practice and prepares students for advanced positions in the field, mainly leadership and management roles.

Often, one of the main areas of focus when working toward a DSW is clinical social work. Requirements for DSW programs vary. However, prospective students must have their master’s degree. Whether or not your master’s degree has to be in social work depends on your desired program.

What can you do with a DSW?

Those interested in pursuing a DSW can prepare for numerous career options such as:

  • Advanced practice clinical social worker
  • Social and community service manager
  • Human services administrator
  • Social work administrator

PhD in social work

A PhD in social work is another advanced program of study that prepares candidates for research positions in the social work field.

Not to be confused with a DSW, a PhD focuses on research while a DSW is designed to prepare students to work in different environments and provide high-level support to other social work personnel.

Who should consider a PhD?

If you are interested in teaching or social work research, you may want to consider a PhD. While factors like responsibilities, work hours, and work environments may differ for professionals with a PhD compared to other degree holders in the field, your work and expertise can set the foundation for different types of social workers, influencing their daily practices.

Why social work is important

From identifying client needs to maintaining files and records to drafting evidence-based research, the social work practice is important as it is how everyday problems within society and communities, big or small, are addressed. As a social worker, you will support clients across the lifespan, from various ethnic backgrounds and, at times, with illnesses, disabilities, or behavioral issues.

Clinical social work in particular aligns with, and in some ways, is very similar to mental health roles like psychologist, counselor, and therapist.

While schooling can play a role in your preparedness for social work practice, qualities such as good communication, problem-solving, and emotional balance can make a difference in your daily work.

National social work organizations

National social work organizations give students and practitioners access to resources to enhance their professional development. There are many national social work organizations. Some may focus on specific groups of people based on their race, ethnicity, or even certain religious affiliations. Others focus on social work specialties.

Whatever work environment you find yourself in or population you work with, try to find an organization that supports your growth and allows you to network with peers. Start your search for a social work organization by exploring the list below:

National Association of Social Workers

One of the more well-known national social work organizations is the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). This organization has hundreds of thousands of members and has been around since 1955. Its mission includes enhancing the personal development of members and implementing standards for members to follow in social work. Its mission includes enhancing the personal development of members and implementing standards for members to follow in social work.

National Association of Black Social Workers

The National Association of Black Social Workers(NABSW), established in 1968, empowers and enhances the quality of life for people of African ancestry by providing resources, research, and advocacy. It has more than 100 membership chapters and several university and college chapters.

School Social Work Association of America

The School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA), established in 1994, connects and empowers social workers in schools. The Kentucky-based organization holds summer leadership and legislative meetings annually.

Clinical Social Work Association

The Clinical Social Work Association (CSWA) is devoted to clinical social workers. The organization operates as a board to bring a sense of community to clinical social workers all over the nation, providing them with resources, tools, and news.

International Association of Schools of Social Work

The International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) brings social work educators together, fosters international exchange, and promotes “the development of social work education throughout the world.” Creating standards to enhance the quality of social work education is one way the group fulfills its mission.

FAQ

Is a BSW worth it?

Earning a BSW is one of the first steps you can take to enter the social work field. If you are interested in working in the social work field in an entry-level role, a BSW might be a viable option for you. However, a BSW does not grant you access to all job roles in the field.

If you plan on continuing your studies in social work, a BSW is a stepping-stone to a master’s in social work (MSW).

Can you get an MSW without a BSW?

If you don’t have a BSW and are interested in getting your MSW, you may be curious if that is a possibility. In short, the answer is yes. You can obtain your MSW without a BSW as it is not generally an admission requirement. If you do not have your BSW, you may want to research traditional-standing MSW programs, instead of an advanced-standing MSW program for students who have earned their BSW.

Is a BSW a BA or a BS?

Whether your BSW is considered a BA or a BS depends on your desired program’s educational standards and requirements. BSW programs often provide this information on the school websites. 

What is the best online college for social work?

While there are many program rankings out there, the best online college for social work differs depending on the student’s individual needs. A program that works best for one individual may differ for another. This is why it is important to do your research to find what program meets your needs.

Last updated January 2024