How to Become a Social Worker: Salary, Career Path & Online BSW Degree Programs (2023)
CONTENTS
- How to Become a Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
- Top 10 Online BSW Degree Programs
- ASWB Exam – What to Expect
- Salary & Job Outlook for Social Workers
- Professional Organizations for Social Workers
- Cost of Online BSW Degree Programs
- Accreditation for Online BSW Degree Programs (CSWE)
- Admission Requirements for Online BSW Degree Programs
- Careers you can have with a Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW)
Social Work is one of the bedrocks of a compassionate modern society. Life is unpredictable and difficult situations can strike anyone at any time. Social Work Practitioners (commonly referred to as “Social Workers”) are the trained professionals who help guide individuals through times of trauma and stress. The job of a Social Work Practitioner is extensive, and can include: mental health, domestic violence, substance abuse, food/housing insecurity, divorce, life transitions, depression, aging, parenting difficulties, incarceration, and behavioral or emotional issues.
To become a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), you must obtain a number of educational and experiential qualifications and fulfill your state’s licensure requirements. In this article, we detail the steps for how to become a Licensed Social Worker and provide curriculum and admission descriptions for the top 10 online bachelor’s degree programs in Social Work.
How to Become a Licensed Social Worker
Step-by-Step: How to become a Licensed Social Worker
- Step 1: Determine the licensing requirements for the state in which you intend to work
- Step 2: Obtain a bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW)
- Step 3: Complete the requisite number of supervised field practice hours determined by your state
- Step 4: Apply to your state’s licensing board for licensure approval
- Step 5: Pass the bachelors-level ASWB licensing exam
- Step 6: *Obtain a master’s degree in Social Work (if your state requires it)
- Step 7: *Pass the masters-level ASWB licensing exam (if your state requires it)
Licensure requirements to become a Social Worker vary by state. It is imperative that you research and understand the specific licensing requirements for your respective state before choosing a degree program. Every state has a Social Work Regulatory Board which determines the licensing requirements to become a Social Worker. You can access a list of Social Work Regulatory Boards for each state here.
In many states, a bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) is the minimum credential needed to become a Licensed Social Worker. Many online bachelor degree programs in Social Work offer concentrations for students who want to specialize in a particular field of Social Work, such as: mental health, women’s health, child and family services, geriatrics, hospices, forensics and court cases, schools, nonprofit organizations, public health agencies, religious organizations, uniformed and veteran services, and private practice. Individuals interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Social Work should research the available concentrations at each of their schools of interest in order to choose the right program for their desired career goals.
Association of Social Work Boards LSW Exam
Upon graduating from a bachelor’s degree program in Social Work, you must pass the national licensing exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). The bachelors-level ASWB exam is a four hour exam of 170 multiple choice questions. The exam tests student’s comprehension of Social Work in four major categories: 1) Human Development, Diversity and Behavior in the Environment; 2) Assessment; 3) Interventions with Clients/Client Systems; and 4) Professional Relationships, Values and Ethics.
If your state requires a master’s degree in Social Work for licensure, you must pass the masters-level ASWB exam. The master-level exam is a four hour exam of 170 multiple choice questions. The exam tests for beginning social work knowledge, skills and abilities in four major categories: 1) Human Development, Diversity and Behavior in the Environment; 2) Assessment and Intervention Planning; 3) Interventions with Clients/Client Systems; and 4) Professional Relationships, Values and Ethics.
Some state boards require additional examinations to become a Licensed Social Work. Check with the social work board in your state or province to determine whether the ASWB examination is the only exam you need to take to become an LSW.
Salary and Job Outlook for Social Workers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for Social Workers is $51,760 with the highest 10% earning more than $85,820 per year.
In 2020, the states with the highest concentration of jobs in Social Work were: 1) Montana; 2) Oregon; 3) Maine; 4) California; and 5) South Carolina.
The top 5 paying states for Social Workers in 2020 were: 1) Hawaii – $85,740; 2) Massachusetts – $84,540; 3) Nevada – $82,410; 4) Rhode Island – $79,720; and 5) Virginia – $77,060.
Employment for Social Workers is projected to grow by 12% through 2030. This is faster than the average for all occupations and translates into 78,300 new job openings for Social Workers each year.
Professional Organizations for Social Workers
National Association of Social Workers
“Founded in 1955, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.”
The Association of Social Work Boards
“ASWB is the nonprofit organization composed of the social work regulatory boards and colleges of all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and all 10 Canadian provinces. ASWB owns and maintains the social work licensing examinations that are used to test a social worker’s competence to practice ethically and safely.”
American Academy of Social Work & Social Welfare
“The Academy is an honorific society of distinguished scholars and practitioners dedicated to achieving excellence in the field of social work and social welfare through high-impact work that advances social good.”
The Clinical Social Work Association
“The Clinical Social Work Association (CSWA) is a national individual membership organization dedicated to providing essential services, products, professional support, and national identity for Clinical Social Workers. CSWA membership consists of clinical social workers, new professionals (clinical social workers who have graduated within the last four years), emeritus members, and students.”
American Board of Clinical Social Work
“The American Board of Clinical Social Work (ABCSW) is the national standard-setting organization for the profession of Clinical Social Work. The ABCSW sets and promotes national practice standards, publishes position statements, issues the Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (BCD) credentials for advanced clinical generalists, clinical supervisors, children/families practitioners and psychoanalysts, and maintains an online directory of certificants.”
How Much do Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Social Work Cost?
The cost for online bachelor’s degree programs in Social Work typically fall within the range of $200 to $500 per credit hour. With the average program consisting of around 120 credit hours of coursework, the total cost of an online bachelor’s degree program ranges from $24,000 to $65,000 when all other fees and expenses are factored in. Most BSW degree programs allow students to transfer credits from other schools in order to lessen their financial burden and shorten their time of study.
Comparing costs between online BSW degree programs is a great first step to reducing your financial burden. There are many other ways you can reduce your tuition costs as well. For example, many online BSW degree programs offer discounts to veterans, active-duty service members and their families.
Grants and Scholarships are another great option for lowering your cost of schooling. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) website has a searchable database of funding opportunities for Social Work education categorized by degree level and type including scholarships, contests, awards, fellowships, and grants. BSW students should also reach out to their university’s financial aid department as many schools offer scholarships to exceptional students and financial aid for those in need. You can also consult your local chapter of the National Association of Social Workers for other BSW funding opportunities.
Accreditation for Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Social Work
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the accrediting body for online BSW degree programs. CSWE-accreditation ensures that a BSW program’s curriculum meets the rigorous academic standards for competent preparation in Social Work. The CSWE Office of Social Work Accreditation administers a multistep process to accredit BSW degree programs in accordance with its recognition body, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Many states require students to graduate from a CSWE-accredited program in order to qualify for licensure. You also need to be enrolled in a nationally or regionally accredited university in order to qualify for federal financial aid. The Council for Higher Education (CHEA) maintains a database of accredited institutions. You can search the name of your BSW program of interest and find out its accreditation status here.
Admission Requirements for Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Social Work
Admission requirements for online bachelor’s degree programs in Social Work vary depending on the prestige and competitiveness of the school.
In general, applicants need a solid GPA (2.5 or higher), SAT or ACT standardized test scores, high school transcript or GED, recommendation letters and a personal statement. Some online bachelor degree programs in Social Work prefer applicants who have 1 or 2 years of volunteer or work experience in a role related to Social Work.
International applicants may need to prove proficiency in English by submitting their scores from any of the following exams: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL), or Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA).
What Jobs Can I Get With an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work?
There are many career options for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW). They include:
- Foster care/adoption
- Researcher
- Social worker (school, medical, hospice, international, gerontological, forensic)
- Case manager
- Addictions counselor
- Policy analyst
- Community organizer
- Victim advocate
Top 10 Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in
Social Work
1. Grand Canyon University | Bachelor of Social Work
Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Social Work program is 100% online and delivered in an asynchronous format so that students can take their classes anywhere at any time. The program consists of 120 credit hours and is designed to promote understanding of human behavior and prepare future social workers to improve the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities in diverse settings. Each course runs for seven weeks and the program concludes with a capstone seminar in which students present an original final project. Graduates of the program are prepared to be entry-level social workers but must obtain a Master of Social Work to become a fully licensed Social Worker.
There is no specified minimum GPA required for admission to Grand Canyon University’s online Bachelor of Social Work program but matriculating students have an average GPA of 3.55. Applicants are not required to submit standardized test scores but are encouraged to if they believe their GPA is a weak spot in their application. The total cost of tuition for the program without financial aid is $57,240 or $477 per credit hour. A discounted rate is offered to active duty and active reserve personnel.
2. Our Lady of the Lake University | Bachelor of Social Work
The online Bachelor of Social Work program offered by Our Lady of the Lake University is CSWE-accredited and prepares students to take the LSW exam and receive a Violence Prevention and Intervention (VPI) Certification. The degree program is designed to address the nation’s growing Hispanic population through a Hispanic-focused curriculum. Full time enrollees can complete the program’s 120 credits of coursework in four years. The university allows accepted students to transfer up to 72 credits from previous undergraduate studies.
Admission to Our Lady of the Lake University requires at least a 2.5 GPA with a minimum score of 840 on the SAT or at least 2.0 GPA with a minimum score of 880 on the SAT. Students who do not meet the GPA or Standardized Test score requirements must submit letters of recommendation, a resume and a personal statement with their application. The cost of tuition for the program is $57,000 or $475 per credit hour.
3. King University | Bachelor of Social Work
King University’s Bachelor of Social Work program is 100% online and delivered in an asynchronous format so you can attend class at whatever time is convenient for you. The program consists of 124 credit hours of coursework and 400 hours of field practicum education. King University boasts more than 60 employment field practicum partners nationwide and internationally so that online students can complete their required field practicum hours at a location most convenient for them. The Bachelor of Social Work degree program is CSWE-accredited and prepares students to sit for the ASWB exam upon graduating.
Applicants must have a minimum 2.2 GPA for admission. Students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement may be considered for admission on a conditional basis. Applicants must also submit their high school transcript and a 500-word personal statement with their online application. The cost of the program is $37,820 or $305 per credit hour.
4. Campbellsville University | Bachelor of Social Work
Campbellsville University offers a faith-based education that prepares its students to become Christian servant leaders in the field of Social Work. The university’s Bachelor of Social Work degree program is CSWE-accredited, 100% online and delivered in an asynchronous format so students can study whenever best fits their schedule. The program consists of 120 credit hours of coursework and 450 hours of field practicum experience.
Admission to Campbellsville University’s BSW program is a two-step process. Applicants must first apply to Campbellsville University by submitting an online application and their high school transcript. Upon acceptance to Campbellsville University, applicants then apply to the university’s Carver School of Social Work. The cost of tuition for the BSW program is $47,8880 or $399 per credit hour.
5. Notre Dame College | Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Notre Dame College’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work program is 100% online and delivered in an asynchronous format. The program caters to individuals who desire the foundational knowledge and skills to pursue entry-level positions and licensure in social work. The degree program consists of 112 credit hours of coursework which full time enrollees can complete in 4 years. Notre Dame College allows matriculating students to transfer up to 90 credit hours of previous coursework from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA for admission. Standardized test scores are not required but can be submitted to strengthen your application. The cost of the program is $59,400 or $495 per credit hour. Notre Dame College is a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program and offers a discounted rate to U.S. military veterans and active duty service members.
6. Point University | Bachelor of Social Work
Point University aligns the curriculum of its Bachelor of Social Work program to meet the rigorous standards of CSWE and their accreditation is pending. The program is 100% online and delivered in an asynchronous format. Students of the 120 credit hour program gain real-world experience through internships and field practicum education. Full time enrollees typically complete the program in 4 years. Accepted students can transfer up to 90 credit hours of previous coursework from a regionally accredited institution and complete the program in two years.
Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 GPA for admission. Students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement may qualify for probationary admission. There is no application fee and standardized test scores are not required. The cost of the program is $49,200 or $410 per credit hour.
7. East Central University | Bachelor of Social Work
East Central University’s Bachelor of Social Work is 100% online and accredited by the CSWE. The program consists of 124 credit hours of coursework and a hands-on internship. Full time enrollees can complete the program in 4 years. Students who wish to shorten the length of their study can transfer up to 94 credits of previous coursework from an accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum 2.25 GPA and submit SAT/ACT scores for admission. The cost of the program for Oklahoma residents is $32,767 or $264.25 per credit hour. The cost for out-of-state students is $541.19 per credit hour.
8. Greenville University | Bachelor of Social Work
Greenville University’s Bachelor of Social Work program is 100% online and accredited by the CSWE. The program consists of 120 credit hours of coursework and 400 hours of fieldwork experience. Full time enrollees can complete the program in 4 years. Students who wish to shorten the length of their study can submit up to 69 credits of previous coursework from an accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 GPA for admission. There is no application fee and standardized test scores are not required. The cost of the program is $459 per credit hour.
9. Methodist University | Bachelor of Social Work
Methodist University’s Bachelor of Social Work program is 100% online and accredited by the CSWE. The BSW program boasts a small student-to-teacher ratio that gives students the opportunity to interact with their professors for personalized help. The program consists of 124 credits hours and is typically completed in 3.5 years by full-time enrollees. Students can transfer up to 93 credit hours from previous coursework. The cost of the program is $46,900 or $400 per credit hour. The university offers discounted tuition for veterans, active-duty service members and their families.
10. Mount Vernon Nazarene University | Bachelor of Social Work
Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Bachelor of Social Work program is 100% online, CSWE-accredited and designed for students who have an associate degree in social work or human services. Students with a minimum of 56 credit hours of coursework from an accredited university are eligible to apply. The program consists of 46 credit hours which full-time students can complete in as little as 27 months. The cost of the program is $16,100 or $350 per credit hour.
Take the Next Step!
Are you ready to make the world a better place through the power of Social Work? Go and explore the websites of the top online BSW programs listed above to request additional information and obtain an online application. You are now one step closer to reaching your career goal to become a Social Work Practitioner. Good luck!
Not sure if a career in Social Work is right for you?