Bachelor's Degree · CSWE Accredited

Bachelor of Social Work

Gain the values, skills, and field experience needed for entry-level, generalist social work practice, in a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

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Degree

Bachelor of Social Work

Credit Hours

60 in core + 1 support course

Format

100% Online · 8-week terms

The Program

Program Overview

This program prepares students to address the complex challenges affecting the social functioning of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Accredited by CSWE, it develops the values, skills, and knowledge essential for effective social work practice, and prepares graduates for generalist, entry-level roles in public and private sectors — with a foundation for continued study at the graduate level. The program fulfills the educational requirements for the Certified Social Worker (CSW) credential in Kentucky; clinical licensure requires additional supervised experience and exams after graduation.

Career Outlook

Where This Degree Can Take You

Graduates are prepared for entry-level social work roles across a wide range of settings, from hospitals and schools to advocacy organizations and government agencies.

Health & Mental Health

Hospitals, mental health agencies, and public health departments — supporting patients and communities through complex challenges.

Schools & Community

Schools, community organizations, and family services — helping children, families, and neighborhoods thrive.

Advocacy & Government

Advocacy groups and government agencies working on policy, systems change, and social justice.

Path to MSW

A CSWE-accredited BSW is the fastest path to the Advanced Standing MSW — finishing your master's in as little as one year.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Students may declare Social Work as a pre-major and become formally eligible for the BSW Program starting sophomore year. In addition to standard admission requirements, formal program admission requires the items below.

  • Completion of SOW 201 (Career Choice in Human Services Professions)
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better
  • Personal statement or video on your motivation, experience, strengths, and career goals
See full admissions details

Curriculum

What You'll Study

The Social Work core requires 60 semester credit hours, plus one support course.

Required Coursework

Social Work Core (60 hours)

  • SOW 201 — Intro to Social Work Practice w/ Practicum
  • SOW 210 — Alcohol and Substance Problems
  • GNT 101 — Introduction to Gerontology
  • SOW 301 — SW Practice w/ Practicum (Juniors)
  • SOW 306 — Human Behavior I
  • SOW 307 — Human Behavior II
  • SOW 310 — Cultural Inclusion & Social Justice
  • SOW 314 — Generalist Practice I
  • SOW 315 — Generalist Practice II
  • SOW 316 — Generalist Practice III
  • SOW 321 — Policy I
  • SOW 322 — Policy II
  • SOW 400 — Statistics for Social Work
  • SOW 401 — Research Methods in Social Work
  • SOW 422 — Senior Practicum I (6 hrs)
  • SOW 423 — Social Work Seminar I
  • SOW 424 — Senior Practicum II (6 hrs)
  • SOW 425 — Social Work Seminar II

One Support Course

  • Dynamics of Marriage/Family
  • Child Abuse & Neglect
  • Child Abuse Interventions

General Education & Electives

Remaining hours are fulfilled through KYSU's general education core and free electives — standard across most bachelor's degrees.

See tuition & financial aid

Your Next Step

Ready to Get Started?

Take the next step toward your degree. Apply today or reach out to our Online Admissions team with any questions.

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