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 degree on your time.
Job responsibilities and career outlook for social workers 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.
In truth, there is no typical day in the life of a social worker. You might spend your days working in an elementary school system, providing individual or group therapy sessions to children. You could also work as a family counselor, working with clients to ensure they are able to retain custody of their children and keep their family together.
If you are working in an advocacy or policy guiding role, you may spend your day assessing new research, reading over policy recommendations or meeting with politicians and other policy makers to discuss changes and advocate for at-risk populations. No matter your specialty, the work life of a social worker tends to be challenging, diverse and rewarding, with the opportunity to go home every night knowing that you made a difference.
Quick FactsOnline Social Work Student Testimonial
“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 of the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area can locate their own field placement sites using the requirements indicated in the BSW Field Manual.
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.
The University of Cincinnati is one of the first institutions to offer online courses. Innovation in education is at the forefront of what we do. We have expanded the convenience and quality of our online learning to online degree programs. Today, we offer nearly 100 degrees from undergraduate to doctoral programs.
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