bachelor of social work distance education

Best Online Bachelor’s in Social Work Programs

Many job opportunities in the field of social work require a minimum of a bachelor’s of social work (BSW) degree. Pursuing a BSW is a good foundation for those interested in developing a human services or social work career. Many bachelor’s degree in social work take four years to complete, typically around 128 credit hours, and will include field education requirements where students gain experience working in the field of social work under supervision. In addition to providing the basis for entry level social work jobs, a bachelor’s degree in social work also qualify BSW graduates for advanced standing status if they wish to pursue a master’s in social.

Advanced standing status cuts the duration of participating MSW programs from 60 credit hours, to only 30 credit hours, meaning you can complete your master’s in social work in as little as one year. However, advanced standing arrangements almost always mean you have to have your BSW from a regionally accredited university that has CSWE-accredited social work programs. Our selection of top online BSW programs are all CSWE-accredited programs from regionally accredited universities so that you are in good position to enter into an MSW program should you chose to do so!

This guide features the nation’s best bachelor of social work (BSW) online degrees. To determine the best online degrees, we compared graduation rates, academics, affordability of tuition, and the availability of online programs. Keep reading to learn what it takes to earn an online bachelor’s degree in social work and how to access helpful resources and scholarships.

Featured Bachelor Degrees in Social Work

Explore requirements by state.

Clinical social workers must have a license to work in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Nonclinical social workers must also obtain a license or certificate in most states. Licensed social workers usually need a master’s degree and at least two years of supervised, post-graduate work experience. State licensure boards ultimately determine who is eligible to become a licensed social worker, and consequently, the criteria for clinical and nonclinical positions vary from state to state. This directory allows you to browse the licensing and certification criteria for social workers across the country. To learn more, visit the state pages linked below.

Choose Your State Below

Read more about these online social work programs that are prominently featured on our site. Find information regarding accreditation, cost, admissions requirements, degrees offered, and program overviews to help you find the right online social work degree program for you.

The Best Online Bachelor’s in Social Work Programs of 2023

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Students who earn their bachelor’s degree in social work online enjoy benefits that traditional students miss out on. The format of an online degree appeals primarily to students who have especially busy schedules. Parents, working professionals, and students on a budget can all benefit from BSW online programs. The structure of online BSW programs allows students to study remotely, which means saving money on transportation, parking, and room and board.

Flexibility

Flexibility remains a primary benefit of earning a bachelor’s in social work online degree. Typically, BSW online programs offer asynchronous scheduling that lets students participate in classes remotely, as long as they have a computer and internet access. Even synchronous schedules, which use set class times, do not require students to travel to campus.

Accessibility

Bachelor’s in social work online degrees also provide students with ample accessibility. Online students can access lectures, reading materials, tests, and class discussions online. Additionally, out-of-state students can study at schools hundreds of miles away — often paying in-state tuition rates — and international students can attend college from across the globe.

Online BSW programs break down barriers, allowing students from anywhere in the world to attend classes. The improved affordability, flexibility, and accessibility mean students from different ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds can come together virtually to study and obtain an expansive network for future job opportunities.

Students enrolled in a bachelor’s in social work online program use distance learning programs such as Blackboard and Moodle, which allow them to connect with professors and classmates. These programs provide students with easy access to discussion boards, university resources, and coursework.

How to Choose an Online Social Work Program

A college education comes at a large cost — in terms of both time and money — so it makes sense that people conduct a lot of research when figuring out where to go to school. Students weigh numerous factors when applying for college, including a school’s overall cost, accreditation status, and location. Determining which college best suits your needs is a process, and you should consider several aspects to help you weigh your options.

First, to ensure that you receive a quality education, make sure that your prospective schools hold regional or national accreditation. Accreditation serves as a stamp of approval that protects students. Regional accreditation is a more prestigious designation than national accreditation. Two- and four-year academic schools tend to earn regional accreditation, whereas vocational and for-profit schools usually earn national accreditation. Students should also consider the graduation and retention rates of prospective programs to gage the success of an MSW online program.

Cost often represents a significant factor in a student’s decision-making process. Students should consider the financial aid packages schools offer to students who prove financial need based on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications, particularly aid reserved for minority students and veterans .

Finally, even for distance learners, a college’s location can also influence where they decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work online. Students sometimes consider out-of-state BSW online programs when a program offers better career opportunities and resources for social workers. With this in mind, make sure to investigate the state criteria for becoming a licensed social worker, as well as other state requirements that may pertain to your career goals.

Accreditation for Online Bachelor’s in Social Work Programs

The two most common types of accreditation are regional and national. Credits earned from regionally accredited institutions are more widely accepted by other college programs. Degrees earned from regionally accredited schools are also more desired by employers, as they usually have more rigorous standards. Students pursuing their online bachelor’s degree in social work need to pay attention to accreditation. If bachelor’s students wish to continue their education by earning a master of social work, they will need to have bachelor’s credits from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited college or university. Licensing requirements outline that applicants must have earned their bachelor’s or master’s degree from a college or university that is CSWE-accredited.

Popular Online Social Work Degrees

Social work provides a fulfilling career for people who want to help others improve their lives. To learn more about earning a bachelor’s, master’s , or doctorate in social work, click on the guides listed below. You can read information about the courses offered in typical social work programs, common specialties pursued by social workers, and careers you can pursue after graduation.

Certifications and Licenses for Social Workers

Licensed social workers work with many types of patients to treat mental, emotional, and behavioral issues. Exact requirements for licensure depend on the state. At a minimum, applicants need to hold a master’s degree in social work to become a licensed social worker . Additionally, after graduating from an accredited online MSW program, social workers must accrue supervised work experience and pass required exams.

Social workers can also advance in their careers by obtaining certifications from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Certifications allow social workers to demonstrate experience in a variety of specialties, such as case management, palliative care, and addiction.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

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Social workers can find jobs that suit their work experience, education level, and personality. Most social workers also focus on a specialty by pursuing continuing education, licenses, and/or certifications. Earning a specialty better prepares social workers to find jobs in their desired fields, such as substance abuse or child and family services. For more information about social work careers, visit our careers page and check out the jobs described below.

School Social Worker

School social workers must hold a master’s degree in social work. These counselors work in elementary, middle, and high schools to help students with their studies and social skills.

Entry-Level Pay: $45,000 Late-Career Pay: $63,000

Mental Health Counselors

Some employers only require mental health counselors to hold a bachelor’s degree, while others prefer a master’s. Mental health counselors help people suffering from mental health issues. They may work with children and adults.

Entry-Level Pay: $50,000 Late-Career Pay: $61,000

Child and Family Social Workers

Child and family social workers work to help parents considering adoption and children in school who have truancy or behavioral problems. They can find work in schools, hospitals, and government agencies.

Entry-Level Pay: $39,000 Late-Career Pay: $50,000

A licensed clinical social worker helps people cope with their mental health issues. These professionals conduct evaluations and aid patients in finding jobs and treatment. Many work in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers.

Entry-Level Pay: $50,000 Late-Career Pay: $63,000

Medical Social Worker

Medical social workers often serve as a patient’s first point of contact. These workers may document a patient’s medical history, and when patients need medical referrals, social workers step in to help.