Online and Distance Degrees > Degree Programs > Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Bachelor of
Social Work (BSW)

Primarily Online

Program Overview

Through online coursework, in-person field education and virtual skills labs, you can pursue your dreams and earn your Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) through The University of Alabama. This primarily online degree is identical to the widely respected main campus degree, so you can trust that you will be well-equipped for your career. A degree in social work prepares students for professional social work practice, a growing and dynamic profession in which you promote the well-being of individuals, groups and communities.

Program Format
Primarily Online
Credit Hours
120
Tuition Per Hour
$385

Be a Champion for Others

Social Work is a profession aimed at making the world a better place. Through research-based curriculum, gain the knowledge you need to serve clients of all ages, from all walks of life, in a variety of settings. Social Workers are employed by hospitals, schools, child welfare agencies, criminal justice settings, advocacy organizations, organizations that serve athletes, veterans and active-duty military, mental health service providers and more. Social Workers can work with people on an individual level, advocate for policy changes at a national or global level or intervene anywhere in between. The BSW is also an excellent foundation in problem-solving, communication and interprofessional communication, skills which are valued by many professionals and graduate degree programs.

Application DeadlineApplications accepted year round
AccreditationCouncil on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Orientation RequiredYes
Practicum and Skills LabYes
Are test scores required?ACT and SAT scores are not required through the Fall 2025 entry term

Curriculum

This CSWE-accredited program consists of 120 hours of coursework and includes general education requirements, major courses, electives and field education. Most coursework can be completed online, while field education is in-person. Skills labs meet virtually on select Saturdays when students are enrolled in SW 440, SW 441 and SW 442.

Please note that courses are subject to change. More information can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog.

Lower Division Courses

Social Work majors spend much of their first two years completing general requirements and introductory social work courses. Students must complete 54 hours of general education and Social Work requirements and be accepted to the Professional Program prior to enrolling into 400 level courses.

Social Work courses include:

SW 100 Introduction to the Fields of Social Work Practice
SW 101 Orientation to Social Work
SW 200 Reform and Resistance: Development of Social Welfare in the US
SW 310 Professional Writing Seminar
SW 351 Oppression and Social Injustice

Social Work Electives

Students must select two Social Work electives (note: 400-level electives may only be taken once enrolled in the Professional Program)

SW 206 Growing Old in America
SW 208 Juvenile Delinquency: Causes, Control and Services
SW 210 Family and Child Welfare
SW 212 Death, Dying and Bereavement
SW 320 Community Engagement and Social Services Organizations
SW 415 Psychopathology
SW 419 International Social Wok

Professional Program

Students must apply to the Professional Program by February 15 for fall admission or September 15 for spring admission. Once accepted to the Professional Program, courses include social welfare policy, human behavior in the social environment, practice with individuals, groups, families and communities, social work research and practicum education and seminars.

SW 401 Social Welfare Policy and Services
SW 410 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
SW 411 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II
SW 420 Research of Social Work Practice
SW 440 Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
SW 441 Social Work Practice with Groups
SW 442 Social Work Practice with Communities
SW 443 Seminar in Generalist Practice
SW 444 Leadership and Professional Development

Field Education (9 hours)

BSW practicum placements are recommended by the Practicum Education Coordinator based a student’s area of interest and learning needs. The School of Social Work partners with a variety of social service agencies serving diverse populations to provide practicum education experiences for students. Once matched with an agency, seniors begin their 15-week practicum and spend a minimum of 450 clock hours during the semester at an agency four days each week. Students are responsible for their own transportation to their assigned agency. All BSW students preparing to enter practicum are expected to submit an ABI/FBI background check prior to beginning their placement.

SW 490 Field Education

Admission

Admission to the Bachelor of Social Work program requires a completed admissions application and transcripts to be submitted from all colleges previously attended. Students will select “Social Work” as the major. Transfer students considering admission should review UA’s transfer information and policies.

If you reside or intend to seek professional licensure outside of the state of Alabama, please review the requirements for that state prior to applying to this program.

Once admitted to the University and prior to completing 400-level professional social work courses, students must be admitted to the BSW Professional Program and meet the following minimum qualifications:

Completed 45 credit hours at the time of application and completed 54 credit hours prior to starting professional program coursework
2.25 GPA overall
2.5 GPA in social work courses
Complete the following courses: SW 100, SW 200, SW 351, PY 101 or PY 105, SOC 101, and BSC 108 (BSC 114/115) or BSC 109 (BSC 116/117)
Placement into college-level math (MATH 110 or MATH 112 or higher)

Apply to the BSW Professional Program before the priority deadline below:

February 15 for fall enrollment
September 15 for spring enrollment

Program Format

Prior to the start of the program, all students are required to attend a one-day on-campus orientation in Tuscaloosa, AL. Students who are unable to attend must contact the BSW Program Director. Failure to attend orientation, or contact the Program Director, may result in the student being administratively withdrawn from the program.

To begin taking 400-level courses, students must first apply and be admitted to the Professional Program.

All skills labs meet virtually on select Saturdays. Classes that include skills labs are SW 440, SW 441 and SW 442.

Courses are offered online. Students are required to have access to a computer with a high-speed internet connection.

Field education is completed in the fall semester. Students are required to successfully complete 450 in-person field hours under the supervision of an experienced social worker at an approved social service agency.

Students will work with the field coordinator in the School of Social Work to be placed within a 60-mile radius of their home location, as long as there is a suitable placement within that radius. Students who live greater than 60 miles from a suitable placement location will work with the field coordinator to identify a placement site. The SSW Field Education Office has developed a strong relationship with more than 300 agencies and are proud of their ability to expand BSW Field Education opportunities to more students across the state!

Students also have the opportunity to complete their field education in Washington, D.C., or at one of many international settings. The Washington, D.C., program is the only one of its kind in the United States, placing students in policy and direct practice settings throughout the Washington, D.C., area and providing unique opportunities to connect with policymakers and UA alumni in the district. The international field program allows students to complete field education in one of several countries. Students have recently completed placements in Ghana, Ireland, Mexico and England. Additional placements in Spain and India are being developed and the coordinator is always open to exploring placements in countries where students have an interest.

Prior to entering the field, students must earn a grade of C- or higher in SW 444, attend a three-hour orientation to field education and obtain a background check. Corequisites include enrolling in field seminar SW 443 or SW 445.

Students complete a minimum of 32 hours per week during normal business hours or may choose an extended option consisting of a minimum of two full normal business-hour weekdays per week. Students seeking the extended option must indicate it on the field application and receive approval from the field instructor and field coordinator. All field work must occur Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., in person at an approved social work setting.

Additional field education hours may be approved, and there may also be options for completion in the student’s place of employment with restrictions. All field education placement plans require prior approval by our field education coordinator.

Find more information and learn about restrictions related to this degree program that may exist regarding licensure in the state in which you reside.