What to Look For in a Bachelor’s Social Work Program

Written by Maura Deering, SWG Rankings Team
Last Updated: May 2023

Bachelor of social work (BSW) programs provide a foundation in generalist social work. Graduates can pursue entry-level positions in non-clinical social work or go on to earn their master’s in social work (MSW). In most U.S. states, BSW holders can become licensed bachelors social workers (LBSWs).

Learn about how to choose a social work degree program, along with career options and potential salaries. Explore our program rankings to find information on admission requirements, tuition costs, coursework, and field experience.

What to Look For in a Bachelor’s Social Work Program

When considering which social work programs to apply to, consider the school’s location, whether it’s public or private, and if program staff can help you find field placements. Most importantly, you’ll want to identify the programs that will most likely admit you and prepare you for your social work career.

Accreditation

Make sure that the BSW programs you’re interested in hold accreditation from the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE). Accreditation indicates that a program undergoes regular peer review to ensure it meets academic quality and industry standards. Attending a non-accredited program can adversely impact your chances of transferring credits toward a master of social work or pursuing a state social work license.

Cost

Compare programs’ tuition and fees before applying to ensure it’s within your budget. State schools tend to be more affordable than private institutions, and in-state tuition costs less than out-of-state tuition. Undergraduates pay average tuition rates between $10,000-$50,000 per year.

Financial Aid

Financial aid can make a big difference in helping you decide which schools to attend. A private college with generous aid can be as affordable as out-of-state tuition at a public university. Sources of federal financial aid include federal loans, grants, work-study. After you graduate, you can apply for loan forgiveness in exchange for public service. Other options include scholarships and private loans.

Admission Requirements

Carefully review a program’s admission requirements to ensure you meet the criteria. If you have a high school or college GPA of 2.7 but the BSW program you’re most interested in requires a 3.0, you may be conditionally admitted, but to increase your odds of acceptance, apply to schools with lower GPA requirements, too. Find out whether you need to submit SAT or ACT scores, and contact the school’s admissions office if you have any questions.

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Research How to Become a Social Worker by State

Each state sets their social work licensing requirements. In some states, you can pursue licensure with a BSW, while others require a master’s degree. Other requirements include getting the required experience and passing your state’s social work licensure exam.

How to Choose a Social Work Degree Program that is Right for You

This section offers questions to keep in mind when researching social work degree programs.

Accreditation

Does the school hold accreditation from a Council for Higher Education Accreditation accrediting organization?
Is the BSW program CSWE-accredited?

Licensing Requirements

Does your desired social career require a social work license?
Does the state in which you want to work offer LBSW licensure?
What are the licensing requirements for an LBSW in your state?

Education Requirements

How many credits does the BSW program require?
What are the prerequisites?
Does the program require field experience, capstones, or projects?
How long will the program take to complete?
Can you accelerate your learning or study part-time? Are online options available?

Supervised Experience

Does the program include supervised experiential learning?
Does your state require post-bachelor’s supervised experience to become licensed? Does the program align with state requirements?
Does the program offer support or assistance in locating field placements?

Cost and Financial Aid

Are the program’s costs (including fees and living expenses) within your budget?
Will you qualify for federal financial aid? Be sure to submit a federal application for federal aid before the deadline to determine your eligibility.
Can you work or participate in work-study while you’re in school?
Does the school offer scholarships for social work majors?

The Best Social Work Degrees

Our data-driven methodology uses four primary factors: academic quality, overall cost, reputation, and accessibility to rank the best social work programs overall.

1. University of Central Florida

You can tailor your bachelor in social work degree at the University of Central Florida by taking optional certificates and minors. You can minor in aging studies and nonprofit management and complete certificates in aging studies, children’s services, and Spanish for social work.

In the final semester of the BSW degree, you will complete a 420-hour internship. UCF has a network of more than 200 agencies in Central Florida to help you find an internship placement.

Program: Bachelor of social work
Campus: Orlando, Florida
Type: Public
Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
Tuition: $212 per credit for Florida residents; $749 per credit for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Associate degree or UCF general education program requirements; minimum 2.5 GPA; complete BSW prerequisites; personal statement; letter of recommendation
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

2. University of Georgia

The University of Georgia offers a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s in social work degree that merges data and digital fluency, advanced social psychology, and environmental awareness.

The flexible program allows you to earn a dual degree, minor, certificate, or study abroad in Ghana or Ireland. Throughout your studies, you’ll gain practical and theoretical social work knowledge and complete a capstone program and 12-month internship.

After graduating, you can qualify for advanced standing in a master’s in social work degree and graduate in one year.

Program: Bachelor of social work
Campus: Athens, Georgia
Type: Public
Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
Tuition: $12,080 per year for Georgia residents; $31,120 per year for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: First-year students must gain UGA admission; transfer students need a minimum 2.5 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

3. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida offers a bachelor’s in social work program that prepares you for a generalist practice in 2-4 years. As a certified Global Pathways program, you can qualify for the Global Citizens Project’s study abroad scholarship.

Required courses cover case management, data management, the American social welfare system, human behavior and social environment, multicultural American, and research and statistics for social work. You’ll also complete 460 hours during the field placement.

Program: Bachelor of social work
Campus: Tampa, Florida
Type: Public
Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
Tuition: $6,410 per year for Florida residents; $17,324 per year for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Minimum 2.75 GPA; prerequisites; transfer students must complete an associate degree from the Florida College System institution.
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

4. Florida International University

Florida International University’s social work programs emphasize theoretical and practical social work. You can complete the required practicum at their workplace.

You’ll complete 120 credits over four semesters. The courses cover social environment and human behavior, social welfare policy and services, and research. During the field practicum, you’ll complete 256 hours over two semesters. If your workplace meets the department’s standards, you can complete the practicum there.

Program: Bachelor of social work
Campus: Miami, Florida
Type: Public
Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
Tuition: $3,084 per semester for Florida residents; $9,283 per semester for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Associate degree or 60 college credits from an accredited college; general education requirements; minimum 2.75 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

5. Mississippi College

Mississippi College is the second oldest Baptist college in the state and has offered social work degrees since the 1970s. The bachelor’s in social work program focuses on building critical thinking skills and knowledge for generalist practice.

You’ll complete 130 credits over four years, taking courses in contemporary social problems, generalist practice, social welfare policy, and human behavior. The generalist practice labs prepare you for a senior year practicum experience.

Program: Bachelor of social work
Campus: Clinton, Mississippi
Type: Private
Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
Tuition: $10,123 per semester
Admission Requirements: Minimum 2.5 GPA; completion of 75% of the core curriculum; prerequisites; three letters of recommendation; resume; admission conference; autobiographical essay
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

6. California State University-Long Beach

California State University-Long Beach offers a social work program that offers daytime or evening courses 2-3 times a week. You can also qualify for a stipend if you commit to a post-college career at a public child welfare agency.

To earn a BSW degree, you must complete courses in social welfare, human behavior and social environment, social policy, and law, court decisions, and policy practice. Your practical experience begins in your junior year with 80 hours of field work. As a senior, you must complete 450 hours of fieldwork.

Program: Bachelor of social work
Campus: Long Beach, California
Type: Public
Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
Tuition: $1,665 for part-time California residents (0-6 units); $2,061 for part-time (0-6 units) out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Complete at least 60 college credits; minimum 2.5 GPA; complete prerequisites
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: No

7. The University of Texas at Austin

You can earn a social work degree within 3-4 semesters at the University of Texas at Austin’s Steve Hicks School of Social Work. UT Austin’s undergraduate social work programs foster career development, community-building, and mentorship through the Social Work Education Enhancement Program (SWEEP).

The 122-credit BSW degree incorporates classroom learning, a 420-hours internship, and 60 service learning hours. You’ll learn topics in social work and social welfare, research methods, and social work statistics.

Program: Bachelor of social work
Campus: Austin, Texas
Type: Public
Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
Tuition: $1,709 per credit for Texas residents; $6,400 per credit for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: At least 45 college credits; minimum 2.0 GPA for general credits; minimum 2.5 GPA for social work courses; prerequisites; personal statement; a reference from a SW 312 instructor
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

8. CUNY Hunter College

Established in 1870 on the Upper East Side, Hunter College offers social work degrees that focus on child welfare and care coordination. You’ll take courses in human behavior and the social environment, social work research, and social work practice in care coordination or child welfare. The program also requires an integrative seminar and field practicums.

To qualify for the field placement, you must complete a Gateway Volunteer Assignment that requires 32 volunteer hours. You’ll complete 200 service hours in your junior year and 400 hours in your senior year.

Program: Bachelor of social work
Campus: New York, New York
Type: Public
Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
Tuition: $305 per credit for New York residents; $620 per credit for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Must be a full-time Hunter College student; Social Work Gateway course with at least a B grade; minimum 2.75 GPA; one 200-500 word essay; resume; volunteer, internships or social service work history
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

9. San Diego State University

San Diego State University’s school of social work, founded in 1963, offers customizable social work programs. You can pursue a bachelor’s in social work degree with specializations in community corrections case management or environmental social work.

To broaden your understanding of cross-cultural issues, you must complete designated courses, or study abroad for two weeks through an SDSU or California State University program.

Additionally, you’ll take 44 upper division units in cultural pluralism, perspective on human behavior, social policies and social issues, social work research methods, and field experiences.

Program: Bachelor of social work
Campus: San Diego, California
Type: Public
Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
Tuition: $8,290 per year for California residents; $21,170 per year for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Apply to CSU as a first-time freshmen or transfer students; minimum 2.7 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

How to Apply to a Social Work Program

Social work programs list their admission requirements and required documents on their websites. Start early by compiling the required materials, such as transcripts, recommendations, and test scores. Pay close attention to any criteria the school “prefers,” such as minimum test scores, GPAs, and work or volunteer experience.

Schools often require an application to the institution, completion of prerequisites, then an application for admission to the social work program during your sophomore year for a junior-year start date.

Typical requirements for BSW programs include:

High school diploma or GED certificate
Minimum GPA
Official transcripts
SAT or ACT scores
A personal essay or statement
Two recommendation letters from teachers
General education requirements
Prerequisite coursework (e.g., psychology, sociology, statistics)

What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s of Social Work Degree?

BSW graduates can find opportunities as patient advocates, case managers, and care coordinators. Depending on your state’s social work licensing requirements, you may pursue non-clinical social worker roles.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that social worker jobs will increase by 9% during 2021-2031, which is faster than average. Mental health and substance misuse social jobs may experience higher demand.

While licensing requirements and job opportunities vary by state, below are some examples of roles for BSW holders can pursue and their average wages.

Case Manager

Case managers work with various patient populations, including those recovering from substance misuse, older clients, and people with severe illnesses or in financial crises. They often collaborate with healthcare providers and advocate for their clients with employers, social services, and housing resources.

Average Salary:$44,770

Care Coordinator

Employed in healthcare settings, care coordinators work with patients to gather information and formulate individual care plans. They communicate treatment plans to patients and families, ensure compliance with hospital and legal standards, and schedule services.

Average Salary:$49,730

Program Coordinator for Non-Profit Organization

Program coordinators supervise nonprofit programs and work with the public, volunteers, and board members. The nonprofit organization may focus on children, older adults, or environmental justice issues. Program coordinators may manage budgets, track volunteer hours, and hire staff.

Average Salary:$47,100

Advocate

Advocates typically work for nonprofit organizations or government agencies. They may advocate for families, children, crime victims, and public policy. Family and child advocates intervene during crisis situations and connect clients with resources. Policy advocates focus on finding legal and legislative solutions to community issues.

Average Salary:$40,350

Community Outreach Coordinator

These professionals work for companies and organizations to build connections within communities. They formulate and manage community-based programs and projects, oversee communications and compliance with regulations, recruit and supervise volunteers, and lead meetings with community members.

Average Salary:$46,050

Social Work Specializations	Projected Job Growth from 2021-2031	Median Annual Salary
Healthcare Social Workers	11%	$60,840
Mental Health Social Workers and Substance Abuse Social Workers	11%	$49,150
Child, Family, and School Social Workers	8%	$49,130

Source: BLS

Learn more about social work careers and social worker salaries across all degree levels.

Frequently Asked Questions about Social Work Degrees

What is the best double major for social work?

Common social work double majors include criminal justice, nursing, political science, psychology, and sociology. A double major can help direct your future social work career in the area you’re interested in.

Is a Bachelor’s degree enough in social work?

Whether a BSW alone is sufficient for you depends on your career goals. Social workers who want to focus on clinical practice need a master’s degree in social work. But BSW-holders can fill generalist and non-clinical roles.

Is there a demand for social work?

The BLS projects that social worker jobs will increase by 9% during 2021-2031. Healthcare and mental health and substance abuse social workers may see 11% growth in positions due to an aging population and a growing drug misuse crisis.

What is the fastest area of job growth in social work?

Mental health and substance misuse jobs are experiencing the fastest job growth. According to the BLS, increasing numbers of people are seeking treatment for substance dependence, and those convicted for drug offenses are more likely to be sent to treatment centers instead of jail.