Every year, there is a projection of over 78,300 job opportunities for social workers. What this means is that students from the best social work online colleges will have access to so many career opportunities upon graduation.
There are vast opportunities for social workers in different industries and career fields.
The job growth outlook for social work is placed at 12% which is faster than the average job growth rate.
With the right skillset, students from social work colleges can acquire entry-level jobs to start a career as social workers in organizations like non-profit organizations, healthcare facilities, and even government agencies, etc.
This article will offer you a lot of insight into some of the best social work colleges online where you can acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to start a career as a social worker.
However, before we show you these colleges, we would like to give you a brief overview of what social work is about as well as the admission requirements some of these colleges may request for.
Check it out below.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Social Work Online Colleges
If you’ve ever wondered what social work really means, then this part of this article will help you better understand what this academic discipline entails. Read on.
What Is Social Work?
Social work is referred to as an academic discipline or field of study that deals with improving the lives of individuals, communities, and groups of people by providing basic needs which foster their general well-being.
Social work is a practice-based profession that may involve the application of knowledge from healthcare, psychology, economics, political science, community development, and a range of other fields. Finding the right online colleges for social work degrees offers students an opportunity to build their careers asÂ
Common Admission requirements for social work online colleges
Different Social Work Colleges online often have different admission requirements which they use as a criterion to accept students into their institution. However, here are some common requirements requested by most online social work colleges.
Below are the Common admission requirements for social work online colleges:
- Your high school diploma or equivalent certifications.
- A Cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
- Evidence of volunteering activities or experience.
- A minimum C grade in previous school work/courses like psychology, sociology, and social work.
- Recommendation letter (usually 2).
Career Opportunities For Social Work Online College Graduates
Graduates from online colleges for social work can put their knowledge to use by engaging in the following careers:
1. Direct Service Social WorkÂ
Average Yearly Salary: $40,500.
Jobs for Direct Service Social Workers are available in non-profit organizations, social groups, healthcare organizations, etc.
The job growth rate of this career is projected at 12%. This career involves helping vulnerable individuals, groups, and families within our community through direct person-to-person contact and initiatives.
2. Social and Community Service ManagerÂ
Average Yearly Salary: $69,600.
With a fair employment growth rate projected at 15%, graduates from social work online colleges can find opportunities to apply their skills in this field. An average of 18,300 Social and Community Service Manager job vacancies are speculated every year.
You can find employment opportunities for this career in social service companies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.
3. Licensed Social Clinical Worker
Average Yearly Salary: $75,368.
A career in Licensed Social Clinical Work involves offering professional assistance, counseling, and diagnosis to individuals who suffer from disorders and issues relating to their mental or emotional health.
Licensed professionals in this field usually require a master’s degree in social work.
4. Medical and Health Services ManagerÂ
Average Yearly Salary: $56,500
The projected Job growth for Medical and Health Services Managers is 32% which is much faster than average. Annually, there are over 50,000 projected Job openings for individuals who possess the necessary skillset. Employment opportunities for this career can be found in hospitals, healthcare agencies, nursing homes, etc.
5. Community and Non-Profit organizations managerÂ
Average Yearly Salary: $54,582
Your duties will involve creating and implementing outreach campaigns, fundraising, events, and public awareness initiatives for non-profits organizations. Individuals who have the right skillset can work for non-profits, community awareness organizations, etc.Â
List of Some of the Best social work online colleges
Below is a list of some of the best social work online colleges:
- University of North Dakota
- University of Utah
- University of Louisville
- Northern Arizona University
- Mary Baldwin University
- Metropolitan State University of Denver
- Brescia University
- Mount Vernon Nazarene UniversityÂ
- Eastern Kentucky UniversityÂ
- Spring Arbor University Online.
Top 10 Best social work online colleges
Here is an overview that gives you a brief summary of the top 10 social work online colleges we’ve listed above.
1. University of North Dakota
- Tuition: $15,895
- Location: Grand Forks, New Dakota.
- Accreditation: (HLC) Higher Learning Commission.
Prospective social work students at the University of North Dakota have both online and offline course options. It takes students an average of 1 to 4 years to complete the bachelor of science in social work. The Social Work Program at the University of North Dakota is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and offers both bachelor’s and master’s online degrees in social work.
2. University of Utah
- Tuition: $27,220
- Location: Salt Lake City, Utah.
- Accreditation: (NWCCU) Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
College of social work at the University of Utah offers Bachelor’s, Master and Ph.D. degree programs to admitted students.
Students can receive education funding through financial aid as well as scholarships. Their programs include practical fieldwork that allows students to gain on-site experience.
3. University of Louisville
- Tuition: $27,954
- Location: Louisville (KY)
- Accreditation: (SACS COC) Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
The University of Louisville offers a 4-year online bachelor’s degree program for individuals who wish to start their careers as social workers.
Working Adults who may not have a lot of time to spare for on-campus study can attend this online social work program at the University of Louisville.
Students will be exposed to vital aspects of social work like social policy, and justice practice as well as a practical application of this knowledge.
Enrolled students are expected to complete a practicum which takes a minimum of 450 hours or less including a seminar lab.
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4. Northern Arizona University
- Tuition: $26,516
- Location: Flagstaff (AZ)
- Accreditation: (HLC) Higher Learning Commission.
If you’re looking to study for your online social work degree in a public not-for-profit institution, then the Northern Arizona University may be just right for you.
This program at NAU demands additional requirements before you can become a student. Prospective students are expected to have completed an internship or fieldwork before they may be accepted into the program.
5. Mary Baldwin University
- Tuition: $31,110
- Location: Staunton (VA)
- Accreditation: (SACS COC) Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Mbu’s Susan Warfield Caples School Of Social Work has clubs and societies like the Phi Alpha Honor Society where students can practice active community service.
Students also engage in medical social work alongside a practical field experience which could last for approximately 450 hours or more. The online Social work department is recognized by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
6. Metropolitan State University of Denver
- Tuition: $21,728
- Location: Denver (CO)
- Accreditation: (HLC) Higher Learning Commission.
As a student of social work at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, you can choose to either study on campus, online, or use the hybrid option.
Regardless of where you stay, you can study at the Metropolitan State University of Denver online but you’ll be required to schedule your time properly so that you can complete weekly assignments and respond to relevant tasks.
You can also schedule a face-to-face session to participate in discussions and finish up pending modules.
7. Brescia University
- Tuition: $23,500
- Location: Owensboro (KY)
- Accreditation: (SACS COC) Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
During the course of study at Brescia University, Students are mandated to undertake and complete at least 2 practicums which allows them to apply what they learn in the classroom to practical use.
Brescia University offers both a bachelor of social work degree as well as a master of social work degree. Learners have the leverage to earn an online bachelor’s degree that is loaded with lots of practical and theoretical knowledge which will be useful to their careers in professional social work.
8. Mount Vernon Nazarene University
- Tuition: $30,404
- Location: Mount Vernon (OH)
- Accreditation: (HLC) Higher Learning Commission.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private university with 37 online programs located in Mount Vernon. Students can acquire an online bachelor of social work degree through the online degree programs for working Adults initiative of the institution. Their BSW program is a totally online program with classes starting every month throughout the year.
9. Eastern Kentucky UniversityÂ
- Tuition: $19,948
- Location: Richmond (KY)
- Accreditation: (SACS COC) Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
It takes Four years for students to graduate from the online social work bachelor’s degree program at Eastern Kentucky University.
Usually, Students have access to a range of added resources like tutoring, career services, and support.
In this versatile bachelor’s degree program, you’ll learn some of the most important aspects of the profession that will equip you to positively impact your community.Â
10. Spring Arbor University OnlineÂ
- Tuition: $29,630
- Location: Spring Arbor (MI)
- Accreditation: (HLC) Higher Learning Commission.
Enrolled students can receive lectures 100% online without any need for physical presence. Spring Arbor University is known as a Christian college with a great academic reputation.
A faculty member of the institution is assigned as a program mentor to Admitted students in the online BSW program.
Frequently Asked QuestionsÂ
Four Years. It takes students Four years of full-time study to earn a bachelor's degree from an online college as a social worker.
2. How much do social workers make?
$50,390 annually. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the average hourly pay of social workers is $24.23 while the median annual pay is $50,390.
3. What Will I Learn in an Online Bachelor of Social Work Program?
What you'll learn may differ slightly for different schools. However, here are some come courses you'll learn: a) Human and Social Behaviour. b) Human Psychology. c) Social Welfare Policy and Research methods. d) Intervention Approach and Practices. e) Addiction, Substance use, and control. f) Cultural Sensitivity etc.
4. Are social work degree programs accredited?
Yes. Social Work programs from reputable online colleges are accredited. One popular accreditation Body for social work is the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE).
5. What is the lowest degree in social work?
The lowest degree in social work is the Bachelor's Of Social Work (BSW). Other degrees includes; The Masters Degree of Social Work (MSW) and a Doctorate or PhD in social work (DSW).
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ConclusionÂ
Social Work is a great professional career not just because of its impressive growth projections but also because it offers you a Sense of fulfillment when you’re able to help others become better through what you do.
In this article, we have outlined 10 of the most reputable social work online colleges for you to explore.
We hope you got value for your time here. If there’s anything else you’ll like to know about online social work colleges, you’re free to ask them in the comments section below.