The Best Online Colleges for Social Work of 2025
A career in social work can be fulfilling for those who want to help vulnerable populations. Social workers make a difference in people’s lives by connecting them to vital services and resources.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is an excellent first step toward becoming a licensed social worker. This degree can also open the door to other career opportunities in social and human services.
Many colleges and universities offer accredited BSW programs, including online degrees for students who prefer flexible or remote learning. This guide will help you learn about the best online social work programs.
Why Earn Your Bachelor’s in Social Work Online
Flexible: Online BSWs, especially programs that use recorded lectures, allow you to attend school while maintaining personal or professional obligations. However, you’ll need to complete field work in person in your local area.- Accessible: With distance learning, you can attend some of the best online social work programs from the comfort of your own home. Online learning gives you greater choice and access to specific social work programs that may otherwise require you to relocate.
- Affordable: Attending any type of higher education creates a significant financial investment, but online BSWs can at least remove costs related to travel and room and board.
- Local Placements: Some of the best online social work programs help place students into local professional settings for their practicum requirements, even if the school is on the other side of the country.
Best Online Social Work Bachelor’s Programs
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
Students can enter the online bachelor of social work (BSW) at Georgia State University after finishing the required lower-level coursework. With a comprehensive curriculum covering social work research, methods, and field experiences, the program prepares you for meaningful professional practice.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: CSWE
Program Highlights
- Complete a curriculum aligned with the nine social work competencies to meet Georgia licensure requirements.
- Save over $10,000 per semester on tuition as a Georgia student compared to nonresidents.
- Work with an advisor to customize your degree plan with 18 elective credits.
Know Before You Apply
- Students must complete an in-person field experience in their locality.
- Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in lower-division courses to enroll in BSW coursework.
- In-State$8,948
- Out-of-state$27,986
- In-State$7,164
- Out-of-state$22,662
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate52%
- Students Enrolled34,995
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
The online BSW from the University of Cincinnati provides the foundational requirements for you to pursue a social worker license. Advisors from the social work program help you arrange appropriate field placements in social work settings near where you live.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: CSWE
Program Highlights
- Complete three social work prep courses to ease into the core curriculum.
- Reflect on your social work research and field experiences in interactive seminars.
- Receive up to $1,500 off tuition each semester as a military member.
Know Before You Apply
- Applicants need a minimum GPA of 2.75 and at least 24 credits from an accredited school to enter the social work program.
- The in-person field experience requires 432 hours — about 16 hours of weekly participation.
- In-State$11,892
- Out-of-state$27,226
- In-State$13,224
- Out-of-state$24,966
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled43,976
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Alabama
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
The University of Alabama offers a BSW with online coursework, instructor-led virtual skills labs, and a field education requirement. All UA Online undergraduates pay the same tuition rate regardless of their state of residence.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: CSWE
Program Highlights
- Explore social work strategies for individuals, families, groups, and communities.
- Complete your field experience near your home, or take advantage of opportunities in Washington, D.C., or internationally.
- Applications to the program are open year-round.
Know Before You Apply
- Students must attend a one-day orientation on the Tuscaloosa campus before beginning the program.
- Field coordinators work to set up a field experience location within 60 miles of your home.
- In-State$11,100
- Out-of-state$32,400
- In-State$11,100
- Out-of-state$31,460
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled39,622
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Charter Oak State College
- New Britain, CT
- 4 year
- Online
Why We Chose This Program
Founded in 1973 in New Britain, Connecticut, Charter Oak State College offers numerous online programs for adult learners and a generous credit transfer policy for prior learning. Its BSW includes fully online coursework and 400 practicum hours to help you gain real-world experience.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: CSWE
Program Highlights
- Participate in flexible field experiences requiring eight hours weekly with optional weekend or evening hours.
- Attend part time or full time to fit your schedule.
- Apply throughout the year to begin the program on one of six start dates.
Know Before You Apply
- Students must complete at least 34 credits at Charter Oak.
- The practicum requires one hour of weekly virtual or in-person supervision by a credentialed social worker.
- In-State$7,656
- Out-of-state$10,056
- In-State$9,288
- Out-of-state$9,720
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled1,602
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentNot provided
- AccreditationYes
Eastern Kentucky University
- Richmond, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
The BSW from Eastern Kentucky University is open to students who have declared a major in social work after completing the required lower-division coursework. Graduates have gone on to become social workers for companies like Baptist Health and Heritage Hospice.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: CSWE
Program Highlights
- Finish courses faster with accelerated eight-week terms.
- Take advantage of career services, like resume writing and job searches, during or after completing the program.
- Get all required textbooks for free through the BookSmart program.
Know Before You Apply
- First-year applicants begin as pre-social work majors and must complete 32 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.5 before formally entering the professional social work program.
- The program requires 400 in-person field experience hours, including 100 hours in a social agency.
- In-State$9,544
- Out-of-state$19,922
- In-State$10,008
- Out-of-state$13,644
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled14,324
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment71%
- AccreditationYes
Delaware State University
- Dover, DE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
Delaware State University features an online BSW, the graduates of which can receive advanced standing, allowing for a straightforward path to a master of social work. The only BSW in Delaware, the program aligns with all social work competencies to prepare you to work in numerous industries and settings.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 122
- Programmatic Accreditation: CSWE
Program Highlights
- Complete a generalist social work curriculum covering social work practice, welfare, and societal issues.
- Receive individualized academic guidance from the social work department throughout the program.
- Enroll in a payment plan to help budget for tuition and other expenses.
Know Before You Apply
- Students complete 14 hours of field experience weekly throughout their senior year.
- Juniors apply for official BSW admission by completing an interview and submitting an essay and a list of completed courses.
- In-State$7,038
- Out-of-state$16,960
- In-State$5,160
- Out-of-state$11,376
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled5,826
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
Appalachian State University
- Boone, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
The online BSW from Appalachian State University meets the criteria for North Carolina social work licensure. Upon graduating, you should feel prepared to begin a career as a youth social worker, case manager, or policy advocate.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: CSWE
Program Highlights
- Choose from several optional minors, such as child development or LGBTQ+ studies, to customize your program.
- Study social work abroad and earn college credit.
- Join the Student Association of Social Workers to advocate for the industry and interact with like-minded peers.
Know Before You Apply
- Out-of-state online BSW students pay over $17,000 more per year than North Carolina residents.
- Learners must complete a 440-hour, two-semester field experience at a social work agency.
- In-State$4,242
- Out-of-state$21,238
- In-State$4,839
- Out-of-state$19,849
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled21,253
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Northern Arizona University
- Flagstaff, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
The online BSW from Northern Arizona University explores social work policy, research, and crisis intervention, giving you diverse career options. The program's capstone and field experience combination provides an opportunity for hands-on experience, critical thinking, and reflection.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: CSWE
Program Highlights
- Complete coursework when it fits your schedule while meeting syllabus deadlines.
- Transfer up to 75 credits from one of 21 partnering Arizona community colleges.
- Pair with an online peer mentor who can support you in your studies.
Know Before You Apply
- Students need at least 24 credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 to transition to the BSW program.
- The BSW meets licensure requirements in all 50 states except Oklahoma.
- In-State$11,352
- Out-of-state$27,600
- In-State$11,103
- Out-of-state$20,817
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled28,194
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Murray State University
- Murray, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
Murray State University offers a professional license-focused social work program for students who have completed at least 60 credits of lower-division coursework. Graduates secure work in varied settings, including adult and child protective services and substance use treatment centers.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: CSWE
Program Highlights
- Choose 15 social work elective credits based on your areas of interest.
- Commit to the Public Child Welfare Certification Program to earn a tuition break and a certification.
- Pay the same tuition rate whether you're a Kentucky resident or out-of-state student.
Know Before You Apply
- Students complete 500 field hours during their last semester, or about 32 hours weekly.
- Before applying to the program, students must perform at least 40 hours of volunteer work at a social services agency.
- Online students pay an additional fee of $75 per credit.
- In-State$9,708
- Out-of-state$14,742
- In-State$9,144
- Out-of-state$9,144
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled9,857
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
Huntington University
- Huntington, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
Huntington University's BSW program combines online coursework with field training and community service to meet licensure standards. You'll work toward the program theme of “Globally Aware/Locally Active" to understand different cultures and advocate for others in your community with compassion.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: CSWE
Program Highlights
- Gain valuable interviewing skills through a three-credit interview workshop.
- Learn online with five-week courses that fit into your personal and professional schedule.
- Explore the nine core social work competencies, plus a tenth focusing on faith and ethics.
Know Before You Apply
- Huntington is a Christ-centered university affiliated with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ.
- Online students pay a technology fee of $110 per semester.
- Learners must complete 500 field experience hours in person through an internship, practicum, and seminar.
- In-State$27,914
- Out-of-state$27,914
- In-State$11,856
- Out-of-state$11,856
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled1,472
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment18%
- AccreditationYes
Why Accreditation Matters for Social Work
When researching online social work degrees, look for schools and programs with accreditation.
There are two types of accreditors: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditors assess the quality of academic programs and the strength of the institution as a whole. Programmatic accreditors specialize in a particular field and review programs or departments within an institution.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the primary accreditor for social work programs at universities. Depending on your state, you may not be able to earn your social worker license if you attend an unaccredited program.
Types of Online Social Work Degrees
You can enroll in either a BSW or a bachelor of arts in social work (BASW) program. While both programs focus on social work, BASW programs typically feature additional courses in the humanities, including a foreign language requirement.
Regardless of degree type, social work programs cover topics such as human behavior in the social environment, the history and values of social welfare, and social work practice in community organization. These programs require students to complete field placements before graduation.
Is an Online Social Work Degree Worth It?
$42,340
Average starting salary for social work majors
+7%
Projected job growth for social workers (2023-33)
Though social workers are chronically underpaid for the work they contribute to society, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average growth for social work jobs over the next decade.
Many social work roles require a master’s degree in social work, but completing an undergraduate program can set you on that path. Also, an online BSW can allow you to do so without having to sacrifice your current employment or personal obligations.
BLS data indicates a May 2024 median annual salary of $61,330 for social workers. Though this figure is significantly lower than other positions that perform a social good, like nurses and teachers, it still allows you to receive a return on your education investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
While admission requirements for BSW programs vary, schools often require official transcripts, SAT or ACT test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation. Some programs also require an interview. Students often apply through the school’s social work department after completing a certain number of credits or prerequisites with a minimum GPA.
