Best Online Social Work Degrees
Are you ready to discover your college program?
The top online colleges for social work can prepare you for careers in helping individuals, families, and communities adjust to changes and challenges in their daily lives. With a bachelor’s degree in social work, you can also qualify for advanced study in clinical social work, counseling, and therapy.
Degree-seekers learn about diverse populations, human behavior, social welfare policy, and social work ethics. They also gain skills in advocacy, communications, organization, and problem-solving.
Learn more about online bachelor’s degree programs in social work in this guide.
Popular Online BSW Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Online Bachelor’s in Social Work Programs
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,212
- Out-of-state$14,371
- In-State$10,534
- Out-of-state$18,434
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled13,581
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
Troy University
- Troy, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,800
- Out-of-state$15,600
- In-State$7,650
- Out-of-state$15,300
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled16,436
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Misericordia University
- Dallas, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$32,800
- Out-of-state$32,800
- In-State$34,530
- Out-of-state$34,530
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled2,503
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Brandman University
- Irvine, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,000
- Out-of-state$12,000
- In-State$11,880
- Out-of-state$11,880
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled10,231
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,417
- Out-of-state$15,417
- In-State$7,980
- Out-of-state$7,980
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled85,586
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Angelo State University
- San Angelo, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,332
- Out-of-state$14,460
- In-State$4,059
- Out-of-state$11,655
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled10,568
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Bemidji State University
- Bemidji, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,858
- Out-of-state$7,858
- In-State$7,779
- Out-of-state$7,779
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled4,897
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
University of Louisville
- Louisville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,732
- Out-of-state$27,758
- In-State$13,000
- Out-of-state$27,114
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled21,670
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment12%
- AccreditationYes
Aurora University
- Aurora, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$24,800
- Out-of-state$24,800
- In-State$12,600
- Out-of-state$12,600
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled6,246
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment20%
- AccreditationYes
Huntington University
- Huntington, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$25,956
- Out-of-state$25,956
- In-State$11,064
- Out-of-state$11,064
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled1,384
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment19%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Little Rock, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,495
- Out-of-state$18,750
- In-State$5,760
- Out-of-state$13,050
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled9,581
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Northern Arizona University
- Flagstaff, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,018
- Out-of-state$16,613
- In-State$10,305
- Out-of-state$19,522
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled30,733
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
- Marion, IN
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$8,453
- Out-of-state$8,453
- In-State$11,083
- Out-of-state$11,083
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled11,410
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
- Millersville, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,570
- Out-of-state$19,290
- In-State$9,288
- Out-of-state$13,932
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled7,783
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
University of Nebraska at Kearney
- Kearney, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,090
- Out-of-state$13,290
- In-State$6,048
- Out-of-state$13,296
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled6,279
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
Thomas University
- Thomasville, GA
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$15,940
- Out-of-state$15,940
- In-State$11,790
- Out-of-state$11,790
- Retention Rate99%
- Acceptance Rate38%
- Students Enrolled1,528
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Limestone College
- Gaffney, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$25,200
- Out-of-state$25,200
- In-State$12,350
- Out-of-state$12,350
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled2,206
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationYes
Wayne State University
- Detroit, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$13,024
- Out-of-state$29,894
- In-State$16,285
- Out-of-state$35,274
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled26,824
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
Spring Arbor University
- Spring Arbor, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$29,030
- Out-of-state$29,030
- In-State$7,886
- Out-of-state$7,886
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled3,333
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Mary Baldwin University
- Staunton, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$30,690
- Out-of-state$30,690
- In-State$13,000
- Out-of-state$13,000
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled1,986
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
What Is an Online Bachelor’s in Social Work Degree?
Bachelor’s in social work (BSW) programs focus on the history, theories, and practices of social work, including advocacy, case management, human growth and development, and professional ethics and identity.
Distance learners complete their courses online and their field experiences in person, often locally. Graduates can qualify for entry-level positions in social work or advanced standing admission to a master’s in social work program.
An online BSW typically requires four years to complete 120 credits. In addition to social work topics, BSW curricula include general education courses in arts, humanities, and sciences. BSW programs may allow associate degree holders or students with college experience to transfer general education credits and graduate sooner.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, undergraduate tuition and fees at public four-year institutions during the 2021-22 school year averaged $9,596 for state residents and $27,457 for out-of-state enrollees. Tuition and fees at private colleges and universities during the same timeframe averaged $34,041.
Differences Between an Online and Traditional Social Work Degree Program
Online and traditional social work degree programs differ in many important respects. Distance learning offers flexibility to attend synchronous classes or to access recorded lectures asynchronously at the student’s convenience. The top online colleges for social work make student resources accessible online, including academic advising, career counseling, interaction with instructors and classmates, IT help, and library materials.
Learners can save money by not having to commute to campus, pay for parking, or relocate. Online programs may extend in-state tuition rates to out-of-state learners.
Online study can be challenging, however. Successful distance learning requires comfort with independent learning, self-discipline, and time management skills. Students need reliable internet connectivity and computer proficiency.
What Will I Learn in an Online Bachelor of Social Work Program?
A typical online bachelor’s degree in social work curriculum often includes the following courses.
Diversity and Multiculturalism
All social workers assist clients from diverse backgrounds. To ensure each client feels comfortable and confident, social workers must have a nuanced understanding of human diversity and historic oppression. This class surveys social justice issues as they relate to a variety of populations. Learners examine theories and frameworks dedicated to creating equitable spaces for all people, regardless of how they identify.Community Organization
Rather than focusing on one-on-one work with clients, this class takes a macro approach, exploring how to effectively engage with entire communities. Students learn how to identify common issues at the community and organizational levels, build relationships with important stakeholders, and develop appropriate programs to meet each community’s needs.Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
This class provides students with practical and concrete tools for their everyday work. Students develop the interpersonal and communication skills required to work with clients of various backgrounds while also learning how to conduct interviews and interventions, engage clients, identify problem areas, and develop treatment plans.Human Behavior in the Social Environment
Countless social, psychological, and physiological changes happen across the lifespan, making it important for social workers to understand how those changes affect client health. This course covers developmental milestones; how issues, such as trauma, grief, and other intense emotions, affect behavior; and how to provide effective treatments based on tests and assessments.Social Welfare Policy
This class covers the history of social welfare policy, including current issues and trends affecting social workers. Students evaluate the effectiveness of previous service models and identify areas of weakness. They also learn how social welfare policy impacts major issues today, touching on mental health, eldercare, income maintenance, and correctional programs.
Continuing Education in Social Work
Social Work Jobs
Graduates of online social work degrees at the bachelor’s level can choose from many different meaningful career paths, including those covered below.
Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists
These professionals work with individuals, couples, families, and other groups across the lifespan to provide professional therapeutic care. They may offer one-on-one or group counseling, focusing on topics like conflict resolution, trauma, relational issues, or grief. Individuals hoping to work as mental health counselors or marriage and family therapists must earn a master’s degree and complete supervised experience requirements before seeking licensure.
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
These professionals work with individuals convicted of crimes who are in custody, awaiting trial, imprisoned, or out on probation or parole. They conduct interviews; identify, develop, and implement appropriate rehabilitation programs; connect their clients with necessary resources; and provide counseling. Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists must maintain detailed records in case their observations or findings are required at a later date. They typically need a bachelor’s degree.
Social and Community Service Managers
Social services professionals oversee programming and services devoted to helping improve social and community engagement. They often hold community meetings to identify necessary services, ascertain the effectiveness of ongoing programs, and stay in touch with those they serve. Much of their work revolves around improving programming through data collection and analysis, managing community service providers, and ensuring all administrative functions — including grant proposals — operate appropriately.
Social Workers
Social workers provide meaningful services focused on improving their clients’ lives. Those with a bachelor’s degree mostly serve in supervised support roles, while those with a master’s degree can provide clinical services, such as counseling, therapy, and case management. Common responsibilities include making referrals, assessing client needs, working with individuals going through significant life transitions, helping those in crisis find security, and staying in touch with clients to ensure they have access to necessary services.
Substance Use Counselors and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
These professionals often have a bachelor’s degree, though some positions can be obtained with only a high school education. They work with clients as they navigate substance use and behavioral disorders, working in community health clinics, prisons, rehabilitation facilities, or counseling offices to provide mental health evaluations, treatment plans, and access to necessary resources. While they cannot provide therapeutic services, they can help individuals gain access to programming. They may also lead informational sessions or outreach programs.
Social Work Program Frequently Asked Questions
Social work focuses on helping those who need it. Social workers help clients with counseling, education, emotional support, and health referrals.
As of 2023, median pay for social workers was $58,380. Earning potential can vary depending on education, specialization, years of experience, employer, and geographic location.
The best online college for social work for you is the one that matches your academic abilities, professional interests, lifestyle requirements, and academic needs.
While you need a master of social work to qualify for licensed or clinical roles, a bachelor of social work qualifies you for entry-level support positions.
Most programs are bachelor of social work (BSW), so they are not art or science degrees. However, some schools offer a bachelor of art in social work.
Full-time learners typically need four years to graduate from bachelor’s programs.
