If you intend to pursue a career in social work, there are several opportunities available online offering the best online degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
An online degree in social work is rewarding and offers lots of opportunities. It allows you to acquire the best experiences to work with children, individuals and communities. With an online bachelor’s degree, you can become a licensed social worker or enrol in a master’s program.
Social workers usually with different types of people and communities, especially those who are vulnerable, oppressed and live in poverty. If you want to excel in this field and reach those facing certain challenges, then you should at the best colleges.
In this article, we will be discussing the best online degrees in social work and how to identify the best online colleges with accreditation.
How to Find the Best Online Degrees in Social Work
What is best for you as a student who wants to earn an online degree in social work?
Well, it starts with finding the best online social work degree. But finding the best options available online can sometimes be difficult.
Whether you are a high schooler with an aspiration to become a licensed social worker or you are searching for the best master’s program online, finding the best programs depends on a few factors.
As a student who is passionate about becoming a licensed social worker, are you ready to commit enough time to it? What are your future goals as an aspiring social worker?
Doing this will help you in your quest to becoming a licensed social worker”
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Stay Focused and Known Your Time Commitment
It’s important you consider your time commitment before choosing the type of program you want to study. Do your research, know the program, and check if you can invest enough time studying the program.
Let’s say you are working full-time as an employee and at the same time want to complete your bachelor’s in social work. Your best option is to choose an institution offering part-time programs.
You can also find programs that offer accelerated options if you wish to graduate within a short period.
Apply to Online Colleges with Accreditation
While doing your research on a program type, you should also find out if the college or university is accredited by recognized agencies.
Attending an institution that is not accredited is unwise. Many employers tend to hire graduates from accredited institutions and let’s not forget about missing out on certain financial aid.
It’s also important to enrol in degree programs with subject-specific accreditation. As a student who wants to become a licensed social worker, you should seek CSWE-accredited undergraduate programs.
Requirements for licensure vary based on the type of license you wish to obtain and your state of residence.
Licensed social workers are required to have an accredited master’s degree in social work to operate in certain states across the U.S.
According to Forbes.com, there are states that require candidates for social work licenses to present a bachelor’s degree obtained from CSWE-accredited programs.
What Is the Cost of an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work?
The cost of an online undergraduate degree in social work will vary based on certain factors. For example, if you intend to study online at a private college, expect to pay more as tuition, than you will at public colleges.
The cost of an online program will also vary based on state residency and if you choose a full-time or part-time program. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, tuition and fees for bachelor’s degrees at public universities cost over $9,000 on average for in-state students.
Out-of-state students pay an average tuition and fees of over $27,000. At private institutions, students pay an average tuition and fees of over $32,000 per year.
List of the Best Colleges Offering Online Degrees in Social Work
Here are the best online colleges offering both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work.
- Simmons University
- Wayne State University
- Maryville University of Saint Louis
- Temple University
- Georgia State University
- Malone University
- Liberty University
- Troy University
- Western Kentucky University
- Indiana Wesleyan University
- Texas State University
- Pennsylvania State University
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania
- University of Utah
- Indiana University
Best Online Degrees in Social Work
Let’s look at the best institutions offering online degrees in social work;
#1. Simmons University
- Location: Boston Massachusetts
Simmons University is one of the best places to earn an online degree in social work.
The university offers an online bachelor’s degree in social work. Faculty at this university are experts with the experience to educate and guide the next generation of aspiring licensed social workers.
They have developed a unique approach to teaching online learners by allowing students to work closely with mentors and other class members. Interacting with others online broadens students’ knowledge.
The online degree program consists of 128 credits and it’s designed to prepare students for social work experience with individuals and communities. Through this online program, you will gain experience to handle issues affecting children, adults, immigrants, and hospitalized patients.
Simmons University graduates go on to apply for the Association of Social Work Boards exams after completing this program. Get more information about this online program, by visiting the university’s website.
#2. Wayne State University
- Location: Detroit, Michigan
Wayne State University offers an online bachelor’s degree program in social work. The online program is considered the best option for adult learners.
The bachelor’s program is offered entirely online and all classes are taught by world-class faculty at WSU. Wayne State’s faculty are experts you can rely on when it comes to experience in the field of social work.
Online learners enrolled in Wayne State’s online bachelor’s program in social work have more control over their learning process than their counterparts attending class on campus.
WSU provide resources to its students. The university supports students with advisors at the School of Social Work. It also provides writing assistance, interaction with peers via its online portal, tutoring, and online mentoring.
#3. Maryville University of Saint Louis
- Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Whether you want to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work on a full-time or part-time basis, Maryville University of Saint Louis got you covered.
Students studying full-time complete their program in four years, while those on part-time study for additional one or two years to complete their program.
The online program comprises 128 credits and it incorporates general education requirements, social work core and field experience as well as electives.
The Maryville University of Saint Louis allows students to transfer credits obtained through freshmen courses completed at accredited institutions all transfer students are required to complete their final 30 credits at this university.
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#4. Temple University
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Temple University offers an online undergraduate degree in social work. Students can choose to study the online bachelor’s program on a full-time or part-time basis.
Whether you choose to study full-time or part-time, in two years you can complete the online program. During the two years you will be studying online for this bachelor’s degree, you will learn from qualified faculty with years of experience in the field of social work.
Students enrolled in Temple University’s online bachelor’s in social degree can find their field placement. Students who work full-time are also encouraged by this university to complete their field placements at organizations with an employment-based placement status.
#5. Georgia State University
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia State University offers one of the best degrees in social work you can find online.
The online bachelor’s degree in social work is available on a full-time and part-time basis. Full-time students can complete this online bachelor’s degree program in 36 months.
Coursework for this bachelor’s degree usually takes two years to complete for students on a full-time basis. Those enrolled part-time complete the coursework in three years.
Georgia State University requires all online learners to complete their field placement in the state of Georgia.
Georgia State University’s online bachelor’s in social work is CSWE accredited and it remains one of the top institutions that provide supportive services to students.
#6. Malone University
- Location: Canton, Ohio
Malone University provides some form of financial aid to over 90% of its students, with several merit-based scholarships also made available. The institution has a net price calculator that approximates the potential cost of attending.
This Ohio-based university offers an online bachelor’s degree in social work. Students may complete the bachelor’s degree program’s 450-hour senior practicum at their place of employment.
#7. Liberty University
- Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Liberty University’s online degree program in social work consists of 120 credit hours. The online programs can be completed in 3.5 years on average.
The online program features social work courses such as social work practice with individuals and families and ethics in professional helping.
Through this program, you will learn how to identify individuals and communities in need and how to build support networks.
The online degree program offered at Liberty University is accredited by CSWE and it’s one of the best options online for students.
#8. Troy University
- Location: Troy, Alabama
Troy University offers an online bachelor’s degree in social work. The online programs consist of 120 credit hours, with 57 credits of general studies, 27 credits of core requirements, and 27 credits of social work-specific courses.
The remaining nine credits are free electives. Troy University’s online bachelor’s degree in social work is accredited by CSWE and it concludes with a 400 hours practicum in a supervised field.
#9. Western Kentucky University
- Location: Bowling Green, Kentucky
At Western Kentucky University, you can study full-time or part-time. Full-time students can complete this online bachelor’s degree in social work in 36 months.
The online bachelor’s program offered at WKU consists of 120 credits. Major coursework in this online program is usually completed two years after students are admitted into this program.
Western Kentucky University’s field seminar courses and practicum last for sixteen weeks.
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#10. Indiana Wesleyan University
- Location: Marion, Indiana
Indiana Wesleyan University provides an opportunity for students to earn an online bachelor’s degree in social work. The online program is designed to prepare students for experience in the field of social work.
Through this online program, you will learn how to work closely with children, adults, and communities at a disadvantage.
#11. Texas State University
- Location: San Marcos, Texas
This university is a public research institution that offers a full-time hybrid social work program. The program’s coursework is organized into three different phases.
The first phase incorporates introductory social work and general education courses. The second phase focuses on the major core curriculum, while the third phase involves a field practicum. Keep in mind that the first phase of this social work program may require attendance on campus.
Field placement experience during the third phase also requires the physical presence of learners.
#12. Pennsylvania State University- World Campus
- Location: University Park, Pennsylvania
Penn State World Campus offers a variety of online degrees including a bachelor’s in social work. It also offers an online bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies.
Students studying at Penn State World Campus acquire the best experience to excel in the field of social work through the guidance of qualified faculty.
#13. Millersville University of Pennsylvania
- Location: Millersville, Pennsylvania
If you are an associate degree holder in human or social services, and you are looking for the best place to obtain an online bachelor’s in social work, Millersville University of Pennsylvania is the place for you.
The online bachelor’s program offered at Millersville University can be completed in three years (for online learners who choose the regular start), while the accelerated program takes two years to complete.
Also Read: 15 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2023
#14. University of Utah
- Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
The University of Utah online bachelor’s degree program is accredited by CSWE. At this university, you will learn from faculty with years of experience in the field of social work.
Expect to take 48 credit hours in social work classes. The program’s curriculum incorporates social work practice 1: social welfare policy and services, individuals and families, the developmental impact of child abuse and neglect, substance abuse, etc.
#15. Indiana University
- Location: Bloomington, Indiana
Indiana University’s online Master of Social Work programs is accredited by CSWE. This online master’s program has a concentration in clinical and community practice.
Once you start your online social work degree, expect to take courses in Introduction to the Social Work Profession, Social Policy Analysis and Practice, and Diversity, Human Rights, and Social Justice.
Conclusion
An online bachelor’s degree in social work is rewarding and it allows students to acquire the experiences required to work with different types of people and communities.
If you aspire to become a licensed social worker, ensure you obtain your degree from an accredited institution.
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References
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/best-online-bsw-programs/
- https://www.accredited-online-college.org/accredited-online-colleges-for-social-work/
- https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-social-work-degree-programs/
- https://www.bachelorsdegreecenter.org/best-online-social-work-degrees/
- https://www.socialworkdegreecenter.com/rankings/top-online-bachelors-degrees-in-social-work/
- https://www.collegeconsensus.com/rankings/best-online-bsw/
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