Quick Look:
- Career Versatility: Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) can pursue diverse roles such as healthcare social workers, mental health assistants, child welfare case managers, and community outreach workers, making the degree a flexible entry point into various fields.
- Strong Job Growth: Employment in social work is expected to grow significantly, especially in healthcare and mental health specialties, with projected growth rates of 11% between 2021 and 2031.
- Cost and Accessibility: Many CSWE-accredited programs are offered online or in hybrid formats, reducing costs and providing flexibility for students who need to balance education with other commitments.
- Advancement Opportunities: A BSW offers pathways to further education, such as advanced standing in Master of Social Work (MSW) programs, which can lead to higher-paying, licensed clinical or supervisory roles
The best CSWE Accredited online bachelor’s degree programs in Social Work are a flexible option for earning an undergraduate degree. Returning to school to get an online social work degree is difficult, especially if you are employed. It’s important to face facts, however.
No matter how long you work in your current position, you will always have more to learn. It can mean learning new skills and techniques or using the latest technology. Either way, enrolling in a Social Work Bachelor’s Degree online can provide you with all of the skills you will need, as well as the latest technology.
How We Ranked the Best CSWE Accredited Online Social Work Degree Programs
The Social Work Degree Center editors want prospective students to know they’re getting a trustworthy degree. That’s why our research starts with CSWE-accredited online programs. From there, we also considered factors like cost and student satisfaction, using data from IPEDS and Niche.
Related:
- 10 Best Social Work Schools in Florida with BSW and MSW Programs
- Social Work Certifications and Career Advancement
- 10 Best Social Work Schools in Washington State
- 10 Best Social Work Schools in North Carolina
1. The University of Utah
The Social Work College at the University of Utah offers one of Utah’s best online social work degrees in the marketplace with its Bachelor of Social Work degree program that focuses on teaching social work students how to be mutually respectful and supportive of all others.
The Utah online social work bachelor’s degree program is one of sixteen online BSW programs that are CSWE accredited. The social work major from U of U requires the completion of a social work-related internship and 48 semester credits from the social work curriculum.
The University of Utah started as the University of Desert in 1850, decades before Utah became a state. The University of Utah is a flagship and space-grant school with a student enrollment of 33,000 students.
Highlight: The University of Utah operates four medical centers, including the first medical school in the state.
2. University of Michigan-Flint
The University of Michigan Flint offers one of Michigan’s best online social work degrees with its Bachelor’s of Social Work (BSW) degree program that has received accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education.
Students enrolled in the UM-Flint online social work bachelor’s degree programs must complete at least 124 semester units, with 77 credits from the required social work curriculum. Core classes for the University of Michigan’s baccalaureate degree in social work include:
- Social Justice and Diversity
- Foundations in Social Welfare Policies
- Social Welfare
- Human Behavior in the Social Environment
The University of Michigan – Flint began as a satellite campus in 1944 to help returning WWII veterans go back to school on the GI Bill. Today there are more than 7000 students, and UMF plays an important role in educating professionals in the region.
Highlight: The University of Michigan is one of the country’s Public Ivy League schools.
3. Michigan State University
Michigan State University’s offers a hybrid Statewide Blended Regular Bachelor of Arts degree program in Social Work (BASW) that is among Michigan’s best social work degrees. MSU’s social work bachelor’s degree programs are CSWE-accredited programs and meet Michigan’s licensing requirements for clinical social workers in the state.
Many graduates of Michigan State University’s BASW program choose to enter the school’s graduate degree in social work or a related field. In addition, MSU has more than 800 partners in the state to offer clinical social workers a major and the required field experience to help them transition to careers.
Michigan State University is the flagship campus of Michigan. It started under the Morrill Act as a land-grant school in 1855. The school’s endowment of about $3.5 billion is among the largest in the nation and serves nearly 50,000 students.
Highlight: MSU’s graduate education programs consistently rank among the best in the nation.
4. New Mexico State University
New Mexico State University’s Social Work School offers a Bachelor of Social Work degree program (BSW) that is among the state of New Mexico’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs. This program has accreditation from the Council of Social Work Education.
Students take foundational coursework in:
- Social Sciences
- Liberal Arts
- Humanistic Philosophy
In addition, many NMSU’s social work graduates continue and pursue a master’s degree in social work from New Mexico State University.
New Mexico State University started as a land-grant school in 1888. In addition, New Mexico State University is a space-grant school that is the oldest public higher-learning institute.
Highlight: New Mexico State University maintains academic facilities in Grans, Dona Ana County, Alamogordo, and Carlsbad.
5. Texas State University
Texas State University’s Social Work School offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) professional degree program that offers students an online cohort to follow for four years.
TSU’s CSWE-accredited best online social work bachelor’s degree programs include classes in:
- Social Policy
- Social Research
- Human Behavior in Social Environments
- a practicum or field experience
The curriculum includes 60 credits of general ed, 27 credits in social sciences, and 48 credits in social work, which amounts to a minimum of 121 credit units.
Texas State University (Texas State) opened in 1899 as a state-funded normal school. The first class at Texas State University included about 300 students, whereas Texas State University’s current student enrollment now exceeds 38,150.
Highlight: Texas State University operates a satellite facility to Austin’s north in Round Rock.
6. The University of Alabama
The School of Social Work (SSW) at the University of Alabama offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) professional degree program that offers degree candidates more than 240 agencies to select for field placements.
Core classes for Bama’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs include:
- The History of Social Welfare
- Social Work Practice
- Human Behavior
- Social Environments
- Social Psychology
- a nine-credit field experience or practicum
Graduates of the University of Alabama’s best online social work degrees find rewarding careers in nursing homes, health clinics, schools, hospitals, prisons, corporations, or private practice.
The University of Alabama is a research school that is also the state’s flagship campus. Founded in 1820, the University of Alabama is now home to 31,660 students.
Highlight: The University of Alabama is the largest in the state, and the school’s football program is among the most successful in the nation.
7. University of Louisville
The Kent Social Work School at the University of Louisville offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) professional degree program considered among Kentucky’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs.
Louisville’s best online social work degrees require degree candidates and social work majors to complete 120 semester units to graduate. Classes for this baccalaureate degree in social work include:
- Human Behavior
- Issues in Service Delivery
- Social Welfare Institutions
- a practicum, a practicum lab, and a senior seminar
The University of Louisville started in 1798 as a seminary. It is among the oldest schools in the nation and the first university to be city-run. At present, the University of Louisville is a space-grant school with a student enrollment of approximately 21,330 students.
Highlight: The University of Louisville has enrolled students from almost all of Kentucky’s 120 counties.
8. Eastern New Mexico University
Eastern New Mexico University’s Dept. of Health and Human Services offers a Bachelor of Social Work Professional Degree (BSW) program ranked as one of New Mexico’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs.
ENMU’s best online social work degrees prepare graduates for work in nursing homes, hospices, corrections, private practice, child welfare agencies, mental health clinics, schools, law enforcement, or youth services, to name a few. In addition, this baccalaureate degree from Eastern New Mexico University is CSWE accredited and aligns with the NASW’s Code of Ethics.
Eastern New Mexico University opened nearly one hundred years ago, in 1927. Eastern New Mexico University operates several branches that serve more than 5,950 students and is also a designated Hispanic-serving school.
Highlight: Eastern New Mexico University’s athletes play as Greyhounds and represent the school in the NCAA DII – Lone Star Conference.
9. California State University, Chico
California State University, Chico’s Social Work School, offers a Bachelor of Social Work Professional Degree (BSW) program that is considered one of the West Coast’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs. Chico State’s best online social work degrees have received CSWE accreditation.
These social work programs require the completion of 60 credit units (or 90 quarter units) to enter their junior year as a social work major. Additionally, degree candidates enrolled in California State University’s bachelor’s degree in social work program must complete sixty clock hours of human services experience as a paid intern or volunteer.
California State University, Chico is a member of the 23-school CSU system. Founded in 1887, Chico State now serves about 16,500 students from its Chico campus in north-central California.
Highlight: California State University, Chico offers students nearly 175 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
10. Wayne State University
Wayne State University’s Social Work School offers a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work professional degree (BSW) program that the NASW also approves.
Students enrolled in Wayne State University’s best online social work degrees require students to complete at least 120 credit units, of which 51 credits must be from the social work curriculum. These best online social work bachelor’s degree programs from Wayne State University are organized into five related study areas:
- Research
- Practice
- Human Behavior/Social Environment
- Social Welfare Policy
- Field Education
This university was founded in 1868. Wayne State University (Wayne State) operates the state’s 3rd largest institution of higher learning. As a research school, WSU serves approximately 25,970 students.
Highlight: The school is named to honor a Civil War General – Anthony Wayne.
11. University of Cincinnati
The Allied Health Sciences College at the University of Cincinnati offers a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work professional completion degree (BSW) program ranked among Ohio’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs.
Applicants should have already completed at least 60 semester credits in a social work-related program to be eligible for admission to UC’s best online social work degrees. Classes for this baccalaureate degree from the University of Cincinnati include:
- Human Behavior in the Social Environment
- Mental Health Perspectives in Social Work
- Social Welfare Policy
- Social Work Research
- field learning experiences
The university was founded more than a century ago in 1819. The school maintains several campuses in the greater Cincinnati area and serves more than 45,780 students.
Highlight: UC’s regional campuses are located in Batavia and Blue Ash.
12. University of North Dakota
The Nursing & Professional Disciplines College, in partnership with the Social Work Department at the University of North Dakota, offers a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) degree program that is recognized among North Dakota’s best online social work degrees.
Degree candidates enrolled in the University of North Dakota’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs complete classes in:
- Social Work Research
- Human Behavior in the Social Environment
- Social Policy
- Generalist Social Work Practices
- several fields of experience and instruction
The university was founded in 1883 and is recognized as North Dakota’s oldest institution of higher education. UND’s student enrollment exceeds 13,500 and is home to the state’s only medical and law school.
Highlight: The University of North Dakota’s men’s ice hockey team has won many national titles since its inception.
13. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University’s Social Work Department offers a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work professional degree (BSW) program ranked among the most affordable and best online social work bachelor’s degree programs in Kansas.
Degree candidates enrolled in Fort Hays State University’s best online social work degrees must complete 124 credits units to graduate, including a practicum and internship/independent study. Core classes for Fort Hays State University’s baccalaureate social work degree include:
- Methods of Social Research
- Social Welfare Policy Child and Family Systems
- Client Management Procedures
- Spirituality and Aging
Fort Hays State University (Fort Hays) was established in 1902 and is one of the schools administered by the state’s Board of Regents. The Hays campus of Fort Hays State University and the school’s online platform serves nearly 16,000 undergraduate and graduate degree students.
Highlight: Fort Hays State University was originally developed as the western extension of Emporia State University.
14. Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University offers a Bachelor of Social Work professional degree (BSW) program that is CSWE accredited. WKU’s best online social work degrees are typically completed in eight semesters or four years for full-time students, with part-time options available.
In addition, students enrolled in Western Kentucky University’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs must participate in a 400-hour field practicum in an agency based in their home area. Classes include:
- Social Work Communication Skills
- Social Welfare Policy and Issues
- Human Behavior in the Social Environment
The state’s legislatures established Western Kentucky University in 1906. WKU’s 200-acre main campus in Bowling Green overlooks the valley created by the Barren River.
Highlight: Western Kentucky University maintains several regional academic facilities in Owensboro, Glasgow, or Elizabethtown/Fort Knox.
15. The University of Nebraska
The Arts & Sciences College at the University of Nebraska at Kearney offers a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) degree program ranked among Nebraska’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs.
The UNK’s best online social work degrees require the completion of at least 120 semester credits – all online! In addition, Nebraska’s baccalaureate degree in social work requires these core classes:
- Introduction to Social Welfare
- Human Service Ethics
- Social Policy, Diversity, and Social Justice
- Fundamentals of Research in Social Welfare
- two field placements in a social work setting
The University of Nebraska at Kearney was founded as a state-funded normal school in 1905 by legislative action at the state level. This space-grant university’s rural campus serves approximately 6,050 students.
Highlight: The University of Nebraska at Kearney is recognized by US News among the nation’s top regional public universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Online Social Work Degrees Be Accredited?
There are many accredited online degrees in social work. Any degree program can be accredited as long as it complies with the governing body’s strict standards for academic excellence. Online degree programs offer the same basic learning materials as those offered in a classroom.
The major difference is how the material is presented. Presenting materials over an online learning platform does not take away from what is taught. It does, however, give the student more time to digest it.
What is Regional Accreditation for Schools?
Regional accreditation also applies to online social work degrees. Regional accreditation is the evaluation process for the school. The school’s resources, learning methods, tools, and faculty are all scrutinized.
In addition, the CSWE reviews every aspect of the school’s teaching methods. They also review how the faculty interacts with each student regarding social work. If the organization’s strict criteria have been met satisfactorily, the school is deemed CSWE accredited.
Program Accreditation
Specialized accreditation involves evaluating the degree program itself. The level of knowledge being offered to students is heavily considered and the teaching methods. The use of technology is also a key factor.
For example, the accrediting board must also consider the online learning platform and how easy it is to use. Testing and study guides are also looked at very closely.
Why is a CSWE Accredited Program so Important?
Accreditation is important for many reasons. First, it ensures that the degree program or school can provide you with everything you will need for your specific needs. Degree programs require specific levels of knowledge and abilities to meet the industry’s employment expectations.
An Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate program will provide specific levels of knowledge, and you advance from one to the other. The higher the degree, the more intense the knowledge.
A CSWE accreditation ensures that the degree program provides students with everything they need to be effective in their field of work. It also ensures that the program is current and includes the most recent advancements.
There are times when laws change or protocols are adapted to meet new state or federal guidelines. Because schools and degree programs are reviewed regularly, students receive the most accurate and up-to-date information possible.
Other Benefits for CSWE Accredited Programs
Another benefit of CSWE accreditation is that the school is accountable for the quality of its education. You don’t have to worry about whether or not you will need to supplement your education.
If you choose a degree program, you don’t have to worry that you may be missing something. When choosing a school, you can rest assured that its teaching methods and faculty members are of the highest quality and above reproach.
Is a CSWE Accredited Online Social Work Bachelors Worth it?
The best online Social Work degree programs can give you everything you need to advance your career. They are taught over an online learning platform that uses the latest technology. The most successful SW programs familiarize themselves with new computer programs being used in the field.
In addition, the best online Social Work degree programs will provide you with the same education that students in a classroom receive. The primary difference is no commute time to and from the school. Instead, that time can be spent studying.
Another benefit of taking your social work degree courses online is the convenience. If you are working a full-time job, you will need to study in your free time. An online degree program can make that happen.
You can do your homework from any location. If you have to travel for any reason, you can still keep up with your homework. This is also a good option if you are constantly on the go. Much of your homework is submitted on a tablet or your phone.
Other Degree Options In Human Services
Accreditation is something that many employers look for. They know if you have graduated from an accredited school or degree program, you will be more than ready to go to work and take the steps necessary to reach your career goals.
However, if you cannot find the right Social Work program, some students choose an accredited Human Services degree program instead. There are both traditional and online human services bachelor’s degree options.
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