Bachelor of Social Work (Online)

What is social work?

Learn comprehensive methods to provide support and counsel to individuals, families, groups, and communities.

How does the online program differ from a traditional track?

To better serve our students, we have two types of BSW program formats and admission processes.

1. Our online program is created to offer flexibility for working adults who are looking for a non-traditional format to continue their education.
2. Our traditional undergraduate program is for a student who is looking for an academic experience on campus and during the day. Learn more about our on-campus traditional undergraduate social work program here.

How do I earn my BSW degree faster?

Enter the workforce sooner by completing your reduced-credit social work degree online in just three years. CUW's social work program combines Christian service, quality research, and field work experience to grow students into thriving professionals.

Cost-effective: CUW's reduced-credit social work program could save you about $13,000 compared to a traditional four-year program.

Reduced-credit students can opt for a fast track (advanced standing) and complete their bachelor's and master's degree in social work in about four years. Connect with an admissions counselor.

How does the reduced-credit program differ from a traditional program?

The reduced-credit bachelor's degree in social work program centers on a career-focused curriculum with no required minor. The reduced-credit program is ideal for students seeking a more efficient path to social work practice or graduate study.

Interested in a traditional on-campus program? Check out CUW's Bachelor of Social Work.

• How would you encourage someone who is considering the BSW program?
• What inspired you to pursue a social work degree at CUW?
• How do the faculty support you?
• How has the program prepared you for real-world social work?
• Hear from Concordia graduate, Marina Torres
• Hear from the BSW faculty

Do online students still engage in field work?

Students in the online social work program still participate in field work to apply course concepts to real life. Students will participate in a year-long professionally supervised internship experience and complete 400 hours.

Why study social work at CUW?

Our philosophy of education makes CUW's social work major unique. We believe that Christian service, quality research, and hands-on learning are the best ingredients for your growth as a competent professional. You’ll learn comprehensive methods in providing support and counsel to individuals, families, and groups, communities and organizations in need.

The Concordia University BSW mission is to prepare graduates for baccalaureate level, generalist social work practice and graduate level education. Our program is delivered within the context of Christian faith, in which we hold all people to be created equally in the image of God, while honoring our professional social work values of advocacy, service, justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence.

Graduates will be prepared to work inter-professionally with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels from an anti-oppressive and person-in-environment framework. Our graduates will be strengths-based, ethically-grounded, culturally-responsive, equity-driven, and human rights-centered.

To fulfill this mission, the CUW social work program is based on CSWE’s nine competencies:

• Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
• Competency 2: Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
• Competency 3: Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
• Competency 4: Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
• Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice
• Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
• Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
• Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
• Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Areas of practice

BSW’s are valued by employers. The BSW program educates students for professional Social Work practice and prepares them for entry level positions in all areas of Social Work and social service professions.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork is all about applying what you learn in the classroom to real life. You will participate in a year-long, professionally-supervised internship experience and complete 400 hours. We encourage you to explore many options for your field experience and remain open to the unknown. Field experience is an integral part of becoming a social worker. It not only allows you to explore the diverse opportunities that are offered in social work practice, but it allows you to discover your strengths, assets and passion. As a CUW student intern, you get to develop and demonstrate your abilities under the supervision of professionals. To heighten this experience, you’ll participate in weekly mentoring seminars with experienced faculty to debrief and analyze specific events. Learn more about field work in our manual and potential fieldwork experience locations.

Complementary majors/minors

• Criminal Justice
• Education
• Music
• Psychology
• Spanish