An online bachelor’s degree in social work provides learners with the knowledge needed to obtain entry-level positions in the field. Students learn how to empathize with their clients, communicate effectively, and solve problems. Learners are also taught about additional resources that can help their clients, such Alcoholics Anonymous.
There are many types of social work that professionals can pursue. Most students pursue the type of social work that aligns best with their personal and career interests. Many social work programs offer opportunities for specialization, which may focus on the type of social work in which a learner is most interested. Graduates have the skills to help others in the most efficient manner.
A bachelor’s in social work also prepares students to pursue an advanced degree. Learners can choose to continue their education with a master’s or doctoral degree in social work and acquire more career opportunities.
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Social Work Programs for You
Earning Your BSW Online
Pursuing online social work bachelor’s degree programs is a good decision for students who need flexibility. Online programs are typically delivered asynchronously, meaning that students can complete their coursework on their own schedule. This helps students maintain personal and career responsibilities. Working while in college gives students the advantage of being able to pay for tuition and living expenses without having to take out as many student loans.
Some colleges and universities have a designated online tuition rate, which is usually lower than the on-campus student rate. Other universities offer the in-state tuition rate to all online students. Most bachelor’s in social work programs require students to complete an internship, which online students can complete in their own communities.
How Long Does it Take to Earn an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work
The completion time for an online bachelor’s degree in social work will vary between schools. Typically, the programs consist of about 125 credits. In addition to the required coursework, students also have to fulfill internship and fieldwork requirements, which usually takes around four years.
Courses in an Online Bachelor’s in Social Work Program
Social work bachelor’s programs cover a wide range of topics. Students will learn different skills and topics through practical application. Some courses will focus on a specific type of social work, while others will provide broad perspective. Below is a list of common classes that students in social work programs complete.
Example Courses
| Generalist Social Work Practice | In this course, students get an introduction to social work practice while learning about the knowledge, skills, and values that are used daily in the profession. They learn what a typical day as a social worker looks like and about different situations they may encounter professionally. |
|---|---|
| Social Welfare Programs, Policies, and Issues | Students learn about policy analysis, service delivery systems, and the influences and effects of policy in regards to practice and planning decisions. They practice these elements during assignments. |
| Human Behavior and the Social Environment | Learners are taught the different theories within human behavior, including ecological perspective, social learning theory, and eco psychology emphasizing the life cycle. |
| Social Work Practice with Groups | In this course, students learn how to use teamwork in their chosen field. They are taught group dynamics and how to communicate with others. They also learn how to interact professionally and effectively. |
| Foundations of Social Justice | Students learn about the demographics and history of diverse cultural groups in the United States. They also learn about ethnic-sensitive social work practice and how to handle cultural diversity. |
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.
Social Work Specializations
Many students have the opportunity to pursue a concentration. Specializations typically focus on a specific field within social work, better preparing them for related careers. Here are some of the most common concentrations available to social work students:
Mental Health
Medical/Public Health
Child Welfare
Substance Abuse
School Social Work
Advancing Your Studies With a Master’s in Social Work Online
Many bachelor’s of social work students make the decision to continue their education and pursue their master of social work degree. Earning a master’s in social work is an excellent next step for bachelor’s students because it allows them to pursue a variety of licenses, which can lead to a career in clinical social work. Bachelor of social work programs are often geared toward being a first step for students interested in entering the social work field. The programs prepare students for what to expect during their master’s program.
Because a master of social work degree opens more career and licensure opportunities, students who have a master’s in social work are also able to earn a higher salary. Master’s graduates also have the option to continue earn a doctorate in social work, which will prepare to work as a postsecondary teacher.
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Job and Salary Outlook for Online Bachelor’s in Social Work Graduates
Bachelor’s graduates are prepared for positions such as social and community service manager, substance abuse counselor, and caseworker. Careers in this field are about helping others; all social workers are interested in and dedicated to helping their patients, and they are always looking for ways to improve to ensure they are offering the best services and advice possible.
Caseworker (Bachelor’s Social Worker)
Caseworkers or bachelor’s social workers help people identify, solve, and cope with the problems they face in their daily lives. They work in a number of different settings, including schools, child welfare and human service agencies, and hospitals.
Probation Officer or Correctional Treatment Specialist
Probation officers or correctional treatment specialists offer social services to help rehabilitate offenders who are either in custody, on parole, or on probation. They work in an intense work environment that sometimes requires fieldwork.
Social and Community Service Manager
Social and community service managers organize, coordinate, and supervise different social service programs and community organizations. They work for nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and private social service companies.
Social and Human Service Assistant
Social and human service assistants provide client services of all types, including offering support to families, social work, and psychology. They provide assistance to social workers and help clients find community services and benefits.
Substance Abuse Counselors and Behavioral Disorder Counselor
Substance abuse counselors and behavioral disorder counselors work with people who struggle with alcoholism, eating disorders, mental health issues, drug addiction, or other behavioral or mental problems. They provide treatment, support, and advice to their patients.
Salaries and Job Outlook for Social Workers
| Occupation | Minimum Degree Required | Employment | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caseworker (BSW Social Worker) | Bachelor’s | 682,100 | $23.07 | $47,980 |
| Probation Officer or Correctional Treatment Specialist | Bachelor’s | 91,300 | $24.71 | $51,410 |
| Social and Community Service Manager | Bachelor’s | 147,300 | $30.82 | $64,100 |
| Social and Human Service Assistant | Associate | 389,800 | $15.92 | $33,120 |
| Substance Abuse Counselors and Behavioral Disorder Counselor | Bachelor’s | 102,400 | $20.82 | $43,400 |
Source: BLS, May 2016
Licensing and Certification for Social Work Graduates
In many states, graduates with an online bachelor’s degree in social work can obtain entry-level positions without having to gain licensure. For more advanced positions, such as clinical social worker, graduates must obtain licensure, which requires them to hold at least a master’s in social work, complete between 2,000 and 4,000 supervised clinical hours, and pass a state exam. Some states offer non-clinical, master’s-level licenses, which have less strict requirements, but do not prepare students to practice independently.
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors must obtain licensure in order to become qualified to work in most states. Other careers just have educational requirements. In most cases, a probation officer and caseworker must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in the field.
Additional Social Work Resources
Explore Scholarships for Social Work Students
Check out this guide to find the social work scholarships right for you. We list scholarships for social work master’s students, scholarships for social work majors, and social work doctoral students.
Professional Organizations
Professional social work organizations connect social workers across the country and world and offer many valuable networking opportunities and resources for students and graduates. Explore our guide to finding the right social work organization for you.
Resources
Whether you are an aspiring social work student or a seasoned social worker already in the field, there are many resources available to support, encourage, and develop your professional knowledge and insight into the social work field. Browse our list of must-have resources for every social worker.
Bachelor’s in Social Work Programs
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