Best Online Bachelor’s in Social Work Degrees

A career in social work can be a fulfilling career for those who want to help vulnerable populations. Social workers make a difference in lives by connecting them to vital services and resources.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is an excellent first step towards becoming a licensed social worker. This degree can also offer career opportunities for people who might not want to become a social worker but do want to work in social services.

Many colleges and universities offer BSW programs, including online degrees for students who prefer flexible or remote learning.

An online bachelor’s degree serves as the first step in the ladder of becoming a social worker. In many states, social workers need at least a BSW to earn licensure. Most states require at least a master’s in social work (MSW). While some MSW programs accept students with a bachelor’s in a related field, a BSW may allow you to enroll with advanced standing, shortening the time required to graduate.

Many people choose to go the online route because of the flexibility it affords, especially compared to a traditional on-campus program. Distance learning programs offer students the convenience of studying from home, and they also offer several different learning formats, such as full time, part time, and accelerated.

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When researching online social work degrees, look for schools and programs with accreditation. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is primarily responsible for accrediting social work programs.

Independent higher education agencies evaluate programs to ensure the school provides quality education. Unaccredited programs may not offer the same standard of education, and you may not be able to earn your license without an accredited degree.

The higher education system has a few different types of accreditation. Programmatic accreditation focuses on specific programs or areas of study. Institutional accreditation agencies assess entire schools. Regional accreditation agencies regulate schools within a specific region of the U.S., like the Northwest or New England.

For many, the career goals of social work students involve becoming a licensed social worker. These professionals can choose a specialty area, such as child welfare, schools, mental health and substance abuse, healthcare, families, and older adults.

In some states, candidates can earn a bachelor’s-level license with a BSW. They can also work within the social work industry, but in social worker-adjacent jobs — they could become case managers, community outreach managers, community health workers, and social service managers, to name a few options.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that social workers earned a median annual salary of $58,380 in 2023. The BLS also projects that the social work field will grow by 7% each year from 2022 to 2032 — significantly faster than the national average.

To become a licensed social worker, you need an accredited degree in the field. However, a degree isn’t the only requirement for social workers, and the specific steps vary state by state. Below, you can find four general steps to take to begin your career.

A BSW gives students the theoretical and practical knowledge they need for their career. Students also participate in training through supervised fieldwork. Completing a BSW can allow you to become a licensed bachelor social worker (LBSW) in some states.

Even for states that require a master’s in social work (MSW) for licensure, a BSW can help students earn their second degree more quickly. Those who go on to master’s programs can jump start their graduate degree through advanced standing.

Only some states offer social work licensure for BSW graduates. In those states, social workers may feel satisfied with their careers by obtaining their bachelor’s-level license. Even if they wish to become a master’s-level social worker, starting at a bachelor’s-level social worker can give them valuable experience in the field.

If you want to become a licensed master’s social worker or a licensed clinical social worker, then the next step involves going to graduate school. Students can earn an MSW in 2-3 years, or faster if they enroll in an advanced standing or accelerated program.

Candidates must also complete postgraduate supervised experience, and they may need to take additional examinations to become licensed at this level.

States usually require additional steps to earn social work licensure. Sometimes social work candidates must participate in around 23,000-4,000 hours of post-graduate supervised experience. They also may need to pass a qualifying exam.

If you wish to become a master’s-level or advanced specialist social worker, then you continue on towards earning an MSW and completing these additional requirements after graduating.

Students can find several resources about social work online, including the ASWB’s website that compares licensure requirements for each state. You can read through a few more academic and career resources below.

Established in 2006, CSWA supports the development of clinical social workers. The association advocates for social workers while offering members access to legal assistance, a professional network, and career development resources.

Established in 1955, NASW is the largest professional organization supporting the career development of social workers. You can find information on scholarships and fellowships on its website.

Founded in 1994, SSWR serves over 1,800 members from 45 states and over a dozen countries. Members get several benefits, including newsletters, reduced subscription rates, and access to a job posting service.

The accreditation agency for social work programs is the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This agency accredited both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the subject. Students should also look for regional or national accreditation of their college or university.

You won’t find one definite answer to this question. While a traditional bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete, online social work programs give students considerably more flexibility and format options. Accelerated learners might finish even quicker, in three years or even less. Part-time students may need more time to finish the program.

Like any other social work program, distance learning degrees require fieldwork experience on location — not online. Students can often find a fieldwork placement near their homes for a more convenient commute. Fieldwork is always supervised, allowing learners to gain professional experience in a monitored and educational setting.

Many students agree that an online social work degree is worth it. A distance learning degree often allows learners to maintain their lifestyles, personal commitments, and even part- or full-time jobs. For individuals who feel passionately about social work, an online program can serve as a flexible way into the industry.