Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a four-year undergraduate degree in the US that prepares students for professional social work practice and potential graduate studies.
Careers open to social work graduates
Institutions awarding this level in social work (625)
Source: IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education). IPEDS records the field and level of each award, not its exact title.
- Grand Canyon University · Phoenix
- California State University Los Angeles · Los Angeles
- Liberty University · Lynchburg
- California State University, Sacramento · Sacramento
- Arizona State University Campus Immersion · Tempe
- The University of Texas at Arlington · Arlington
- Aurora University · Aurora
- Walden University · Minneapolis
- Ohio State University-Main Campus · Columbus
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · Edinburg
- Florida Atlantic University · Boca Raton
- Lehman College · Bronx
- Purdue University Global · West Lafayette
- Northern Arizona University · Flagstaff
- Indiana University-Indianapolis · Indianapolis
- Fresno Pacific University · Fresno
- University of Central Florida · Orlando
- Brandman University · Irvine
- Troy University · Troy
- San Diego State University · San Diego
- Texas State University · San Marcos
- Grand Valley State University · Allendale
- Metropolitan State University of Denver · Denver
- University of Utah · Salt Lake City
- Eastern Michigan University · Ypsilanti
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas · Las Vegas
- Appalachian State University · Boone
- Salisbury University · Salisbury
- Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global · Marion
- Northeastern Illinois University · Chicago
- Virginia Commonwealth University · Richmond
- Wayne State University · Detroit
- Portland State University · Portland
- Florida International University · Miami
- University of Cincinnati · Cincinnati
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro · Greensboro
- Rhode Island College · Providence
- Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania · Bloomsburg
- Brigham Young University - Idaho · Rexburg
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · Urbana
- Rutgers University-Newark · Newark
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee · Milwaukee
- The University of Texas at Austin · Austin
- University of Nevada, Reno · Reno
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville · Knoxville
- Utah State University · Logan
- Stephen F. Austin State University · Nacogdoches
- University of Kentucky · Lexington
- University of Maryland-Baltimore County · Baltimore
- University of North Carolina Wilmington · Wilmington
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick · New Brunswick
- University of Houston - Downtown · Houston
- University of Mississippi · Oxford
- Spring Arbor University · Spring Arbor
- Eastern Kentucky University · Richmond
- University of South Florida · Tampa
- Youngstown State University · Youngstown
- Oakland University · Rochester Hills
- Florida State University · Tallahassee
- Weber State University · Ogden
- Tarleton State University · Stephenville
- Colorado State University-Fort Collins · Fort Collins
- University of Northern Iowa · Cedar Falls
- University of California-Berkeley · Berkeley
- East Carolina University · Greenville
- University of Southern Mississippi · Hattiesburg
- Western Kentucky University · Bowling Green
- Bridgewater State University · Bridgewater
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte · Charlotte
- Millersville University · Millersville
- University of Alabama · Tuscaloosa
- University of Wisconsin–Madison · Madison
- Angelo State University · San Angelo
- California State University, Fresno · Fresno
- Stony Brook University · Stony Brook
- California State University, Long Beach · Long Beach
- George Mason University · Fairfax
- Ramapo College · Mahwah
- Rutgers University-Camden · Camden
- Northern Kentucky University · Highland Heights
- Winona State University · Winona
- Bowling Green State University · Bowling Green
- University of Kansas · Lawrence
- Cal Poly Humboldt · Arcata
- Georgia State University · Atlanta
- University of North Dakota · Grand Forks
- Western Michigan University · Kalamazoo
- Missouri State University · Springfield
- Cleveland State University · Cleveland
- California State University, Chico · Chico
- Metropolitan State University · Saint Paul
- University of North Texas · Denton
- Jackson State University · Jackson
- University of Louisville · Louisville
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock · Little Rock
- Saginaw Valley State University · University Center
- Southern Connecticut State University · New Haven
- Boise State University · Boise
- University of Akron · Akron
- Ball State University · Muncie
- University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire · Eau Claire
- Minnesota State University, Mankato · Mankato
- Campbellsville University · Campbellsville
- West Chester University · West Chester
- Michigan State University · East Lansing
- Wichita State University · Wichita
- University of Wisconsin–Whitewater · Whitewater
- University of Memphis · Memphis
- Norfolk State University · Norfolk
- Loyola University Chicago · Chicago
- Buffalo State University · Buffalo
- The University of Texas at El Paso · El Paso
- University of Toledo · Toledo
- Our Lady of the Lake University · San Antonio
- Murray State University · Murray
- Minnesota State University Moorhead · Moorhead
- California State University, San Bernardino · San Bernardino
- Heritage University · Toppenish
- San Jose State University · San Jose
- Hunter College · New York
- Ferris State University · Big Rapids
- Radford University · Radford
- Stockton University · Galloway
- Morgan State University · Baltimore
- Northwestern State University · Natchitoches
- Limestone College · Gaffney
- Montclair State University · Montclair
- University of West Florida · Pensacola
- Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus · Gurabo
- Central Michigan University · Mount Pleasant
- Florida Gulf Coast University · Fort Myers
- University of Nebraska at Omaha · Omaha
- Temple University · Philadelphia
- Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Carolina Campus · Carolina
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus · Seattle
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa · Honolulu
- University of Arkansas · Fayetteville
- Minot State University · Minot
- Eastern Washington University · Cheney
- Morehead State University · Morehead
- University of North Carolina at Pembroke · Pembroke
- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University · Tallahassee
- Utah Valley University · Orem
- Western Carolina University · Cullowhee
- Illinois State University · Normal
- SUNY Brockport · Brockport
- Keuka College · Keuka Park
- Middle Tennessee State University · Murfreesboro
- Jacksonville State University · Jacksonville
- Texas Woman's University · Denton
- University of Washington Tacoma · Tacoma
- Winston-Salem State University · Winston-Salem
- Southeastern Louisiana University · Hammond
- York College, City University of New York · Jamaica
- North Carolina Central University · Durham
- Medgar Evers College · Brooklyn
- University of Missouri–St. Louis · Saint Louis
- University of New Hampshire · Durham
- North Carolina State University · Raleigh
- Central Connecticut State University · New Britain
- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University · Greensboro
- University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras · San Juan
- Western Connecticut State University · Danbury
- University of Southern Indiana · Evansville
- Shippensburg University · Shippensburg
- University of Nebraska at Kearney · Kearney
- College of St. Scholastica · Duluth
- Elms College · Chicopee
- James Madison University · Harrisonburg
- East Tennessee State University · Johnson City
- Prairie View A&M University · Prairie View
- Austin Peay State University · Clarksville
- St. Cloud State University · Saint Cloud
- Kutztown University · Kutztown
- University of Oklahoma · Norman
- Eastern Connecticut State University · Willimantic
- Colorado State University Pueblo · Pueblo
- University of North Alabama · Florence
- Brigham Young University–Hawaii · Laie
- Miami University-Oxford · Oxford
- Brescia University · Owensboro
- Fayetteville State University · Fayetteville
- Adelphi University · Garden City
- University of Puerto Rico-Humacao · Humacao
- Lewis Clark State College · Lewiston
- University of South Carolina-Columbia · Columbia
- University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point · Stevens Point
- East Texas A&M University · Commerce
- The University of Montana · Missoula
- University of Alabama at Birmingham · Birmingham
- University of Georgia · Athens
- St. Catherine University · Saint Paul
- University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia
- University of Wisconsin–Green Bay · Green Bay
- University of Iowa · Iowa City
- King University · Bristol
- Kansas State University · Manhattan
- Western New Mexico University · Silver City
- University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh · Oshkosh
- Ohio University Lancaster · Athens
About
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a bachelor level degree typically completed in about four years of undergraduate study in the United States. It is offered by four-year institutions accredited by regional agencies and programmatic bodies focused on social work education. The BSW is designed for students who want to pursue a career in social work, helping individuals, families, and communities through various social services. It provides foundational knowledge and practical skills that meet national standards and prepare graduates for entry-level social work positions or further graduate education such as a Master of Social Work (MSW). The degree is recognized within the US social work profession and can lead to eligibility for licensure exams depending on state requirements. This diploma fits within the US higher education system as a key credential for social work practitioners and is accessible through the Common Application and FAFSA for financial aid.
- Bachelor level undergraduate degree
- Four years of study at four-year institutions
- Accredited by regional and social work bodies
- Prepares for professional social work roles
- Pathway to graduate social work degrees
- Eligible for licensure exams in many states
How to get in
Admission to a Bachelor of Social Work program generally requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants typically apply through the Common Application or directly to four-year colleges offering the BSW. Admission criteria often include a review of high school GPA, SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statements demonstrating interest in social work. Some programs may require interviews or prerequisite coursework in social sciences. The selection process can be competitive depending on the institution, with preference given to students showing commitment to community service or social justice. Financial aid options are available through FAFSA and institutional scholarships. Transfer students from two-year associate programs with articulation agreements may also enter BSW programs with advanced standing.
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Application via Common App or college portal
- Review of GPA, test scores, and essays
- Possible interviews or prerequisites
- Competitive admission depending on school
- Transfer options from associate degrees
Format and schedule
The Bachelor of Social Work is structured over about four years of full-time study, typically requiring completion of a set number of credit hours including general education and social work courses. Programs often include supervised field placements or internships, which provide practical experience in social service settings. These field experiences are integral and usually occur in the later years of the program. Evaluation methods include coursework, exams, projects, and performance assessments during internships. Some programs may offer part-time or online options, but full-time attendance is common. There is generally no formal alternating work-study schedule, but field placements require significant time commitment. Grades contribute to a cumulative GPA that is important for graduation and further study.
- Four years of full-time study
- Credit hours combining general and social work courses
- Supervised field placements included
- Evaluations via exams, projects, and internships
- Full-time attendance typical
- GPA important for progress
What next?
Graduates with a Bachelor of Social Work can enter the workforce in entry-level social work positions in settings such as schools, healthcare, community organizations, and government agencies. The BSW meets educational requirements for many state social work licensure exams, enabling graduates to become licensed social workers. For those wishing to advance their career or specialize, pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) is a common next step, often with advanced standing for BSW holders. The degree also provides a foundation for roles in advocacy, policy, and administration within social services. Transfer agreements and articulation pathways facilitate continuing education. Overall, the BSW offers both immediate career opportunities and a pathway for graduate studies.
- Entry-level social work jobs
- Eligibility for state licensure exams
- Pathway to Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Careers in advocacy and administration
- Transfer and articulation agreements
- Foundation for graduate education
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a BSW and an MSW?
The BSW is an undergraduate degree providing foundational social work education and entry-level preparation. The MSW is a graduate degree offering advanced training and specialization, often required for clinical practice.
Can I become a licensed social worker with just a BSW?
In many states, a BSW allows you to take the initial social work licensure exam for entry-level practice. However, clinical licensure often requires an MSW.
Are internships mandatory in a BSW program?
Yes, supervised field placements or internships are a core part of BSW programs, providing practical experience in real social work settings.
Can I transfer credits from an associate degree to a BSW?
Many four-year institutions have articulation agreements allowing transfer of credits from two-year associate degrees, which can shorten the time to complete a BSW.
Is the BSW degree recognized outside the United States?
The BSW is primarily designed for the US social work system. Recognition abroad varies and depends on local regulations and accreditation.
What standardized tests are required for admission?
Most BSW programs require SAT or ACT scores as part of the admission process, though some may have test-optional policies.
Can I study part-time or online for a BSW?
Some programs offer part-time or online options, but field placements usually require in-person attendance and significant time commitment.
How does financial aid work for BSW students?
Students can apply for federal financial aid through FAFSA, as well as scholarships and grants offered by institutions and external organizations.