Accredited Online Social Work Degrees

Social work is a people-centered profession dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities overcome challenges and enhance their well-being. By integrating psychology, sociology, and public policy, social workers provide essential support to vulnerable populations while advocating for social justice and systemic change.

An online social work degree equips you with foundational knowledge and practical skills to work directly with individuals and communities through advocacy, support services, and program development. This concentration, part of the broader Psychology & Human Services category, offers a flexible and accessible pathway to becoming a licensed social worker. View over 330 social work degrees below!

View Social Work Degrees

What Is Social Work?

Social work is a professional field focused on empowering people to navigate life challenges and access critical resources.

Social workers typically:

• Assess client needs and develop personalized support plans
• Advocate for individuals, families, and diverse populations
• Connect clients with essential services such as healthcare, housing, and counseling
• Collaborate with families, schools, and social service agencies
• Design and evaluate social welfare programs

Social work uniquely balances direct client support with efforts to address broader social issues, fostering both individual well-being and community health.

Students comparing all program options across fields can also explore:

• Online Psychology & Human Services Degrees
• All Online Degrees

What You Can Do With a Social Work Degree

An online social work degree prepares graduates for a variety of entry level roles across social services and healthcare settings.

Common career paths include:

• Clinical social worker (requiring licensure)
• School social worker
• Child and family social worker
• Healthcare social worker
• Community or macro social worker

Graduates often find employment in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, schools, and private practice.

View Social Work Degrees

Career Paths in Social Work

Social work offers diverse opportunities tailored to your specialization and education level.

Examples include:

• Clinical Social Workers
  Provide therapy and mental health support to individuals and families coping with life challenges
• School Social Workers
  Assist students’ academic achievement and emotional development
• Healthcare Social Workers
  Help patients navigate medical systems and adjust to health diagnoses
• Child and Family Social Workers
  Support families in accessing services and protection
• Macro Social Workers
  Engage in policy development, research, and large-scale community initiatives

Salaries vary widely, ranging from approximately $28,000 to $76,000 annually, with many bachelor’s-level positions earning between $30,000 and $50,000 depending on experience and location.

Job Outlook and Salary Expectations

The demand for social workers continues to grow, driven by increasing needs in healthcare, mental health, and substance abuse treatment.

• Employment growth for social workers is projected at about 12% through 2034, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Strong demand exists in healthcare settings, social service agencies, and community programs
• Salaries tend to increase with advanced education, specialization, and professional licensure

Advanced clinical roles and administrative positions often offer higher earning potential.

View Social Work Degrees

Why Choose Social Work

Social work is an ideal career for individuals passionate about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives and society.

Key advantages include:

• Purpose-driven, community-focused work that promotes social justice
• Wide range of career options and specializations
• Growing demand across multiple sectors including healthcare and nonprofits
• Clear pathways to becoming a licensed social worker

What You’ll Learn in a Social Work Program

Social work programs blend theory, policy, and practice methods to prepare students for generalist social work practice.

Typical coursework includes:

• Social welfare policy and systems
• Human behavior in the social environment
• Practice methods with individuals, families, and groups
• Community-based social work and advocacy
• Research methods and interviewing skills

Programs incorporate practicum education, requiring supervised fieldwork or internships to build hands-on experience.

View Social Work Degrees

Is Social Work Right for You?

This field suits compassionate, resilient individuals with a strong commitment to service and social justice.

You may be a good fit if you:

• Want to help individuals and diverse populations
• Possess excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Can handle emotionally challenging situations with empathy and professionalism
• Are motivated to advocate for social change and equity

Social workers must balance empathy with effective decision-making to address complex social environments.

Education Path and Degree Options

Several educational pathways are available depending on your career goals:

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) – required for many entry level positions and generalist practice
• Master of Social Work (MSW) – required for clinical licensure and advanced roles
• Accelerated or advanced standing programs for BSW graduates seeking MSW degrees

While related degrees in psychology or human services exist, a BSW or MSW from a CSWE-accredited program is essential for professional licensure.

Read more about how to become a social worker and the top accredited BSW programs.

View Social Work Degrees

Certifications and Licensure

Licensure is necessary for most professional social work roles, especially clinical positions.

Typical requirements include:

• Graduation from a CSWE-accredited social work program
• Completion of supervised field experience or practicum education
• Passing a state licensing exam

Licensing requirements and titles vary by state, so it is important to research regulations in your intended practice area.

How to Choose the Right Program

When selecting an online social work program, consider:

• Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) to ensure academic quality and licensure eligibility
• Availability of practicum education and field placement support
• Specialization options such as healthcare, child welfare, or substance abuse treatment
• Alignment with your state’s professional licensure educational requirements

Accreditation is critical for professional recognition and to guarantee licensure eligibility.

View Social Work Degrees

Cost of Social Work Degrees

Costs vary by program and degree level.

• The average cost of an online bachelor’s degree in social work or psychology is approximately $51,500
• Online master’s degrees in social work average around $43,000

Some programs offer financial aid options and accelerated pathways to reduce time and cost.

GetEducated’s experts have compiled the following social work ranking reports:

• Bachelor of Social Work ranking report
• Master of Social Work ranking report

Compare Accredited Online Social Work Programs

Resources like GetEducated help prospective students compare accredited online social work degrees.

You can:

• Review tuition, program features, and accreditation status
• Explore specialization and fieldwork opportunities
• Find flexible online programs designed for working professionals balancing personal and professional commitments

Browse available programs to find one that fits your goals and lifestyle.

View Social Work Degrees

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a social work degree?

A social work degree prepares students to support individuals and communities through advocacy, support services, and program development.

Do you need a license to be a social worker?

Yes. Most professional and clinical social work roles require licensure, which includes completing an accredited degree, supervised experience, and passing a licensing exam.

What jobs can you get with a social work degree?

Common roles include clinical social worker, school social worker, healthcare social worker, and community program specialist.

How much do social workers make?

Salaries range from about $28,000 to $76,000 annually depending on role, education, and experience.

What is the difference between social work and human services?

Social work is a licensed profession with structured education and certification requirements, while human services covers a broader range of support roles without licensure.

How long does it take to become a social worker?

A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years; a master’s degree and licensure may require additional time.

What is CSWE accreditation?

It is the primary accreditation for social work programs, ensuring they meet standards required for professional practice and licensure.

Can you specialize in social work?

Yes. Popular specializations include healthcare, child and family services, mental health, and community development.