Online Bachelor of Social Work: Forensic Social Work Concentration
Build Expertise for Dynamic Forensic Social Work Jobs
Learn from Experienced Faculty
Gain Trauma-Informed Skills
Pursue Jobs in Criminal Justice
Advocate for Diverse Populations
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Complete the form to learn more about this program.
- Duration 4 years
- Cost per Credit $495
- Credit Hours 120
Program Benefits
- Build a Foundation of Theory, Policy and Research
- Address Community-Based Issues
- Explore Rehabilitation and Prevention
- Understand Complexities in Court Systems
- Stand Out for Forensic Social Work Jobs
Tailor Your Social Work Degree Toward the Criminal Justice System
Add forensic social work skills to your online BSW and pursue careers within the criminal justice system, including corrections and legal environments. The Forensic Social Work concentration is ideal if you’d like a non-law-enforcement role in criminal justice.
When you graduate with a forensic social work degree, you’ll be able to help vulnerable populations in a career that has a positive social impact.
The Forensic Social Work Concentration Will Allow You To:
- Better understand the United States criminal justice system
- Consider federal and state laws that impact clinical practice
- Develop trauma-informed approaches to forensic social work
- Examine your own beliefs and attitudes toward criminal justice
Curriculum: Forensic Social Work Concentration
Online
4 Years
120 Total Credits
The online BSW’s Forensic Social Work concentration offers a solid foundation of topics that prepare you for careers in the justice system. Explore trends and practices in justice system policies and procedures, rehabilitation, prevention of repeat offenses and advocacy for clients.
Featured Courses
Provides an understanding of the discipline of criminology through an examination of its theories, basic assumptions, and definitions.
This undergraduate course examines mental health issues and how they interact within the United States criminal justice system. Students will learn how certain diagnoses are more likely to lead to police intervention, as well as how today’s prisons have become modern-day asylums. Students will also consider how insanity and psychosis differ, the limitations of assessing for dangerousness, and how competency to stand trial is determined. Special attention will be paid to learning practical skills in analyzing data, writing evidence-based reports, understanding DSM-5 diagnoses, and considering federal and state laws that impact clinical practice in the criminal justice system.
Discover a Variety of Fulfilling Forensic Social Work Jobs
Qualified social workers are in high demand across specialties. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that careers for social workers will grow faster than average from 2023 to 2033, adding about 67,300 openings each year over the decade.1
With an essential foundation in forensic social work, you can move toward a non-law-enforcement position in several settings, including criminal justice, corrections, the court system and more. Knowledge and skills from Carlow University’s leading-edge program could also elevate your salary potential in your current role.
Forensic Social Worker $87,190 average yearly salary2
Social Worker—Corrections $69,532 average yearly salary3
Criminal Justice Social Worker $62,414 average yearly salary4
BSW Specializations
Frequently 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.
The online BSW program offers four optional concentrations: Crisis and Trauma, Forensic Social Work, Healthcare Social Work and Restorative Justice.
You are not required to choose a concentration for your social work degree. You can complete a general degree or choose one of four optional concentrations: Crisis and Trauma, Forensic Social Work, Healthcare Social Work and Restorative Justice.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Social Workers.” August 29, 2024. Retrieved September 30, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm.
- Glassdoor LLC. “How Much Does a Forensic Social Worker Make?” June 6, 2024. Retrieved September 30, 2024, from https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/-forensic-social-work-salary-SRCH_KO0,21.htm.
- Glassdoor LLC. “How Much Does a Social Worker- Corrections Make?” June 6, 2024. Retrieved September 30, 2024, from https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/correctional-social-worker-salary-SRCH_KO0,26.htm#:~:text=The%20average%20salary%20for%20a%20Correctional%20Social%20Worker%20is.
- Glassdoor LLC. “How Much Does a Criminal Justice Social Worker Make?” June 6, 2024. Retrieved September 30, 2024, from https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/criminal-justice-social-worker-salary-SRCH_KO0,30.htm#:~:text=The%20average%20salary%20for%20a%20Criminal%20Justice%20Social%20Worker%20is.