UC Online’s Bachelor of Social Work degree enables students to gain the knowledge and experience needed to launch careers as community social workers. Our online BSW degree program is ideal for students who have a 2-year associate degree in pre-social work or a similar major. With multiple start dates available, you can begin working toward your UC social work program on your time.
No matter your specialty, the work life of a social worker is challenging, diverse, and rewarding, with the opportunity to go home every night knowing that you made a difference. While there is not really a typical “day in the life of a social worker,” you might: Online Social Work Student Testimonial
Social work is an excellent career choice for those driven by a desire to do good and make a positive impact. Social workers are driven by altruism — creating space for others to heal, for social justice to take place, and for families to come together. Social workers strive for the betterment of their communities and our society as a whole.
BSW online degree courses at UC focus on social welfare, human behavior, substance abuse counseling, and mental health awareness. Fieldwork takes place during the final year of the program and can be completed locally, making it convenient for social work class online students in any location.
Our dedicated faculty is composed of social workers and professionals with experience in community projects related to poverty, homelessness, cancer, veteran affairs, foster care, protective services, and more.
Social workers find meaningful employment in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, schools, child welfare and human service agencies, hospitals, settlement houses, community development corporations, and private practices.
With high job satisfaction and great career stability, many social work positions appear on the U.S. News & World Report’s 100 Best Jobs list.
Social workers are trained to help people who are struggling with a range of issues and conditions such as physical and mental illnesses, addiction, homelessness, poverty, and more. To secure an entry-level social worker job, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) or equivalent degree in a related field.
High rates of job satisfaction are one of the greatest benefits of working as a social worker. Beyond that, jobs in this field often have many opportunities for advancement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities in social work are expected to grow 12% through 2029, faster than the national average, and the median pay for social workers is $51,760.
“I researched long and hard for an accredited online program before finding the University of Cincinnati, a highly regarded school with many years of academic excellence under its belt. As a busy working mom and wife, I appreciate that it offers so many online classes and programs tailored to adult/non-traditional students. The classes are well structured and relevant to my field of study. I really like that there is constant communication between the school, professors and students, which makes me feel like I am not missing out. I also think we have great faculty and staff. I am excited and proud to be a part of the University of Cincinnati family!”
At the School of Social Work, we are committed to ensuring your time in the academic program is both pleasant and successful. The Student Success Coordinator at UC Online will be available to help with any non-academic questions you may have. Your Program Coordinator will help answer any academic related questions as well as assist you with course and career planning. UC Online and the School of Social Work are here to support and guide you throughout your time in the program.
Prior to beginning your first semester, you will be enrolled and required to complete an Online Orientation. The Orientation will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in an online program. Additionally, an online Community Board will be available to you and includes links to various academic support resources such as the UC Writing Center and the UC Career Center.
Students outside the Greater Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky area will work with the program Field Director to identify a suitable placement. This process is open to input, but suggested sites must be vetted before being approved.
Yes, the vast majority of our students work throughout their time in the academic program. In the senior year, students are also expected to attend their field placement for 16 hours each week, typically during normal business hours. It is important to assess course load and financial aid to understand how to balance school and work.
Additional resources to support you from start to finish.
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