Top Online Degrees in Social Work 2026
A social work degree can lead to many professional opportunities helping others. Learn about the top online programs for social work degrees for 2026.
A bachelor of social work (BSW) degree opens professional pathways for those with a desire to help people, particularly from vulnerable populations. A social work degree provides a solid foundation for careers helping others, such as case management and substance use counseling.
Discover the top online BSW programs of 2026. Each school was carefully selected based on various factors to help you find the program that’s right for you.
Top Online Programs in Social Work
Eastern Kentucky University – Best Support for Online Students
- Richmond, KY
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose EKU: Multiple Start Dates, Accelerated Terms, and Online Tutoring and Career Services
We chose Eastern Kentucky University's BSW program for its flexibility and support for online students. Online students have access to free career support, free tutoring, discounted textbooks, and personal enrollment advisors. The program includes 7-week accelerated terms, and you can choose from six start dates per year.
The program includes two semesters of required fieldwork practicum and courses in social work research, human behavior, and case management. It also features tuition discounts for active-duty military members and a transfer policy that accepts up to 90 credits.
Other Highlights
- Accredited by CSWE
- No application fee required
- No tuition differential for out-of-state students
Considerations
- 2.5 GPA required for admission
- Higher tuition costs ($462/credit) compared to some programs on this list
- Separate application processes for university and BSW program admission
72%
$ 9,830
80%
$20,520
- Acceptance Rate
- 78%
- Students Enrolled
- 15,008
- Institution Type
- Public
Georgia State University – Most Customizable Curriculum
- Atlanta, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose GSU: Broad Elective Options Support Various Career Goals
We like that the BSW program at GSU offers students 27 credits of open electives, featuring course options such as forensic social work, contemporary health challenges, and social work administration. GSU's BSW allows you the opportunity to begin exploring different social work specializations at the undergraduate level, setting a strong foundation for a variety of career paths.
The remainder of the 120-credit program includes general education, social work core, and practicum courses. GSU's curriculum prepares you for advanced standing MSW entry and entry-level social work licensure in Georgia.
Other Highlights
- Mix of synchronous and asynchronous coursework
- Accredited by CSWE
- Relatively low tuition ($306/credit) for in-state students
Considerations
- 2.5 GPA required to qualify for the BSW program
- Separate application processes for university, BSW program admission, and field work eligibility
- Higher tuition rate ($1,000/credit) for out-of-state students
67%
$ 9,180
78%
$30,000
- Acceptance Rate
- 55%
- Students Enrolled
- 34,966
- Institution Type
- Public
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville – Best Career Outcomes
- Knoxville, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose UTK: Highest Retention and Employment Rates
We chose the UTK's bachelor of science in social work for its high employment and retention rates. BSSW graduates from UTK report a 95% employment rate within six months, and 94% of students returned for the second year of their program in fall 2023.
Following transfer to UTK, you will complete 61 credits of major courses over five terms. The program includes three semesters of fieldwork and a field seminar, 15 credits of electives, and courses in ethics, social policy, human behavior, and macro social work practice.
Other Highlights
- Extensive scholarship opportunities for UTK undergraduates
- Accredited by CSWE
- Online and on-campus options available
Considerations
- Admission requires an associate degree
- Must maintain a 2.5 GPA throughout the program
- $385/credit in-state tuition; $460/credit out-of-state tuition
53%
$11,560
92%
$30,704
- Acceptance Rate
- 42%
- Students Enrolled
- 38,728
- Institution Type
- Public
Thomas University – Best for Personalized Learning
- Thomasville, GA
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose TU: Low Student-to-Faculty Ratio and Flexible Class Scheduling
We chose Thomas University's BSW program because the faculty have experience serving the unique education needs of first-generation students, working parents, and full-time professionals. Flexible class scheduling and a low student-to-faculty ratio help ensure you receive the personalized learning support you need to succeed.
The major's core courses teach you how to serve individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. You can choose from two options to complete your CSWE-required 400 hours of fieldwork: 14 hours per week for two semesters or 28 hours per week for one semester.
Other Highlights
- Site placement support provided
- Accredited by CSWE
- No tuition differential for out-of-state students
Considerations
- 2.5 GPA required to begin junior-year BSW requirements
- Higher tuition rate ($475/credit) compared to some programs on this list
100%
$11,400
64%
$11,400
- Acceptance Rate
- 43%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,583
- Institution Type
- Private
University of West Florida – Best for Socially-Conscious Learning
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose UWF: Faculty and Curriculum Dedicated to Social Justice
UFW's BSW program prepares you for culturally diverse practice-informed research and research-based practice to improve the quality of life of those you’ll serve. They have a diverse faculty guiding their program and partner with fieldwork locations in government, healthcare, and women's and children's welfare.
They encourage students to choose from three minors to complement their social work degree. Aging studies introduces you to the field of gerontology. Child welfare introduces you to the problems and solutions facing children and families. Substance abuse qualifies you for certification with the Certification Board for Addiction Professionals of Florida.
Other Highlights
- Start dates in the spring, fall, and summer
- Accredited by CSWE
- Low tuition costs for Florida residents ($212/credit) and Alabama residents ($317/credit)
Considerations
- 2.5 GPA in major coursework required to qualify for fieldwork and senior seminar
- Application fee of $30
- Higher tuition costs for out-of-state students ($641/credit)
83%
$ 3,735
88%
$16,004
- Acceptance Rate
- 57%
- Students Enrolled
- 14,371
- Institution Type
- Public
How We Identified Top Schools and Programs
Our editorial team reviewed each school and program to identify standout characteristics, prioritizing factors like flexibility, hands-on experience, licensure qualification, and relevance of the curriculum to a career in social work. We assigned each school a superlative category based on its strengths.
Since many social work programs share similar course offerings and outcomes, our goal is to support your program selection process by highlighting features that matter to you most.
We verified these school and program facts in November 2025.
How to Choose an Online Social Work Program
Finding the right social work program can be a challenge. Keep these factors in mind as you begin your search, as they can help you find the best fit (and avoid those that aren’t). Some of these factors include accreditation, admission requirements, and cost. Read below for a full range of factors to consider when choosing an online social work degree program.
Accreditation
Proper accreditation ensures that a given program is meeting rigorous academic standards. Accreditation is necessary if you want to transfer credits to another institution, and employers typically prefer degrees from accredited schools. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the nation’s sole accrediting agency for undergraduate and graduate social work programs.
Admission Requirements
Social work degree admission requirements vary by institution, so be sure to check with your program for specifics. General requirements include an associate degree or a certain number of transferable credits, prerequisite coursework, a minimum GPA, an essay, and letters of recommendation.
Career Relevance
Does a program have a particular specialization or curriculum that appeals to you? Does it emphasize subject matter that you believe will give you a professional jump-start? Preparing you for a given career path can give you a leg up in your chosen concentration, be it a certain aspect of social work or a more targeted field, such as a child welfare specialist.
Flexibility
Online programs are not all the same. Some can be fully online, while others are synchronous or more structured with in-class times, and others are asynchronous or more self-guided. Some programs are hybrid, combining online coursework with in-person classes, which offers less flexibility but more in-person interaction and structure.
Cost and Financial Aid
Program costs vary widely, but according to the National Center for Education Statistics, undergraduates attending public colleges paid an average of $9,750 in tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 school year. Those attending private colleges paid an average of $35,248 per year for tuition and fees. Financial aid can help offset these costs. The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
How to Apply to an Online Social Work Program
Applying to a social work degree program is a meticulous process. Ensure you have the right materials and are submitting them at the right time. If you have questions before applying, don’t hesitate to contact the admissions office of your target program.
Here is an overview of the basic steps needed to apply for an online social work degree program.
- Step 1: Do your research
Consider your own goals and then find the program or programs that offer the best match. Remember to consider the program’s modality, be it fully online or hybrid, synchronous (live) or asynchronous (recorded). Once you’ve found the program that really resonates with you, determine its specific admission requirements.
- Step 2: Letters of recommendation
Many programs require letters of recommendation. Seek out relevant contacts, including academic advisors or trusted teachers, who can provide a positive recommendation. Don’t leave this step until the end; instead, give your sources ample time to craft a thoughtful letter.
- Step 3: Gather other documentation
Academic transcripts are a crucial part of most application packages. Your high school can send transcripts directly to BSW program officials. Standardized test scores, including the SAT and ACT, are sometimes, but not always, required. A personal statement describing why you hope to enter this program is another important component in many cases.
- Step 4: Submit your application
Before submitting your application, ensure that you have all of the components and edit your application carefully. Be prepared to pay an application fee, which is a standard part of many applications. Some schools offer fee waivers for online applicants or those with demonstrated financial need. The average fee amount is around $50.
