Do you want to pursue a rewarding career in social work and help people overcome various challenges in their lives? If so, you might be wondering how to earn a social worker degree online in 2023.
In this article, we will show you the best online programs for earning a bachelor of social work (BSW) or a master of social work (MSW) degree online. We will also compare the features, benefits, and costs of different online schools and tell you how to enroll today.
Why Earn a Social Worker Degree Online?
Earning a social worker degree online can offer you many advantages over traditional on-campus programs. Some of the benefits of online learning are:
- Flexibility: You can study at your own pace and schedule, without having to commute to campus or attend fixed classes. This can save you time and money, and allow you to balance your studies with your personal and professional commitments.
- Accessibility: You can access your courses and materials from anywhere with an internet connection, using any device. This can make learning more convenient and comfortable, and also open up more opportunities for you to interact with your instructors and peers.
- Affordability: You can often save money on tuition, fees, and other expenses by choosing an online program. Many online schools offer scholarships, grants, loans, and other financial aid options to help you fund your education. You can also avoid the costs of relocating, housing, transportation, and other campus-related expenses.
- Quality: You can receive the same high-quality education and accreditation as on-campus students, as long as you choose a reputable and accredited online school. Many online programs are designed and taught by the same faculty members as on-campus programs, and follow the same curriculum and standards. You can also benefit from the latest technology and innovations in online learning, such as interactive multimedia, simulations, and gamification.
What Are the Best Online Social Work Programs in 2023?
There are many online social work programs available in 2023, but not all of them are equal in terms of quality, reputation, and accreditation. To help you find the best online social work programs, we have ranked the top 5 online BSW and MSW programs in the United States, based on the following criteria:
- Accreditation: The program must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the leading accrediting body for social work education in the United States. CSWE accreditation ensures that the program meets the national standards for social work education and prepares you for professional licensure and practice.
- Reputation: The program must be offered by a reputable and recognized institution of higher learning, with a history and tradition of excellence in social work education. The program must also have positive reviews and feedback from students, alumni, employers, and experts in the field.
- Cost: The program must be affordable and offer a good return on investment. The program must also provide various financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, loans, and payment plans, to help you reduce your financial burden and debt.
- Features: The program must offer a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum that covers the core competencies and skills of social work practice. The program must also offer a variety of electives, concentrations, and specializations that allow you to customize your learning according to your interests and career goals. The program must also provide ample opportunities for practical experience, such as field placements, internships, and capstone projects, that enable you to apply your knowledge and skills in real-world settings.
- Support: The program must offer a supportive and engaging learning environment that fosters your academic success and personal growth. The program must also provide various support services, such as academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, career counseling, and technical assistance, that help you overcome any challenges and achieve your goals.
Based on these criteria, here are the best online social work programs in 2023:
| Rank | School | Program | Degree Level | Tuition | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | National Louis University | Online Bachelor of Social Work | BSW | $430/credit | CSWE-accredited, flexible, affordable, career-focused, 100% online, 120 credits, 8-week courses, 4 start dates per year, 450 hours of field experience, dedicated field coordinator, transfer-friendly, scholarships and financial aid available |
| 2 | University of North Dakota | Online Bachelor of Social Work | BSW | $393/credit | CSWE-accredited, reputable, affordable, comprehensive, 100% online, 120 credits, 8-week courses, 3 start dates per year, 450 hours of field experience, online field seminar, transfer-friendly, scholarships and financial aid available |
| 3 | University of Alaska Fairbanks | [Online Bachelor of Social Work] | BSW | $289/credit | CSWE-accredited, affordable, flexible, culturally responsive, 100% online, 120 credits, 16-week courses, 2 start dates per year, 450 hours of field experience, online field seminar, transfer-friendly, scholarships and financial aid available |
| 4 | [University of Memphis] | [Online Master of Social Work] | MSW | $497/credit (in state) | CSWE-accredited, reputable, affordable, rigorous, 100% online, 60 credits (advanced standing: 30 credits), 8-week courses, 3 start dates per year, 900 hours of field experience (advanced standing: 500 hours), online field seminar, 4 concentrations: advanced practice with children and families, advanced practice with adults and aging, integrated practice, and management and community practice, scholarships and financial aid available |
| 5 | [Western Kentucky University] | [Online Master of Social Work] | MSW | $607/credit | CSWE-accredited, reputable, affordable, comprehensive, 100% online, 60 credits (advanced standing: 30 credits), 16-week courses, 2 start dates per year, 900 hours of field experience (advanced standing: 500 hours), online field seminar, 2 specializations: advanced direct practice and advanced administrative practice, scholarships and financial aid available |
How to Enroll in an Online Social Work Program?
If you are interested in enrolling in an online social work program, you will need to follow these steps:
- Choose the program that best suits your needs, preferences, and goals. You can use the table above to compare the features, benefits, and costs of different online social work programs.
- Check the admission requirements and deadlines of the program. You will need to meet the minimum academic, professional, and personal qualifications of the program, such as GPA, test scores, work experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statement. You will also need to submit your application and supporting documents by the specified deadline.
- Apply for financial aid and scholarships. You can explore various options to fund your online social work education, such as federal, state, and institutional aid, scholarships, grants, loans, and payment plans. You will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other forms to determine your eligibility and amount of aid.
- Complete the enrollment process and register for courses. Once you are accepted into the program, you will need to confirm your enrollment and pay the required fees. You will also need to choose your courses and register for them online.
- Start your online social work program and enjoy your learning journey. You will need to access your online learning platform and familiarize yourself with the course materials, assignments, assessments, and expectations. You will also need to communicate and collaborate with your instructors and peers, and participate in various learning activities and experiences.
Conclusion
Earning a social worker degree online can be a great way to advance your career and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Online social work programs can offer you flexibility, accessibility, affordability, and quality, as well as prepare you for professional licensure and practice.
However, not all online social work programs are the same, and you need to choose the one that best fits your needs, preferences, and goals. In this article, we have ranked the top 5 online BSW and MSW programs in the United States, based on accreditation, reputation, cost, features, and support. We have also explained how to enroll in an online social work program and what to expect from it.
source:
- National Louis University Online Bachelor of Social Work
- University of North Dakota Online Bachelor of Social Work
- [University of Alaska Fairbanks Online Bachelor of Social Work]
- [University of Memphis Online Master of Social Work]
- [Western Kentucky University Online Master of Social Work]
