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.
Top 5 Online Social Work Bachelor's Programs
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.