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Bachelor of Social Work 100% Online
BSW Online Degree Overview
The online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at UofL is designed for students looking to gain a foundational understanding of social justice issues and enter the social work practice.
The online BSW degree focuses on the skills and knowledge related to the impact of social work on families, institutions and communities.
By emphasizing social justice dynamics, as well as critical analysis, planning and implementation skills, this program educates and empowers you to effectively advocate on behalf of marginalized individuals, become an agent of change and help others live safer, healthier lives.
CW-PREP Program
Are you passionate about the welfare of children and families? The Child Welfare - Prepare, Retain, Engage, and Partner (CW-PREP) Program is now accepting applications. Created in partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the CW-PREP will award students with 2 years’ worth of tuition and a stipend in exchange for 2 years of post-graduation employment with the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS)—plus a $50k starting salary!
Both full-time online and on-campus Bachelor of Social Work students accepted or going into the Upper Division (junior and senior years) are eligible to apply. You must be based in Kentucky.
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Application Deadlines
We Want You In Our Next Class!
Check out the typical application deadlines for the Social Work degree program at UofL:
| Preferred Deadline | Term | Start Date |
| August 1 | Fall | August |
| December 1 | Spring | January |
| April 1 | Summer | May/June |
Note: Applicants are encouraged to work on and submit their complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts, test scores and other materials may take more time. Applications submitted or completed after the preferred deadline will be considered on a case-by-case basis for the next available start/term.
All applicants are admitted first to the Lower Division, and can apply for any of the above terms. Once admitted, those eligible for the Upper Division then complete a second application directly reviewed and managed by the Kent School. Students should discuss their Upper Division application with their advisor.
BSW Online Degree Highlights
- Build foundational social work skills to assess needs, plan interventions and support individuals and communities
- Learn to analyze, plan and enact effective interventions in response to complex social justice issues
- Specialize your social work education with an optional track in Alcohol and Drug Counseling*
- Gain supervised, hands-on experience through service learning and practicum placements
- Complete your degree fully online with flexible access designed for working and adult learners
- Transfer eligible credits (up to 60 hours from a community college and up to 90 hours from an accredited 4-year college) to accelerate your path to graduation
- Accelerate your degree with the Soaring Scholars Programs (take up to 9 credits applicable to BSW and MSSW)
- Plan ahead for graduate pathways (MSSW and DSW degree) and scholarship opportunities
*Special scholarship opportunities are available to Kentucky students enrolling in this track.
Ready to learn, lead and influence change in your community?
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"Social work is about being an agent of change, and so most of the people who come to our program are the people who see things that they feel like need to be changed and want to take an active role in being a part of that."
Social Work Job Outlook
The social work occupation is expected to grow 9% nationwide by 2033, much faster than the average national growth rate across all occupations, with a median annual salary of $51,760 (bls.gov) and 80,260 annual job openings (Lightcast data).
| Job Growth Projection | Median Annual Salary | Yearly Job Openings |
|---|---|---|
| 9% by 2033 | $51,760 | 80,260 |
The online Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Louisville is designed for students who want to make a meaningful difference through service, advocacy and community engagement. It is an excellent fit for those beginning a career in social work or related fields, as well as transfer students looking to build on prior college experience. With a strong foundation in social work practice and an emphasis on real-world application, the BSW prepares graduates for entry-level professional roles and future graduate study.
Take the next step with confidence - we are here to support your academic journey, from start to finish!