How to choose a bachelors in social work

Written by: Jason Lee, Edited by: Jenny Kiesewetter

Published: February 13, 2025

Choosing the right bachelor's in social work program is an important first step in preparing for a career in helping individuals, families, and the community better navigate challenging times.

Find out what factors to consider when choosing a bachelor's in social work program so you can select one that aligns with your academic and career goals.

Guide to choosing a bachelor's degree in social work

When it comes to choosing a bachelor's degree in social work program, make sure you're looking at the right criteria. Here are several factors to consider:

Accreditation

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is a private organization that reviews and approves social work education programs to ensure they meet educational standards and prepare students for careers as social workers.

As of October 2024, 546 bachelor's in social work programs were actively CSWE accredited.

Available specializations and concentrations

Some social work programs allow you to choose a concentration in areas like:

Mental health
Substance use
Crisis intervention
School social work

Degree programs support these concentrations through additional electives, specialized professors, or dedicated minors.

Fieldwork and school partnerships

An accredited bachelor's in social work program requires you to complete supervised fieldwork. Fieldwork can be completed in schools, treatment centers, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or similar social work groups.

Schools may have existing partnerships with organizations to make fieldwork placement easier. Additionally, your chosen school may help you leverage these partnerships to assist with job placement after graduation.

Staff diversity

Social work requires working with a diverse group of people from a wide range of backgrounds. A great social work program understands this and hires a diverse staff with unique professional and life experiences.

Staff diversity gives you exposure to a wide range of perspectives and teachings that can help set you up for career success.

Student-to-instructor ratio

Finding a bachelor's in social work program that offers a low student-to-teacher ratio and small class sizes may be an important factor in choosing which school you want to attend.

The more intimate experience you get during the learning process, the stronger the skills you're likely to develop. A smaller student-to-instructor ratio can provide you with more opportunities to hone communication, intervention practice, and counseling skills alongside trained professors.

Explore bachelor's degrees in social work

Are you ready to delve deeper into the complex world of social work? Then check out edX's courses and programs in social work and get started today.

Common questions about getting a bachelor's degree in social work

Is a social work bachelor's degree worth it?

For most entry-level jobs in the field of social work, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor's in social work program can help prepare you for jobs like adoption service specialist, activities director, probation officer, child welfare specialist, or caseworker.

How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree in social work?

Students who attend a bachelor's degree in social work program full-time generally complete the program in about four years, though some schools may offer accelerated programs with larger course loads that may allow you to graduate sooner.

What are the benefits of getting a bachelor's degree in social work?

A bachelor's degree in social work can prepare you for unique job opportunities helping under-resourced populations. In these programs you will develop skills like active listening, mental health assessment, and clear communication.

Skill Development

Career