A career in social work offers a wide range of responsibilities and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on individuals and communities. Social workers often find themselves in various settings, providing essential support and guidance. In educational environments, they work closely with children, offering therapy sessions and helping them navigate personal and academic challenges. In the realm of family services, social workers play a critical role in counseling families, assisting them in overcoming difficulties to maintain family unity and retain custody of their children. Additionally, social workers engage in advocacy and policy work, where they analyze new research, review policy proposals, and collaborate with lawmakers to promote the welfare of at-risk populations. This broad scope of activities highlights the versatility of social work and the vital role social workers play in addressing complex social issues.
The University of Cincinnati’s online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program equips students with the necessary knowledge and practical experience to pursue careers as community social workers. UC’s online Bachelor of Social Work curriculum equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field. The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
With multiple start dates available, students can begin their studies at a time that suits their schedule, allowing for flexibility and convenience. This program’s online format ensures that students can balance their studies with other commitments, making it an ideal choice for those needing a flexible learning environment.
In the final year of the BSW program, students complete 432 hours (12 credit hours) in field placement (approximately 16 hours/week). This practical component is a cornerstone of the program, providing supervised experience in various social work settings. The School of Social Work collaborates with students to arrange field placements that align with their interests, career aspirations, and geographical location.
Fieldwork is crucial for several reasons:
Additionally, through a partnership with CECH at the University of Cincinnati, students of our online social work program can gain additional credentials in Substance Abuse Counseling. By participating in this special course, students will fulfill the educational requirements for the Ohio Chemical Dependency Counseling Assistant Phase 1 (CDCA Phase 1) Exam or a similar exam in their home state. Students should check with their home state’s addictions counseling credentialing board for specific requirements.
Graduates of the University of Cincinnati’s BSW program are well-prepared for various career paths in social work. They can work in settings such as mental health clinics, schools, child welfare agencies, hospitals, and private practices. The program’s curriculum and fieldwork component enable graduates to pursue licensure and certifications, including:
The demand for social workers is expected to grow significantly, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 12% increase in job opportunities through 2029. The median pay for social workers is $51,760, reflecting the profession’s rewarding nature and potential for career advancement.
High job satisfaction and stability are key benefits of a career in social work. The profession often appears on U.S. News & World Report’s list of 100 Best Jobs, underscoring its importance and impact. If you’re curious to learn more about social work careers, read our blog the offers guidance on the top careers in the industry.
Federal regulations require the University of Cincinnati to publicly disclose whether completion of certain programs that lead or may lead to professional licensure or certification would meet a given state’s educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in an occupation (regardless of whether the program is on-ground, online, or hybrid). To learn whether a University program meets a given state’s educational requirements, please visit the University of Cincinnati State Authorization webpage.
“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 the 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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