Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree
Explore Social Work Theory and Practice in an Online Degree Program
- Experiential Coursework
- Licensure — Degree Eligible
- CSWE-Accredited
Learn More Today
Complete the form to learn more about this program.
- Duration 2-4 years
- Cost per Credit $495
- Credit Hours 120
Program Benefits
- Courses Focus on Trauma and Social Justice
- We Strive to Serve Those Traditionally Excluded From Higher Education
- Choose from Four Concentrations: Crisis and Trauma, Restorative Justice, Healthcare Social Work and Forensic Social Work
- Advance Standing for Carlow BSW graduates affords a full time MSW student to graduate in 18 months
Launch Your Social Work Career With Our Accredited Online BSW
Gain the knowledge, skills and values you need to earn the title of a social worker with Carlow University’s bachelor’s degree in social work online program. Our online BSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CWSE), a credential required for bachelor’s-level licensure and bachelor’s-level jobs in the field.
Our program provides a strong foundation in liberal arts studies, social work theory and best practices. Enhance your degree by choosing from concentrations in Crisis and Trauma, Restorative Justice, Healthcare Social Work and Forensic Social Work. You will be degree-eligible to sit for the LBSW exam upon graduation. You will also be eligible to apply for advanced standing in a CSWE-accredited MSW program. Advanced Standing MSW admission waives 15 credits of graduate foundation social work courses taken as an undergraduate.
As a student in the BSW degree online program, you will volunteer 50 hours by junior year. In your senior year, you will participate in an agency-based field placement for two semesters (fall & spring) of 450 hours, and a corresponding classroom field seminar. Your real-world experience can translate into generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
The bachelor’s degree in social work is also available on campus.
Build a Successful Social Work Career
With a Bachelor of Social Work from Carlow University, you can pursue licensure and then embark on several social work career paths. Your dream social work career might be in a nonprofit agency or organization, a behavioral health agency, a family services center, healthcare setting, a long-term care agency, a foster care program, the criminal justice system and more.
Explore CareersChoose from Four Concentrations
Direct your social work degree to your ideal career with one of four concentrations.
Experiential Courses Delivered by Expert Faculty
Content required by CSWE for licensure eligibility
24 required courses for the major
As a social work major, you’ll benefit from an interactive online classroom environment and caring faculty. Our small class sizes give you the opportunity to receive personalized attention as you learn to apply your knowledge, skills and advocacy to meaningful populations that are vulnerable and/or oppressed. Courses include:
- Introduction to Social Work
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- Cultural Humility
- Social Work with Families
Apply to the BSW Online Program
Transfer up to 90 credits
Two start dates per year
It’s always a good time to apply to Carlow’s bachelor’s degree in social work online program. To start, you’ll need your official transcripts and a completed online application.
View Our Application ProcessDiscover Your Options for Financing Your Degree
Scholarships available
$59,400 total tuition
We understand that pursuing higher education is an investment. Carlow’s staff is always available to answer questions and connect you to resources for loans, grants, scholarships and employer benefits.
Find out MoreWhat You’ll Learn
Through the CSWE-accredited curriculum, you’ll graduate from the online BSW degree program eligible to apply to take the LBSW exam and make an impact in a variety of organizations.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
- Advance human rights and social, racial, economic and environmental justice.
- Engage anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ADEI) in practice.
- Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
- Engage in policy practice.
- Engage, assess, intervene with and evaluate individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation and ensuring that social work programs meet them. CSWE administers a multistep accreditation process that involves program self-studies, site visits, and reviews. Carlow University’s next accreditation visit will be in 2028.
Resources
- View or download the Bachelor of Social Work field manual [pdf]. It contains information and documents specific to the field placement component of the program
- View or download the Bachelor of Social Work program handbook [pdf]. It contains policies, procedures and information about the program
- View or download the Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes [pdf].
Learn From Industry-Experienced Faculty
Our responsive faculty and supportive community care deeply for students and work hard to help you meet your goals. Professors in the program have in-depth professional experiences in the field and extensive teaching experience. With the assistance of a dedicated program-level faculty adviser, you’ll prepare to launch your career in social work.
When you join the Carlow family, you get an experienced and compassionate team dedicated to your personal and professional growth. Online learning at Carlow offers the flexibility you need while connecting you to a vibrant, close-knit and supportive community of instructors and learners.
Discover Carlow OnlineWe understand that pursuing higher education is an investment. Carlow’s staff is always available to answer questions and connect you to resources for loans, grants, scholarships and employer benefits.
Find Out MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Explore our frequently asked questions for in-depth answers. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, reach out to us.
Yes. The BSW program is CSWE accredited.
At Carlow, we offer two start dates for the online BSW throughout the year, in the fall and spring.
Our BSW online program prepares you to start on several social work career paths. Your dream social work career might be in a nonprofit agency or organization, behavioral health agency, a family services center, healthcare setting, a long-term care agency, a foster care program, the criminal justice system and more. Careers in the social work filed are growing fast. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that careers for social workers are projected to grow faster than average at 9 percent from 2021 to 2031.
Many BSW students continue their education with online graduate studies, such as a master’s in social work.
Coursework consists of 120 total credit hours. Find out more about our curriculum.
Yes. The program can be completed in a part-time or full-time format, depending on your needs. Full-time students take 12 to 15 credits per semester, while part-time students can take less.
Carlow offers institutional scholarships to students who are enrolled full-time. There are other scholarships offered by outside organizations for which students can also apply. Speak to an enrollment counselor about scholarship opportunities.
Disclaimer
*The total estimated tuition is $59,400, not including fees and other expenses. Tuition can vary depending on the number of transfer credits accepted.