The Best Online Social Work Degrees 2021

Based in Aurora, Illinois, AU offers bachelor's and master's-level programs for students pursuing a social work degree online. One of the school's most popular courses of study, the bachelor of social work (BSW) program combines classroom instruction and fieldwork placement.

The 120-credit program prepares students to apply to graduate school or sit for professional licensure exams in states that license bachelor's-educated social workers. AU may grant BSW graduates advanced standing in its master of social work (MSW) program. BSW candidates may select optional tracks in addictions or child welfare. The addictions track fulfills educational requirements for Illinois licensure as an alcohol and drug counselor.

Transfer students can complete their BSW in two years. Online graduate offerings include an MSW program and dual-degree programs that pair the MSW with degrees in business or public administration.

Aurora University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

A Catholic university located in Dallas, Pennsylvania, Misericordia receives sponsorship from the Sisters of Mercy. The school's hybrid, accelerated undergraduate social work program caters to transfer students and professionals. Misericordia's 121-credit bachelor of social work program features mostly online instruction, with biweekly on-campus sessions.

Degree candidates study social welfare policy and systems, human behavior in social environments, and issues of social and economic justice. Students build proficiency in social work practices, processes, and research methods. Optional minors include gerontology, addictions counseling, and religious studies. Field instruction and a capstone portfolio complete the degree.

Transfer students with sufficient applicable credits can complete their social work degree in just two years. Misericordia reserves several scholarships for transfer students and maintains articulation agreements with area community colleges to maximize credit transferability for local students.

Misericordia University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Affiliated with the Free Methodist Church and ranked among the best universities in its region, SAU incorporates a Christian perspective throughout its programs. One of the Michigan-based school's most sought-after majors, SAU's fully online bachelor of social work program blends skills training with theory to prepare graduates for diverse social work careers.

The 124-credit program fulfills educational requirements for licensure in Michigan and other states. Graduates may also qualify for a Michigan child welfare endorsement. Students learn to apply social work principles and Christian values to help individuals, families, and communities. They study human behavior, explore diversity issues, and examine social, governmental, and economic structures.

Applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA and must complete an interview with social work faculty to begin major coursework as juniors. Faculty program mentors help students navigate courses and internships.

Spring Arbor University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1842 as a women's college, MBU has admitted students of all genders since the mid-1970s. The Staunton, Virginia-based private university offers a fully online bachelor's degree in social work through its Susan Warfield Caples School of Social Work.

Enrollees learn about the roles social workers play in school, child welfare services, and other environments. Learners can elect a concentration in school or medical social work. An elective in girl-centered initiatives and an internship opportunity with elementary-aged girls may benefit aspiring social workers who plan to work with girls and young women. Service learning requirements and student organizations provide opportunities for community engagement.

During the program's final semester, students complete a 450-hour fieldwork experience to integrate classroom information in a real-world environment. Fieldwork must occur in Virginia.

Mary Baldwin University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A Catholic university located in Owensboro, Kentucky, Brescia offers bachelor's and master's degrees in social work that attract more students than any other major.

Brescia's online bachelor of social work (BSW) program acts as a comprehensive preparation program for entry-level employment in the field. BSW graduates interested in pursuing a master of social work (MSW) receive preferential acceptance into Brescia's MSW program. The BSW's 128-credit curriculum familiarizes students with the scope, history, and practices of social work. Learners build research skills, study human behavior through a social systems framework, and explore issues related to ethics, diversity, and aging.

Depending on completion of general education requirements and the amount of transferable credits, students can graduate in two years.

Brescia University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

With over 160 degrees, an active undergraduate research program, and strong online offerings, UNK ranks among the Midwest's top public universities. Of the school's 6,200 students, nearly a third choose to earn their degree through distance education. Online learners can prepare for a career in social work with UNK's bachelor's in social work program.

The 120-credit program begins with general education courses that develop competencies in writing, analytical and quantitative skills, health, and cultural awareness. Major coursework imparts foundational knowledge of the contemporary social work field and its historical, political, and economic contexts. Additional classes cover social work research and practice methods, human service ethics, and behavior among individuals of all ages. Other course topics include issues of social justice, discrimination, and oppression.

Students take most courses asynchronously. A 400-hour senior field placement experience provides an opportunity to translate classroom knowledge into practice.

University of Nebraska at Kearney is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

An evangelical Christian university affiliated with the Wesleyan Church, IWU educates over 3,000 students annually at its main campus in Marion, Indiana. Over 10,000 more earn their degrees online and at satellite education centers through IWU - National and Global, the school's distance learning division.

IWU - National and Global delivers over 100 online degrees, including a bachelor of social work program. Students explore social work practices and principles through psychological, sociological, economic, and ecological perspectives. Learners also participate in social service programs during a culminating field placement experience.

Admission requires a 2.5 GPA, at least 45 transferable credits, and a personal interview. Enrollees can transfer up to 90 credits, allowing them to complete a social work degree in 10 months. IWU - National and Global also offers a master's-level social work program online.

Indiana Wesleyan University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

A public university based in Silver City, WNMU offers over two dozen online degrees. The school's bachelor of social work program educates students in fundamental social work values, principles, and skills.

Major coursework develops learners' understanding of human behavior and the theoretical foundations of social work. Writing and research courses develop proficiency in communication, data collection, and analysis. A pre-practicum skills lab helps students integrate theory and practice prior to field placement. The program features practicum placements in students' home areas, three yearly start dates, and a combination of synchronous and asynchronous course delivery.

The school participates in several programs that can lower social work students' costs. Degree candidates planning to work in child welfare may qualify for a stipend through New Mexico's Title IV-E stipend program. Students from surrounding states can apply for a tuition reduction through the Western Undergraduate Exchange program.

Western New Mexico University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

One of the University of Arkansas System's seven member institutions, UA Little Rock offers a 120-credit online program that leads to a bachelor's degree in social work. Open to Arkansas residents, the bachelor of social work program builds relevant skills to help prospective social workers find employment or advance to graduate programs.

Social work degree candidates learn about the history and current professional environment of the field. They examine theories of social justice and diversity, investigate the relationship between research and practice, and study human behavior and development. Electives in subjects such as gerontology and criminal justice provide opportunities to explore potential professional specializations.

UA Little Rock supports distance learners with various resources, including online help with writing and math, library access, and tech support. Online students may qualify for various scholarships. Military-affiliated students enjoy discounted tuition.

University of Arkansas at Little Rock is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

An evangelical Christian university with an annual enrollment of over 85,000, Liberty educates learners from a biblical perspective. The Lynchburg, Virginia-based school's online programs enroll over half of its student body. Distance learners pursuing human services careers can enroll in Liberty's online bachelor's in social work program.

The 120-credit program encourages learners to incorporate faith into social work practice. Students learn to apply critical thinking skills, knowledge of human behavior, and social work values to professional situations.

Upper-division field experiences totaling 500 hours provide opportunities to practice skills and observe social service agencies' structure and operation. Most classes run asynchronously. However, the program requires attendance of one weeklong on-campus class called an intensive. Admission requires a minimum 2.0 GPA. Military-affiliated students pay a discounted tuition rate.

Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

BSU's hybrid bachelor of social work degree prepares students to become culturally responsive generalist social workers. The program may qualify graduates for Minnesota state licensure or advanced standing for master's-level social work study. Students enter the program in small cohorts each fall.

Designed for students with at least 24 prior college credits, the program builds social work skills such as assessment, evaluation, and crisis intervention. Learners take most classes online but meet with their cohorts and instructors on campus once a month. After taking major courses, enrollees complete their degree with a 480-hour internship at a social service agency.

Students earning their social work degree online may qualify for scholarships dedicated to distance learners and social work students. BSU social work students planning careers in child welfare can apply for stipends through the Child Welfare Scholars program.

Bemidji State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

A public research institution and historically Black university, TSU delivers over 60 degrees through its Nashville campus, online programs, and community college partnerships. The school's online bachelor's in social work program provides essential preparation for launching social work careers.

The 120-credit program cultivates field-relevant values, ethics, and skills. Students learn the basics of social work practice, with an emphasis on urban settings such as the Nashville metropolitan area. Distance learners also complete an observation experience at a social service agency prior to undertaking their 400-hour field education requirement. Elective options address subjects such as ethnic and minority concerns, social work intervention in health, child welfare, and gerontology.

Social work student clubs and honor societies provide opportunities for networking and leadership. Admission requires a 2.3 GPA or higher, completion of general education requirements, and an interview with a faculty advisor.

Tennessee State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A private, Baptist-affiliated university, CU offers classes online and at locations throughout Kentucky. Students pursuing a degree in social work can train as generalist practitioners through the school's fully online bachelor's degree.

The bachelor of social work curriculum covers core social work topics such as human behavior, social policy, and diversity issues. Diverse electives allow learners to explore specialized topics and potential career directions, including school social work, medical social work, and faith-based practice. Students can network and assume leadership roles through serving on the program's advisory board or joining its student club and honor society.

CU distance learners pay lower tuition than on-campus students. Military students qualify for an additional tuition reduction. Social work degree candidates pursuing careers in child protective services may qualify for tuition assistance and stipends.

Campbellsville University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A top Midwestern university, BCU offers liberal arts and professional training programs that embody the Franciscan tradition. BCU's online bachelor of social work program allows students to earn their social work degree in about two years.

The 124-credit degree-completion program accepts applicants with an associate degree in a social service-related field or equivalent transfer credits. Enrollees study the history and contemporary practice of social work. In their final semester, they complete a 450-hour local fieldwork experience. The program delivers most coursework asynchronously, although some classes employ synchronous video chat sessions.

With lower tuition than on-campus rates, transfer-specific scholarships, and tuition discounts for active-duty military students, the program provides an affordable path to a degree in social work.

Briar Cliff University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Located in Thomasville, Georgia, TU offers an affordable online bachelor of social work program. The 120-credit program provides a comprehensive education in social work theory, practices, and values.

Students enter the program as juniors, after completing lower-division general education and prerequisite courses. Courses in social work theory and professional practices prepare learners for a 400-hour, two-semester senior practicum. Elective courses include child welfare, gender issues, human sexuality, and introduction to substance abuse.

Transfer students can apply credits earned through prior college experience, military and professional training, examinations, and prior learning assessments. Articulation agreements with community colleges in Georgia, Florida, and New Jersey help many students transition smoothly into bachelor's programs. A gold-level military-friendly school, TU extends a discounted tuition rate to military students.

Thomas University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.