Find your perfect college degree
The National Institutes of Mental Health discloses that one in five US adults has a mental illness. The need for experts in mood disorders, substance abuse, anxiety, psychosis, and other mental illnesses guarantees actual job growth for social workers.
Obtaining entry-level social working occupations with a BSW in several states is possible. By enrolling in an online bachelor’s program in social work, you will learn the fundamentals of the profession.
Besides participating in group discussions, writing papers, researching, studying assigned material, and giving virtual presentations, you can also expect to participate in group projects and write papers.
The field of social work is fit for those who have the passion to help and serve others. If you want to improve the quality of life of others, you may obtain licensure in social work, but the first step is to enroll in an online Bachelor of Social Work program.
The Lowdown
Social workers are in high demand since many diverse populations require assistance to cope with everyday problems. A solid plan is to acquire an online bachelor’s degree in social work to start understanding and improving people’s lives.
Working with various clients, including at-risk populations pursuing social justice, will be part of your training. Online bachelor’s programs in social work also cover how politics and the executive branch affect or prescribe social welfare policies.
Methodology
Want to be a social worker? It starts with finding quality colleges! There is no shortage of online social work universities—and we compiled a list of the best programs for you! We made sure each Bachelor of Social Work online program on this list meets these criteria:
- Delivers rigorous coursework through online classes and hybrid learning formats,
- Features a comprehensive discussion of the fundamentals of Social Work as a discipline,
- Prepares students for master’s degree programs or entry-level careers,
- Taught by seasoned instructors and professional social workers,
- Develops students’ soft skills, especially as critical thinkers, problem-solvers, leaders, and communicators, preparing them for the important work expected of Social Work graduates,
- Qualifies students for federal aid and financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, payment plans, student loans, and veteran benefits to reduce the Social Work degree cost,
- Received accreditation from one or more accrediting agencies and Department of Education-approved academic organizations.
See our Methodology page for more details.
10 Best Online Colleges with Online Degrees in Social Work
Walden University
Online Bachelor of Social Work
Get ready to change the world in your small but impactful ways through Walden’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program. You develop as a practitioner and social change agent through interesting training, lifelike simulations, and practical experiences.
You may be eligible to transfer up to 130 quarter previous credits into the BSW program if you have taken college-level courses at another accredited university.
As a Walden Social Work graduate, you will be prepared for the demands of today’s social work field, thanks to the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) standards. This is also a solid step toward pursuing a Master of Social Work.
What’s Unique About this Program:
You can learn and practice in-demand skills in a secure and encouraging atmosphere with a fun Skills Lab, video case studies, and other activities. For students without prior college credit, this specialized online learning route offers resources, tuition discounts, and support.
Receive assistance getting ready for your state license exam, including reviewing sample questions and crucial test-taking techniques.
Did You Know?
The BSW program aims to foster the growth of scholar-practitioners in generalist social work who can offer moral, fact-based services to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Social workers with a BSW degree are prepared to engage in generalist social work using critical thinking abilities and evidence-based practice.
University of Cincinnati
Online Bachelor of Social Work
The Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Cincinnati Online prepares students to work as community social workers. Students who completed a two-year associate degree in Pre-Social Work or a related field are the best candidates for this online bachelor of social work program.
This online degree holds several available start dates for enrollment anytime.
Some sample courses in this Social Work program are the following:
- Social welfare
- Drug addiction therapy
- Human behavior
- Mental health awareness
The job life of a social worker is demanding, varied, and satisfying regardless of specialty. No matter your organization or company, you know you’ll create a good impact. As you partake in this online social work degree, most of your time is spent providing individual or group therapy to children in an elementary school system.
What’s Unique About this Program:
With a Bachelor of Social Work from UC Online, students can acquire the skills and experience necessary to begin working as community social workers. Fieldwork is conducted locally during the program’s final year, making it convenient for students taking social work classes online from any location.
You’ll have the privilege to serve as an advocate or in a policy-directing position, analyzing new data and reviewing policy proposals. You can also serve as a family counselor, helping parents maintain custody of their children and family stability.
Did You Know?
Their committed faculty for the online Bachelor of Social Work degree is made up of social workers and professionals with experience in neighborhood projects connected to homelessness, cancer, foster care, protective services, and more.
Ball State University
Online Bachelor of Social Work
With a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Ball State University, you’ll gain skills that are in high demand and ready for immediate use. Right after graduation, you can pave the way for your career in servicing others.
Social workers are expected to possess a wide range of abilities. The abilities you pick up in your classes are transferable to many fields of work and can be used immediately.
This online Social Work program is focused on honing your skills such as:
- Relationship-building
- Group or individual assessment
- Advising
- Intervention
- Policy evaluation
Some organizations or industries that you can work for are:
- Juvenile center
- Correctional center
- Mental health facilities
- Addiction rehabilitation facilities
- Schools
- Domestic violence shelters
- Nonprofit organizations
- Child welfare services
A social worker can work for both a government agency and a private company.
What’s Unique About this Program:
Indiana’s most established approved undergraduate social work program will provide you with knowledgeable instructors. Your teachers are qualified social workers with years of expertise. They take the time to get to know you and your professional aspirations and work with you to fulfill them.
You will use the knowledge you have gained in the classroom in your practicum at a local social services organization during your final semester. To select a placement that will assist you in beginning your career path, you will work closely with the social work department at Ball State.
Did You Know?
It’s important to note that each state will have a different licensing board. You will need a license based on the licensing laws of your state of employment.
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Online Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Metropolitan State University of Denver offers an online BS in Social Work degree. This program aims to make it more accessible to students, including rural, tribal, and non-traditional students, who need increased flexibility in their educational journey.
If you choose to enroll in this online social work degree, you can take advantage of the long years of experience of the faculty and staff at Metropolitan State University. They have continuously provided online student support and advice since 2003 for this social work degree.
The same experienced online educators support and promote learning by developing knowledge, skills, and online communities.
What’s Unique About this Program:
All the online courses for this social work degree have been expertly produced. This focuses on engaging students in an inclusive learning environment while adhering to government accessibility guidelines. Get ready to have one-on-one sessions with a success coach to help you create a unique success strategy.
This curriculum includes training, monthly meetings, and resource recommendations for all online students.
Did You Know?
Their tuition is among the lowest in the state; 30% of our students pay no tuition or fees, and 46% receive financial help. The number of Hispanic students at MSU Denver continues to be the highest among Colorado’s colleges and universities.
University of North Dakota
Online Bachelor of Science in Social Work
The online Bachelor of Social Work degree program at UND is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. In all states that grant BSSW licenses, graduates are eligible to take the social work licensing examination. This online social work bachelor’s program has the most graduates in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana.
When you compare the price of the online social work program at UND, it’s one of the most reasonably priced programs in the country, as you’ll discover. The same low tuition fee is required for all online learners.
Participating in the curriculum allows you to ask questions, get feedback, and connect with your professors and classmates. You will also have an academic advisor to work with. They serve as a priceless resource because they are concerned with your personal and professional success.
What’s Unique About this Program:
This online course structure will appeal to learners who prefer live interaction, engaged conversation, and quick responses. Finish any required readings, gather questions for your teacher, and consider how you might participate in the upcoming live class as you prepare for your classes.
They will also provide you with free one-on-one assistance. You will have a plethora of study materials for self-help.
Did You Know?
- Although most of your courses are provided online, you will visit campus to complete some degree requirements. Through practical exercises, you’ll expand on and apply the knowledge you’ve gained online in there.
- You’ll participate in a 450-hour field placement to better serve your community. Over two semesters, the field placement may be taken part-time. Background checks must be completed before participating in field placements.
Liberty University
Online Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Become more familiar with human psychology when you enroll in Liberty University’s online Bachelor of Science in Social Work program. Learn to assess, interact with, and take action for people, families, and communities.
With the knowledge and abilities you receive from this online social work bachelor’s degree program, you may assist those in your community in taking a step toward living better lives.
You can learn to adapt to harmed communities in a diverse globe with the help of this online BSW degree. Through social work field placements, you can learn from professionals with practical experience in human services and gain real-world work experience in your neighborhood.
What’s Unique About this Program:
You can get the knowledge and experience necessary to operate as a kind, efficient social worker with the help of our online social work degree. You can learn important human psychology information with this curriculum, knowledge that is useful in every business that deals with people.
A BSW degree earned online can help you with various employment choices. You can hone the abilities required for a job as a social worker while putting yourself in a position for future graduate work or other behavioral science positions.
Did You Know?
A team of knowledgeable professors with years of expertise in the real world and a vested interest in your success teaches Liberty’s online BSW program.
The curriculum for their online social work program was carefully created utilizing in-depth research, the expertise of social work practitioners, and strict accreditation standards.
Briar Cliff University
Online Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Briar Cliff University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Social Work program. This degree is focused on enhancing people’s well-being in many ways. And with this, social workers can incorporate positive change in societies.
After all, social workers are at the forefront of promoting individuals’ rights and facilitating constructive social change.
A major in social work at BCU will help you succeed in your career by preparing you for graduate-level social work education and employment.
The curriculum offers opportunities for students to interact with and learn from other licensed social workers. There is a Social Work Club that you can join, which can help you build your network early on.
What’s Unique About this Program:
As soon as you graduate, you will have gained a network of colleagues in this Social Work program. You will have acquired practical experience as you set off on domestic or foreign mission trips to places like Tanzania and Honduras.
You and your friends will lead the relief operations, and you’ll learn about culture while making the most of the experience.
Did You Know?
- The undergraduate social work major prepares generalist social workers for entry-level employment and graduate social work education.
- Briar Cliff University’s social work program includes gerontology in its curriculum.
Eastern Kentucky University
Online Bachelor of Social Work
Eastern Kentucky University’s online Bachelor of Social Work can be completed online. Obtaining this flexible degree will enable you to explore various employment opportunities and develop essential skills for your career advancement.
You can pursue your passion for helping by enrolling in the Social Work program at EKU and building a strong academic foundation as a social work professional.
What’s Unique About this Program:
This online Social Work degree allows you to create an academic plan and won’t require any campus visits. Online tutoring and free career services are available. The program features internships that help you develop relationships with professionals from other fields and find your calling.
Did You Know?
The EKU Office of Academic & Career Services can help meet your career and professional development needs. They can assist you in building your resume, go job hunting, or provide interview coaching and advice.
Huntington University
Online Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Taking up the Bachelor of Science in Social Work at Huntington University right now might be the best time. You may concentrate on your education and the subsequent step in your profession with their five-week online courses.
At Huntington, you can enroll in a program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education and based on Christian doctrine. Their degree satisfies strict requirements for licensure.
In this online social degree, you can gain practical skills you can use to improve people’s lives. Your lecturers will assist you in combining your Christian faith and academic performance.
Huntington University is the place for you if you want to develop deep relationships with faculty mentors and fellow students while advancing your professional skills.
What’s Unique About this Program:
You are well on your way to a wide range of increased prospects with prospective wage increases and more responsibility if you have a degree in social work.
Consider employment opportunities in schools, hospitals, clinics, state and municipal governments, and other youth-serving groups. You can also earn a Master of Arts in Counseling degree and advance your profession.
Did You Know?
You will acquire crucial practical experience to pursue a rewarding career in social work through online courses, volunteer work, and field training.
Malone University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
An online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at Malone University empowers communities and facilitates change through a faith-based education grounded in a Biblical worldview. The online Bachelor of Social Work degree from Malone University can help you launch a career in human services.
At Malone, they provide a challenging curriculum built upon biblical principles that prepares you to work ethically in a field you love.
Field training is included in the curriculum to gain valuable experience on the ground. Their outstanding teachers will mentor and guide you while giving you the direction you need.
What’s Unique About this Program:
Malone University is incredibly proud of all of its graduates. In Ohio, their social work students have one of the greatest success rates for obtaining the necessary LSW certification. Two-thirds of them have pursued graduate studies.
Did You Know?
Admissions at Malone University are accepted continuously. This indicates that applications are evaluated as soon as they are received, and continuing decisions regarding acceptance are made.
Finding the Right Online Bachelor of Social Work Degree
Consider several factors before selecting an online Bachelor of Social Work program. The following factors should be considered before applying to a BSW program, regardless of individual preferences:
Set your goals first.
Before anything else, it’s crucial to set goals when planning your future. If you want to dive into the social work sector, it’s essential to know your plans to achieve your targets.
Whether you want to enroll in an online bachelor of social work or find the best program, it’s best to write your choices or consider a rank list for the best online degrees in social work.
Consider accreditation.
Independent organizations evaluate educators and programs through the accreditation process. Any institution offering an undergraduate or graduate degree must be accredited by an organization such as SOCSCAC or Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Higher Learning Commission, for instance.
Remember that your ability to receive financial aid, enroll in graduate school, and even find work can all be impacted by an institution’s accreditation.
Prospective students pursuing social work licensure should seek out CSWE-accredited programs. License requirements vary from state to state and by type of license.
Check fieldwork requirements.
Online social work programs also come with fieldwork to select the best program, investigate the fieldwork requirements, and how the program facilitates placements for online learners during the application process.
Plan out your timeline.
Several factors will affect your time commitment to finishing an online Bachelor’s in Social Work. If you have limited time to study, you must choose a program accordingly. If you intend to work full-time while earning your bachelor’s degree in social work, consider enrolling in a part-time program.
Several programs offer accelerated options for those who want to finish sooner.
Consider costs.
Even online social work programs come with financial aid options. Online students may qualify for discounts or scholarships and loans. Consider all the fees, including technology, and decide how to pay them.
Compare online learning systems.
Find out whether the courses are synchronous or asynchronous, how many credits are required for full-time and part-time enrollments, and what resources are available online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fieldwork a requirement for earning a Bachelor’s in Social Work degree?
Yes, every BSW program includes an internship or field experience. According to the CSWE, all recognized programs demand at least 400 hours of supervised fieldwork. Most of the time, your school will help you locate an internship or field placement.
Since the BLS indicates that clinical experience is frequently a criterion for licensure, having real-world experience can help you get an entry-level social work license in many jurisdictions.
How long does completing a Bachelor’s in Social Work online take?
When students enroll full-time, bachelor’s degree programs typically last four years to finish; however, many hybrid or online programs for a bachelor’s degree in Social Work permit part-time enrollment, which may lengthen the program’s duration.
Whether you study full- or part-time, your course load will probably include credits in Liberal Arts and Social Work. If you make the effort to earn your BSW degree, you may save time if you decide to go on to earn your MSW.
Summary Points
- A bachelor’s degree in Social Work is something to consider if you’re driven to help people. Additional professional routes can benefit from social work abilities like communication, problem-solving, cooperation, empathy, and leadership.
- Due to society’s diverse and growing issues, it’s obvious that the world needs social work more than ever. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, you can work as a caseworker, child advocate, or mental health assistant in mental health clinics and other facilities. Additionally, you can work as a youth worker, social services professional, or community organizer. You can pursue jobs in education, human resources, and the nonprofit industry in addition to social work and human services.
- Students with Social Work degrees gain knowledge about how individuals and groups interact. They study impairments, behavioral disorders, and problems with the mind.
Additional Information:
