Bachelor's in social work degrees
A bachelor's in social work can prepare you with the knowledge, skills, and experience you need for a social services role that makes a difference in the community.
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Why pursue an online bachelor's in social work?
Meet licensure requirements in most states
A BSW degree will prepare you for licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW) licensure in your state after submitting an application, your official transcript, and completing a proctored licensing exam.
Qualify for advanced standing
With a BSW, you might qualify for advanced standing in the master's in social work (MSW) program of your choice, allowing you to bypass foundational social work courses and complete your graduate degree in less time.
Work with specific populations
As a social worker, you will have the opportunity to work with people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
A bachelor's in social work (BSW) can lead to a meaningful career helping people navigate mental health, family, or social challenges. With a focus on field work and practical skills, BSW programs offer students a hands-on approach to higher education.
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What jobs can you get with an online bachelor's in social work?
With a BSW degree, you can pursue non-clinical roles such as social and community service manager, health education specialist, or probation officer.
Social workers interested in clinical roles, such as mental health therapists or substance use counselors, must earn a master's in social work and work toward clinical licensure.
Salary expectations and career outlook for social workers
Among BSW and MSW degree holders, social workers earned a median annual salary of $58,380 in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Clinical social workers and healthcare social workers with master's in social work (MSW) degrees typically earn the highest salaries in social work. The Bureau reports that jobs for social workers are expected to grow by 7% from 2023-33, which is faster than the 4% projected across all occupations.
Below are a few non-clinical roles you can pursue with a BSW, with median annual salaries from the BLS:
| Job | Median annual salary |
|---|---|
| Health education specialist | $62,860 |
| Social and community service managers | $77,030 |
| Probation officer | $61,800 |
What can you learn in an online bachelor's in social work program?
Most BSW programs require you to complete 46-48 credits in social work courses and a 400-hour practicum that offers hands-on experience in the field under the supervision of an experienced social work supervisor.
Core program courses focus on human behavior, diversity and cultural understanding, case management, and crisis intervention. Practice-oriented courses focus on work in child welfare or with other populations.
An online bachelor's in social work program can equip you with the knowledge, skills, and experience you need to launch a meaningful career post-graduation.
Online format
Completing a bachelor's of social work online can be convenient for students balancing work, school, and family responsibilities with coursework.
To complete your degree program online, you will need a computer and high-speed internet. Online coursework typically includes self-paced learning modules, written assignments, and face-to-face video conferencing for group discussion or individual instruction.
Some fieldwork activities may also be completed remotely, though field placement requirements vary widely. Expect your field placement practicum to be completed in person.
If you currently work at a social services agency, you may be able to apply for an employment-based field placement. Contact your program's field liaison to learn more.
Further education in social work
- : With an MSW degree, you can work toward becoming a licensed clinical social worker in your state, providing mental health, substance use, and other counseling services to clients in your community.
- Doctorate in social work (DSW): A DSW prepares you to train and supervise social workers as well as conduct applied research in the field.
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in social work: With a PhD in social work, you can teach social work students at the university level and conduct research to further the field of social work.