An online social work degree prepares you with skills to address social challenges and support individuals, families, and communities. These programs typically focus on social welfare policy, human behavior, diversity and inclusion, and research methods. Graduates are prepared for careers in community service, mental health support, policy advocacy, and other roles that drive meaningful social change.
Key Takeaways:
- Simmons University hosts a social work degree online that's top-ranked for earnings potential with a median graduate salary of $58,336.
- Temple University leads in graduation rate, with 78% of students earning degrees here.
- The University of Cincinnati has 86% student retention, highlighting strong student engagement and satisfaction.
Our ranking methodology prioritizes real-world outcomes by assessing each online bachelor's degree in social work based on the median alumni salary. Programs receive a Salary Score to evaluate potential financial returns on investment.
2025 Best Online Social Work Degrees
| Rank | School | Salary Score | Median Earnings |  Annual Tuition: Not Provided 2 Programs ( view all )  Annual Tuition: $11,700 2 Programs ( view all )  Overview of Online BSWsMost online social work degrees feature an asynchronous class format — including core social work courses and electives — that doesn't require students to be online at particular times. Instead, they can complete assignments and watch lecture recordings at their convenience as long as they respect due dates. However, most bachelor's degrees and all pre-licensure master's degrees require field experience, which online learners must complete at an approved site.
What Is a Social Work Degree?A social work bachelor's degree is the minimum credential needed to become a social worker anywhere in the U.S. Instructors in these programs seek to train compassionate, ethical professionals who can help a variety of people while working for government agencies, nonprofit groups, healthcare employers, or correctional facilities. A Bachelor's in Social Work (BSW) can require four years of full-time study to complete but often takes longer than that. Some schools offer part-time degrees that let enrollees study at a slower pace as they balance work with school and other responsibilities. Because online education is more popular than ever, many schools provide social work bachelor's degrees through distance learning platforms. Online learners usually take asynchronous classes with no set meeting times. They can sign in to a learning management platform at their convenience to submit assignments, watch recorded lectures, and discuss topics with classmates. Looking for the most budget-friendly social work program? Explore our rankings of the most affordable online BSWs and our list of affordable MSWs. Degree Requirements for BSWsSocial work bachelor's programs usually require 120 credit hours of coursework split between general education and major classes. In addition, they all have a field experience requirement. Students can gain up to 400 hours of supervised real-world experience during an internship, externship, or practicum. Even online students need to complete these experiences in person in an approved setting. AdmissionsCollege application timelines usually begin several months to a year before actually starting classes. If you want to enroll for the fall term, you'll usually be applying to college sometime between November and February. Typically, college applications cost $30-90 in the form of a nonrefundable processing fee. Most colleges ask for similar items from potential candidates. Here's a typical application package:
Common BSW CoursesMany social work programs feature similar curricula because they want to maintain programmatic accreditation from the (CSWE). We've listed some common foundational courses below: Crisis Intervention Social workers may encounter people in various states of distress, and this class teaches them how to handle these situations gracefully. Faculty usually discuss assessment, legal and policy issues, ethics, and referral. Human Behavior in Social Contexts This course covers individuals' shifting identities within different groups. Lessons might cover organization theory, social systems theory, family dynamics, and cultural diversity. Social Policy Students typically learn the history of social welfare policy before digging into the policymaking process. Professors often lecture on the major social agencies at the federal and state levels, as well as the goals of different policy campaigns. Social Work Research Methods This class covers the major quantitative and qualitative research paradigms and how students can combine them. Faculty typically emphasize how to use research to inform social work practice and how to review others' research with a critical eye. Social Work SpecializationsMost BSW and MSW degrees are generalist programs, but some schools may let you choose a concentration to tailor your studies. Since social workers can work in diverse industries and with a range of client populations, it may be beneficial to have specialist knowledge in the field that most interests you. We've listed a few social work specializations below:
What Can You Do With a Bachelor's in Social Work Degree?Before graduating, most BSW students either start applying to graduate school or looking for jobs. We detail each of these options below. What Degree Do You Need To Be a Social Worker?With a bachelor of social work under your belt, you can begin applying for more advanced social work degrees. There are three types: a Master of Social Work (MSW), a practice doctorate that is called a Doctor of Social Work (DSW), and a research doctorate, which is usually called a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Master of Social Work An MSW may qualify you for a more advanced social work license in your state that increases your scope of possible responsibilities. In fact, most states only grant clinical social work licenses to MSW-prepared social workers because of the responsibility that clinical social workers have as mental health professionals. Doctorate in Social Work DSWs may qualify graduates for senior positions in social work practice, such as leadership roles in their area of specialty. PhD students typically want to advance the social work field through research, and they often find jobs as professors and conduct original studies to write about. Social Work CareersA BSW might make you eligible for a number of careers in social work across different focus areas. BSW graduates become social workers who assist students with their problems in schools, help medical patients readjust to life after illness or injury, and serve their communities as employees of social welfare agencies. Many bachelor's-level positions involve macro social work, which refers to social workers helping groups of people through community organization or policy development. Some BSW graduates find jobs at the micro level, where they might help counsel people one on one or in small groups, but most of these roles are reserved for licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) who hold MSW degrees. Learn more about possible job opportunities by reading our page on careers in social work. How Long Does It Take To Become a Social Worker?You can become a social worker in as little as four years if you take a full-time course load and complete your bachelor's degree in that time. However, most students need more than four years to finish. Once you finish a bachelor's program, becoming an LCSW takes another four to six years: two or three years to earn a master's degree, at least two years of supervised practice, and some time to schedule, complete, and receive the results from a licensure exam. Earning a doctorate takes at least three more years. In general, a DSW takes less time to complete than a PhD in social work because PhDs usually require more dissertation research. Therefore, DSW students may be able to join the job market more quickly than PhD candidates. FAQs About Bachelor's in Social Work ProgramsWhat Can You Do With a Social Work Degree?Most BSW graduates apply for jobs as , a field with a median yearly salary of $55,350 and a faster-than-average growth rate of 7% through 2032. But they may also be eligible for careers as health education specialists, social and community service managers, or other roles in social services. How Long Does It Take to Get a Social Work Degree?The latest government data gives 52 months as the median time to finish a bachelor's degree. It's possible to graduate college early if you're disciplined and have a number of factors in your favor, such as financial independence and plenty of credits to transfer into your program. Is Human Services the Same as Social Work?Human services is a broader field than social work, encompassing any program intended to help people in financial, physical, or psychological need. A human services career often involves the administration or leadership of teams at nonprofit organizations or government agencies. Social work is a type of human services work whose practitioners provide care and help allocate resources to clients. Why Is Social Work Important?Social workers try to change people's lives for the better by listening to people in crisis, teaching them useful skills, and referring them to helpful programs and other professionals. They might meet people who need help coping with change because they're adjusting to school, being treated at a healthcare facility, or are incarcerated. Student Reviews of Online Social Work ProgramsSome classes are easier than others. We have challenging assignments every week. The instructors do a good job and care about your success. I've been attending classes for just over a year. I think some of the classes are a 10 on a scale of 1 to 10 for how hard they are. It requires a lot of studying to do well on exams. We have all the resources we need to succeed. There's a clear path to graduation. There's help with finding a job once you graduate. Overall I've had a challenging but good experience.... Read More Review Date: 4/26/2025 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes I wish they had more options to take more classes. The classes that they offer can only be taken once every 5 weeks while other online programs allow 3-4 in 10 weeks. They say that you can take classes to expedite your graduation date at $100 per month however, not every university accepts those if transferring. And this school doesn’t offer a masters program for social work thus I would have to transfer from the university regardless in which those credits wouldn’t be accepted. Review Date: 4/21/2025 Would Recommend: No Helpful for Career: No They live up to a five star review and beyond. The professors are amazing and offer endless encouragement and support. My journey at my other college was not a good one but UMG definitely superseded at my expectations. They send supportive emails filled with student tips and strategies for success. You will not be disappointed. Review Date: 1/4/2025 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes This is an amazing university with tremendous academic support. They go above and beyond. From the staff to advising to the professors, they truly care about your success. They respond promptly to emails and no questions go unanswered. They are a five star university. Review Date: 1/4/2025 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes It's a good school, grading system is interesting, some instructors are good and some are bad, i had to with draw from a class due to the instructor, when apply you wont be able to do redo on any assignments online either, Disability accommodations they don't really give a lot for online service, you only get extra time and extra 4 day extension only on your own assignments and no accommodations. Review Date: 8/1/2023 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No I really enjoyed my time at University of Pheonix because the teachers were very helpful and approachable, always willing to assist with any questions or difficulties. The classes were well-structured and engaging, which made learning enjoyable. Additionally, the class schedule was very flexible, allowing me to easily balance my studies with my part-time job and other commitments, ensuring I could manage my workload effectively. Review Date: 10/31/2025 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes Like others have said, I am seeing many negative reviews. I do not identify as Christian, however I am spiritual, and thought that this would be an amazing opportunity and it has been so far. It almost sounds like some of these comments are referring to a completely different university in regards to staff being unresponsive because nearly every single person I have contacted at this school has gotten back to me within the same day. My enrollment counselor would follow up with me weekly until the... Read More Review Date: 4/20/2023 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No The pros consist of lectures from experienced professionals that continue to work in the field and can therefore apply theory to real-world practice, which is beneficial as a student. Also, the program works to provide resources for students to gain employment opportunities as much as possible. The con about the program is the expense. Review Date: 1/4/2014 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No USC Social Work program is a rigorous program, but that is necessary to become an excellent and knowledgeable Social Worker that is ready to work. Review Date: 1/29/2014 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No The teachers in the program are very hit or miss. They are either phenomenal, or the class feels like a waste of time. Also, I did not know when entering the program that I would be expected to pay full-time tuition during my 2 semester internship, despite my not being remotely near the school, and only taking the one required online course. Review Date: 4/22/2015 Would Recommend: No Helpful for Career: No My time at USC VAC has been exhilarating and beneficial to me as an individual and a social worker. All the information I have learned has made me a competitor in one of the top fields and made me stand out from other applicants with the knowledge I have gained. Review Date: 6/12/2013 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No I have not yet graduated from my school. I work in the social work field currently and there are a great number of people who are in college, the majority divided between ASU and GCU. What I like about ASU is that it requires in person classes to complete the BSW program. I firmly believe that one gets more out of a classroom setting and though I have appreciated on line courses for convenience as I have to work full time, I think that in the field of social work it is vital to acknowledge and interact... Read More Review Date: 2/3/2018 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No I overall have had the most amazing experience in my Undergraduate Bachelor's Degree in Social Work at Arizona State. The teachers within the program are extremely experienced, as well as happy to help. This was extremely encouraging as a freshman student beginning to study the social work field. I have now decided to go back and pursue my master's degree in Social Work as well, because of the way that the programs are run and handled. Review Date: 6/25/2019 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes The undergraduate social work program at the University of Central Florida prepares you for the real world. The dedication to following the core competencies according to the National Association of Social Work allowed students to gain insight into the importance of a social worker. While the BSW program is challenging it is very rewarding. In addition to taking a full credit load of classes, you also do an internship in your final year in the program. This internship provides you with real world... Read More Review Date: 7/9/2019 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes Salisbury University is a great college to go to for many reasons. The professors are passionate and qualified experts. The University has many fresh and healthy eateries to enjoy a meal any time of the day. There are many clubs and committees that work their butt off to make sure everyone on campus feels welcomed. I am a transfer and commuter student from Florida, and I was welcomed by students and professors with open arms. It's also a green campus with water bottle fill stations in every building... Read More Review Date: 3/29/2018 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No Studying Social Work at The University at Albany was a fascinating experience! The classes are small so it is easy to acquire valuable connections with peers and professors. The BSW program also does a great job in assisting students with finding field placements for the senior year. Review Date: 7/6/2017 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes The Social Work program at FAU did an amazing job at preparing me to work with diverse populations. In our classes, we covered information of a multitude of cultures, socioeconomic classes, differing sexualities, and vulnerable communities. Teachers gave us real life examples from their experience and painted a very thorough picture of what the profession was like. I graduated the program feeling confident and ready. Review Date: 5/22/2018 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes I would recommend Lakeland Community College to anyone interested in earning a degree. You cannot beat their price and they recently were awarded a levy through the generosity of voters in Lake County, OH, and this means they are improving the college and programs even more. They also make it easy to earn a 4 year degree at a low cost with their partnerships with many 4-year colleges, including CSU, Youngstown, Ursuline and many others. It is a really great way to earn a degree without spending a... Read More Review Date: 7/9/2016 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes My experience at Arizona State University was better than I expected. I completed my bachelor's degree in social work which was located in the downtown campus. I loved that the classes were smaller and I could really get to know my classmates and instructors. I felt that ASU was always making sure we had everything we needed by giving us a call or emailing us. I felt that ASU really wanted us to succeed. Review Date: 3/23/2017 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: Yes I'm currently a junior here at NAU. I bounced around between two majors and I honestly still am unsure what I'll be graduating with. Let me talk about two of the majors and they types of classes. I took 3 semesters worth of biology classes for my nursing major. I can tell you that I want to be a nurse more than anything in the world. In fact, the only reason I started another major was because here at NAU getting into the nursing program is near impossible in the first semester you apply. The biology... Read More Review Date: 8/5/2014 Would Recommend: Yes Helpful for Career: No Why Trust Us?27 Data Researchers 60,000 Degrees Researched Annually 20,000 Hours Spent on Research Annually Launching Rankings Since 2009 Related Articles |
|---|