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SOCIAL WORK DEGREE ONLINE

Bachelor of Science in Social Work

Serve your community with a social work degree online

Become a change agent by actively contributing to solutions for social issues, using your voice to advocate for those who are underserved. A Bachelor of Science in Social Work prepares you with the skills to advocate for people in need. From individuals and families to neighborhoods and communities, our program takes an innovative approach to assessing, intervening, and evaluating across diverse social scenarios. Take the next step to make a difference in the lives of others. 

To learn more about class requirements and to gain a general program overview, view the BSSW Program Handbook.

Transfer credits

Earn your bachelor's degree faster and for less with eligible transfer credits.

Ways to save

Your work, life, and school experiences may give you a head start on your degree.

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No essay required

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Courses

Browse courses for your social work degree online

The program includes core courses for your foundational knowledge as a case worker addressing human services across diverse communities.  General education courses and electives are also required to enhance the soft skills like critical thinking and diversity training you’ll need as a social worker. 

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Look for this icon to see which skills you’ll learn in a course.

Requirements: 120 credits

You’ll need 120 credits to complete this Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree.  Your course schedule may vary based on transferable credits or credits earned through the University’s Prior Learning Assessment.

Your core courses introduce you to our revolutionary social work practice methodology through a 4-course series, along with critical coursework such social work policy, advocacy and more. Gain hands-on experience mapping client systems and developing advocacy strategies and practices. 

The elective course requirement helps fulfil much-needed experience in diversity that will help as you encounter a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds in your profession. Psychology, sociology, and other social science electives help sharpen your knowledge of the complex socio-economic environment you will manage every day. 

General education courses emphasize additional skills that will round out your experience as a social worker. Critical thinking, writing and reasoning help you communicate better and make informed decisions in the field.

As part of your 14 core courses, you’ll be required to complete 400 hours of field education experience over two 15-week courses, Field Education I SWRK 405 and Field Education II SWRK 420. To learn more about field education, preparation and placement, view the BSSW Field Education Handbook. There is an in-person field component (at an approved site). 

Schedule

Your academic counselor will help you schedule your classes for your social work degree online.

Social Work Licensure

The Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) is an undergraduate degree program that provides a foundation in social work theory and teaches the application of professional social work values, principles, standards and techniques to educationally prepare graduates to pursue state licensure or certification as a bachelor’s-level social worker in the states in which the program is offered.  

Review your state licensure requirements

  • Licensure or certification as a social worker is obtained through a licensing agency and may be sought after graduation.
  • The bachelor’s in social work degree does not issue licensure and is not a guarantee of licensure or certification. The degree only educationally prepares you for licensure in the states in which it is offered. 
  • Some states may refer to this requirement as registration or certification instead of licensure.
  • Licensure requirements vary by state. Not every state requires an exam for licensure.
  • There may be additional qualifications and/or disqualifications applicable to become a social worker. Learn more about social work licensure state requirements
Skills-aligned program icon

Earn career-relevant skills in weeks – not years.

Learning shouldn’t take years to put into practice. That’s why we’re empowering you to build career-relevant skills with every five- to six-week course.

We’ve worked with the labor market researcher Lightcast to identify in-demand skills for occupations and mapped those to our related associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

Tuition

Transfer credits

Your prior eligible college credits can save you time and money, helping you graduate faster. That’s why we’ve accepted credits from 5,000+ institutions. Check to see if you can apply eligible transfer credits from an institutionally accredited university or college toward your bachelor’s degree in social work.

Save time and money when you transfer in eligible credits toward your degree.

Affordable, fixed tuition

Lock in the peace of mind that comes with fixed, affordable tuition. You’ll enjoy one flat rate from the moment you enroll until the day you graduate from your program. That’s your Tuition Guarantee.

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University of Phoenix social work degree vs other universities

Phoenix ASU Online (BAB) Capella DeVry GCU Purdue Global SNHU Strayer
Cost per credit
Cost per credit
Cost per credit
$398
Cost per credit
$563
Cost per credit
$365/415[1]
Cost per credit
$514
Cost per credit
$485
Cost per credit
$371
Cost per credit
$330
Cost per credit
$328.89
Credits per course
Credits per course
Credits per course
3
Credits per course
3
Credits per course
3-6
Credits per course
2-4
Credits per course
4
Credits per course
5-6
Credits per course
3
Credits per course
4.5
Tuition per course
Tuition per course
Tuition per course
$1,194
Tuition per course
$1,698
Tuition per course
$1,095-
$2,490
Tuition per course
$1,028-
$2,056
Tuition per course
$1,940
Tuition per course
$1,855-
$2,226
Tuition per course
$990
Tuition per course
$1,480
Total program length in credits
Total program length in credits
Total program length in credits
120
Total program length in credits
120
Total program length in credits
180
Total program length in credits
124
Total program length in credits
120
Total program length in credits
180
Total program length in credits
120
Total program length in credits
180
Length of course in weeks
Length of course in weeks
Length of course in weeks
5
Length of course in weeks
7.5
Length of course in weeks
10
Length of course in weeks
8
Length of course in weeks
7-8
Length of course in weeks
10
Length of course in weeks
8
Length of course in weeks
11
Fees
Fees
Fees
One fee per course
Fees
Multiple fees
Fees
Multiple fees
Fees
Multiple fees
Fees
Multiple fees
Fees
Multiple fees
Fees
Multiple fees
Fees
Multiple fees
Tuition guarantee
Tuition guarantee
Tuition guarantee
YES
Tuition guarantee
NO
Tuition guarantee
NO
Tuition guarantee
NO
Tuition guarantee
NO
Tuition guarantee
NO
Tuition guarantee
NO
Tuition guarantee
NO

Data pulled on December 26, 2023

[1] $365 per 1000-2000 level credit; $415 per 3000-4000 level credit

Source of data: For each institution, the data are publicly available in multiple locations, including Academic Catalogs, Program pages, Tuition and fees pages, and syllabi. All data are publicly available on the websites. 

Certain licensure programs and coursework in other degree programs may have additional fees. Please check with your advisor or course catalog for additional info.

The Savings Explorer tool can help you find ways to save on your education

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Eligible students saved:

$11,000 & 1 year

Students with eligible credits and relevant experience on average saved $11k and 1 year off their undergraduate degree with University of Phoenix.

Try our Savings Explorer™ tool

Eligible students saved:

$11,000 & 1 year

Students with eligible credits and relevant experience on average saved $11k and 1 year off their undergraduate degree with University of Phoenix.

Financial aid

You may have options when it comes to paying for college tuition and expenses, such as federal grants and loans. Our finance advisors can answer your questions about financial aid and can help guide you through the process.

Federal Student Loan Basics

Careers & Outcomes

What can you do with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work?

Woman working on a tablet

When you earn your Bachelor of Science in Social Work, you’ll be equipped with a concrete set of skills you can apply on the job. You’ll learn how to:

  • Analyze practice outcomes with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
  • Apply assessment and intervention skills with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
  • Apply ethical and professional behavior in a social work setting.
  • Employ anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion in practice strategies.
  • Explore policies related to social work practice.
  • Use advocacy strategies to advance human rights and social, racial, economic and environmental justice.
  • Use social work skills to engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
  • Utilize practice-informed research and research-informed practice in a social work setting.
Business man at working on a laptop in a park

Top skills learned in this program:

  • Professionalism
  • Cultural Competence
  • Ethical Decision Making
  • Self-Care
  • Policy Gap Analysis
  • Advocacy Strategy
  • Human Rights
  • Social Justice
  • Research Bias
  • Influence of Diversity
  • Needs Assessment
  • Case Management
Business man presenting

A BSSW can prepare you to be a:

  • Case Manager
  • Child Protection Specialist
  • Family Service Worker
  • Foster Care Worker
  • Social Service Coordinator

9% growth

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for social workers is projected to be faster than average between 2022 and 2032. However, it is important to note that this job growth accounts for career outcomes for professionals in bachelor’s and master’s prepared roles.

The BLS Projected Growth for 2022-2032 is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects the BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.

Admissions

Apply for free – no application fee, no obligation.

Starting your degree is a big decision — and we want you to feel great about it. That’s why we remove obstacles from your application.

  • No SAT/ACT required 
  • No essay required 
  • No cost, risk-free trial for eligible students
  • We’ll request transcripts at no cost to you, when possible, and we accept eligible credits from over 5,000 accredited institutions.

Receive 1-on-1 support

You have a support team of real people you can lean on. And our academic counselors, who are with you every step of the way, have earned a 5-star rating from 90% of our surveyed students.[1] Start a conversation with an enrollment representative today.

[1] Transactional Survey, August 2021-22 (18,645 respondents)

Gabriel G., Enrollment Representative

Call or chat with us 7 days a week.

G. Galindo - Enrollment Representative

Gabriel G., Enrollment Rep

Receive 1-on-1 support

You have a support team of real people you can lean on. And our academic counselors, who are with you every step of the way, have earned a 5-star rating from 85% of our surveyed students.[1]

[1] Transactional Survey, September 2022-August 2023 (23,739 respondents)

Start a conversation with an enrollment representative today.

Call us at 844-937-8679 or chat with us 7 days a week.

Student Experience

An education that fits your busy life

Balancing family, work and school

Work toward your BSSW degree without giving up what matters most. Start your degree year-round and take one class at a time.

Online learning

Your program gives you flexibility. Enroll in online classes and attend class whenever it fits your life, day or night.

Support and resources

You have a support team available up to 14 hours a day, 5 days a week. 

Phoenix provides support and resources for busy students

Industry Spotlight

The need for social advocacy today places the social worker at the forefront as champions of human rights, and advocates for equity across social, racial, economic, and environmental spheres. Case workers frequently assume a pivotal role as catalyst of positive change, advocating and empowering individuals as they navigate through challenges exacerbated by complex social dynamics. 

What is changing in social work

Social workers more than ever need to be more prepared as they enter the field. Understanding the many evidence-based factors that affect an individual or a community come into play. A more multi-faceted social work education is necessary to effectively communicate with cultural sensitivity to a diverse population, as well as how to conduct research and implement a strategy to provide culturally adaptive support that is grounded in that research and care.

Your BSSW degree 

Your Bachelor of Science in Social Work requires the latest social work knowledge including timely coursework in social work advocacy which develops skills in human rights. Communication techniques, research and evaluation in social work practice are also part of the program to properly prepare you for your time in the field. 

Faculty Spotlight

Social service professionals dedicated to you

All social work faculty at University of Phoenix have a master’s degree in social work (MSW) that was granted by an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. All faculty are practitioners in social work, in many diverse fields, ranging from child protective case workers to executive directors.

Sheila A.G. Hebers, PhD, LCSW

I’ll be cheering you along your journey to be an agent of change and a service to others.

Sheila A.G. Hebers, PhD, LCSW
Full-time faculty in the social work program, University of Phoenix

I’ll be cheering you along your journey to be an agent of change and a service to others.

Accreditation

Count on the quality of your education

University of Phoenix’s Bachelor of Science in Social work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation.  

The accreditation of the Bachelor of Science in Social Work demonstrates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process.

An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Commission on Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. 

Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program.  Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program. Learn more about the CSWE.

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Frequently asked questions about the Bachelor of Science in Social Work

Social work addresses social problems and advocates for social justice. Earning our social work degree online helps prepare you to become an effective, ethical and culturally aware professional. 

Social workers help people cope with challenges in their lives. They assist in a wide range of situations, such as helping people while adopting a child, aiding someone diagnosed with a terminal illness or mental illness, or preventing and treating people with substance abuse.

Some social workers get involved at a broad level to help community organizations and policymakers develop or improve social programs, services, and conditions. This is sometimes referred to as macro social work. Advocacy is an important aspect of social work. Social workers advocate or raise awareness with and on behalf of their clients and constituents. Additionally, they may advocate for social work occupations on local, state, and national levels.

Our coursework and curriculum give you the knowledge and tools to work with people ranging from single individuals in need to families, groups, organizations, and communities. Learn more about becoming a social worker. 

An online social work degree, along with the appropriate licensure in your state, could open opportunities in the field of social work, such as family protection specialist, foster care social worker and youth services specialist. You could work in settings such as child protective services, healthcare agencies and community outreach and advocacy organizations. Discover information about social work as a career

Many social work professionals work in government and non-profit settings including schools, healthcare providers and social service agencies. 

Your field experience will be a combination of classroom activities, field supervision, and agency activities as assigned related tasks.

Collaborative learning experiences are expertly facilitated by the Field Faculty to allow students to effectively process their individual fieldwork experience. Students will actively engage in the classroom process, which includes case presentations, opportunities to give and receive both supportive and constructive feedback, and space to process challenges and progress, and use role-playing and self-disclosure to further develop skills in self-awareness, self-regulation, and critical thinking.

While serving at the chosen agency, students are monitored directly by an agency supervisor and supervised by their University of Phoenix faculty member. Field Education courses provide opportunities for students to serve individuals, families, and group clients in community settings.

Students work with an assigned Field Placement Coordinator (FPC) to prepare for field placement courses. The FPC’s purpose is to provide students with support and resources to ensure a positive Field Education experience. The FPC can help students locate and select an agency.

Our online social work degree curriculum is designed specifically so working professionals like you can get an education. Our social work coursework helps students build a strong foundation in social work while teaching leadership skills that can help prepare you for a career in the field.

In our online social work degree, you’ll learn from faculty who are practitioners in the field, and you’ll be able to join our large alumni network. Enjoy a flexible learning environment as well as robust resources and support for your local community-based field placement.

The BSSW program provides the academic preparation for bachelor’s level social work licensure or certification in states in which the program is offered. 

Bachelor’s level social work licensure or certification requirements vary by state. Program requirements may change based upon your home state’s agency licensure requirements. Please visit the social work licensure page for state specific requirements prior to reaching out to your state agency.

While widely available, not all programs are available to residents of all states. Please check with a University Enrollment Representative.