The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at UC’s online prepares students for entry-level generalist social work practice that is grounded in the values and knowledge base of the profession, responsive to the needs and opportunities of a diverse society, locally and globally, and promotes individual, family, group, community and organizational well-being through empowerment and social justice.
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.
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 13% over the next decade, far faster than the national average. The BLS reports that the median pay for social workers is $51,760.
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 100 Best Jobs. Social work is an excellent career choice for those driven by a desire to do good and make a positive impact.
Graduates of our online bachelor’s degree in social work program are qualified to sit for the bachelor’s examination offered by the Association of Social Work Boards and to apply for licensing in states that offer social work licenses to BSW graduates. Licensing requirements are state specific and applicants should check with their state licensing board for specific requirements.
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.
Once licensed, becoming a social worker is a matter of pursuing opportunities in the fields that matter most to you. Our online Bachelor of Social Work graduates hold positions in many fields, including poverty reduction, homelessness, child or adult protective services, mental health, substance abuse and more. If you’re curious about the social work licensure process or more information on the top careers in social work read our blogs that evaluate these topics further.
This page includes information from O*NET Resource Center by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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Once licensed, becoming a social worker is a matter of pursuing opportunities in the fields that matter most to you. Our Bachelor of Social Work graduates hold positions in many fields, including:
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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