Do you see yourself making a difference in the lives of others? Earning an online social work degree can lead you to a fulfilling career supporting individuals of all ages, serving vulnerable populations and advocating for increased social services and public health awareness. Use this guide to learn about the best online social work programs, accreditation, licensure, and career prospects.
Popular Online Social Work Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Social Work Degrees 2025
#1 Best Online Social Work Degrees 2025
Georgia State University
- Atlanta, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Georgia State University offers an online bachelor of social work (BSW) that emphasizes the nine key professional competencies needed to become a licensed social worker in Georgia. The program stands out for its emphasis on intervention strategy and how Georgia State engages every student with proactive academic advisory services.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $4,590
Out of State | $14,700
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education
Leads to Licensure: Yes
Why Students Choose Georgia State:
- Competency-Focused Curriculum: Georgia State's BSW curriculum systematically develops essential skills with a highly structured approach to proficiency training.
- Focus on Client Diversity: You'll learn how to assist clients from diverse socioeconomic, racial, and cultural backgrounds.
- Out-of-State Eligibility: In fall 2023, Georgia State opened the online BSW program to students outside Georgia.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Selective Admissions: Georgia State's online BSW program has limited space and a competitive admissions process.
- Course Registration Requires Action: Course registration works on a first-come, first-served basis. Academic advisors will help you, but you must act quickly to secure course enrollment.
- In-Person Components: The program includes a required in-person field training experience.
Percent Online Enrollment
67%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Social Work Degrees 2025
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- Knoxville, TN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's online bachelor of science in social work (BSSW) uses a generalist model to help you prepare for various career paths. Coursework revolves around the intersection of social work and social justice. We like the program's 94% retention rate, which signals high satisfaction levels among incoming students.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $5,780
Out-of-State | $15,352
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education
Leads to Licensure: Yes
Why Students Choose UT Knoxville:
- Strong Outcomes: UT Knoxville reports that 95% of program graduates secure employment within six months of earning their degree.
- Guaranteed Admissions Policy: You're guaranteed admission if you have an associate degree in social work with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, at least 60 transferable credits, and a grade of C or better in foundational coursework.
- Upskilling Opportunities: Graduates have a direct path to UT Knoxville's online social work master's program.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Designed for Transfer Students: UT Knoxville limits eligibility to applicants with at least 60 transferable credits and an associate degree in social work.
- No Access to Honors Track: Eligibility for the BSSW honors track is limited to students in the campus-based program.
Percent Online Enrollment
50%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Social Work Degrees 2025
Northern Arizona University
- Flagstaff, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Northern Arizona University's online BSW program offers a well-balanced blend of academic theory and practical training for the real world. The program has a location-specific focus, emphasizing the unique needs of the Southwest region's rural and Indigenous populations.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $5,844
Out of State | $5,844
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education
Leads to Licensure: Yes
Why Students Choose NAU:
- Affordable Tuition: NAU applies the same low, flat-rate tuition to all online students, regardless of where they live.
- Optional Honors Track: NAU offers online students a path to the honors program.
- Generous Transfer Policy: You can transfer up to 75 eligible credit units to obtain advanced standing and finish your degree program faster.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Offline Requirements Apply: You must complete an in-person internship or fieldwork experience.
- No Self-Pacing Options: NAU uses a semester-based schedule that provides structure but inhibits accelerated learning.
- Previous Credits Required: To qualify for program entry, you must have at least 24 active college credits in progress.
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Social Work Degrees 2025
Delaware State University
- Dover, DE
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Delaware State University's online BSW program prepares students to become licensed social workers. The curriculum teaches the nine core competencies and 41 standard professional practice behaviors, combining relevant corequisites with a focused social work core. We like the program's track record: DSU's in-seat program was first accredited by the Council on Social Work Education in 1982.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $6,237
Out of State | $6,237
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education
Leads to Licensure: Yes
Why Students Choose DSU:
- Unique Status: This is Delaware's only CSWE-accredited BSW program.
- Collaborative and Applied Learning: DSU builds student-faculty collaboration opportunities into the program, emphasizing experiential learning.
- Head Start on Master's Studies: Graduates qualify for advanced standing in DSU's master of social work program, making it faster and easier to upgrade your degree.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Significant Fieldwork Requirements: DSU's curriculum includes 12 practicum credits, which must be completed in person.
- Few Social Work Electives: The program's structure limits your degree personalization and customization options.
- Program-Specific Admissions: You can only enter the social work major after completing two years of undergraduate coursework with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
Percent Online Enrollment
77%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Online Social Work Degrees 2025
Eastern Kentucky University
- Richmond, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
The BSW program at Eastern Kentucky University offers excellent flexibility. Every student follows a uniquely tailored degree plan, and six start dates throughout the year make it easy to begin. We also like the program's 100% online profile: You don't have to visit the campus, and in-person practicum components are optional.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $6,645
Out of State | $6,645
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education
Leads to Licensure: Yes
Why Students Choose EKU:
- Accelerated Pace: Eight-week terms speed up your academic progress.
- Generous Credit Transfer Policy: You can transfer up to 90 credits, representing three quarters of the degree's requirements.
- Textbooks Included: The EKU BookSmart program provides required textbooks to students at no additional cost.
Know Before You Enroll:
- No Credits for Experience: EKU cannot accept life or professional experience for transfer credit.
- Transfer Credit Minimums: You'll need at least 24 eligible college credits to enter as a transfer student.
- Double Major Limitations: If you plan to double major, you must declare your social work major first.
Percent Online Enrollment
71%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Online Social Work Degrees 2025
University of Louisville
- Louisville, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
The University of Louisville's online BSW program uses an asynchronous course delivery model to teach culturally sensitive, client-focused intervention techniques. We especially like the availability of a concentration track in drug and alcohol counseling. Kentucky-based students in this specialization path qualify for special scholarships.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $8,100
Out of State | $8,100
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education
Leads to Licensure: Yes
Why Students Choose UofL:
- Fast-Track Your Master's: Graduates who continue their studies qualify for advanced standing in UofL's master of social work program.
- Excellent Transfer Opportunities: UofL accepts up to 60 transfer credits from junior and community colleges and 90 credits from accredited four-year schools.
- Deep Military Discounts: Active-duty military students pay less than half the standard tuition rate.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Upper-Division Fall Starts: If your transfer credits qualify you for immediate upper-division standing, you can only begin the program in the fall.
- In-Person Practicum: While you can complete your academic coursework entirely online, UofL requires an in-person practicum to meet the degree requirements.
- Potential Practicum Costs: You must purchase liability insurance for your practicum. Costs could be significantly higher if you have a criminal record.
Percent Online Enrollment
55%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Online Social Work Degrees 2025
Wayne State University
- Detroit, MI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
The online BSW at Wayne State University caters to transfer students. The program was specifically designed for aspiring licensed social workers with at least 60 eligible transfer credits.
Wayne State stands out for its unique Where Online Works (WOW!) learning model. It uses a cohort structure to encourage collaboration and networking while delivering essential flexibility for working students.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $6,257
Out of State | $14,951
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education
Leads to Licensure: Yes
Why Students Choose Wayne State:
- Strong Online Support: Wayne State offers extensive online tutoring, academic advising, mentoring, and campus engagement opportunities.
- Relevant Minors Available: You can personalize your degree with a social work minor in law, social justice, or another academic area of your choice.
- Honors Program: Wayne State opens its BSW honors track to online students.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Sequenced Curriculum: You must complete all courses in the prescribed order.
- Higher Nonresident Tuition: Higher out-of-state rates apply to students not located in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, or Ontario, Canada.
- Extended Practicum: The program's practicum component, which you must complete in person, covers 420 hours.
Percent Online Enrollment
58%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 Best Online Social Work Degrees 2025
University of Memphis
- Memphis, TN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
The University of Memphis Global's online BSW program provides the flexibility of a generalist track or a concentration in school social work. We like the degree's well-rounded profile, which requires extensive lower-level foundational social sciences coursework designed to broaden student perspectives.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $5,364
Out of State | $5,364
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education
Leads to Licensure: Yes
Why Students Choose UofM:
- Capped Tuition: UofM Global caps its online tuition rates at $5,364 per semester for all students, regardless of residence.
- Easy Master's Transition: After completing the degree program, you can continue in the UofM's master of social work program with advanced standing and finish in just one year.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Synchronous Model: While all coursework is 100% online, UofM uses a scheduled, real-time delivery format.
- Practicum Requirements: The program includes a mandatory in-person practicum placement covering at least 400 hours.
Percent Online Enrollment
60%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Best Online Social Work Degrees 2025
University of Maine at Presque Isle
- Presque Isle, ME
- 4 years
- Online
What Sets It Apart:
At the University of Maine at Presque Isle, you can pursue an online BSW that maintains a core focus on social justice in keeping with National Association of Social Workers standards. The program is transfer-friendly and features extensive practical training requirements, which cover a minimum of 700 hours.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $3,900
Out of State | $6,630
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education
Leads to Licensure: Yes
Why Students Choose UMPI:
- Certificate Options: You can pursue optional human services and mental health rehabilitation certificates if they align with your career goals.
- Strong Employment Support: UMPI offers extensive career services, and many social work graduates secure job offers through their field training placements before graduation.
- Canadian Students Welcome: Students from Canada pay low in-state rates, and the UMPI campus is conveniently located close to the border.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Hybrid Program: The program blends online and face-to-face learning. You'll need to complete some in-person academic requirements.
- Synchronous Online Components: Some online coursework takes place at scheduled times.
- International Practicum Placements: UMPI's practicum placement sites include locations on both sides of the United States-Canada border.
Percent Online Enrollment
67%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#10 Best Online Social Work Degrees 2025
Cleveland State University
- Cleveland, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Cleveland State University's online BSW program takes an evidence-based approach to learning, immersing students in analytically focused courses that develop standard social work proficiencies. We like the program's universal relevance: Graduates qualify for social work licensing examinations in any U.S. jurisdiction.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $6,811
Out of State | $9,571
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education
Leads to Licensure: Yes
Why Students Choose CSU:
- Flexible Online Model: Choose from part-time or full-time enrollment, and enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning in either case.
- Financial Aid Availability: About 70% of CSU students receive financial aid, including grants and scholarships.
- Summer Enrollment Option: Continue making academic progress during the summer through compact courses that span 8-12 weeks.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Senior Year Practicum: All senior students must complete an in-person practicum in the fall, spring, or summer semester.
- High Nonresident Tuition: Out-of-state and international students face higher tuition and fees.
- Major Entry Requirements Apply: To qualify for the social work major, you must complete prerequisites and have a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA.
Percent Online Enrollment
50%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. Our most important metric — affordability — accounts for 60% of our formula on our most affordable rankings. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
This list is from 2025. To learn more, consult our school ranking methodology.
Reasons to Get an Online Social Work Degree
There are many reasons to pursue an online social work degree. For one, social work is an in-demand career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an above-average growth rate of 7% for social workers from 2022-2032.
An online social work degree will also help you develop highly marketable and transferable skills like:
- Empathy
- Interpersonal communication
- Cultural competence
- Case management
- Interviewing
- Advocacy
These skills can serve you well in social work and other industries.
Another benefit of earning an online social work degree is the opportunity to advocate and assist populations you're passionate about, whether that's children, families, or people with mental health conditions.
Finally, if you become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), you may be able to access better-paying jobs and work directly with clients in a clinical environment.
Admission Requirements for Social Work Degree Programs
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Application
Typically, you'll fill out your application online. Be ready with your personal contact and identifying information. You may also be asked about your family, your hobbies, your interest in social work, awards you've received, activities you've participated in, and/or jobs you've worked.
-
Essay
The college essay is a great opportunity to display your passion, drive, and personality. Tell your story and tie it to your academic and career goals.
-
Test Scores
Many colleges will want to see your SAT and ACT scores, though some online BSW programs may waive this requirement. Students who aren't native English speakers may also need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
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Official Transcripts
If you're applying to college for the first time, you'll need to include official transcripts from your high school. Your high school counselor can help you with this. Most schools accept transfer credits if you have some college under your belt, but you’ll need to submit official transcripts from every college you've attended.
Why Is CSWE-Accreditation Important for Online Social Work Degree Programs?
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the only accrediting agency for social work education recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation. Accreditation ensures that a program meets established educational standards and that graduates have acquired the competencies they need to practice.
You must hold a CSWE-accredited degree to apply for state licensure.
Courses and Concentrations in Online Social Work Degree Programs
A BSW will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the social work field. As with many bachelor’s degree programs, online social work degrees are pretty challenging: they require a lot of reading, research, and analysis.
Most online BSW programs require 120 credits, including 60 credits of general education requirements (like math, sciences, and humanities courses.)
At the same time, you'll learn the basic principles of human behavior and social services, specific demographics and populations you may want to specialize in, and ethics for social workers. Then you’ll apply everything you've learned through a supervised internship.
Here are some examples of online social work classes you may take:
- Introduction to social work
- Social work research methods
- Diversity and cultural competence
- Professional ethics
- Social welfare policy
- Human behavior in the social environment
- Child and family services
Many programs offer specializations as well, such as the following:
- Child and family
- Corrections and rehabilitation
- Aging services
- School social work
- Social work leadership
- Policy change
- Criminal justice
Social Work Licensure
If you want to become a licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW) or your state’s equivalent, here's what that's going to take:
- Earn a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Check with your state board to see if they offer LBSW licensure.
- Apply for LBSW licensure or equivalent in your state. Submit all required documents and authorization for a criminal background check, and pay the licensing and application fees.
- Pass the bachelor’s licensing exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).
- After you pass the ASWB exam, apply to your state board for licensure.
In many states, continuing education is required to renew your social work license. The requirements and rules are always changing, so it's important to keep your finger on the pulse wherever you live. The ASWB provides an exhaustive database of licensure requirements for each state.
Social Work Career and Salary Information
If you want to dive deeper into your career options as a BSW graduate, here's a list of roles and salaries you can pursue.
Social and Community Service Manager
What you'll do: As a social and community service manager, you will plan, direct, and coordinate programs at social service organizations, working with community members and other stakeholders to identify client needs and oversee funding.
Median annual salary in 2023 (BLS): $77,030
How to get this job: You'll need at least a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field, as well as several years of relevant work experience as a social worker.
Training and Development Specialists
What you'll do: Many businesses and organizations hire training and development specialists to create, plan, and run training programs for employees to improve their job performance. These specialists use various instructional techniques and resources to develop custom training programs.
Median annual salary in 2023 (BLS): $64,340
How to get this job: You need a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related social science or business field and work experience. Employers prefer candidates who can demonstrate experience in developing and delivering training specific to the industry.
Care Coordinator
What you'll do: Care coordinators work in a variety of healthcare settings to develop and implement patient treatment plans and educate families about the patient’s treatment. They must ensure that care programs meet all practice standards and legal requirements.
Median annual salary in 2024 (Payscale, 2024): $51,886
How to get this job: A bachelor's degree in social work, healthcare, or a related field is required. Employers generally prefer candidates with at least a year of related work experience.
Case Manager
What you'll do: Case managers work with diverse populations, helping individuals get the best possible care to overcome addiction and live with disabilities or mental health disorders. They coordinate with other professionals to connect their clients with the necessary services and resources.
Median annual salary in 2024 (Payscale, 2024): $47,021
How to get this job: While you can enter this field with only a high school diploma, most positions require a BSW. Earning the Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM)) credential will improve your employment chances and boost your salary.
Expert Q&A With a Real Social Worker
Lindsey Konchar MSW, LGSW
Lindsey Konchar, MSW, is a licensed graduate social worker (LGSW). She earned her BA in psychology in 2014, then chose to serve in AmeriCorps on a 10-month commitment. After her time in AmeriCorps came to a close, Lindsey worked in an inpatient psychiatric hospital, working with patients experiencing severe anxiety, depression, and other diagnoses. She chose to go back to graduate school, and went on to earn her master's in social work in 2019. Lindsey has since had experience working in transitional care units and integrative health care settings. She also wrote the book "I Got 99 Coping Skills and Being a B*tch Ain't One" and is the owner of copingwithlindsey.com.
Q: Why did you decide to pursue a degree in social work?
A: "When speaking in terms of the helping profession, social work offers the most variety — by far. With a social work license, you can work in a variety of settings with a variety of populations, and you aren't limited to one specific niche. I chose a degree in social work for the flexibility and options it provides."
Q: In your opinion, what is the value of earning a social work degree?
A: "It's hard to put a price on something that is a part of you. Social work certainly isn't the highest-paying profession, but on average, the pay is good. The bigger value I receive from my degree is the fulfillment it brings me."
Q: Do you feel that a bachelor's degree in social work is limiting as far as job opportunities?
A: "Short answer: Yes. Long answer: It depends. Everyone has different goals and stories of success. If you are hoping to be a caseworker, child welfare specialist, child protective worker, research assistant, behavioral health professional, psychiatric technician, or outreach specialist, then go for gold and stick with a bachelor's in social work. If you want to have more options than that, then earning a master's is a better plan for you!"
Q: Would you encourage undergraduate students who are working toward a social work degree to pursue a master's in social work (MSW)?
A: "Absolutely. Having a master's degree is when more doors open, and the professional job opportunities become endless. I chose to earn my BA, take two years to gain some "real world" experience, then go back to school and earn my MSW. Not everyone will or even should take that same road, but I thought it was the best use of my time."
Q: What is the biggest piece of advice you would give aspiring social workers?
A: "Keep an open mind. When I started on the journey of earning a master's degree, I was working toward counseling and student personnel (CSP) with the hopes of becoming a school counselor. Then my eyes were opened to new and different possibilities. I, instead, pursued a master's in social work. I am so happy I kept an open mind and allowed change to work its way into my life. Instead of working in schools, I have found myself in psychiatric hospitals and integrative clinics, and both have been such a great fit. With an MSW, I can always go work in a school whenever that seems to be the best fit. But if I had just stayed in the initial CSP program, I would have been limited and never experienced this other work. An MSW is where it's at!"
Q: Has a social work degree been worth it for you?
A: "I have loved my career path and trajectory. The ups and downs, triumphs and tribulations, have all been wonderful learning opportunities. I definitely think a social work degree is worth it!"
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work
How much does a social work degree cost?
Students who earned a degree in the social or behavioral sciences paid $8,120 in tuition and fees, according to 2020 data from the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES).
We hear you: That’s a lot of money. Fortunately, social work students can qualify for different kinds of scholarships and financial aid to help make getting their BSW more affordable.
The right online social work program can save you money on commuting costs, room, board, and on-campus fees while also providing the flexibility to work and minimize lost income while you study.
How much do social work graduates make?
According to the BLS, the median annual pay for social workers in 2023 was $63,770. Earning a master's in social work (MSW) can help you advance your career and attain higher salaries. MSW graduates earn $4,000 per year more than BSW graduates on average, according to Payscale data from November 2023.
However, salaries can vary widely depending on where you live, what kind of setting you work in, and how much experience you have.
- The lowest earning 10% of social workers make less than $36,600.
- The highest earning 10% of social workers make over $87,300.
How do I become a social worker?
The steps to becoming a social worker vary based on your state’s social work license requirements and the license level you choose. Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), or your state’s equivalent require the most education and supervised practice and have the largest scope of practice. Follow these five steps to become an LCSW:
Step 1: Get a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field (sociology, psychology, or human services). With a BSW, you can pursue entry-level roles in the field and pursue licensure baccalaureate social worker license, in many states. Yet you can't perform clinical duties or qualify for licensed master social worker, advanced generalist, or clinical level licensure.
Step 2: Get an MSW. MSW programs provide specialized training in clinical assessment and management.
Step 3: Complete your required practicum or internship experiences. For clinical social work licensure, MSW graduates usually need two additional years of supervised training.
Step 4: Prepare for and pass the ASWB clinical exam.
Step 5: Find a clinical social work role where you can get out there and start changing the world as a licensed clinical social worker. Provide therapy, advocate for clients, work in policy, or open your own private practice — now you can do it all.
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