Many career paths, including social work, begin with a bachelor’s degree. For students who want to help others and are interested in public health or counseling, a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) might be the right course. In many states, a BSW is the minimum educational requirement to achieve entry-level licensure as a social worker.
Social workers can be found in various settings, including schools, healthcare systems, correctional facilities, and community mental health centers. Despite these diverse environments, they share a common purpose. Social workers are united by their commitment to advocating for social justice that positively impacts communities. They assist clients in identifying solutions for negative behaviors, developing healthy coping mechanisms for challenging situations, and accessing social resources.
There are numerous BSW programs available on-campus to local students, but there are also online and hybrid options. Regardless of format, a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is required for entry-level social work licensure, where applicable, and for admittance to advanced standing Master of Social Work (MSW) programs.
The program cards and tables featured on this page were last updated in November 2021. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.
Women with 17+ prior college credits or an associate degree: Complete your Bachelor of Social Work in a supportive women’s online BSW program.
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We’ve found several BSW degree online programs that are CSWE-accredited, with some offering minors.
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 3+ years
Credits: 70
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 120
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 120
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 120
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Bachelors of Arts in Social Work
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 60
Concentrations:Human Behavior
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 60+
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 64
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 120
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Bachelors of Arts in Social Work
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: N/A
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 120
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 120
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 120
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Women with 17+ prior college credits or an associate degree: Complete your Bachelor of Social Work in a supportive women’s online BSW program. Simmons University has been empowering women leaders for more than 100 years — and offering innovative online degree programs since 2013. Up to 96 transfer credits accepted. Request information now.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Credits: 128
Admission Requirements:
SPONSORED
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 120
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 3+ years
Credits: 120
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 120
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 120
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 57
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 3+ years
Credits: 120
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 3+ years
Credits: 120
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 3+ years
Credits: 120
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 120
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 3+ years
Credits: 120
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
In an accredited Bachelor of Social Work online program, you’ll explore the foundations of social work. Your classes will take place online, with some scheduled for specific times and others being entirely self-paced.
Anticipate listening to lectures, completing assigned readings, performing research, writing papers, participating in group discussions, and giving virtual presentations. In hybrid programs, you may take in-person classes in the evenings and on the weekends.
Another aspect of many Bachelor of Social Work online programs is a specialization. Students considering a social work career should think through their preferred work setting, the issues they’re passionate about, or populations they’d like to serve. You can choose a BSW degree specialization based on your interests.
Students hoping to earn a BSW degree should familiarize themselves with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This organization accredits BSW and MSW programs. Earning a CSWE-accredited BSW degree online may help prepare you for entry-level licensure, depending on your state’s rules.
Students in social work programs study how people function individually as well as in groups. Additionally, they learn about mental health issues, behavioral disorders, and disabilities. This prepares them to work with a wide range of people, including at-risk populations. Bachelor of Social Work online programs also look at how politics and government influence or dictate social welfare policies.
A typical BSW degree curriculum may cover topics such as:
Full-time students typically complete a bachelor’s degree program in four years. However, many online and hybrid Bachelor of Social Work programs offer part-time study, potentially extending the program’s duration for those who choose this option. Whether you’re a full- or part-time student, your curriculum will likely consist of social work and liberal arts credits.
By taking the time to complete a BSW degree, you might save time later if you want to pursue a master’s degree in social work (MSW) or eventually a doctorate in social work (DSW). An MSW generally takes two years to complete. However, with an accredited BSW, you may be able to enroll in an advanced standing program which takes about a year to complete.
Yes, all BSW programs incorporate internship or field experiences. According to the CSWE, all accredited programs require at least 400 hours of supervised field experience. This real-world experience allows aspiring professionals to gain insight into the daily activities of a social worker. Typically, your school will assist you in finding an internship or field placement. Depending on the state, individuals may need post-degree experience to obtain a baccalaureate-level social work license.
A Bachelor of Social Work may help you obtain licensure, but it’s important to understand your state’s unique licensing requirements. Typically, a BSW enables you to pursue the base level of social work license: a Licensed Bachelor of Social Work (LBSW) or similar. You may obtain an LBSW license by applying to your state’s board of social work and passing the Bachelors Exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).
If you eventually want to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed master social worker (LMSW), you will require a master’s degree in social work and more supervised work experience. There are also online clinical MSW programs that can help prepare you for LCSW licensure. You’ll also have to take the ASWB’s clinical exam.
Examining how different programs prepare you for licensure in their respective states is helpful. Out-of-state students might encounter different licensing requirements in their home state versus their school’s state. If you’re considering attending school in a state different from where you plan to work, make sure you’re aware of any differences in the licensure requirements and steps you may need to take to meet additional requirements.
Many students rely on federal loans, grants, and scholarships to cover tuition costs. Thankfully, there are many social work scholarships available. You can look for scholarships available through national and state-specific professional organizations, local businesses and nonprofits, and the social work school you choose to attend. It also can be helpful to look for scholarships for specific demographics, such as women, minorities, and veterans.
The following organizations offer various scholarships:
Prospective social work students can learn more about the profession through associations, online publications, and blogs. Here are some resources for undergraduate social work students:
Graduates of BSW programs may qualify for several entry-level positions, though the type of social work career you pursue can depend on your state’s licensing requirements. In some states, a BSW qualifies you for a license, such as an LBSW. In other states, however, professionals must have at least an MSW to obtain licensure.
Here are some types of social work careers you can pursue:
• Child and family social work: Protect children experiencing neglect or abuse and connect families with housing, childcare, or food stamps.
• School social work: Work with parents and teachers to improve a student’s academic performance or social development.
Learn more on how to become a school social worker.
• Health care social work: Help patients adjust to their health circumstances and get connected with support resources as needed.
Learn more on how to become a medical social worker.
• Mental health and substance abuse social work: Assist patients diagnosed with mental health illnesses or living with addictions.
Learn more on how to become a mental health social worker.
There is significant overlap between counseling and social work. Counselors work with individuals or families to address life changes and challenges. Social workers often do the same, but operate within a broader range of social services. In other words, social work can include counseling.
To provide counseling, most states require you to have a master’s degree, such as a master’s in counseling. Students who hope to diagnose mental conditions and provide treatment through therapy must pursue a clinical license, which also requires at least a master’s degree.
Tuition varies depending on the BSW degree program. Private and out-of-state institutions are typically more expensive than public or in-state options.
Consider each program’s tuition, fees, and other expenses when choosing a degree program. For example, some online programs may charge a fee per online credit to support online course delivery. When considering the cost of your degree and how you plan to finance it, you may also want to research social worker salaries to get an idea of earning potential for graduates entering the field.
Some students may express concern that an online Bachelor of Social Work isn’t as rigorous or esteemed as an on-campus program. However, that’s not the case. Online programs can also be accredited and typically feature comparable curricula to on-campus programs. In addition, online classes are often designed and taught by the same full-time faculty that teach on-campus classes. BSW coursework online may provide less in-person connection than an on-campus program, but it can prepare students just as well for social work careers.
Last updated December 2023
