What Is a BSW? Learn All About a Bachelor of Social Work Degree

A bachelor of social work (BSW) prepares students for generalist social work practice with individuals, families, and groups. BSW programs blend classroom instruction and real-world experience. Full-time students complete 120 credits in an average of four years.

The BSW curriculum covers topics such as human behavior in the social environment, social work foundations, case management, and social welfare policy. Participants learn how to use generalist social work practice methods with individuals, families, and different populations.

Programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) require a minimum of 400 hours of supervised field experience. This allows students to apply what they learned in real-world settings. Graduates can sit for the BSW-level Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensure exam.

A BSW prepares you for entry-level, nonclinical roles. BSW social workers must first obtain a license in their state of practice and can work directly with clients dealing with challenges such as mental health issues, substance use, and poverty. With a BSW, you can assess and manage client cases, advocate on their behalf, and refer them to other services.

Social workers interested in providing clinical services will need a master’s degree in social work (MSW) and the appropriate state license. Many careers that require social work skills may not have a “social worker” title. For example, common job titles include rehabilitation counselor, intake coordinator, and case manager. Their work settings are also diverse and include local and state governmental agencies and advocacy organizations.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Licensing requirements vary by state. Social workers renew their licenses every two years on average. Licensed baccalaureate social workers and the state equivalent complete 15-45 continuing education (CE) hours for license renewal. Social work boards outline the types of CE accepted and approved CE providers on their websites.

Practitioners seeking to enhance their education may also want to consider an MSW. The degree paves the way for advanced state licensure, potentially leading to more job opportunities and higher pay. MSW programs also offer specializations such as clinical mental health and families and children.

A BSW qualifies students for advanced standing placement in many MSW programs, saving you a year of MSW studies. Students can enroll in online, on-campus, or hybrid MSW programs while they work.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 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 $35,248, far more than the cost to attend a public institution.

Social work careers can be very rewarding, but often do not offer the highest salaries. Careful planning can help lower your out-of-pocket costs and graduate with less debt. Several factors impact the cost of your education, including in-state vs. out-of-state tuition rates. In-state tuition can cost thousands of dollars less than out-of-state tuition.

Financial aid that doesn’t require repayment, such as scholarships and grants, can help make a BSW more affordable. Some institutions offer lower online tuition rates, and online students may also save money on expenses such as transportation, housing, and campus fees.

Admission requirements for a BSW depend on the institution. Social work schools commonly require the following:

Review each social work school’s website for more information about application requirements and deadlines.

Full-time students complete a BSW in four years on average. It will take longer if you enroll as a part-time student. Some BSW programs offer accelerated curriculums that can take as little as 2-3 years if you transfer an associate degree or enough credits.

Accreditation ensures that institutions and their programs meet established academic standards. An accrediting agency authorized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation conducts a review process.

Programmatic accreditation assures that specific programs and departments have passed a rigorous review process conducted by an industry-recognized third-party. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the nation’s sole accrediting agency for undergraduate and graduate social work programs.

CSWE accreditation is important to ensure that your BSW meets national standards for developing competent social workers. In fact, most states require a CSWE-accredited degree as a prerequisite for social work licensure. Employers will also likely prefer applicants with accredited degrees.

While the BSW curriculum varies depending on the institution, BSW programs have common courses. The following gives a brief overview of some courses in the major.

BSW programs may offer specializations for students to learn how to work with specific populations. But it is more common for the curriculum to offer elective courses such as child welfare, mental health and substance use, or social work in healthcare settings. Some programs may also offer certificates or minors that provide similar training.

Students must complete a practicum supervised by a professional social worker. CSWE requires a minimum of 400 hours of field experience at a community-based organization, though programs may require more hours. This component usually occurs in the last two semesters of the BSW.

If helping others overcome life’s obstacles interests you, then a BSW may be a good fit. A BSW prepares you for a variety of entry-level positions and advanced standing in an MSW program. You should weigh the cost of earning a BSW against future earnings and professional satisfaction to determine whether it’s the right investment for you.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social workers made a median annual wage of $61,330 in May 2024. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,580, while the highest 10 percent earned about $99,500. Consider that it costs about $35,000 in tuition and fees to earn a bachelor’s degree at a public college.

Social workers can expect strong job growth. BLS data projects that jobs for practitioners specializing in healthcare, mental health, and substance use will grow 8% and 10%, respectively, between 2024 and 2034. Average beginning salaries paired with strong employment growth and career advancement pathways may make social work an enticing profession for many.