Bachelor's in Social Work Online

Earn Your Social Work Degree Quickly

Social Workers are everyday heroes. They provide resources and counseling during some of life's most difficult challenges to individuals, groups, families, and communities. They serve on the front lines for those in vulnerable or underserved populations.

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Your Social Work degree from Keuka College will position you to improve lives, advocate for change, and promote social justice. Your coursework will include practical experience in real-life agencies, meaning you'll graduate with experience and a professional network.

Highlights

Easy Application Process

It's fast, free, and easy to apply online. We're accepting applications for our February 2024 start!

Affordable

Low cost per credit and generous financial aid programs for working adults help ensure you can reach your educational goals quickly and affordably.

Advising and Support

From application through graduation, you'll receive plenty of support in earning your Bachelor's in Social Work. A dedicated admissions counselor will help you through the process, and your field placement coordinator and academic advisor will help you navigate your field placement and curriculum.

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Download your free Social Work degree program guide.

Get more information to make the decision that's right for you:

Featured courses and program outcomes
Admission requirements
Tuition and financial aid information

Keuka College's online Social Work degree program provides busy, working adults like you the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree and advance your career quickly.

No matter how far along you are on your educational journey, you can earn your degree from Keuka College and become an extraordinary Social Worker.

How Does the Online Social Work Program Work?

All courses are available 100% online. Some courses are designed to be self-paced, allowing you to complete readings, video lectures, and assignments on your own schedule throughout the week.
The program concludes with a real-world field placement. And a dedicated Field Placement Coordinator will work with you to secure a site that's close to home and aligns with your practice interests.
Some field placement positions are paid, and if you hold a position that meets field placement requirements, it may be possible to have some of your responsibilities count toward your required placement hours.

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You need at least 120 college credits to earn a bachelor's degree at any accredited college or university. At Keuka College, we make it easy for adults like you to earn your Social Work degree, no matter how many — or how few — college credits you already have.

Requirements
Core Courses

Requirements

You'll need 120 total college credits to earn the Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree.

The number of courses you'll need to take and your course schedule may vary based on the number of credits you transfer in.

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12 Core Social Work Courses

48 Credits

From the basics of Social Work to a fully immersive, hands-on experience at an agency near you, these are the courses that will teach you to become an exceptional Social Worker. You’ll work closely with extraordinary faculty who are outstanding teachers and actively practicing clinicians.

13 General Education Courses

37 Credits

General education courses are the foundation of every Keuka College bachelor’s degree. You’ll explore and enhance many different skills — communication, writing, math, ethics, and more — that are important for your Social Work degree and for everyday life.

You can choose from a number of online courses in the Keuka College catalog, or transfer in credits from another accredited college or university, the U.S. military, college-level testing programs, or select international sources.

12 Elective Courses

35 Credits

Electives give you the opportunity to learn about the topics you’re interested in most and customize your degree.

You can choose from a variety of online courses from the Keuka College catalog, enhance your degree with a certificate, or transfer in credits from another accredited college or university, the U.S. military, college-level testing programs, or select international sources.

Core Courses

From the basics of Social Work to a fully immersive, hands-on experience at an agency near you, these are the courses that will teach you to become an exceptional Social Worker.

You’ll work closely with extraordinary faculty who are outstanding teachers and actively practicing clinicians.

SWK-351: Generalist Social Work Practice III

SWK-351 is the junior/senior level practice course for social work majors. Its focus is on macro-level practice. Topic areas include family systems through general systems theory. Understanding of macro-level government, funding, and human service agency structures is emphasized. Theories and practice of community organizations, needs assessments, and the social worker's role in all of the above is discussed.

SWK-401: Social Welfare Policies and Services II

An examination of selected laws, programs, benefits, and services that form the basis of social welfare policy in the U.S., and social welfare policy analysis and its application. The structure of service delivery systems, organizations, and social inequities in service delivery; and organizational change strategies that promote social and economic justice. An introduction to program development.

SWK-421: Human Behavior and Social Environment II

Examination of the human condition from adolescence to old age (ages 12-82+). Students will learn to identify the critical issues at each developmental stage of life using biological, sociological, psychological, and spiritual assessment models. Generalist issues which affect the entire span of the life cycle will also be addressed. This course heavily emphasizes the shift for students from theory to practice through extensive use of experiential activities which include doing actual assessments, developing a program for a topic of diversity, team-based activities, etc.

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Keuka College has helped thousands of students like you earn an affordable degree and launch their Social Work careers. Estimate your costs, explore financial aid options, and talk with an admissions counselor today.

Affording Your Social Work Degree

A bachelor's degree is an investment in your future and your family that has everlasting benefits. Here are a number of ways to make your degree even more affordable.

Financial Aid
Scholarships, state and federal grants, employer tuition remission, and military benefits are financial aid options that may be available to you.

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Transferring Credit
Graduate faster and save money by transferring in prior eligible credits from another accredited college or university, the U.S. military, College-level testing programs, or select international sources.

Transfer Your Credits

What can you do — and how much can you earn — with a Social Work degree? The possibilities are almost endless!

You'll be prepared for any of these exciting Social Work careers:

Mental Health Counselor
Substance Abuse Counselor
Social or Community Service Manager
Youth Services Coordinator
Probation Officer
Director of Programs
Family Social Worker
Case Manager

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job growth for Social Workers is projected to be much faster than average between 2019 and 2029 in the United States.

And according to the New York State Department of Labor, New York Social Workers with a bachelor's degree earn a mean salary of $69,000 and employment prospects in New York state are very favorable.

You'll also qualify for Advanced Standing entry into Keuka College's Master of Social Work program, after which you can enjoy a career in clinical Social Work.

I couldn’t be happier with my decision to go with Keuka College. I was the shy one, but the program and my classmates brought me out of my shell. No matter what occurred, there was a sense of support for each other.

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— Sarah Eddy

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A high-quality Social Work degree you'll be proud to have.

Our Social Work degree is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education

Keuka College’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation.

Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Board of Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.

Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.

Our students are prepared for, and encouraged to pursue, a master's in social work, and because of our accreditation, graduates may apply for advanced standing in these programs. Download our Assessment of Student Learning to learn more.

We’re here to help answer any questions you have about Keuka College’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work program.

Here are some of the most common questions students like you have about the BSW program. You can also get additional information by downloading a program guide, contacting your admissions counselor, or applying for admission today!

What degree do you need to be a Social Worker?

There are many different types of Social Work degrees, and each one qualifies you for a different level of practice. A bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited college or university is the first step and will allow you to enter the field in an array of exciting, rewarding careers.

A Master of Social Work (MSW) and Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree each open the door to many different advanced-practice areas. In New York state, graduates from a clinical MSW program may sit for the licensure exam and begin a career as a psychotherapist.

Learn more about Social Work licensure in New York

How long does it take to get a Social Work degree?

Every accredited Social Work degree in the United States is at least 120 total college credits. Keuka College’s flexible format for adults allows you to earn your degree at your own pace. Generally speaking, most students who enter Keuka College’s BSW program with prior college credit earn their degrees in less than two years.

What can you do with a Social Work degree?

A bachelor’s degree in Social Work qualifies you for many different positions, including:

Case Manager
Community Outreach Coordinator
Juvenile Court Liaison
Probation Officer
Rehabilitation Case Worker
Human Services Specialist
Youth Advocate

Additionally, many people find that a BSW degree prepares them well for administrative positions in a variety of non-profit organizations.

Can you become a counselor with a Social Work degree?

Yes. Mental health counseling is a component of the Social Work profession, though not all Social Workers are counselors or psychotherapists. To become a counselor after you earn your bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to graduate from a clinical Master of Social Work (MSW) program and obtain the appropriate clinical licensure from New York state.

How do you become a therapist with a Social Work degree?

After earning a bachelor’s degree, Social Workers who are interested in becoming psychotherapists must graduate from a clinical Master of Social Work (MSW) program and obtain the appropriate clinical licensure from New York state.

Learn more about Social Work licensure in New York

Can I be a Social Worker with a bachelor’s degree?

Absolutely! Baccalaureate-prepared Social Workers are the backbones of their local communities. These Social Workers provide support services to the most vulnerable people in their areas. Apply to Keuka College’s BSW program today.

I already have my bachelor's degree. Can I earn a Master's in Social Work?

Keuka College's Online Master of Social Work program is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in any field who are looking to pursue a career in social work. With two tracks available, there are a variety of options for students to earn their MSW 100% Online. Learn more here.