Best Social Work Degrees of 2023
Written by Ann Feeney, SocialWorkLicensure.org Rankings Team
Last Updated: June 2023
Social workers help with issues like school bullying, substance use, and end-of-life arrangements. While social work can be challenging, many are attracted to this important and fulfilling line of work.
This guide explores the best social work degree programs, including how to find your ideal school and career. If you want to make a tremendous difference in your community, especially for those most in need, consider exploring social work degrees today.
What to Expect From a Social Work Degree Program
A bachelor of social work (BSW) prepares you to pursue entry-level roles in social work and earn a master of social work (MSW) to become a licensed social worker. During a BSW, students learn about the theory and practice of social work in the classroom and in the field. Typical coursework covers human development, how societies function, different social issues, and how social interventions work.
A BSW generally takes four years, though it can take less if you have existing college credits. Depending on the state, you may qualify for licensed bachelor of social work (LBSW) credentials or an interim license that allows you to participate in fieldwork while in an MSW program.
Featured Online Social Work Programs
The Best Social Work Degree Programs
We grouped the best social work degrees based on cost, reputation, and academic achievement. The right program for you depends on your interests, goals, background, and the factors below.
- Accreditation: The most important factor in choosing a social work degree is whether the program has received accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). All programs in this guide and on this site are accredited.
- Fieldwork Experience: This requirement allows you to observe licensed social workers and perform some tasks. If you are interested in a particular setting or specific patients, such as rural, urban, geriatric, or military populations, consider schools offering fieldwork that aligns with your preferred client base.
- Tuition and Education Costs: In general, public schools where you qualify for in-state tuition offer more affordable options, while private schools tend to cost the most. If you attend an on-campus program, you may need to pay for room and board, at least for the first year.
We use a data-driven methodology to determine the best social work degree programs based on affordability, academics, and reputation.
1. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida’s School of Social Work, founded in the 1960s, offers social work degrees that prepare learners for generalist practice, with optional certificates and minors in their population interest.
UCF offers internships at more than 200 Central Florida agencies to complete the required 420 field work hours. Students can complement their degree with certificates and minors in aging studies, children’s services, nonprofit management, and Spanish for social work.
The BSW program accepts applications in the spring, summer, and fall.
- Program: Bachelor in social work
- Campus: Orlando, Florida
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $212 per credit for Florida residents; $748 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Apply as a first-year student or transfer student. Applicants need an associate degree, a minimum 2.5 GPA, and prerequisites.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
2. California State University-Los Angeles
California State University, Los Angeles’ School of Social Work offers a bachelor’s in social work degree designed as a continuing education opportunity.
Required upper divisions courses cover social work research methods, practice with individuals and families, social welfare policy, and community organizing. To earn a bachelor’s degree, enrollees must complete 120 credits and 420 field work hours. Many students finish field work through two seven-hour days per week. The field education director helps learners secure placements.
- Program: Bachelor’s in social work
- Campus: Los Angeles, California
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $6,792 per year for California residents; $16,296 per year for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Apply as an undergraduate or transfer student. Undergraduate students need a minimum 2.75 GPA, prerequisites, and general education courses.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
3. CUNY Lehman College
Students can earn a social work degree at Lehman College in the Bronx with elective courses available across the CUNY system. CSWE-accredited since 1983, Lehman’s Department of Social Work features bachelor’s programs that focus on a generalist social work practice in urban areas.
All learners participate in 450 hours of supervised fieldwork internships. Prior to internships, students complete 55-58 required courses. The curriculum explores social welfare institutions, human behavior and social environment, social work research, and social work practice.
- Program: Bachelor of social work
- Campus: Bronx, New York
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $3,465 per semester for full-time undergraduate New York students; $620 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Apply as a current undergraduate or transfer student. Applicants need 54 college credits, prerequisites, and a minimum 2.7 GPA.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
4. CUNY Hunter College
Hunter College, part of CUNY’s 25-college system that stretches across five boroughs, offers customizable fieldwork for social work degrees through the Silberman School of Social Work.
In the second year, Hunter requires students to intern two seven-hour days per week in their specialized population area. Learners choose from specializations in fields of practice that include aging, child welfare, global social work, health, or criminal justice.
Additionally, this BSW degree lets students minor in community organizing, with courses that focus on community organizing theory and practice and an accompanying internship.
- Program: Bachelor of social work
- Campus: New York, New York
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $305 per credit for New York residents; $620 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Enroll as a full-time student at Hunter or transfer applicant. Applicants need a minimum 2.75 GPA, essay, resume, and field work experience verification letter.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
5. University of South Florida
The University of South Florida’s social work degrees, with online and on-campus options, prepare students for a generalist practice working in the central Florida west coast area.
The curriculum offers a generalist education in intervention methods with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Courses also cover social work policy, human behavior, social welfare systems, and social research skills. This program is certified as a Global Pathway, which means students can also gain social work experience studying abroad in India or Spain.
- Program: Bachelor of social work
- Campus: Tampa, Florida
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $6,410 per year for Florida residents; $17,324 per year for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Apply as a current, transfer, or international student. Learners must complete general education requirements and prerequisites.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Paying for a Social Work Degree Program
If you qualify for in-state tuition, a BSW at a public school typically costs between $8,000-$15,000 per year. If you attend a public school but are not eligible for in-state tuition, you may expect to pay approximately $14,000-$18,000. Annual private school costs for bachelor’s-level social work degrees may range from $17,000-$25,000 or even higher.
In addition to room and board, most schools charge student fees. Buying or renting books can cost several hundred dollars per semester or term, depending on the course. If you pursue a social work degree online program, you can avoid paying for additional room and board but must make sure to have a reliable high-speed internet connection. You may also need to pay for travel to fieldwork sites.
However, cost should not make you rule out your dream program — most students qualify for some form of financial aid, like grants, scholarships, and loans.
Careers and Salary with a Social Work Degree
While most social worker careers require a graduate degree, you can still pursue some roles with a BSW. Some jurisdictions, such as Mississippi and Washington, D.C., have licenses for bachelor’s-level social workers. These certifications require you to pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) bachelor’s-level exam.
Some of the most common bachelor-level careers include:
- Community health educator
- Probation officer
- Administrative staff member
- Outreach worker
- Substance use counselor
- Case manager
Some of these roles, especially substance use counselor, may require additional education or licensing, depending on the state.
According to Payscale data from June 2023, the average annual salary for a social work graduate with a BSW is $43,920. Payscale reports 80% of BSW graduates earn between $32,000 and $65,000 annually.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work Degrees
What degree do you need to become a social worker?
In most states, you must have a graduate social work degree to become a licensed social worker — at least an MSW. Some states have licenses for graduates with BSWs, but with a few exceptions, these are not full social worker licenses.
What is the difference between an LBSW and an LMSW?
A few states have licensing for social workers at the BSW level, typically called an LBSW. Almost all states have a licensed master of social work (LMSW) credential or an equivalent, which requires an MSW or higher social work degree. An LMSW can perform additional tasks with more independence than an LBSW. Check your state for specifics.
Is fieldwork experience required for a degree in social work?
Fieldwork is a vital part of earning a social work degree at any level. During fieldwork, students learn by observing or performing tasks under supervision in professional social work settings.
Can you earn a social work degree online?
Many schools offer social work degrees online at the undergraduate and graduate levels. However, you must attend fieldwork in person, and some online social work programs have required on-campus components.
