What it is
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a four-year professional degree preparing students for entry-level social work practice. It combines social work theory and ethics with a supervised field placement, and (from a CSWE-accredited program) can qualify graduates for advanced standing in an MSW.
The degrees & designations
The BSW is in the social service fields:
How long it takes
About four years of full-time study (roughly 120 credit hours); some fields run to five with co-ops or intensive sequences.
What you study
Coursework covers human behavior, social welfare policy, practice methods, diversity, and research, paired with a supervised field internship in an agency.
Getting in
Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, transcripts, and often essays, recommendations, and (sometimes) tests. Selectivity varies by school and program.
Cost & funding
Cost ranges widely — from lower-cost public in-state tuition to private universities — with grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans commonly used. Starting at a community college can reduce cost.
Where it leads
A BSW leads to entry-level social work and human-services roles and to an MSW (often with advanced standing) for clinical/licensed practice.
How it compares
Versus a BA in Psychology or Human Services, the BSW is the accredited social-work professional pathway with required field practice.
Is it right for you?
A BSW fits students who want to enter social work and human services and build toward an MSW and licensure.
Explore further
This is a reference guide. Keep exploring:
Key facts
- WhatA professional undergraduate social work degree
- IncludesPractice methods + supervised field placement
- AccreditationCSWE; can enable MSW advanced standing
- FieldSocial work / human services
- Leads toEntry-level practice; MSW for licensure
Where to learn more
Keep exploring the resource: