Online Social Work Degree
Erika Lasrado
Erika has broad experience in counseling, psychology, and human resources. Although she has done a master’s in psychology, she is currently pursuing a master’s in educational psychology to change careers. Erika is a foodie and reader and loves to research and write about various topics when time permits.
Degrees
Master of Psychology, Master of Educational Psychology
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.
- Best Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology Program
- Find Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology
- Types Of Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology Programs
- What To Expect From The Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology Program?
- Areas Of Specialization For Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology
- Why Should I Pursue An Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology?
- Areas Of Specialization For Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology
- Why Should I Pursue An Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology?
- Types Of Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology Programs
- Areas Of Specialization For Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology
- Why Should I Pursue An Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology?
- Areas Of Specialization For Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology
Social Work can be a rich and rewarding experience for those who can empathize with and relate to others, can involve themselves in solving the many complex problems individuals, communities, and society face. An Online Social Work Degree program prepares students for entry-level generalist social work practice in a range of contexts, including nonprofit, business, and government-sponsored organizations. The Bachelor’s in social work or BSW degree develops competent social workers committed to improving social work knowledge and practice and aiding at-risk populations. This includes addressing social injustice, poverty, oppression, and discrimination, among other things. The program consists of a variety of social work courses online, such as social policy and services, human behavior in the social environment, social work practice, etc. Students of this degree will get a thorough awareness of today’s numerous complex societal issues that affect people from all walks of life. With new problems and issues frequently rising, with changing times and situations, there is a rising demand for social work and social workers across the board. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social work is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country, expected to grow by 12% between 2020 and 2030. This article provides in-depth information on the bachelor’s in social work degree, the types of degrees available, funding options, best schools, information on accreditation, career options, and more.
Best Online Social Work Degree
Bachelors Programs
The bachelor of social work degree program is available across universities in the United States. The best schools for social work and best online social work programs are those that are accredited and offer a good balance of all other factors, such as the institution’s reputation, the quality, and experience of faculty, infrastructure, student services, affordability, etc. To make it easy for prospective BSW degree students to find a school or program that fulfills their requirements, FBD teams have rigorously evaluated some of the notable ones in the county and drawn up a list. Consequently, here are the best online social work bachelor’s programs: *
| Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
| Millersville University of Pennsylvania | 1 South George Street, Lyle Hall, Millersville, Pennsylvania 17551 | $11,665 | 75% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
Find Best Online Social Work Degree
Bachelors Program Near Me
Location plays a crucial role in zeroing in on a good online bachelor’s in social work degree program. The reason for this is the in-state tuition fees that differ from out-of-state tuition fees. In almost all instances, in-state tuition is typically and substantially lesser than out-of-state tuition. Fortunately, online bachelor’s degree programs usually have a flat tuition fee, irrespective of where the student resides. Nevertheless, some students may feel comfortable pursuing their degree in their home state, while others may want to look at college beyond their state. To help students with making a choice, several teams at FBD have worked to locate some of the best and most affordable online bachelor’s degrees in social work in various states. Here is a list of social work programs near me :
What to Expect from the Online Social Work
Degree Bachelors Program?
A bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is a four-year program that prepares students to work as direct service social workers. The degree program teaches how to work with people who require assistance with challenges and difficulties while raising awareness of the greater societal context that may contribute to those challenges.
Primarily, there are three different kinds of social work practice:
Micro-Level Practice – entails working with individuals to assist them in navigating difficult situations.
Mezzo-Level Practice – entails working in a group context, such as a mental health facility or a group home, rather than one-on-one with clients.
Macro-Level Practice – entails directing large-scale social change through administrative initiatives and policy reforms.
An online bachelor’s degree program in social prepares students to work at the micro-level. However, additional education, training, and certification can lead to work at the mezzo-level.
Generally, a BSW social work degree program will require 120 to 160 credits and can be pursued either entirely online, entirely in-person, or in a hybrid model that blends the two. Most programs will also include field experience, student practicums, internships, or a combination of them. Usually, all accredited BSW programs will consist of at least 400 hours of supervised fieldwork.
The curriculum often covers social and behavioral sciences and their application to human problems, and, depending on the type of degree program, liberal arts education concerned with human services and social welfare issues and policies. In broad terms, however, courses to study to become a social worker include but are not limited to:
An example of what an online master’s in psychology comprises of is as follows:
Degree Format of Online Social Work
Degree Bachelors Program
A bachelor’s degree in social work can be obtained in one of three different ways. Each of these forms impacts the program’s structure and caters to different needs. Here is a quick look at the three types:
Synchronous vs. Asynchronous
Synchronous programs have real-time, organized learning experiences in which all students participate at the same time and in the same place. Regardless of whether the teaching-learning takes place in person or remotely, participants and facilitators can communicate quickly.
Students can participate in asynchronous programs at their own speed and on their own time, from any location.
Part-Time vs. Full Time
Full-time programs are for students who do not have or will not need to work until they complete their program. These programs are typically chosen by younger students who have recently completed some type of formal education (high school, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, etc.) and want to continue their studies rather than enter the workforce. Full-time programs have a heavier workload and a more demanding class schedule and are more likely to receive scholarships and fellowships than part-time students.
Part-time programs are for people who already work full-time. These programs are usually have taught by the same professors, and students can study many of the same courses as their full-time students. Part-time students are only eligible for a limited number of scholarships and must rely on personal savings, loans, or employment sponsorship to pay for their education.
On-Campus Visits
Classes in hybrid programs are typically conducted both online and in person. But those classes that involve much interaction and/or fieldwork are frequently held on campus, requiring students to come to campus. On-campus visits also provide an opportunity to meet up with classmates and faculty members in person, clarify doubts, and engage in face-to-face conversations.
Degree Types
Social work programs may be referred to as Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW), or Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW), depending on the school. A BASW is more prevalent at colleges with distinct social work departments that rely on the liberal arts and humanities departments, while the BSSW is offered by schools that may fit their social work degrees within the arts or science departments, depending on how well they correlate.
The differences between these programs could largely be attributed to the school’s varied general education requirements. Any of these degrees will train and prepare students to work at the same level in the social work sector, provided the school or program they choose is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Area of Specialization for Online Social Work
Degree Bachelors Programs
Specializations are a great way to delve deeper into the field of social work and develop specialized knowledge and abilities in a certain area. Specializing can help students of an online BS in social work or online BA social work degree stand out from the crowd and qualify them for specific careers in the social work field.
Some of the many specializations and concentrations in an online bachelor’s degree in social work are:
| Specialization | Description | Careers |
|---|---|---|
| Aging & Geriatrics | This specialization in aging and geriatrics teaches students how to assist older clients with their general health, mental health, and social service requirements. The social safety net for older individuals is the focus of this specialization, and students look at elder abuse reporting procedures and care-planning difficulties. Additionally, students learn about community services for seniors, family-centered approaches, and social justice challenges geriatrics face. | Aging & Geriatrics social workers can work as hospice social workers, palliative care social workers, or geriatric social workers, and in care homes, elderly homes, and community services. |
| Children, Families, and Couples Social Work Degree Online | This specialization teaches students how to advocate for children, offer child welfare services, and establish child and family programs. Students investigate youth development, the needs of vulnerable children, and appropriate interventions and focus on the legal and ethical standards for child and family social work. | Children, Families, and Couples social workers can work as child protective services social workers, family service workers, children’s services specialists, adoption social workers, or in youth welfare services, child protective agencies, and the juvenile justice system. |
| Clinical Social Work Degree Online | This specialization prepares students to investigate mental health interventions, diagnose and treat clients through individual and group therapy, and look at how effectively social services can be delivered. They learn case management, advocacy, child welfare, and direct assistance among the primary social work practices. This specialization leads to licensure as a clinical social worker. | Clinical social workers can work as licensed clinical social workers, and in healthcare and education settings. |
| Medical Social Work Social Work Degree Online | This specialization emphasizes the mental health and social service needs of patients in the medical system. Students learn about services for people with chronic illnesses and those in acute care settings and may focus on oncology care, pediatrics, or palliative care. They will also explore intervention research, best practices for social workers in healthcare settings, the diverse needs of varied patient populations, and how to advocate for patients in collaboration with medical professionals. | Medical social workers can work as hospice social workers, healthcare social workers, or in public health and social welfare settings. |
| Forensic Social Work Degree Online | This specialization prepares students to provide social work assistance to clients affected by legal concerns and institutions. Students study criminal behavior, how forensic populations are treated, and how to handle criminal defendants and couples and families coping with legal challenges like divorce, custody, spousal and child abuse, etc. | Forensic social workers can work as crisis workers, corrections counselors, victim advocates, or in social service agencies, government organizations, and the juvenile justice system. |
| Substance Abuse Social Work Degree Online | This specialization emphasizes addiction treatment and recovery methods. Students will learn how to conduct substance abuse disorder tests and analyze the needs of each client. They will also examine recovery services and substance-abuse treatment techniques, case-management approaches, the referral procedure, and current research. Graduates will be able to construct rehabilitation strategies and engage with clients in both individual and group settings. | Substance Abuse social workers can work as addiction social workers, substance abuse social worker, or substance abuse counselors. |
| Justice & Corrections Social Work Degree Online | This specialization prepares students for careers in the legal system. Students learn how to conduct mental health assessments and make custody and guardianship recommendations. They can also testify as an expert witness in court. | Justice & Corrections social workers can work as crisis workers, corrections counselors, or victim advocates. |
| Military & Veteran Social Work Degree Online | This specialization prepares students to assist service personnel, veterans, and their families in dealing with the stress of deployment and reintegration into civilian life. Students investigate the military’s social services network and learn how to address military concerns, such as mental trauma, anxiety, and grief. | Military & Veteran social workers can work as veteran’s affairs social workers, or military social workers. |
Why Should I Do an Online Social Work
Degree Bachelors Program?
Social workers assist individuals in overcoming some of life’s toughest obstacles. They may help individuals and families access services, counsel clients with mental health issues, or provide outreach and advocate for policy change and social justice, among other things. Clinical social workers help clients with mental and behavioral health issues by diagnosing and treating them. Those who choose to work as social workers have a strong desire to improve the lives of others.
An online bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is an excellent way to start out in the human services profession and provides a good foundation for those interested in pursuing a master’s degree in social work (MSW). A BSW graduate will be able to work in a variety of entry-level professions in the field of social work.
How hard is social work degree? Difficulty levels of this degree program in social work would largely depend on selected social work courses online and the competence and capabilities of the student.
For students who are tenacious, compassionate, patient, good communicators, and passionate about reaching out to others and helping them, an online bachelor’s degree program will equip them with the knowledge and skills they would require in real-life situations. With fulfilling and rewarding careers, BSW degree holders are always in demand for a variety of jobs and settings. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects occupations in social work in the country to grow by 12% between 2020 and 2030.
Some of the skills an online bachelor’s in social work degree holder can expect to acquire during and after the program include the ability to:
- demonstrate professionalism through actions, appearance, and verbal, written, and technological communication;
- use self-awareness and self-regulation when working with a variety of clients and groups to manage the impact of personal prejudices and ideals;
- advocate for human rights at the individual and group levels using the knowledge of social, economic, and environmental justice;
- indulge in scientific inquiry and study and use practice, experience, and theory;
- examine the impact of social welfare and economic policies on the delivery and accessibility of social services;
- connect with people and groups, apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks;
- collect and organize information from individuals and stakeholders and use critical thinking to analyze it;
- facilitate effective transitions and endings with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities that accomplish mutually agreed-upon goals; and choose and implement acceptable approaches for assessing outcomes across varied situations and circumstances.
Free Online Social Work
Degree Bachelors Courses
Generally, free courses and programs do not provide certificates or confer degrees equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. Nonetheless, free social work courses are a great way to pick up skills and knowledge that may not be covered in a bachelor’s program or can complement the bachelor’s degree in social work online program. Here are a few resources for bachelor’s students looking for free online classes for social work:
| Course | Description | Offered by |
|---|---|---|
Topics on Social Work | OpenLearn, from The Open University, offers free courses in social care and social work at three learning levels. Topics include ‘Caring for Adults’, ‘Race and Youth Policy: Working with Young People’, ‘Population Ageing: A Global Health Crisis?’, and more. | OpenLearn |
| Social Work Courses and Programs | EdX has about 42 programs and 325 courses related to social work, across 3 different learning levels. Topics include ‘Talk to Me: Improving Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Young Adults’, ‘Human Rights, Human Wrongs: Challenging Poverty, Vulnerability and Social Exclusion’, ‘Injury Prevention for Children & Teens’, and more. | EdX |
| Topics on Social Work | Coursera offers over 1,200 free guided projects, courses, specializations, and professional certificates in social work and topics related to social work, from reputable universities such as Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Pennsylvania, and more. | Coursera |
How to Get into the Online Social Work
Degree Bachelors Program?
The general admission requirements to enroll in an online bachelor’s in social work degree program and usually standard across institutions. Nevertheless, students should check with the college’s admissions office for additional or specific social worker degree requirements, which may vary by program and school. Here are some of the essential bachelor of social work requirements:
Most colleges will expect students to have completed academic units in:
How long does an Online Social Work
Degree Bachelors Program take?
Although the typical duration of an online social work degree bachelor’s program is 4 years or 120 to 160 credits, the time it takes to earn the degree varies depending on the curriculum one chooses. Programs taken up part-time will take longer to complete, while accelerated and fast-track programs may allow students to graduate faster. Specializations, credit transfers, and requisite fieldwork can also impact the duration of a BSW degree, and internships will almost always stretch the timeline.
The duration of a social work bachelor’s degree online program does not affect the program’s quality. The faculty and curriculum tend to be the same in almost all formats, and the final degree earned is also the same – BSW.
Accelerated Online Social Work
Degree Bachelors Program
BSW accelerated social work programs are designed for students who may have to work part-time or full-time and have family responsibilities as well. These programs save on time and educational costs and can generally be completed in about two years instead of the standard four. However, students opting for such fast-track social work degree online programs must note that they may be more demanding than regular programs.
Some schools also offer accelerated social work programs online that have an expedited 3+1 curriculum, allowing students to earn their Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) in just four years. Here are a couple of examples of accelerated bachelor’s degrees in social work:
Misericordia University
allows a BSW degree to be completed in about 2 years through a hybrid/online format.
Simmons University
combines a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work that can be completed in about 4 years.
Accreditation for Online Social Work
Degree Bachelors Program
Accreditation is one of the most significant factors to consider when choosing a school because it shows that the school has met national educational criteria and standards. Students who attend accredited social work programs may be eligible for federal financial help and will most likely be able to transfer their credits when pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Online bachelor’s degree social work accredited programs give students peace of mind by assuring them that the courses and classes they can pick from are of high quality.
The most convenient way to verify accreditation is to use the database provided by either the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education. Authorization and recognition for an accredited online social work degree are required from either CHEA or any one of the six regional commissions, which are:
- New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Community and Junior Colleges Accrediting Commission (WSCUC)
In some instances, schools offer a Council on Social Work Education, or CSWE accredited online BSW program.
More information on accreditation can be found in the Accreditation Guide.
How to Pay for Online Social Work
Degree Bachelors Programs?
The most significant benefit of online education is that students can work while pursuing their degrees, making it easier to bear some educational costs. Even though students do not have to pay for transportation, course materials, or childcare during class hours, online students must still pay the tuition cost; and tuition for institutions situated outside of their home states is substantially higher than in-state tuition. Here again, online programs have an advantage in that they usually charge a flat fee across all states within the U.S. Despite this, the cost of an online bachelor’s degree in social work may be prohibitive for some students. How much does a social work degree cost? A good social work bachelor’s degree program online at a public school will average about $8,178 for in-state; out-of-state tuition averages at about $18,814 per year. Fortunately, there are numerous funding options that can significantly reduce either the overall program cost or challenges in funding the program, including:
Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement along with other parameters such as community service, cultural heritage, religious affiliation, and so on. As a result, they are a popular choice for financing college. Scholarships are often merit-based and may be offered privately by alumni, cultural, religious, or commercial organizations. (Note: Read about Scholarship Scams to avoid being scammed online.)
Unlike scholarships, which are generally merit-based, grants are more need-based in that they are frequently awarded, factoring in the student’s family’s finances. However, it is not uncommon for universities that award these need-based grants to consider an applicant’s grades and test scores as well.
Student Loans
Federal, bank, or private loans, against a payment of interest, are options students can consider for funding their undergraduate studies. However, it is essential to note that late or deferred payments will almost certainly increase student debt.
The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form that students can fill in and submit to evaluate whether or not they are eligible for financial aid. More FAFSA-related information is available here.
The best Financial Guide provides more information on various funding mechanisms.
Scholarships for Online Bachelor’s
Degree in Social Work
Students with a strong academic record should explore the several undergraduate scholarships available to them. Universities, as well as other organizations and associations, offer scholarships to meritorious students. Listed below are a few examples:
| Scholarship | Description | Amount/Award | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund | The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund supports people who are involved in social and economic justice campaigns. Students who can conduct academic work at the college or university level or who are enrolled in a trade or technical school who are active in the progressive movement are eligible for these need-based scholarships. | $15,000 maximum | April 01, annually |
| Bob Benedetto Memorial Scholarship Fund for Social Workers | The Bob Benedetto Memorial Scholarship Fund for Social Workers awards scholarships to Ventura County college undergraduates enrolled in a BSW degree program at an accredited 4-year college or university, or to Ventura County graduates or seniors enrolled or enrolling as candidates for an MSW at an accredited college or university. | $1,000 | January 01, 2024 |
| Painter Service for Others Scholarship Fund | The Painter Service for Others Scholarship Fund scholarship program was established to provide financial aid to full-time undergraduate students in their junior or senior year of social work degrees at either the Metropolitan State University of Denver, University of Denver, or Colorado State University. | $1,500 to $5,000 | Closed for 2021 | TBA for 2024 |
| Alice M. Yarnold and Samuel Yarnold Scholarship | The Alice M. Yarnold and Samuel Yarnold Scholarships are awarded to individuals pursuing post-secondary school education in nursing, medicine, or social work. Applicants must be New Hampshire residents, with the intention of working in New Hampshire. | $1,500 to $5,000 annually | Closed for 2021 | TBA for 2024 |
FAQs Related to Online Social Work
Degree Bachelors Programs
How to get a degree in social work? What is a BSW degree?
A bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is a four-year degree program that prepares students to directly become social workers in a variety of roles and settings. A major component of the degree program is the development of skills in working with people who are experiencing challenges and teaching students how to understand the broader social context that may contribute to such challenges. To earn an online bachelor’s in social work degree, one much fulfill all admission and educational requirements and complete fieldwork and or practicums.
What courses do you need to become a social worker?
What can you do with a bachelor’s in social work?
Can you become a social worker online?
How to become a social worker in Texas?
Should I major in social work? What colleges have social work majors?
How much does a social worker make?
Career Opportunities and Salaries after Online Social Work
Degree Bachelors Program
Within the social work profession, there is a range of jobs that can be adapted to handle a variety of specialties, including public health, family counseling, substance abuse, criminal justice, and more. Although most of these jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree and licensure may sometimes be required, depending on the individual’s state and employer. Undergraduates can seek some career opportunities in settings and roles such as:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary of social workers (general) is $51,760, with occupations projected to grow 12% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Here are some examples of careers in social work, along with their salaries and growth potential, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
| Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2030) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor | Interpersonal skills, listening skills, compassion, patience, speaking skills. | $47,660 | 23% (much faster than average) | Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors provide treatment and advise people who suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, or other mental or behavioral problems. |
| Social and Community Service Manager | Analytical skills, managerial skills, problem-solving skills, time-management skills, communication skills. | $69,600 | 15% (faster than average) | Social and community service managers coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being. |
| Social & Human Service Assistant | Interpersonal skills, organizational skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, time-management skills, compassion. | $35,960 | 17% (much faster than average) | Social and human service assistants provide client services in various areas of psychology, rehabilitation, and social work. |
| Social Worker (General) | Emotional skills, organizational skills, problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills, communication skills | $51,760 | 12% (faster than average) | Social workers work in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, schools, child welfare and human service agencies, hospitals, settlement houses, community development corporations, and private practices. |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialist | Communication skills, leadership skills, problem-solving skills, flexibility, physical strength | $55,690 | 4% (slower than average) | Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Although a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is preferred, social work undergraduates are also eligible for the job. |
Certification and Licensing for Online Social Work
Degree Bachelors Program
Certifications are a great way to widen one’s job prospects and earning potential. They are also a ‘declaration’ that the candidate has in-depth knowledge and required skills in a particular area of social work. But is licensure that matters more in the social work sector than certification. Although it is possible to work as a social worker in many settings with only a bachelor’s degree, in some cases (and states), an Associate Social Work (ASW) License is required for certain roles. This license can be obtained online by applying through the Association of Social Work Boards following graduation (ASWB). A $230 fee must be paid, and applicants must pass a multiple-choice licensure exam.
Except for some states like Ohio, Massachusetts, Michigan, and South Dakota, a bachelor’s or master’s degree is required to apply for an ASW License. With an associate license, individuals will not be allowed to provide direct social work services, but they will be able to undertake responsibilities and duties such as intake assessment and referral, case management and outreach, and education and advocacy. To practice in a clinical setting, an associate license is insufficient. For clinical social work, students will need more schooling and the Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW). It is worth noting that the LBSW is only used as a bachelor’s level license for social workers in a few states. Here are some of the licenses a bachelor’s in social work graduate can apply for:
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) – requires a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program or college. Students will have to also pass an online jurisprudence exam
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) – requires a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program or college or a bachelor’s degree in another field with four years of documented experience in a human services field.
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) provides more information on what it will take to become licensed in your state.
Additional Resources for Online Social Work
Degree Bachelors Program
There is social work where there are humans. Because humans are constantly evolving, as are the situations, circumstances, and issues that surround them, it is critical for social work students to connect with peers and mentors, stay up to date on the latest developments in the field, identify and solve problems with the help of others, and do much more. Students can use tools to help them make informed decisions and shape their personal and professional aspirations. Here are some resources for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work to get started:
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) provides resources and support to the social work regulatory community to promote safe, competent, and ethical practices that safeguard the public. This official website provides all information about licenses and certification for students and working professionals.
Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR)
The Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR), a non-profit professional membership organization, supports social workers, social welfare professionals, social work students, social work faculty, and researchers in related fields.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization for professional social workers globally. NASW works to advance its members’ professional development, establish and maintain professional standards, and promote supportive social policies.
Phi Alpha Honor Society
Phi Alpha Honor Society aims to provide a closer bond among social work students and promote humanitarian goals and ideas. The society offers advisor tools, national service project resources, scholarships and awards, and more.
The Social Work Podcast
The Social Work Podcast covers a wide range of topics in social work, including clinical and community organizing practice, research, policy, and education.
The New Social Worker
The New Social Worker is a career journal that features articles on topics such as social work students, ethics, field placement, practice concerns, practice specialties, technology in social work, book reviews, and more.
Author Bio:
Erika Lasrado
Erika has broad experience in counseling, psychology, and human resources. Although she has done a master’s in psychology, she is currently pursuing a master’s in educational psychology to change careers. Erika is a foodie and reader and loves to research and write about various topics when time permits.
Degrees
Master of Psychology, Master of Educational Psychology
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.
Disclaimer:
The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners.