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Bachelor of Social Work, BSW

August 2025

Next Start Date

20

Courses Required

$427

Cost Per Credit Hour
Military Pricing Applies

60

Total Credit Hours

Online, ASynchronous and synchronous

Learning Format

Continue Your Education Towards a Career in Social Work

The online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program provides a flexible and accessible path to continue your education towards a rewarding career in social work. Designed to meet the needs of busy adults, this program offers the same rigorous academic standards and comprehensive curriculum as our traditional on-campus program.

Our program utilizes both asynchronous and synchronous learning modalities. Some courses are delivered entirely online for self-paced learning, while others involve live Zoom sessions for hands-on learning and real-time interaction.

To prepare our students for successful social work careers, the program incorporates practical experience through supervised field placements. Students can apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings to enhance their skills and experience working with clients and their communities.

Attend a Virtual Information Session

Thank you for your interest in the Bachelor of Social Work Degree program at West Virginia University! Check back soon for Virtual Information Session dates.

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at West Virginia University (WVU) is designed to prepare students for entry-level professional practice in social work. The program educates students within a generalist approach, equipping students with the skills to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities across diverse settings. WVU's BSW program integrates course-based learning with hands-on field experience, ensuring that students gain practical skills and knowledge. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the program adheres to high standards of academic and professional excellence, preparing graduates for both immediate employment and advanced studies in graduate social work education.

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Bachelor of Social Work Admission Requirements

Application

February 1 is the priority deadline. Applications submitted by February 1 will be eligible for scholarships provided through the School of Social Work. June 1 is the final deadline. Applications submitted between February 1 and June 1 will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Admissions

  • Associate’s degree or at least 58 credits by anticipated start of fall semester
  • A grade of C or better in SOWK 147 and SOWK 151, by anticipated start of fall semester
  • 50 hours of WVU-approved community service hours
  • Letter of recommendation from volunteer service supervisor or college-level academic instructor
  • Personal statement
  • Self-assessment form
  • Request official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU*): WVU Office of Admissions
    P.O. Box 6009
    Morgantown, WV 26506-6009
    or
    Email: WVUadmissions@mail.wvu.edu

Additional Notes: Transfer students will be required to meet WVU's General Education Foundations (GEF) requirements (the University waives the GEF requirements for those with a previous bachelor's degree, Associate of Arts degree, or Associate of Science degree, but the student is still required to complete social work general education requirements). Advisors will work with students to identify courses already appearing on the transcript that meet GEF requirements and develop a plan to fulfill any remaining requirements.

Professional-level social work courses taken at other institutions do not automatically transfer to WVU and meet the program’s requirements. To gain approval for these courses students must have earned a B or higher in the course(s) and must submit course syllabi and other appropriate course materials to Dr. Megan Gandy the B.S.W. program director. Courses that are not approved count as electives. The lower-division social work courses taught on 2+2 campuses have received approval via the formal agreement with the program.

The last consecutive 30 enrolled credits must be taken at WVU in order to meet residency requirements for graduation.


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Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Financial aid is available. Students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine their eligibility for federal and state funds as well as scholarships. WVU’s FAFSA Code is 003827.

Check with your employer to see if they provide financial support for earning your graduate degree.

The tuition rate per credit hour listed above is for the 2024-2025 academic year. Tuition and fees increase beginning in the fall term of each academic year.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Please see the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage for how to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Your future in Social Work

If you are a compassionate individual with an interest in human diversity and a desire to help others, then a Bachelor of Social Work can help you reach your goals. Our curriculum prepares students for positions in the social work profession and can provide you with the opportunity to advance in higher education. We train students to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations around the country. Our faculty are active members of human service organizations throughout their communities. We seek to benefit the lives of every resident in our city and state through our research, teaching and service.

The Benefits to Choosing Our Program

Graduates of the BSW program will be prepared to:

  1. Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities.
  2. Model ethical and professional behavior in social work practice.
  3. Apply a practice framework that engages diversity and difference while advancing human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
  4. Critique practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
  5. Analyze policy practice.

Career Outlook for Social Work

Completing a BSW degree allows for immediate access to employment opportunities in fields such as child advocacy, gerontology, public relations, human resources, public health and wellness promotion, community organizing, justice systems, and services to veterans. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in social work careers is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average in all other occupations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I complete the online BSW program if I have no prior college credit?

Currently, our online BSW program is designed specifically for transfer students who have completed some college coursework or have earned their associate’s degree. We require a minimum of 58 transferrable credits to be eligible for admission.

If you are interested in pursuing a social work degree and have no prior college credit, please reach out to the BSW online coordinator, Challice LaRose, to discuss your options.

How long does it take to complete the online BSW?

The online BSW program can be completed as a part-time or full-time student. Courses are offered in the 16-week and 8-week format.

  • Full-time students: Typically, full-time students complete the program in 2 years.
  • Part-time students: The part-time option is designed for students to complete the program in 4 years with semesters of 9 credits and summer courses.

Please note that these are estimates, and individual timelines may vary. Factors such as course selection, transfer credits, and personal circumstances can influence the length of time it takes to complete the program.

How do I apply?

Students will complete a college application through WVU Online and a supplemental professional level application for admittance into the BSW program.

Can I complete the online BSW program completely online?

While our online BSW program is designed with flexibility in mind, there are some synchronous components that require real-time participation.

  • Asynchronous courses: Many of our courses are asynchronous, allowing you to complete coursework around your busy schedule.
  • Synchronous courses: Some courses include synchronous sessions, such as Zoom meetings, for interactive, hands-on learning of important social work skills.
  • Field placement: In addition to online coursework, you will be required to complete a specified number of field placement hours. Please see the FAQ below for more information.

Does the online BSW program require field placement hours?

Yes, our online BSW program requires students to complete a specified number of field placement hours.

  • Requirements: Students will complete 400 field placement hours over the fall and spring semesters of their final year in the program.
  • Locations: Field placements can be completed at various community agencies, such as schools, social service organizations, hospitals, and more. There is the potential for employer-based placements.
  • For more information about field placements, please visit the School of Social Work’s BSW Field Experience website.

What are some career opportunities with a Bachelor of Social Work degree?

Graduates of the BSW program are employed at a variety of locations and programs, such as public human services departments, hospitals, courts, aging programs, child protective agencies, public schools, police departments, community action agencies, drug and alcohol use programs, state and local government agencies, day report centers, children and family services, correctional institutions, agencies supporting the unhoused, and more.

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West Virginia University
PO Box 6800
Morgantown, WV 26506-6800


Phone: (800) 253-2762
Email: WVUOnlineInquiry@mail.wvu.edu

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