Bachelor’s in Social Work Online Programs

A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is an undergraduate degree focused on the human services field. A BSW is the most common requirement for an entry-level administrative role in social work and helps prepare students for roles as caseworkers or mental health assistants. Students in undergraduate social work programs learn about human behavior, social welfare policy and ethics.

Whether you study on-campus or complete an online bachelor's degree in social work, social work curriculum aims to provide a foundation to perform general social work duties. Core classes are combined with electives or concentration courses that may provide more information about specialties and niches in the industry.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs, ensuring they meet specific academic standards.

Most bachelor’s in social work degree programs take four years to complete with full-time study. Students are typically required to complete 120 credit hours to graduate.

While social work programs vary by school, all social work bachelor’s degree programs must cover some coursework. The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), a global organization that helps set educational standards for the field, groups some of these core classes as either social work in context or social work in practice.

Social work in context refers to the broader knowledge that is required to understand social work, such as the political, socio-legal, cultural and historical forces that have shaped social work. Classes in this category could cover the following topics:

Human behavior
Social perspectives in government
Diversity and oppression

Social work in practice refers to the actual skills and competencies required to deliver social work interventions effectively and ethically. Classes in this category could have titles like:

Foundations of social work practice
Ethics in social work practice

Both on-campus and online social work classes will likely combine these two categories of courses with general undergraduate classes in math, science and writing. Additionally, students will likely need to take elective courses in related areas.

BSW programs also require a practicum, fieldwork or an internship that provides students with real-life experience.

BSW application requirements vary from school to school. In most cases, candidates need a high school diploma or GED equivalent. They may also need to meet a minimum GPA. Here are some other common social work degree requirements:

Completed application
High school, university or college transcripts
Recommendation letters
Resume
Standardized test scores
Personal essay

Some universities accept formal enrollment in their Bachelor of Social Work programs only after students meet minimum social work degree requirements. These requirements typically involve completing a certain number of credits. The number of credits required may vary by university.

BSW Scholarships

Bachelor’s in social work students may qualify for general financial aid and scholarships specifically for students pursuing social work or related public-service careers. Eligibility requirements vary by scholarship, so students should review current application criteria and deadlines.

The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund provides need-based scholarships to students who are active or emerging organizers in movements focused on social and economic justice, liberation and self-determination. For the 2026–27 award year, grants are available for up to $15,000.

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation typically selects 55 to 65 college students each year who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to careers in government or other areas of public service. The Truman Scholarship supports graduate education, so undergraduate students interested in public-service careers may consider it as they plan for study beyond their bachelor’s degree.

What Can You Do With a BSW?

You may be wondering: What can you do with a BSW? The most obvious answer is: Start a career in social work. If you want to pursue clinical work, a BSW can open the door to Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. An MSW is required for clinical social work.

Outside of social work, a BSW can prepare students for a variety of roles and paths of study. Graduates may consider master’s degrees in other social sciences like psychology, public administration, education, or counseling.

Students can pursue several careers with a social work degree. In most cases, candidates with a bachelor’s in social work qualify for entry-level administrative or direct-service positions such as caseworkers or mental health assistants. BSW jobs may not use the title “social work” or advertise a social work degree, but they may ask for a human services education, which can include social work.

You can also work in the social work field with only a bachelor’s in social work and a license. These individuals are called bachelor’s social workers. However, to become a licensed clinical social worker or pursue a career in counseling, you must complete a master’s degree.

Another common step for online social work degree graduates is to consider graduate school and other social work degrees. A bachelor’s in social work lays the foundation for a social work career. Although a master’s in social work isn't required, it may be beneficial.

Students in master’s in social work programs develop clinical assessment and management skills that prepare them to work in a clinical setting or specialty area. Advanced-standing MSW programs allow BSW graduates to earn their master’s degree faster. PhD or doctoral programs in social work may also let students further their education and expand their career options.

Choosing an online or on-campus BSW program can raise questions. We’ve answered some common concerns about BSW programs and careers.