Online or distance education programs can provide much-needed flexibility for many students who aspire to be in the social work field at the entry level with a bachelor’s in social work (BSW). For individuals that pursue a BSW program, the knowledge and experience acquired will allow them to enroll in an advanced standing/fast-track MSW program which will normally shorten both their time and financial commitment.
Looking for accredited online MSW programs instead? See the list here
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the programmatic accreditor vetting the quality of social work programs in the U.S. Its accreditation directory includes an informal, school-reported list of programs that offer online education. CSWE programs are viewed as the goal standard when it comes to social work accreditation, and most local and state organization require completion of a program that has been accredited by this body.
This list may include both predominantly online programs as well as hybrid programs that blend online and campus-based coursework. CSWE accreditation is normally utilized to understand the quality of a masters in social work, but is also an important element to consider when looking to pursue a BSW. As with any online program, it’s best to contact the school directly to confirm what portions of their BSW program are offered online, whether the program is eligible to offer its degree to students in your state, and whether there are requirements to visit in-person.