Best Online Social Work (BSW) Degrees of 2023
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- A bachelor of social work will set you up for a rewarding helping career with higher-than-median pay.
- Earning your degree online from an accredited program can save you time and money.
- Graduates go on to work in hospitals, schools, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and private practice.
You care about social justice. You're committed to your community. You're invested in using evidence-based strategies to make life better for other people.
You should get an online social work degree.
In an online social work program, you'll learn everything you need to know to pursue a career in social welfare, policy, advocacy, or education — and we can help you get started.
Popular Online Bachelor's in Social Work Programs
Best Online Social Work Programs of 2023
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
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University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, AR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $280
Out of State | N/A
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
If you're looking to start your education in the fall semester, consider researching UA Little Rock. The social work degree is limited to Arkansas residents and offers classes in social welfare policy, human behavior, and addictions. Other graduation requirements include two field experiences.
UA Little Rock uses a March 1 application deadline. You must complete specific undergraduate prerequisites before applying to the major. All students pay the same per-credit tuition rate.
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $410
Out of State | $410
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
Apply to CU for an online undergraduate education that features synchronous instruction. The university's degree in social work offers eight-week classes and focuses on human behavior, diversity, and statistics. Other graduation requirements include 12 credits of field experience.
Application requirements include three recommendation letters and official high school or undergraduate transcripts. CU accepts up to 72 transfer credits, such as an associate degree from an accredited college. You must submit the FAFSA to apply for federal and institutional aid.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Mix of Self-Paced and Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $390
Out of State | $390
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
Liberty offers dozens of fully accredited online undergraduate degrees. The social work degree's core curriculum includes classes in ethics in professional helping and human behavior. Another course is social work practice with individuals and families. All classes use electronic textbooks provided at no extra cost.
Application materials include submitting unofficial or official transcripts and the FAFSA. Liberty awards scholarships to first responders, veterans, and members of specific Christian denominations. You can apply for these and other financial aid opportunities on the university's scholarship website.
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Waxahachie, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $415
Out of State | $415
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
Consider SAGU if you want to work as a community or group social worker. The university's degree in social work requires core coursework in social work practice, social welfare policies, and women's studies. Other graduation requirements include classes in the Bible and Christianity.
SAGU's admission requirements include submitting official high school or undergraduate transcripts. First-year and transfer students may qualify for institutional aid.
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $408
Out of State | $408
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
UND offers a synchronous online education, letting you learn alongside and network with learners nationwide. The social work degree requires classes in introduction to psychology, social policy, and social work research. You'll also complete two field education experiences.
UND features three annual start dates, and application materials include an essay. You must also submit a resume and a recorded video interview. All online degree-seekers pay the same per-credit tuition rate regardless of residency.
Brescia University
Owensboro, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $450
Out of State | $450
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
Research Brescia if you plan to continue working while in school. The university's degree in social work offers asynchronous instruction with classes in human behavior and research methods. Electives let you customize your education with a minor or second major.
Brescia considers applications year-round. You'll work with an admissions counselor to determine what materials you must submit. Provide SAT or ACT scores if you want to apply for institutional scholarships.
Aurora University
Aurora, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $438
Out of State | $438
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
Research AU if you want a bachelor's program offering specializations. The online social work degree lets you specialize in addictions or child welfare. Core classes in both tracks include survey of social work, human behavior in the social environment, and social work practice with individuals.
AU limits applicants to those with at least two years of work experience. You'll also need a minimum 2.5 high school or undergraduate GPA. Popular careers for graduates include case management aide, eligibility worker, and policy advocate.
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $431
Out of State | $987
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
Apply to WSU if you want an education that emphasizes hands-on experiences. The social work degree requires a 460-hour field placement alongside classes in human behavior, research methods, and social welfare policy. WSU offers a part-time curriculum for working degree-seekers.
WSU accepts new students for the fall semester, and application requirements include a statement of purpose and a resume. The university encourages you to attend an online information session before applying. You only need to submit the FAFSA to apply for all institutional grants and scholarships.
Bemidji State University
Bemidji, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Hybrid | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $314
Out of State | $314
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
BSU's undergraduate programs prepare you for a career or graduate school admissions. The online social work degree uses a hybrid curriculum with some coursework taken on the university's Bemidji, Minnesota campus. The cohort learning model features classes in interpersonal relations, human behavior in the social environment, and social welfare policy.
BSU accepts applications for the spring and summer semesters. You must complete general education requirements before applying to the social work program. Other requirements include a personal essay, a case study, and a reference letter.
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $426
Out of State | $426
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
IWU's faith-based curriculum trains you for a career as a caseworker or residential counselor. The university's online social work degree requires classes in intergroup relations, statistical analysis, and social policy. You'll also complete two field experiences in the final year.
You need a high school or GED diploma to apply. You may earn up to 40 undergraduate credits through the IWU assessment learning process. The university also accepts up to 45 transfer credits.
Is a Bachelor's in Social Work Worth It?
Yes — many people find careers in social work to be personally rewarding. If you're motivated to help others, a bachelor's degree in social work is worth considering. Social work skills like communication, problem-solving, teamwork, empathy, and leadership are also transferable to many other career paths.
“I always tell prospective students that a social work degree is so much more useful than a psychology or sociology bachelor's degree. Social work teaches interpersonal and communication skills in addition to theory.”
— Danica Copp, MSW, LICSW/LCSW
“If you are hoping to make a change in the lives of vulnerable populations, then social work can be extremely fulfilling. … If you are someone that wants to earn more than $50,000 per year, then you might not find a career in social work worth it. And, that is a valid consideration.”
— Lindsey Konchar, MSW, LCSW
“A bachelor's degree in social work teaches you a plethora of transferrable skills that you can use in any field. However, if you want to get the best bang for your buck, my recommendation is that you get a bachelor's and master's degree.”
— Casondra Burkley, LCSW
What Can You Do With a Bachelor's in Social Work Degree?
With a bachelor's in social work, you can become a caseworker, mental health assistant, or child advocate. You can also work as a community coordinator, social services specialist, or youth worker.
Outside of the social work and human services field, you can also pursue careers in education, human resources, and the nonprofit sector.
“This is a very marketable degree. You will learn about justice issues, underserved populations, and how to make a difference in the world. You will be inspired, but you will also have skills to pursue other careers.”
— Danica Copp, MSW, LICSW/LCSW
“Many people assume social work is only for people who want to work with the child abuse agencies … [but] there is so much variety in social work. You can work as a healthcare social worker in a hospital, as a program coordinator with a non-profit or school, justice social worker with the court system … the list is endless.”
— Casondra Burkley, LCSW
Some other popular careers for social work majors include:
Popular Social Work Jobs
- Social and community service manager
- School and career counselor
- Case manager
- Social worker
- Substance abuse counselor
- Behavioral disorder and mental health counselor
- Child and family social worker
- Rehabilitation counselor
How Much Does a Social Work Degree Cost?
So how much exactly will you pay for a social work degree? Well, it depends on the school.
You can save money by choosing a more affordable program. According to the NCES, the average annual tuition cost of a bachelor's degree in 2021 was $9,375 at public four-year universities.
Make sure to ask schools about financial aid opportunities — and remember that you can qualify for federal financial aid programs like the Pell Grant.
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Bachelor's Degree
Public Institution | 2020-21
$9,375
Private Institution | 2020-21
$32,825
Total Average Net Cost of Four Years of College
Public Institution | 2020-21
$56,720
Private Institution (Nonprofit) | 2020-21
$112,200
Read More: How Much Does Online College Cost?
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work?
Earning a bachelor's degree in social work typically takes four years for full-time students. During that time, you'll take general education classes and social work courses. You'll also complete an internship or practicum. And online programs work with you to arrange field study in their local area.
Required Course Credits
120 credits
Field Study Required?
Yes
*Depending on your program and specialization
How Much Money Do Social Workers Make?
It's true that most social workers prioritize helping people over making a high salary. But how much can you earn with a social work degree?
Generally, social workers make around $50,000. That's higher than the median wage for all jobs, which reached $45,760 in May 2021.
A master's degree can boost your earning potential. So can pursuing management roles. Social and community service managers report a median salary of $74,000 per year.
Everything Else You Need to Know About Bachelor's in Social Work (BSW)
Do you need a license to work as a clinical social worker?
Yes, you need a license for clinical social work jobs. And that means earning a master's in social work. Each state sets different licensing requirements. For example, a clinical social worker needs an MSW in every state.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor's in social work?
The highest-paying jobs with a bachelor of social work degree include management roles. For example, social and community services managers report a median annual salary of $74,000. Policy analysts, therapists, and counselors also earn more than the average social work salary.
Is a bachelor's in social work (BSW) degree hard?
Earning your bachelor of social work degree will challenge you. Social work majors learn how to advocate for children in abusive situations and help people manage substance use disorders. The degree requires emotional and mental resilience.
Why is CSWE accreditation important for a degree in social work?
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation is important for three reasons:
- It ensures that your program offers a rigorous, comprehensive, and up-to-date training curriculum.
- It ensures that your program meets licensure requirements in each state.
- It makes you more marketable by signaling to employers that your education qualifies you to work in the field.
