Last Updated on May 24, 2023 by SWDC Reviewer
The best CSWE Accredited online bachelor’s degree programs in Social Work are a flexible option for earning an undergraduate degree. Returning to school to get an online social work degree is difficult, especially if you are employed. It’s important to face facts, however. No matter how long you work in your current position, you will always have more to learn. It can mean learning new skills and techniques or using the latest technology. Either way, enrolling in a Social Work Bachelor’s Degree online can provide you with all of the skills you will need, as well as the latest technology.
Top 10 CSWE Accredited Online Social Work Bachelor’s
- University of Utah
- University of Michigan-Flint
- Michigan State University
- California State University, Fresno
- New Mexico State University
- James Madison University
- University of Missouri
- Texas State University
- University of Alabama
- University of Louisville
Keep reading for the full Top 50!
How We Ranked the Best CSWE Accredited Online Social Work Degree Programs
The Social Work Degree Center editors want prospective students to know they’re getting a trustworthy degree. That’s why our research starts with CSWE accredited online programs. From there, we also considered factors like cost and student satisfaction, using data from IPEDS and Niche.
1. The University of Utah
The Social Work College at the University of Utah offers one of Utah’s best online social work degrees in the marketplace with its Bachelor of Social Work degree program that focuses on teaching social work students how to be mutually respectful and supportive of all others. The Utah online social work bachelor’s degree program is one of sixteen online BSW programs that are CSWE accredited. The social work major from U of U requires the completion of a social work-related internship and 48-semester credits from the social work curriculum.
The University of Utah started as the University of Desert in 1850, decades before Utah became a state. The University of Utah is a flagship and space-grant school with a student enrollment of 33,000 students.
Highlight: The University of Utah operates four medical centers, including the first medical school in the state.
2. The University of Michigan Flint
The University of Michigan Flint offers one of Michigan’s best online social work degrees with its Bachelor’s of Social Work (BSW) degree program that has received accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education. Students enrolled in the UM-Flint online social work bachelor’s degree programs must complete at least 124-semester units, with 77 credits from the required social work curriculum. Core classes for the University of Michigan’s baccalaureate degree in social work include social justice and diversity, foundations in social welfare policies, social welfare, and human behavior in the social environment, to name a few.
The University of Michigan – Flint began as a satellite campus in 1944 to help returning WWII veterans go back to school on the GI Bill. Today there are more than 7000 students, and UMF plays an important role in educating professionals in the region.
Highlight: The University of Michigan is one of the country’s Public Ivy League schools.
3. Michigan State University
Michigan State University’s Social Science College offers a Bachelor of Arts degree program in Social Work (BASW) that is among Michigan’s best online social work degrees. MSU’s social work bachelor’s degree programs are CSWE accredited programs and meet Michigan’s licensing requirements for clinical social workers in the state. Many graduates of Michigan State University’s BASW program choose to enter the school’s graduate degree in social work or a related field. In addition, MSU has more than 800 partners in the state to offer clinical social workers a major and the required field experience to help them transition to careers.
Michigan State University is the flagship campus of Michigan. It started under the Morrill Act as a land-grant school in 1855. The school’s endowment of about $3.5 billion is among the largest in the nation and serves nearly 50,000 students.
Highlight: MSU’s graduate education programs consistently rank among the best in the nation.
4. California State University Fresno
The Social Work Education Department at California State University, Fresno, offers a BA in Social Work (BASW) recognized among the west coast’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs. California State University’s online social work degrees are CSWE accredited through 2024. Students eligible for an internship in their senior year of the baccalaureate degree program must finish 450 hours across two semesters. Degree candidates can select from a pre-health major (for incoming freshman) or a clinical social workers major as a transfer student. The bachelor’s degree program requires the completion of 120 credit units.
California State University Fresno opened in 1911 and is a member school of California’s state university system. The school enrolls about 25,250 students studying for the more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered.
Highlight: California State University Fresno has a nationally ranked equestrian team.
5. New Mexico State University
New Mexico State University’s Social Work School offers a Bachelor of Social Work degree program (BSW) that is among the state of New Mexico’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs. This program has accreditation from the Council of Social Work Education. Students take foundational coursework in social sciences, liberal arts, and humanistic philosophy, to name a few topics. In addition, many NMSU’s social work graduates continue and pursue a master’s degree in social work from New Mexico State University.
New Mexico State University started as a land-grant school in 1888. In addition, New Mexico State University is a space-grant school that is the oldest public higher learning institute.
Highlight: New Mexico State University maintains academic facilities in Grans, Dona Ana County, Alamogordo, and Carlsbad.
6. James Madison University
The Department of Social Work at James Madison University (JMU) offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program considered among Virginia’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs. James Madison University’s best online social work degrees are CSWE accredited. Degree candidates enrolled in JMU’s baccalaureate degree in social work must complete a practicum as part of the program’s professional requirements. Many of JMU’s social work program graduates are qualified to enter graduate programs as advanced standing students, offering a fast-track to a graduate degree.
James Madison University (JMU) opened in 1908 as a state-run school to train teachers for the Harrisonburg area. Currently, James Madison University enrolls about 22,550 undergraduate and graduate students.
Highlight: James Madison University’s campus sits west of Massanutten Mountain and amid the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.
7. The University of Missouri
The Social Work School, in conjunction with the Health Professions School at the University of Missouri, offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) professional degree. This program is among Missouri’s best online social work degrees. Students enrolled in the University of Missouri’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs must also participate and complete a six-credit practicum that includes 400 clock hours in a related field placement. The total credit required to earn this baccalaureate degree in social work is 120 units.
The University of Missouri was founded under the Morrill Act as a land-grant school in 1839. The school performs as the state’s flagship campus and a member school of the university system. Additionally, this space-grant school serves about 30,560 students.
Highlight: The University of Missouri is recognized as the first publicly funded institution of higher education situated to the west of the Mississippi River.
8. Texas State University
Texas State University’s Social Work School offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) professional degree program that offers students an online cohort to follow for four years. TSU’s CSWE accredited best online social work bachelor’s degree programs include classes in social policy, social research, human behavior in social environments, plus a practicum or field experience. The curriculum includes 60 credits of general ed, 27 credits in social sciences, and 48 credits in social work, which amounts to a minimum of 121 credit units.
Texas State University (Texas State) opened in 1899 as a state-funded normal school. The first class at Texas State University included about 300 students, whereas Texas State University’s current student enrollment now exceeds 38,150.
Highlight: Texas State University operates a satellite facility to Austin’s north in Round Rock.
9. The University of Alabama
The School of Social Work (SSW) at the University of Alabama offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) professional degree program that offers degree candidates more than 240 agencies to select for field placements. Core classes for Bama’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs include the history of social welfare, social work practice, human behavior, social environments, social psychology, plus a nine-credit field experience or practicum, among others. Graduates of the University of Alabama’s best online social work degrees find rewarding careers in nursing homes, health clinics, schools, hospitals, prisons, corporations, or private practice.
The University of Alabama is a research school that is also the state’s flagship campus. Founded in 1820, the University of Alabama is now home to 31,660 students.
Highlight: The University of Alabama is the largest in the state, and the school’s football program is among the most successful in the nation.
10. The University of Louisville
The Kent Social Work School at the University of Louisville offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) professional degree program considered among Kentucky’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs. Louisville’s best online social work degrees require degree candidates and social work majors to complete 120-semester units to graduate. Classes for this baccalaureate degree in social work include human behavior, issues in service delivery, social welfare institutions, a practicum, practicum lab, and senior seminar, to name a few.
The University of Louisville started in 1798 as a seminary. It is among the oldest schools in the nation and the first university to be city-run. At present, the University of Louisville is a space-grant school with a student enrollment of approximately 21,330 students.
Highlight: The University of Louisville has enrolled students from almost all of Kentucky’s 120 counties.
11. Eastern New Mexico University
Eastern New Mexico University’s Dept. of Health and Human Services offers a Bachelor of Social Work professional degree (BSW) program ranked as one of New Mexico’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs. ENMU’s best online social work degrees prepare graduates for work in nursing homes, hospice, corrections, private practice, child welfare agencies, mental health clinics, schools, law enforcement, or youth services, to name a few. In addition, this baccalaureate degree from Eastern New Mexico University is CSWE accredited and aligns with the NASW’s Code of Ethics.
Eastern New Mexico University opened nearly one hundred years ago, in 1927. Eastern New Mexico University operates several branches that serve more than 5,950 students and is also a designated Hispanic-serving school.
Highlight: Eastern New Mexico University’s athletes play as Greyhounds and represent the school in the NCAA DII – Lone Star Conference.
12. California State University, Chico
California State University, Chico’s Social Work School, offers a Bachelor of Social Work professional degree (BSW) program that is considered one of the west coast’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs. Chico State’s best online social work degrees have received CSWE accreditation. These social work programs require the completion of 60 credit units (or 90 quarter units) to enter their junior year as a social work major. Additionally, degree candidates enrolled in California State University’s bachelor’s degree in social work program must complete sixty clock hours of human services experience as a paid intern or volunteer.
California State University, Chico is a member of the 23-school CSU system. Founded in 1887, Chico State now serves about 16,500 students from its Chico campus in north-central California.
Highlight: California State University, Chico offers students nearly 175 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
13. Wayne State University
Wayne State University’s Social Work School offers a CSWE accredited Bachelor of Social Work professional degree (BSW) program that the NASW also approves. Students enrolled in Wayne State University’s best online social work degrees require students to complete at least 120 credit units, of which 51 credits must be from the social work curriculum. These best online social work bachelor’s degree programs from Wayne State University are organized into five related study areas – research, practice, human behavior/social environment, social welfare policy, and field education.
WSU was founded in 1868. Wayne State University (Wayne State) operates the state’s 3rd largest institution of higher learning. As a research school, WSU serves approximately 25,970 students.
Highlight: The school is named to honor a Civil War General – Anthony Wayne.
14. The University of Cincinnati
The Allied Health Sciences College at the University of Cincinnati offers a CSWE accredited Bachelor of Social Work professional completion degree (BSW) program ranked among Ohio’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs. Applicants should have already completed at least 60-semester credits in a social work-related program to be eligible for admission to UC’s best online social work degrees. Classes for this baccalaureate degree from the University of Cincinnati include human behavior in the social environment, mental health perspectives in social work, social welfare policy, social work research, and field learning experiences.
The University of Cincinnati was founded more than a century ago, in 1819. The school maintains several campuses in the greater Cincinnati area that serve more than 45,780 students.
Highlight: UC’s regional campuses are located in Batavia and Blue Ash.
15. The University of North Dakota
The Nursing & Professional Disciplines College, in partnership with the Social Work Department at the University of North Dakota, offers a CSWE accredited Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) degree program that is recognized among North Dakota’s best online social work degrees. Degree candidates enrolled in the University of North Dakota’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs complete classes in social work research, human behavior in the social environment, social policy, generalist social work practices, and several fields experiences and instruction, among others.
The University of North Dakota (North Dakota) was founded in 1883 and is recognized as North Dakota’s oldest institution of higher education. UND’s student enrollment exceeds 13,500 and is home to the state’s only medical and law school.
Highlight: The University of North Dakota’s men’s ice hockey team has won many national titles since its inception.
16. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University’s Social Work Department offers a CSWE accredited Bachelor of Social Work professional degree (BSW) program ranked among the most affordable and best online social work bachelor’s degree programs in Kansas. Degree candidates enrolled in Fort Hays State University’s best online social work degrees must complete 124 credits units to graduate, including a practicum and internship/independent study. Core classes for Fort Hays State University’s baccalaureate social work degree include methods of social research, social welfare policy child and family systems, client management procedures, and spirituality and aging, to name a few.
Fort Hays State University (Fort Hays) was established in 1902 and is one of the schools administered by the state’s Board of Regents. The Hays campus of Fort Hays State University and the school’s online platform serves nearly 16,000 undergraduate and graduate degree students.
Highlight: Fort Hays State University was originally developed as the western extension of Emporia State University.
17. Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University offers a Bachelor of Social Work professional degree (BSW) program that is CSWE accredited. WKU’s best online social work degrees are typically completed in eight semesters or four years for full-time students, with part-time options available. In addition, students enrolled in Western Kentucky University’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs must participate in a 400-hour field practicum in an agency based in their home area. Classes include social work communication skills, social welfare policy and issues, and human behavior in the social environment, to name a few.
The state’s legislatures established Western Kentucky University in 1906. WKU’s 200-acre main campus in Bowling Green overlooks the valley created by the Barren River.
Highlight: Western Kentucky University maintains several regional academic facilities in Owensboro, Glasgow, or Elizabethtown/Fort Knox.
18. The University of Nebraska
The Arts & Sciences College at the University of Nebraska at Kearney offers a CSWE accredited Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) degree program ranked among Nebraska’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs. The UNK’s best online social work degrees require the completion of at least 120-semester credits – all online! In addition, Nebraska’s baccalaureate degree in social work requires these core classes – introduction to social welfare, human service ethics, social policy, diversity, and social justice, the fundamentals of research in social welfare, plus two field placements in a social work setting, to name a few.
The University of Nebraska at Kearney was founded as a state-funded normal school in 1905 by legislative action at the state level. This space-grant university’s rural campus serves approximately 6,050 students.
Highlight: The University of Nebraska at Kearney is recognized by US News among the nation’s top regional public universities.
19. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s Social Work Department offers a Bachelor of Social Work professional degree (BSW) program that ranks as one of Louisiana’s best online social work degrees. Graduates of Northwestern State University’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs enter the workforce in the fields of mental health, education, family services, substance abuse, child welfare, criminal justice, or community outreach, among others. Classes for NSU’s bachelor’s degree in social work include differential diagnosis, economics, and social work, cultural diversity, and social work values/ethics, plus a practicum, to name a few.
Northwestern State University is a member school of Louisiana’s university system founded in 1884. The university’s rural campus is home to approximately 11,040 students.
Highlight: Northwestern State University holds the distinction of being one of the first higher learning institutions that were chosen for NASA’s joint venture program.
20. Portland State University
Portland State University’s Social Work School offers two of Oregon’s best online social work bachelors degree programs with its Bachelor of Science (BS) in Social Work or its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Social work – two programs that have received accreditation from the CSWE. Students graduate from Portland State University’s baccalaureate degree in social work to find rewarding careers in criminal justice, substance abuse, healthcare, mental health, anti-domestic violence, and immigration, among others.
Portland State University is a research school that was first developed as an educational extension center in 1946. The school was built to serve veterans returning from World War II.
Highlight: PSU holds the distinction of being the only public institution of higher education that is located in a major city in Oregon.
21. Stephen F. Austin State University
Stephen F. Austin State University offers a Bachelor of Social Work professional degree (BSW) program that is considered among the Lone Star State’s best online social work bachelors degree programs. Classes required for Stephen F. Austin State University’s best online social work degrees include social work evaluation and statistics, social welfare legislation/policy, human behavior and the social environment I & II, and applied research methods, plus several field experiences, to name a few.
Stephen F. Austin State University (Austin SU) was founded as a normal school in 1923 by the state’s legislative body. Currently, the university’s small-town East-Texas campus in Nacogdoches is home to more than 12,960 students.
Highlight: Stephen F. Austin State University’s students hail from the Dallas and the Houston Metro areas, although students have come from more than 40 international locations.
22. Troy University
Troy University offers one of Alabama’s best online social work degrees with its Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) professional degree program available 100% online. Students enrolled in Troy University’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs complete classes that must total at least 120-semester units. Specific classes for this baccalaureate degree in social work from Troy University include social work with individuals/families, social work research, diversity, social policy and planning, and professional communication skills, plus two six-hour practicums, among others.
Troy University was founded as a state-funded normal school to train teachers in the nearby growing population in 1887. The university’s college-town campuses and online platform is home to more than 17,980 students.
Highlight: Troy University operates four campuses and more than 50 academic facilities and centers across more than 15 states.
23. The University of Alaska Fairbanks
The Social Work Department located at the University of Alaska Fairbanks offers a CSWE accredited BA in Social Work degree program (BASW) recognized as one of Alaska’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs. Additionally, degree candidates must participate in a comprehensive and intensive senior practicum experience of at least 400 clock hours. Coursework for Alaska Fairbank’s best online social work degrees seeks to promote the unique health needs of those living in rural areas of the state.
The University of Alaska (UAF) is the state’s flagship campus that was established in 1917 as an agricultural college. The university is home to more than 8,130 undergraduate and graduate students.
Highlight: UA’s eight colleges/schools offer students nearly 200 academic and certificate program options online and on-campus.
24. The University of Tennessee
The Social Work College at the University of Tennessee Knoxville offers a CSWE accredited Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) degree program considered one of Tennessee’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs. The University of Tennessee’s best online social work degrees have been designed for those students who already possess an associate-level degree from a school with regional accreditation. Students must complete 120 units to graduate, with the last 30 units earned at Tennessee.
The University of Tennessee was established as Blount College in 1794, years before Tennessee achieved statehood. UT is the state’s flagship campus, with more than 20,330 students attending classes offered online and on-campus.
Highlight: The University of Tennessee holds the distinction of being the oldest secular higher learning institution that is situated west of the Eastern Continental Divide.
25. East Central University
East Central University’s Professional Programs in Human Services Division offers a Bachelor of Social Work professional degree (BSW) program that is considered among the most affordable and best online social work bachelors degree programs available in the state of Oklahoma. ECU’s best online social work degrees require students to complete at least 124-semester units to graduate. Classes for this social work baccalaureate degree program include case management practice, social welfare policy, research methods in social work, human behavior and social environments, and interviewing techniques, plus a social work internship, to name a few.
East Central University was founded in 1909. East Central University maintains several campuses in Oklahoma that serve approximately 3,350 students.
Highlight: Notable alumni of East Central University include NFL superstar Mark Gastineau and former COO of Microsoft – B.K. Turner, among others.
26. Georgia State University
Georgia State University’s Young Policy Studies School, in conjunction with the Social Work School, offers a Bachelor of Social Work professional degree (BSW) program that is CSWE accredited. GSU’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs prepare graduates for entry-level work or entry into a graduate-level program. Students enrolled in Georgia State University’s best online social work degrees must finish a minimum of 120 credit units, which typically takes four years to complete on a full-time basis. In addition, degree candidates must complete 400 clock hours of supervised fieldwork in a related environment.
Georgia State University (Georgia State) was founded as a school for commerce that offered evening classes. Georgia State University is a member school of Georgia’s university system with about 52,000 students.
Highlight: Georgia State University is estimated to add more than $2 billion to the state’s economy.
27. Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University’s Social Work Department offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) professional degree (BSW) program that has been CSWE accredited for more than three decades. In addition, students enrolled in NAU’s best online social work degrees offer students the opportunity to join the school’s Child Welfare Training Project. All NAU baccalaureate degree students in social work must complete at least 450 hours of a relevant field placement over two consecutive semesters.
Northern Arizona University was established at the turn of the twentieth century, a dozen years before Arizona achieved statehood. Nevertheless, NAU’s astronomical programs and faculty have contributed significantly to the field by discovering astronomical bodies.
Highlight: The school offers academic programs across the state from its eight schools/colleges, with a student enrollment that nears 30,000.
28. Lewis-Clark State College
The Division of Social Work at Lewis-Clark State College offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) professional degree program that aligns with the CSWE standards in practice, social policy, and research, among others. LCSC’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs prepare degree candidates to sit for the Idaho Social Work licensing examination. Lewis-Clark State College requires those students attending its best online social work degrees to complete an extensive internship to meet this baccalaureate in social work degree requirements.
Established in the mid-1890s as a teacher’s college, Lewis-Clark State College now operates as a space-grant school that serves more than 3,550 students vying for the more than 125 programs offered. Lewis-Clark State College primarily offers degrees and programs in nursing, education, social work, and education, plus various technical certificates.
Highlight: LCSC’s notable alumni include many Major League Baseball Players.
29. Metropolitan State University
Metropolitan State University offers a 120-semester unit Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) professional degree program, one of Minnesota’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs. These best online social work degrees from Metropolitan State University require ten credits units of the total requirements to be dedicated to several practicums across the program. Classes for this bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan State University include human behavior in the social environment, social work practice, and social welfare history/policy, plus eight research-related credits.
Metropolitan State University is a member of Minnesota’s state university system established in 1971. The school maintains several campuses in Minnesota that serve more than 10,940 students.
Highlight: Metropolitan State University was originally developed to serve nontraditional and working adult learners.
30. The University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky’s Social Work College offers a BA in Social Work that is available 100% online, except for social work practicum experiences which can be done at the student’s local area. UK’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs offer students a 4 + 1 option to earn their graduate social work degree in only one year if they qualify. Graduates of the University of Kentucky’s best online social work degrees hold the best pass rate for first-time test-takers in undergraduate and graduate degree holders.
The University of Kentucky was founded in 1865, under the Morrill Land Act of 1862, as one of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s two land-grant higher education institutions.
Highlight: The University of Kentucky maintains more than one dozen libraries across its campus in Lexington.
31. The University of Hawai’i
The Thomson Social Work & Public Health school at the University of Hawai’i Manoa offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) professional program that prepares students to sit for Hawaii’s state licensing exam to become an LBSW – a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker. The University of Hawaii’s best online social work degrees requires students to finish at least 120-semester units, with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. The core coursework for UH’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs includes the history of social welfare, human development and behavior, general social work practice, and a practicum in social work during their junior and senior years.
The University of Hawai’i was established in 1907 and operated multiple campuses and facilities across six of the state’s islands. The university serves more than 50,160 students attending classes online or campus-based.
Highlight: The University of Hawaii is recognized as a land grant school under the terms of both Morrill Acts.
32. Angelo State University
Angelo State University’s Social Work Department offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) professional program that prepares social work students to become licensed in the Lone Star State as an LBSW. Students enrolled in ASU Hawaii’s best online social work degrees have been ranked among the nation’s top ten online BSW programs. Additionally, Angelo State University’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs are also recognized among Texas’s best valued educational opportunities.
Founded in the late-1920s, Angelo State University now operates as a space-grant, member school of the Texas Tech University System (TTUS). ASU’s urban campus is home to more than 10,550 students, making it the second-largest of TTUS’s member schools. About 25% of the university’s students live on-campus.
Highlight: ASU’s online graduate education degree has been ranked among the top forty in the nation.
33. Missouri State University
Missouri State University offers a Bachelor of Social Work degree program (BSW) that is considered one of Missouri’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs. Additionally, these best online social work degrees from Missouri State University have received accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education. The curriculum for MSU’s baccalaureate degree in social work prepares degree candidates as generalist practitioners in the areas of advocacy, management, social policy, case management, practice, and community practice, to name a few.
Missouri State University was established more than 100 years ago, in 1905, as a state-funded normal school to serve southwest Missouri. With a student enrollment that exceeds 23,260 students, Missouri State University is now Missouri’s 2nd largest school in terms of enrollment.
Highlight: Missouri State University operates a strategic studies program in Virginia and a research facility in Mountain Grove.
34. Metropolitan State University of Denver
Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Social Work Department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work (BSSW) among the city of Denver’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs. Students enrolled in Metropolitan State University’s best online social work degrees required degree candidates to complete a minimum of 480 clock hours of field experience across two semesters. In addition, MSU Denver’s baccalaureate degree is among the most affordable in the state and the country.
Metropolitan State University was founded in the mid-1960s and shared its campus with two other higher learning institutions. The university’s student enrollment is approximately 10,050 students vying for online and on-campus degrees.
Highlight: Metropolitan State University’s campus is situated in one of the cities of Denver’s oldest areas.
35. Ramapo College of NJ
Ramapo College of NJ offers a Bachelor of Social Work degree program (BSW) that requires students to finish a minimum of 128 credit units to graduate. This program includes classes in theories of human development, cultural diversity, the history of social thought, social work research methods, and contemporary social policy, to name a few. In addition, those students attending RC’s best online social work degrees in social work must complete a minimum of 100 supervised hours of fieldwork, in addition to classes and labs.
Ramapo College was founded in 1969. Today, the school operates as a sea- and space-grant institution of higher education in Northern New Jersey. Mahwah’s campus is located less than an hour from downtown Manhattan and is home to more than 5,550 students.
Highlight: RC is ranked by US News among the top 40 regional universities in the northern section of the United States.
36. Brescia University
Brescia University’s Conley Social Work School offers a Bachelor of Social Work degree program (BSW) among Kentucky’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs. Additionally, students can automatically be admitted to the graduate degree if they graduate from Brescia’s undergraduate degree program with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and acceptable field performance. Classes for the social work degree from Brescia University include social work practice, human behavior in the social environment, death & dying, and social issues in diversity, to name a few.
Brescia University was established as an all-women’s college in 1925 but now operates coeducationally with more than 1,160 undergraduate and graduate students attending campus-based classes or offered online.
Highlight: Brescia University maintains its affiliation with the Sister of Mount Saint Joseph.
37. Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program among Indiana’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs. IWU’s best online social work degrees have been CSWE accredited for more than twenty years. Degree candidates attending IWU’s baccalaureate degree in social work are required to complete 120 credit units, plus the completion of 400 supervised clock hours of related fieldwork. In addition, students are required to complete social work classes in social work practice, human behavior and the social environment, social research, statistics for social sciences, and intergroup relations, plus several field placements.
Indiana Wesleyan University is a member of the IWU system founded in 1920. The Marion campus is one of fifteen academic facilities (plus an online platform) maintained by the IWU system throughout Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana.
Highlight: Indiana Wesleyan University was initially developed as a state-funded normal school to train teachers.
38. Southwest Minnesota State University
Southwest Minnesota State University offers a BSSW degree – a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work – that meets Minnesota’s minimum requirements for social work licensing. SMSU’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs are accredited through the Council of Social Work Education and are available for students to declare in their sophomore or junior year. The practicum for SMSU’s best online social work degrees requires degree candidates to complete 440 clock hours of supervised practice, plus 120-semester units of classroom work, seminars, and labs. Core classes include social welfare policy, basic interviewing skills, and applied social research, to name a few.
Southwest Minnesota State University was founded in the mid-1960s and is a space-grant member school of Minnesota’s college and university system.
Highlight: Southwest Minnesota State University is home to several public attractions and several museums, including an art museum and a museum of natural history.
39. Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program that can be completed entirely online. EKU’s online social work bachelor’s degree programs require degree candidates to complete 120 credit units, of which 90 credits may be transferred if deemed eligible. EKU’s best online social work degrees offer six start dates and a discounted tuition for active military personnel. Additionally, Eastern Kentucky University’s bachelor’s degree in social work is CSWE accredited for more than two decades.
Founded in 1874 on what was once the campus of Central University, Eastern Kentucky University now operates several campuses across Kentucky that include Richmond, Corbin, and Manchester, among others. The University’s campuses serve more than 15,560 students and offer more than 35-degree programs.
Highlight: Eastern Kentucky University is recognized among the best colleges for veterans, as noted by US News.
40. Humboldt State University
Humboldt State University’s Social Work Department offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree of Social Work (BASW) program available 100% online. Students graduate from Humboldt State University’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs prepared for entry-level positions as generalist social workers. HSU’s best online social work degrees have received accreditation from the CSWE. In addition to significant fieldwork, HSU’s baccalaureate degree in social work requires students to take classes in advanced social work methods, social work policy, human behavior, and the social agency experience, to name a few.
Humboldt State University was founded as a California-funded normal school in 1913. Humboldt State Universi is organized into three colleges/schools that offer more than fifty undergraduate and graduate degree program options.
Highlight: Humboldt State University is named to honor the world-renowned scientist from Germany – Alex von Humboldt.
41. Bemidji State University
Bemidji State University’s Social Work Department offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program recognized among Minnesota’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs. BSU’s best online social work degrees offer degree candidates a minor in addictions and an alcohol and drug counselor certificate. In addition, Bemidji State offers students the option to study abroad in Mexico for one semester. The online social work track does require a monthly on-campus visit to offer the students hands-on applications of social work concepts and theories.
Founded as a state-run normal school in 1919, Bemidji State University is now a member of Minnesota’s state college & university system. The school’s north & central Minnesota location serves more than 6,175 students.
Highlight: Bemidji State University maintains a relationship with Liaoning University in China that offers students the opportunity to study abroad.
42. Northern Michigan University
The Department of Social Work at Northern Michigan University offers a Bachelor of Social Work degree program (BSW) considered among Michigan’s best online social work degrees. Students enrolled in Northern Michigan’s offers a Bachelor of Social Work degree program (BSW) that considered among Michigan’s best online social work bachelors degree programs are required to complete core classes in social work policy analysis, social work practice for diverse populations, human behavior in the social environment, and methods of social research, plus eight credits that cover two senior practicums, to name a few.
Northern Michigan University was founded as a state-funded normal school to train teachers for the area in 1899. NMU’s small-city campus is home to more than 6,175 students.
Highlight: Northern Michigan University is recognized as the largest institution of higher education in Michigan’s upper peninsula.
43. Western New Mexico University
Western New Mexico University’s Social Work School offers a Bachelor of Social Work degree program (BSW). WNMU’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs offer students small classes and a CSWE accredited degree program. The program emphasizes the core social work values of integrity, competence, nurturing, dignity, and also social justice.
The school opened in 1893. Western New Mexico University’s rural campuses in Silver City & Gallup and its online platform enroll more than 3,450 students each year. Additionally, students at WNMU enjoy an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 18 to 1.
Highlight: Western New Mexico University was established before New Mexico achieved statehood.
44. The University of Colorado Colorado Springs
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs offers an online Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) program. This online social work bachelor’s degree program is a 120-semester credit academic degree. Students must complete 45 upper-division undergraduate credits and six credits of a field practicum. Classes for the program include social services, welfare reform, human behavior, research, and also contemporary social policies.
The University of Colorado (UCCS) is a member of the state’s university system with an enrollment of 11,540 students.
Highlight: The school opened in 1965 and is a space-grant school, classified as a doctoral school with high research activity.
45. Malone University
Malone University’s Social Work Department offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Social Work (BASW) program that is recognized among the state of Ohio’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs. In addition, the university’s social work degrees at the baccalaureate level are recognized among the five best online social work degrees nationally. Classes for this social work undergraduate degree include research and writing for social work professionals, social welfare policy analysis, social research methods, professional issues in social work, and a comprehensive supervised field experience.
Malone University was established as a bible college in the early-1890s and is affiliated with the Society of Friends. The Canton campus is home to more than 15,550 undergraduate and graduate students.
Highlight: The school offers more than 75 academic majors from its four academic schools/colleges in education, business, health sciences, and theology/ancient martial arts.
46. Kuyper College
Kuyper College offers one of Michigan’s most affordable and best online social work bachelor’s degree programs. This online social work degree prepares students for rewarding careers in mental health, child welfare, corrections, gerontology, research, community development, and research, to name a few. Core classes for KC’s baccalaureate degree in social work include individuals and families, human behavior, and social welfare policy, plus a supervised field practicum, to name a few.
Kuyper College was established as a bible school in the late 1930s. The school’s academic vision includes Christian service regardless of the course of study. Grand Rapids’s urban campus is home to about 150 students. Kuyper College offers students a most impressive faculty-to-student ratio of 1 to 11.
Highlight: The school is named to honor the Netherland’s Prime Minister in the early twentieth century, also a practicing theologian.
47. Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor University offers a CSWE accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program ranked among Michigan’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs. Students must complete a minimum of 400 hours of supervised field experience through a related internship, plus 48 credits pulled from the social work curriculum. Classes include social welfare policies, race and ethnic relations, and practice with families and individuals.
Spring Arbor University was established as a Free Methodist institution of higher education in the mid-1870s. The school’s rural campus and online platform serve more than 1,250 students each year.
Highlight: Spring Arbor University is the 2nd largest of all Christian evangelical schools in the state of Michigan.
48. The College of Saint Scholastica
The College of Saint Scholastica offers a BA in Social Work (BASW) program that is considered one of Minnesota’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs. These best online social work degrees require degree candidates to complete 120 credit hours, plus 570 supervised clock hours of field experience. CSS social work undergraduate degrees have been CSWE accredited for nearly fifty years. Graduates with CSS’s social work degree can enter CSS’s graduate-level program with advanced standing.
Established by the Benedictine Roman Catholic Sisters in 1912, the College of Saint Scholastica serves nearly 4,100 students from its 175+ acre campus that overlooks Lake Superior.
Highlight: CSS operates additional academic facilities in several cities across Minnesota, plus a robust online educational learning platform.
49. The University of Arkansas – Little Rock
The Social Work School at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock offers a CSWE accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program recognized as one of Arkansas’s best online social work degrees. Degree candidates enrolled in UA’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs must complete at least 120 credit units, which must include a minimum of 65 credit hours of upper-level coursework. Foundational classes for UA’s bachelor’s degree in social work include social work statistics, addictions in social work, social work diversity, and social welfare policy, plus two supervised field internships, to name a few.
Established as a land-grant school under the Morrill College Act in 1871, the University of Arkansas now operates as the largest university in the state, with a campus in Little Rock and another in Fayetteville.
Highlight: The Little Rock campus is home to more than 8,900 students.
50. The University of Valley Forge
The University of Valley Forge offers one of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s best online social work bachelor’s degree programs. Classes for those enrolled in UVF’s best online social work degrees include social welfare history, contemporary social issues, lifespan human development, race and ethnicity, and social welfare services, to name a few. In addition, this social work minor from the University of Valley Forge can be added to another related discipline to supplement the student’s educational experience.
The University of Valley Forge was established as a private bible school that operated in the summers in the later 1930s. UVF’s suburban campus and online learning platform serve more than 1,100 students annually.
Highlight: The University of Valley Forge maintains a satellite educational facility in Virginia, which offers similar degrees and programs as its main campus.
Can Online Social Work Degrees Be Accredited?
There are many accredited online degrees in social work. Any degree program can be accredited as long as it complies with the governing body’s strict standards for academic excellence. Online degree programs offer the same basic learning materials as those offered in a classroom. The major difference is how the material is presented. Presenting materials over an online learning platform does not take away from what is taught. It does, however, give the student more time to digest it.
What is Regional Accreditation for Schools?
Regional accreditation also applies to online social work degrees. Regional accreditation is the evaluation process for the school. The school’s resources, learning methods, tools, and faculty are all scrutinized. In addition, the CSWE reviews every aspect of the school’s teaching methods and how the faculty interacts with each student regarding social work. If the organization’s strict criteria have been met satisfactorily, the school is deemed CSWE accredited.
Program Accreditation
Specialized accreditation involves evaluating the degree program itself. The level of knowledge being offered to students is heavily considered and the teaching methods. The use of technology is also a key factor. For example, when talking about an online social work degree program, the accrediting board must also consider the online learning platform and how easy it is to use. Testing and study guides are also looked at very closely.
Why is a CSWE Accredited Program so Important?
Accreditation is important for many reasons. First, it ensures that the degree program or school can provide you with everything you will need for your specific needs. Degree programs require specific levels of knowledge and abilities to meet the industry’s employment expectations. An Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate program will provide specific levels of knowledge, and you advance from one to the other. The higher the degree, the more intense the knowledge.
A CSWE accreditation ensures that the degree program provides students with everything they need to be effective in their field of work. It also ensures that the program is current and includes the most recent advancements. There are times when laws change or protocols are adapted to meet new state or federal guidelines. Because schools and degree programs are reviewed regularly, students receive the most accurate and up-to-date information possible.
Other Benefits for CSWE Accredited Programs
Another benefit of CSWE accreditation is that the school is accountable for the quality of its education. You don’t have to worry about whether or not you will need to supplement your education. If you choose a degree program, you don’t have to worry that you may be missing something. When choosing a school, you can rest assured that its teaching methods and faculty members are of the highest quality and above reproach.
Is a CSWE Accredited Online Social Work Bachelors Worth it?
The best online Social Work degree programs can give you everything you need to advance your career. They are taught over an online learning platform that uses the latest technology and familiarizes themselves with new computer programs being used in the field. In addition, the best online Social Work degree programs will provide you with the same education that students in a classroom receive. The primary difference is no commute time to and from the school. Instead, that time can be spent studying.
Another benefit of taking your social work degree courses online is the convenience. If you are working a full-time job, you will need to study in your free time, and an online degree program can make that happen. You can do your homework from any location, so if you have to travel for any reason, you can still keep up with your homework. This is also a good option if you are constantly on the go. Much of your homework is submitted on a tablet or your phone.
Other Degree Options In Human Services
Accreditation is something that many employers look for. They know if you have graduated from an accredited school or degree program, you will be more than ready to go to work and take the steps necessary to reach your career goals. However, if you cannot find the right Social Work program, some students choose an accredited Human Services degree program instead. There are both traditional and online human services bachelor’s degree options.
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