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BSW
Bachelor of Social Work
Social workers play a vital role in our society, helping people in every circumstance overcome challenges. In the online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program, you’ll have the opportunity to develop skills to help people, groups and communities access resources they need to thrive.
*Capella’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is not currently accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Board on Accreditation. Capella is currently in Candidacy status. If Capella’s BSW program does not achieve full accreditation or is delayed in achieving full accreditation, it may prevent or delay you from obtaining licensure in certain states.
Classes start December 2
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- GuidedPath
- 11 Core Courses
- 2 Practicum courses
- 180 Total credits
- 120 Max transfer credits
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won’t pay more than $30,000* in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore Bachelor of Social Work courses
- This degree requires a total of 180 program credits, which includes 54 upper-division credits
- You’ll need to complete 11 core courses and two practicum courses
Show all descriptions
SWK2002
Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare
6 quarter credits
Learners in this course develop professional foundations of social work. Learners gain the knowledge, skills, and understanding of ethics involved in generalist social work practice. Learners analyze the economic, political, social, and theoretical contexts of social work practice. Throughout the course, learners familiarize themselves with the diverse settings, roles, and client groups associated with social work. For BSW learners only. Must be taken during the learner's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
6 quarter credits
SWK2200
History, Policy, and Practice of Social Welfare
6 quarter credits
Learners in this course gain an understanding of the history of social work. Learners investigate theoretical frameworks and generalist practice to understand domestic social policies and social welfare programs. Learners build an understanding and competence in advocating, leading, and planning concerning issues of economic, human rights, and social justice for children, youth, adults, families, communities, and organizations. For BSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in SWK2002. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework from a CSWE-accredited program.
6 quarter credits
SWK2208
Introduction to Human Behavior and the Social Environment
6 quarter credits
Learners identify how generalist practitioners utilize systems approaches to analyze the impact of social forces on the dynamics of individuals and families. Using theories, social work best practices, and research findings, learners cultivate the ability to assess the ways in which individuals and families function within the context of their social environments. For BSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in SWK2002. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework from a CSWE-accredited program.
6 quarter credits
SWK2400
Introduction to Research in Social Work Practice
6 quarter credits
Learners in this course develop the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to engage in generalist practice that is rooted in the duality of research-formed practice and practice-informed research. Learners cultivate competence related to evaluating best practices and critically assessing the research of others, as well as planning and conducting research. Through analysis of the relationship between social work and research, learners acquire the skills necessary to effectively serve individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Learners demonstrate their knowledge and skills through building their own research plans and leveraging technology throughout the design and proposal processes. For BSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in SWK2002. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework from a CSWE-accredited program.
6 quarter credits
SWK3200
BSW Practice- Micro
6 quarter credits
Learners in this course engage in a dynamic synchronous and asynchronous online hybrid experience integrating live video generalist practice experiences with faculty and learners in a virtual learning community to guide them as they gain the skills necessary to integrate social work best practices, methods, and theories into their work as generalist practitioners. Learners build the knowledge, values, and best practice skills required for generalist social work practice. Learners demonstrate their ability to utilize technology, leadership, and evaluation-of-practice techniques by leveraging a strengths-based perspective and problem solving processes. Finally, learners identify how to appropriately and effectively improve the well-being of others while mitigating adverse environmental conditions. For BSW learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite: SWK2002, SWK2200, SWK2208, SWK2400, completion of or concurrent registration in SWK3208.
6 quarter credits
What you’ll learn
The Bachelor of Social Work degree program introduces the foundations of generalist social work practice.
The comprehensive curriculum provides ongoing opportunities to develop and enhance critical thinking, technological and leadership skills with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
On successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate how to conduct themselves as entry-level professional social workers.
- Apply leadership, critical thinking and generalist practice skills to help individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
- Explain the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination to advocate for social and economic justice for a diverse client population.
- Apply knowledge of human development and behavior in the social environment using their research findings.
- Act as leaders and change agents who engage in generalist practice and advocacy for human rights and social, economic, environmental and cultural justice.
- Develop and apply technology skills to promote innovative leadership and practice and the advancement of the social work profession.
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
Bachelor of Social Work mission
The mission of Capella University’s Bachelor of Social Work program is to educate and prepare diverse adult students to serve as innovative, 21st-century foundation generalist practitioners.
We strive to develop professional social workers who will exemplify strengths-based and ecological perspectives, cultural competence and ethical practice, and emerge as leaders who apply technology as an adjunct to practice.
We aim for our graduates to further advance social work practice in service of their local communities, agencies and organizations.
How much does the BSW cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
$18,211
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$30,917
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$54,964
NO TRANSFER CREDITS
$350 per credit, $2,400 quarterly tuition max, $125 resource kit, 180 total quarter credits, 120 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer. New or recently revised program tuition estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. You will be charged $50-$200 each quarter or billing session for your resource kit, which includes required books, software and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Preparing for licensure
It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
Capella’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is not currently accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Board on Accreditation. Capella is currently in Candidacy status. If Capella’s BSW program does not achieve full accreditation or is delayed in achieving full accreditation, it may prevent or delay you from obtaining licensure in certain states. This program is currently not approved for VA education benefits by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
What are the Bachelor of Social Work admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the Bachelor of Social Work must provide the following information for admission:
- Admission application – no application fee required
- High school diploma or equivalent
- A transcript of any reported GED
- 4.5 credits eligible for transfer. See Sophia Admissions Pathways as an option to obtain credits.
- Applicants under the age of 24 must also submit a high school transcript verifying graduation
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
SAT and ACT are not required for admission.
All admissions decisions are final.
International student requirements
If you live outside the U.S. or aren’t a U.S. citizen, you may be considered an international student.
To meet the requirements for Capella admission, you must:
- Earn the minimum score on an acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Attend an internationally recognized institution
- Provide transcripts for evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a bachelor’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
What can you do with a BSW degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work.
Job titles to explore*
- Care coordinator
- Case manager
- Caseworker
- Child welfare specialist
- Family advocate
- Family services specialist
- Family support specialist
- Outreach specialist
- Probation officer
- Social services specialist
Employment settings to explore*
- Child and youth services
- Child care services
- Employment placement agencies
- Home health care services
- Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)
- Parole offices and probation offices
- Residential intellectual and developmental disability facilities
- Services for the elderly and persons with disabilities
- Vocational rehabilitation services
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals. It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with the requirements for your state. Review Capella’s professional licensure page for more information.
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