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2024 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work (BSW) Programs

By OnlineU Staff Writers | Updated 2/9/2024

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
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2024 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Social Work Badge

An online bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) provides students with a profound understanding of community dynamics, social policy, and compassionate intervention. BSW graduates can unlock numerous opportunities within the social services field, where they become catalysts for positive change in the lives of vulnerable individuals and families. 

The following compilation spotlights the best online degrees in social work, evaluated based on the highest post-graduation salaries of each school's alumni and online enrollment, guiding prospective students to make data-informed decisions. View our methodology for more details about our list, or learn about OnlineU. Also, universities have affordable online social work degrees, which may offer a more accessible route for some. 

2024 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Social Work Badge

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
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#1   Simmons University

  • Salary Score: A+
  • Median Earning: $58,336
  • Online Enrollment: 58 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $44,350

You can pursue an online Bachelor of Social Work at Simmons University. If you see yourself helping others through social justice, this fully remote program is for you. Courses include Interviewing & Documentation in Human Services, Social Work Practice IV: Macro Social Work, and Introduction to Social Research. Like graduates of similar degrees, you'll be set up for social worker roles with immigrants, children, and older populations.

Why we like them: This program is for you if you prefer more structured studies that blend online learning with scheduled video sessions. In other words, coursework is synchronous using live classes. Simmons believes this creates a more "immersive and engaging digital campus." Faculty members act as mentors, and you can collaborate with your classmates while learning about today's most important social issues.

  • Salary Score: A+
  • Median Earning: $58,336
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $36,606
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 74%
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Recommend Rate: 70%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

#2   University of Hawaii at Manoa

  • Salary Score: A
  • Median Earning: $51,751
  • Online Enrollment: 6,503 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $34,218

The University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH Manoa) puts you on a professional track for social work with an online Bachelor of Social Work that includes practical experience and highlights diversity. You take courses such as General Social Work Practice, Social Welfare as a Social Institution, and Human Behavior and the Social Environment. Supervised field experiences are also required. It's common for graduates to get jobs as professional social workers specializing in individual, family, and organizational needs.

Why we like them: Students who require a highly flexible study schedule will appreciate this program. Online social work courses are delivered asynchronously, meaning you can study whenever you want as long as you meet assignment deadlines. Classes are taken in five-week formats, making it easier to fit in with your work or home life. After finishing the general education portion, you can study part-time or full-time. Hawaiian students will find this program particularly beneficial because it highlights the social needs of their local population.

  • Salary Score: A
  • Median Earning: $51,751
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 80%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $7,954
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 62%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Recommend Rate: 87%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

#3   Metropolitan State University of Denver

  • Salary Score: A
  • Median Earning: $50,031
  • Online Enrollment: 3,544 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $28,092

Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSUD) designed an online Bachelor of Science in Social Work, which provides a social work education that’s value-driven, research-informed, culturally responsive, and academically rigorous. It connects social work theory with real-world practice. Among the core program courses are Philosophy of Social Work, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, and Social Policy and Social Justice.

Why we like them: To graduate from MSUD's social work degree online, you must complete 480 hours of field experience over two semesters. To fulfill the requirement, you can choose field placement at one of over 700 organizations in Colorado, including mental health clinics, public schools, state and local departments of human services, police departments, or health care settings like hospitals and clinics. You also have access to student groups, including the Student Association of Social Workers, Phi Alpha honor society, and Building Allies of Diversity, where you can connect with peers.

  • Salary Score: A
  • Median Earning: $50,031
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $5,930
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 29%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Recommend Rate: 61%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

#4   University of North Dakota

  • Salary Score: A
  • Median Earning: $49,870
  • Online Enrollment: 2,118 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $15,570

The University of North Dakota's (UND) online Bachelor of Science in Social Work is taught from a social justice perspective with a curriculum that includes conceptual courses on human behavior and social policy, as well as hands-on courses in research and social work practices. Coursework is designed to prepare students for state certification exams. Students can expect to take core courses, such as Social Work Research, Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families, and Social Policy. Students must complete a field internship under the supervision of a licensed field instructor.

Why we like them: At UND, the Home to the Children and Family Services Training Center provides research and training with a strong rural focus. The Center certifies all new child welfare practitioners and all North Dakota foster parents. Alumni pursue careers in family prevention services, disaster relief, and homeless family assistance.

  • Salary Score: A
  • Median Earning: $49,870
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 92%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $6,387
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 63%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Recommend Rate: 91%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

#5   Bemidji State University

  • Salary Score: A-
  • Median Earning: $48,772
  • Online Enrollment: 1,136 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $10,130

At Bemidji State University (BMU), you can earn an online Bachelor of Social Work. This hybrid program incorporates online classes and hands-on learning through a 480-hour internship. Expect courses like Interpersonal Relations, Human Behavior in the Social Environment, and Family Dynamics & Intervention. The field portion can be completed at a human service organization in your local community. After graduation, roles are available as community health workers, community service managers, and social workers.

Why we like them: We understand that social workers need plenty of hands-on training due to the type of work required and state licensing requirements. Because it's a hybrid degree, you must visit campus one Saturday per month. It's all part of the cohort-style learning format that keeps all students at the same graduation pace.

  • Salary Score: A-
  • Median Earning: $48,772
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 92%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $7,381
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Recommend Rate: 75%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

#6   Our Lady of the Lake University

  • Salary Score: A-
  • Median Earning: $48,423
  • Online Enrollment: 183 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $31,124

The online Bachelor of Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) focuses on social work for the Hispanic demographic, including their economic, psychological, and sociological needs. Expect to take courses in Social Welfare Policy: Programs and Service, Principles of Generalist Social Work Practice, Human Behavior and Diverse Populations, and a field practicum. After graduation, you'll be eligible to take an exam to become a licensed social worker. This credential will help you land a job as a crisis intervention specialist, life skills counselor, and mental health assistant.

Why we like them: We believe diversity is critical to any good BSW. According to OLLU, this is one of only a small handful of online degrees that allow you to focus your studies on the Hispanic population in the United States. You can also earn certificates on violence prevention, dismantling oppression, and leadership without adding extra courses.

  • Salary Score: A-
  • Median Earning: $48,423
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $23,349
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 38%
  • Retention Rate: 57%
  • Recommend Rate: 89%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

#7   Portland State University

  • Salary Score: B+
  • Median Earning: $47,055
  • Online Enrollment: 2,172 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $29,706

At Portland State University (PSU), you can complete an online Bachelor of Arts/Science in Social Work. This undergraduate degree incorporates social, economic, and racial studies and equips you with enough professional experience to be successful after graduation. The BS in social work features second language courses, and the BA in social work includes science labs. Both tracks have core courses like Human Behavior through the Lifespan, Introduction to Oppression and Privilege, and Advocacy for Policy Change.

Why we like them: Once enrolled, you can apply for The Child Welfare Education Program, which pays $10,000 per year to help cover BSW tuition. There's also a leadership component if you want to pursue a master's in social work. Speaking of graduate studies, this degree also offers a pathway to MSW Advanced Standing programs with schools around the country that allow you to graduate with a master's in less than 15 months. You'll be positioned for work as a probation officer, substance abuse counselor, and school social worker.

  • Salary Score: B+
  • Median Earning: $47,055
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 89%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $9,750
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 53%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Recommend Rate: 91%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

#8   Keuka College

  • Salary Score: B+
  • Median Earning: $46,999
  • Online Enrollment: 103 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $36,191

Keuka College (KC) has an online Bachelor of Science in Social Work that teaches social work through live and self-paced classes. You'll study the basics of advocacy and social justice and participate in courses such as Human Behavior and Social Environment, Social Welfare Policy and Services, and Social Work Research Methods. You can complete your field requirements at an agency in your community.

Why we like them: Although you can't become a mental health counselor with only a BSW, you can use KC's program as a stepping stone to an Advanced Standing master's degree and apply for a New York counseling license. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation (CSWE) helps ensure you're in a quality foundational program built for advancement.

  • Salary Score: B+
  • Median Earning: $46,999
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $25,528
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 52%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Recommend Rate: 75%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

#9   University of Arkansas at Little Rock

  • Salary Score: B+
  • Median Earning: $46,872
  • Online Enrollment: 2,723 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $18,957

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) has an online Bachelor of Social Work that teaches distance learners how to assess and evaluate human behavior. You'll study social work through different perspectives with courses like Social Welfare Policy, Statistics for Social Workers, and Case Management in SOWK. Most graduates become social workers at hospitals, schools, and government agencies.

Why we like them: A portion of the curriculum is designed to increase your writing skills. Three courses cover persuasive writing, technical writing, and editing. We believe this is a great asset to your burgeoning social worker career because it allows you to advocate for policies and communicate your research. Additionally, four field-based courses include seminars and real-world experiences. This can provides you with invaluable hands-on learning opportunities and practical skills essential for your future career.

  • Salary Score: B+
  • Median Earning: $46,872
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 99%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $10,494
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 42%
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Recommend Rate: 83%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

#10   Temple University

  • Salary Score: B+
  • Median Earning: $46,307
  • Online Enrollment: 2,381 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $35,608

Temple University (TU) offers social work studies with an online Bachelor of Social Work. Here, you explore the societal systems that work for and against vulnerable populations. Study institutional racism, housing assistance, and the healthcare system through courses such as Social Welfare in the US, Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Communities and Organizations, and History and Values of Social Welfare.

Why we like them: While on-campus students typically take four years to graduate, online students can finish all their requirements remotely in around two years. Of course, this means you'll have to study full-time, which may affect any job responsibilities. But it'll allow more time to complete your internships and put you on a fast track to permanent social work positions. As with any good BSW, this one also requires 400 hours of fieldwork. Entry-level social worker jobs will be waiting for you after graduation.

  • Salary Score: B+
  • Median Earning: $46,307
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 93%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $11,575
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 78%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Recommend Rate: 94%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

#11   University of Michigan - Flint

  • Salary Score: B+
  • Median Earning: $46,279
  • Online Enrollment: 2,252 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $25,506

By taking the online Bachelor of Science in Social Work at the University of Michigan - Flint (UM Flint), you can gain a strong foundation in theory and participate with ample hands-on learning at the community level. Synchronous and asynchronous courses include Social Justice and Diversity, Social Work Focused Writing and Values Clarification, and Protective Services. The 33-credit professional block includes supervised field instruction.

Why we like them: We know how important it is to find an affordable BSW. UM Flint offers an impressive list of scholarships for social work students. There are eight total, most of which are merit-based and require you to maintain a certain GPA. A lot of them are even available to part-time students. Scholarships like these usually award a few thousand dollars to help pay for tuition and other education expenses.

  • Salary Score: B+
  • Median Earning: $46,279
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $13,389
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 46%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Recommend Rate: 92%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

#12   University of Alaska Fairbanks

  • Salary Score: B+
  • Median Earning: $46,261
  • Online Enrollment: 2,933 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $22,032

You can study social work at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) through an online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. The curriculum takes a practitioner's approach, using 400 hours of field experience to prepare you to help the people of Alaska. Content includes Social Welfare History, Social Welfare: Policies and Issues, and Human Behavior in the Social Environment. The supervised practicum makes up 12 of the 120 required credits. Training in an actual social service facility sets you up for a career in similar agency environments.

Why we like them: We appreciate online programs that dedicate coursework to a specific region. Often, there are unique needs that are best left to trained regional professionals to meet. Alaskan students learn more about native populations, especially those in rural locations.

  • Salary Score: B+
  • Median Earning: $46,261
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $8,704
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 35%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
  • Recommend Rate: 87%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

#13   Lewis-Clark State College

  • Salary Score: B
  • Median Earning: $45,877
  • Online Enrollment: 788 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $20,252

At Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC), you can earn an online Bachelor of Social Work where you learn general practices. The curriculum uses activities, projects, and fieldwork to teach you all the skills to protect human rights and advocate for social justice. Sample courses include Social Work Policy, Diversity Awareness in Social Work Practice, and Social Work Practice Foundations. It also includes field-based seminars and experiences.

Why we like them: LCSC says this is northern Idaho's only accredited BSW, making it particularly good for students who are living or want to work in that region. This course emphasizes ethics and goodwill, which gives you the best foundation to help the most at-risk people. We believe this is the core of an effective social worker.

  • Salary Score: B
  • Median Earning: $45,877
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 95%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $6,555
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 37%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Recommend Rate: 100%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

#14   UMass Global

  • Salary Score: B
  • Median Earning: $45,868
  • Online Enrollment: 10,196 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $12,520

The online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at UMass Global teaches courses like Human Behavior and the Social Environment II: Adulthood & Aging, Social Work Practice: Groups, and Diversity and Justice in a Global Society to build your talents in intervention and assessment for vulnerable people. Admissions counselors are supportive and will guide you through the schedule so you can balance your career, home life, and social work studies. Classes are entirely asynchronous, meaning you don't have to attend class on a set schedule.

Why we like them: The 400-hour field experience will help you pursue healthcare, social service manager, and school social worker jobs. This experiential learning opportunity helps students develop crucial skills such as communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making, which are essential for success in healthcare and social service management roles.

  • Salary Score: B
  • Median Earning: $45,868
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 67%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $1,878
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 43%
  • Retention Rate: 40%
  • Recommend Rate: 55%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

#15   Aurora University

  • Salary Score: B
  • Median Earning: $45,232
  • Online Enrollment: 426 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $27,420

You can pursue an online Bachelor of Social Work at Aurora University (AU). This degree provides you with a faculty mentor who helps you apply your skills in real-world settings. You engage in courses such as Social Work Practice with Individuals, Social Welfare: Institutions and Policies, and Human Behavior in the Social Environment: Adult Lifespan. Once you finish all the requirements, including the field instruction portion, you can explore careers as an addiction treatment counselor, eligibility worker, and policy advocate.

Why we like them: Some course content is available on open-source platforms. This means you can study without paying virtual textbook fees for certain courses. Besides this cost savings, another benefit is that you can specialize in Addictions or Child Welfare, furthering your expertise in a particular niche within the discipline. Both of these options qualify you for their respective professional licenses. You can use your completion status to apply for AU's Master of Social Work.

  • Salary Score: B
  • Median Earning: $45,232
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $19,830
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 60%
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Recommend Rate: 88%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

#16   Spring Arbor University Online

  • Salary Score: B-
  • Median Earning: $44,456
  • Online Enrollment: 163 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $31,660

The online Bachelor of Social Work at Spring Arbor University (SAU), a Christian liberal arts college, is designed to teach core principles and concepts and build applicable skills through practice. Courses vary in length, from 6-15 weeks. The curriculum includes courses on racial and ethnic relations, social welfare policies, and social work practices among individuals and families.

Why we like them: Enrolled online students are assigned a program mentor and a student success coach who can assist with personal and professional development. This mentorship helps prepare BSW graduates to work in domestic violence centers, hospitals, child welfare offices, and nursing homes, to name a few areas. This online bachelor's program also prepares qualified Michigan residents to earn a Child Welfare Endorsement.

  • Salary Score: B-
  • Median Earning: $44,456
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $20,677
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 60%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Recommend Rate: 50%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

#17   Georgia State University

  • Salary Score: B-
  • Median Earning: $44,442
  • Online Enrollment: 3,662 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $23,709

Georgia State University (GSU) hosts an online Bachelor of Social Work that can help prepare you for a Georgia clinical license. This online social work program features nine competencies covering ethical behavior, diversity, human rights, and research. Official courses include Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Methods of Social Work Research, and Advancing Social Justice Through Culturally Responsive Social Work. Twelve credits are dedicated to your field experience.

Why we like them: GSU wants to make sure you're thoughtfully prepared to study social work. You must complete two years of lower division courses before being accepted as an "exploratory social work student." Then, you can officially apply for the BSW during the spring of your junior year. To keep you on track, an undergraduate advisor will be with you every step of the way. After graduation, you can apply to social worker openings in hospitals, nonprofits, and schools.

  • Salary Score: B-
  • Median Earning: $44,442
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 95%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $11,563
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 55%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Recommend Rate: 86%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

#18   Texas State University

  • Salary Score: B-
  • Median Earning: $44,094
  • Online Enrollment: 2,490 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $22,559

Once enrolled at Texas State University (TSU), you can study toward a Bachelor of Social Work. This is a fully online bachelor's degree that explores economic issues and social injustice for individuals and entire communities. You'll explore specific problems, like through the Alcoholism and Chemical Dependence course, and study through generalist courses, such as Seminar in Human Behavior and Social Environment and Diversity and Social Justice in Social Work.

Why we like them: This BSW has special accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This partly makes you eligible to apply for a professional social worker license in Texas. The typical degree path begins with entry-level studies and then progresses to major courses before culminating in the field placement. The internship consists of 450 contact hours. Your developed skills can earn you leadership roles in program planning and administration or generalist social worker positions in an agency setting.

  • Salary Score: B-
  • Median Earning: $44,094
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 83%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $11,791
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 56%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Recommend Rate: 94%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

#19   Liberty University

  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Median Earning: N/A
  • Online Enrollment: 34,799 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $11,700

The online Bachelor of Science in Social Work at Liberty University (LU) provides social work training at the community level. This program will help you polish your communication, networking, and research skills. The curriculum features Ethics in Professional Helping, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, and Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families courses. Field placements can be taken locally, no matter where you live in the US. They'll help you pursue careers in social work as a child welfare worker, human services leader, and mental health specialist.

Why we like them: LU hasn't raised its BSW tuition rates in nine years, according to the school's website, and all of the textbooks in this program are electronic and free to use. You'll also save money by completing your fieldwork in your local community. Plus, the coursework is delivered on flexible schedules, allowing you to hold a part-time job while you study.

  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Median Earning: N/A
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 98%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $12,471
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 62%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Recommend Rate: 57%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

#20   Indiana Wesleyan University Online

  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Median Earning: $35,352
  • Online Enrollment: 5,425 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $19,302

Indiana Wesleyan University Online (IWU Online) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Social Work - Counseling with a clinical approach to teaching social work. Much of the coursework is client-focused, meaning you learn to study different personalities and conduct interviews. Example coursework includes Theory and Practice of Group Counseling, Contemporary Theories in Psychotherapy, and Interview Skills in Human Services. Supervised field training also prepares you to be a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW).

Why we like them: IWU has other areas of emphasis besides counseling that may be just as interesting to online BSW students. The Addictions specialization teaches the intervention skills needed to stop the cycle of substance and behavior issues that millions of people struggle with. Meanwhile, the Child Advocacy specialization looks closer at social work in school settings and examines problems of neglect, development, and safety.

  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Median Earning: $35,352
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 93%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $13,410
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Recommend Rate: 40%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

#21   Troy University

  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Median Earning: $38,183
  • Online Enrollment: 4,925 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $13,520

At Troy University, you can pursue social work through an online Bachelor of Science in Social Work that blends theory and practice with an accredited curriculum. Some examples of courses you take are Ethics in Helping Professions, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, and Practicing Cultural Competency. You learn through online assignments, projects, and real-world experience. Expect to find social work jobs with advocacy groups, community organizations, and government agencies.

Why we like them: This is a comprehensive degree that attempts to cover all areas of social work, including the various skills needed to support individuals, groups, families, communities, and systems. Troy ensures you'll be prepared to transition into social work by offering interviews and meet-and-greets with professionals in the field.

  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Median Earning: $38,183
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 96%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $8,806
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 45%
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Recommend Rate: 77%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

#22   Northwestern State University of Louisiana

  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Median Earning: $39,137
  • Online Enrollment: 4,905 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $19,460

Gain crucial skills with an online Bachelor of Social Work from Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA). Learn to strengthen your critical thinking, professional values, and problem-solving skills. Some coursework focuses on different types of social work, such as Preparation for Marriage and Family Life, Child Welfare and the Law, and Generalist Practice with Communities and Organizations.

Why we like them: This is an incredibly well-defined program. NSULA outlines several competencies you'll study, including diversity, human rights, research, policy, and professional skills and behavior. Then, it lists all the skills you'll learn through the generalist intervention model. And finally, it defines six core values you'll be taught as an aspiring social worker. This broad training sets you up for human services and social worker jobs in different settings.

  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Median Earning: $39,137
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 97%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $9,499
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 46%
  • Retention Rate: 61%
  • Recommend Rate: 83%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

#23   University of Cincinnati

  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Median Earning: $41,234
  • Online Enrollment: 4,382 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $28,540

The University of Cincinnati (UC) puts you on a professional track to become a social worker with an online Bachelor of Social Work. You take courses such as Mental Health Perspectives in Social Work, Human Diversity and Generalist Social Work Practice, and Assessment and Diagnosis in Substance Abuse Counseling.

Why we like them: One of the most intriguing parts of this program is that it teaches you about the medications counselors can prescribe. This is done through two key courses: Drugs and Behavior and Basic Pharmacology. So, not only will you study treatment plans, but you'll also learn about chemical dependency. After graduation, you can sit for your state's BSW social work licenses to become a generalist social worker.

  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Median Earning: $41,234
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 84%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $8,733
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 72%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Recommend Rate: 86%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

#24   Northern Arizona University

  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Median Earning: $40,193
  • Online Enrollment: 4,186 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $27,536

Northern Arizona University (NAU) offers an online Bachelor of Social Work program to prepare students to become licensed generalist social workers in many states. Students will take courses in areas such as ethnicity, gender, human biology, social and economic justice, and indigenous populations of the southwest. Students must complete a senior seminar course to meet the online program’s capstone requirement. Alumni are prepared to earn certification in industry niches, such as victim advocacy, health care services, elderly care, and community advocacy.

Why we like them: NAU offers a robust support system for online students, providing access to essential resources such as the student library, 24/7 technical support, financial aid opportunities, and tutoring services. Moreover, online students benefit from personalized guidance and mentorship from dedicated faculty members who are committed to supporting their academic success. This comprehensive support infrastructure ensures that online students have the tools and guidance they need to thrive in their studies and achieve their educational goals.

  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Median Earning: $40,193
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $11,865
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 59%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Recommend Rate: 84%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

#25   Wayne State University

  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Median Earning: $41,817
  • Online Enrollment: 3,773 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $31,364

Studying at Wayne State University (WSU) with a focus on social work allows you to earn an online Bachelor of Social Work. This is the perfect program for you if you want to study alongside your classmates in a cohort style using interactive tools. Expect courses such as Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare, Professional Writing for Social Workers, and Foundations of Ethics and Values in Social Work.

Why we like them: We understand how important it is for online students to meet their state's licensing requirements during their degree. The field placement takes two semesters, giving you plenty of experience to apply for a social worker job. Graduates of this online social work program will be eligible to sit for the Limited License Bachelor of Social Work (LLBSW) exam in Michigan.

  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Median Earning: $41,817
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 98%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $10,605
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 60%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Recommend Rate: 84%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

#26   University of Memphis

  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Median Earning: $38,835
  • Online Enrollment: 3,230 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $14,280

The online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at the University of Memphis (UofM) teaches social work as a general practice. This means you earn a broad set of foundational skills through courses in Writing for Social Work, Social Work Practice, and Introduction to Social Work Research. Only a few courses cover specific topics, such as social services for racial and ethnic minorities. Field experience is also required.

Why we like them: This program is ideal for students pursuing a professional license in Tennessee. Once you finish all your degree requirements, you'll be ready to become a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Work (LBSW) and Licensed School Social Worker (LSSW). You'll also qualify for an Advanced Standing master's degree.

  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Median Earning: $38,835
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 99%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $9,625
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 48%
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Recommend Rate: 84%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

#27   Maryville University

  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Median Earning: N/A
  • Online Enrollment: 2,913 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $27,166

As a social work student at Maryville University, you can pursue an online Bachelor of Social Work that teaches you to help vulnerable people better their lives. Courses include Human Behavior in Context: Social Work Theories, Policy and Policy Reform: The Laws of Change, and Financial Social Work: Asset Management and Education.

Why we like them: While many BSWs only focus on the "hows" of social work, meaning the baseline skills you need to meet license requirements, Maryville digs into the "whys." For example, you'll learn why it's vital to advance human rights, conduct social research, and understand human behavior. By delving into the underlying principles and rationales behind social work practices, we believe students gain a deeper understanding of the profession's core values and ethical considerations. This comprehensive approach not only equips students with practical skills but also fosters critical thinking, empathy, and a broader perspective on social issues.

  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Median Earning: N/A
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 99%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $17,914
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Retention Rate: 83%
  • Recommend Rate: 49%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

#28   University of Louisville

  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Median Earning: $40,047
  • Online Enrollment: 2,378 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $28,866

The University of Louisville (UofL) hosts an online Bachelor of Social Work that focuses on skills and knowledge related to the impact of social work on families, institutions, and communities. Through core online courses — like Introduction to Social Work Policy, Social Welfare Institutions and Policy, Policies and Social Justice Practice — this bachelor's in social work prepares students to practice with people who have suffered oppression, such as racism, sexism, heterosexism, classism, ageism, and ableism at the individual, community, and institutional levels of society.

Why we like them: You are required to complete a seminar, lab, and a 450-hour practicum. This provides you with hands-on, real-world experience in social work practice, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to practical situations. This experiential learning component can help you develop crucial skills, such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which are essential for success in the field of social work.

  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Median Earning: $40,047
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 98%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $12,216
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 61%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Recommend Rate: 90%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

Online Social Work Bachelor's Degrees You May Be Interested In


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Overview of Online BSWs

Most online social work degrees feature an asynchronous class format — including core social work courses and electives — that doesn't require students to be online at particular times. Instead, they can complete assignments and watch lecture recordings at their convenience as long as they respect due dates. However, most bachelor's degrees and all pre-licensure master's degrees require field experience, which online learners must complete at an approved site.



A social work bachelor's degree is the minimum credential needed to become a social worker anywhere in the U.S.


What Is a Social Work Degree?

A social work bachelor's degree is the minimum credential needed to become a social worker anywhere in the U.S. Instructors in these programs seek to train compassionate, ethical professionals who can help a variety of people while working for government agencies, nonprofit groups, healthcare employers, or correctional facilities.

A Bachelor's in Social Work (BSW) can require four years of full-time study to complete but often takes longer than that. Some schools offer part-time degrees that let enrollees study at a slower pace as they balance work with school and other responsibilities.

Because online education is more popular than ever, many schools provide social work bachelor's degrees through distance learning platforms. Online learners usually take asynchronous classes with no set meeting times. They can sign in to a learning management platform at their convenience to submit assignments, watch recorded lectures, and discuss topics with classmates.

Looking for the most budget-friendly social work program? Explore our rankings of the most affordable online BSWs and our list of affordable MSWs.

Degree Requirements for BSWs

Social work bachelor's programs usually require 120 credit hours of coursework split between general education and major classes. In addition, they all have a field experience requirement. Students can gain up to 400 hours of supervised real-world experience during an internship, externship, or practicum. Even online students need to complete these experiences in person in an approved setting.

Admissions

College application timelines usually begin several months to a year before actually starting classes. If you want to enroll for the fall term, you'll usually be applying to college sometime between November and February. Typically, college applications cost $30-90 in the form of a nonrefundable processing fee. Most colleges ask for similar items from potential candidates. Here's a typical application package:

  • Official high school or GED transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 2.0-2.5

  • A letter of recommendation from a teacher

  • A personal statement on education and career goals

  • Official ACT or SAT scores, with minimums that vary by school (note that some schools have dropped entrance exam requirements)

Common BSW Courses

Many social work programs feature similar curricula because they want to maintain programmatic accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). We've listed some common foundational courses below:

Crisis Intervention

Social workers may encounter people in various states of distress, and this class teaches them how to handle these situations gracefully. Faculty usually discuss assessment, legal and policy issues, ethics, and referral.

Human Behavior in Social Contexts

This course covers individuals' shifting identities within different groups. Lessons might cover organization theory, social systems theory, family dynamics, and cultural diversity.

Social Policy

Students typically learn the history of social welfare policy before digging into the policymaking process. Professors often lecture on the major social agencies at the federal and state levels, as well as the goals of different policy campaigns.

Social Work Research Methods

This class covers the major quantitative and qualitative research paradigms and how students can combine them. Faculty typically emphasize how to use research to inform social work practice and how to review others' research with a critical eye.

Social Work Specializations

Most BSW and MSW degrees are generalist programs, but some schools may let you choose a concentration to tailor your studies. Since social workers can work in diverse industries and with a range of client populations, it may be beneficial to have specialist knowledge in the field that most interests you. 

We've listed a few social work specializations below:

  • Aging specialists help older adults access care and discuss their physical and mental health concerns. Students might learn about societal perspectives on aging, nutrition for older adults, and physiology beyond middle age.
  • A specialty in children and adolescents can benefit those who want to work in schools or human services. This concentration typically includes courses on developmental psychology and human behavior, family dynamics in various cultures, and ethical responsibilities when working with children.
  • Healthcare is a broad specialization for students who want to help people navigate care for their physical and mental well-being. Coursework may cover client advocacy, acute care, depression, and major healthcare legislation.
  • A substance use and addiction concentration trains future social workers to help clients with substance use disorder. They learn about the neurophysiological effects of drugs and alcohol, types of treatment plans, and relevant laws and policies.

What Can You Do With a Bachelor's in Social Work Degree?

Before graduating, most BSW students either start applying to graduate school or looking for jobs. We detail each of these options below. 

What Degree Do You Need To Be a Social Worker?

With a bachelor of social work under your belt, you can begin applying for more advanced social work degrees. There are three types: a Master of Social Work (MSW), a practice doctorate that is called a Doctor of Social Work (DSW), and a research doctorate, which is usually called a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Master of Social Work

An MSW may qualify you for a more advanced social work license in your state that increases your scope of possible responsibilities. In fact, most states only grant clinical social work licenses to MSW-prepared social workers because of the responsibility that clinical social workers have as mental health professionals. 

Doctorate in Social Work

DSWs may qualify graduates for senior positions in social work practice, such as leadership roles in their area of specialty. PhD students typically want to advance the social work field through research, and they often find jobs as professors and conduct original studies to write about.

Social Work Careers

A BSW might make you eligible for a number of careers in social work across different focus areas. BSW graduates become social workers who assist students with their problems in schools, help medical patients readjust to life after illness or injury, and serve their communities as employees of social welfare agencies. 

Many bachelor's-level positions involve macro social work, which refers to social workers helping groups of people through community organization or policy development. Some BSW graduates find jobs at the micro level, where they might help counsel people one on one or in small groups, but most of these roles are reserved for licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) who hold MSW degrees. 

Learn more about possible job opportunities by reading our page on careers in social work.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Social Worker?

You can become a social worker in as little as four years if you take a full-time course load and complete your bachelor's degree in that time. However, most students need more than four years to finish. Once you finish a bachelor's program, becoming an LCSW takes another four to six years: two or three years to earn a master's degree, at least two years of supervised practice, and some time to schedule, complete, and receive the results from a licensure exam.

Earning a doctorate takes at least three more years. In general, a DSW takes less time to complete than a PhD in social work because PhDs usually require more dissertation research. Therefore, DSW students may be able to join the job market more quickly than PhD candidates.

FAQs About Bachelor's in Social Work Programs

What Can You Do With a Social Work Degree?


Most BSW graduates apply for jobs as social workers, a field with a median yearly salary of $55,350 and a faster-than-average growth rate of 7% through 2032. But they may also be eligible for careers as health education specialists, social and community service managers, or other roles in social services.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Social Work Degree?


The latest government data gives 52 months as the median time to finish a bachelor's degree. It's possible to graduate college early if you're disciplined and have a number of factors in your favor, such as financial independence and plenty of credits to transfer into your program.

Is Human Services the Same as Social Work?


Human services is a broader field than social work, encompassing any program intended to help people in financial, physical, or psychological need. A human services career often involves the administration or leadership of teams at nonprofit organizations or government agencies. Social work is a type of human services work whose practitioners provide care and help allocate resources to clients.

Why Is Social Work Important?


Social workers try to change people's lives for the better by listening to people in crisis, teaching them useful skills, and referring them to helpful programs and other professionals. They might meet people who need help coping with change because they're adjusting to school, being treated at a healthcare facility, or are incarcerated.

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