- CSWE Accreditation: Our program meets the rigorous standards of the Council on Social Work Education, ensuring your degree is recognized by employers and qualifying you for licensure
- Flexible Online Format: Complete coursework on your schedule while maintaining work and family commitments
- Experienced Faculty: Learn from dedicated professors with extensive field experience and academic expertise in social work
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Develop a strong foundation in social work theory, ethics, research, and practice methods
- Real-World Experience: Complete a 450-hour supervised practicum in a social service setting to apply your knowledge and build professional skills
Online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Degree
Pursue a degree in social work with PennWest University's online Bachelors in Social Work (BSW) program. Our CSWE-accredited BSW prepares you to make a meaningful difference in people's lives while building the foundation for rewarding social work careers. This comprehensive online social work degree equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. By choosing PennWest's online degree in social work, you'll learn to address complex social issues, promote social justice, and enhance human well-being through evidence-based practices.
Why Choose PennWest's Online BSW Program:
Program Highlights
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- Fully online coursework with interactive learning experiences
- Development of essential professional skills through virtual practice sessions
- Strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the curriculum
- Preparation for state licensure requirements
- Pathway to advanced standing in Master of Social Work (MSW) programs, potentially reducing graduate study by up to one year
This program is for you if...
- You're passionate about helping vulnerable populations and advocating for social justice
- You want to earn a CSWE-accredited BSW degree in a flexible, 100% online format
- You seek to develop professional skills in assessment, intervention, and evaluation
- You're interested in working with diverse communities to address complex social issues
- You value hands-on learning through our comprehensive 450-hour field practicum
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Global Online
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120 Credits for BSW
BSW Online Curriculum: Social Work Degree Coursework
The online BSW program at PennWest provides comprehensive training in all aspects of social work practice. Core coursework includes human behavior in the social environment, diversity in a changing world, social welfare policy, and social work research methods. You'll develop essential practice skills through courses in working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The curriculum emphasizes ethical decision-making, cultural competence, and evidence-based practices that prepare you for diverse social work settings.
Our program adheres to the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) standards, ensuring you'll develop the nine core competencies required for professional practice. These include demonstrating ethical behavior, advancing human rights and social justice, engaging in anti-racism and diversity practices, and evaluating interventions with various client systems. The curriculum culminates in a 450-hour field practicum where you'll apply classroom learning in a supervised professional setting, gaining valuable real-world experience.
Degrees, Certificates
Meet Our Faculty
Our faculty are not just instructors; they are mentors, researchers, and industry professionals committed to providing an education grounded in real-world experiences and academic excellence. From engaging classroom discussions to hands-on experiential learning, our educators are here to support and inspire you every step of the way.
Concentrations
There are no concentrations for this program.
Flexible Online Social Work Degree Format
This CSWE-accredited online BSW program offers 100% online coursework with 24/7 access to learning materials, allowing you to balance your education with personal and professional commitments while receiving the same quality instruction as on-campus students.
Social Work Careers and Professional Opportunities
Graduates of our online BSW program are prepared for diverse careers addressing critical social needs across multiple settings. The social work profession continues to grow, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting faster-than-average job growth in many social work specialties. With your PennWest BSW, you'll be qualified for positions such as:
Career Paths
- Child and Family Social Worker: Support vulnerable children and families through assessment, intervention, and advocacy in schools, child welfare agencies, and family service organizations.
- Healthcare Social Worker: Help patients navigate healthcare systems, access resources, and cope with illness and recovery challenges in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers.
- Community Outreach Specialist: Develop and implement programs addressing community needs, connecting residents with vital resources and services.
- Case Manager: Coordinate services for individuals and families facing challenges related to mental health, homelessness, aging, or disability.
- Substance Abuse Counselor: Provide support and intervention for individuals struggling with addiction (may require additional certification).
- Residential Counselor: Work in treatment facilities or group homes offering direct support to residents with mental health needs or developmental disabilities.
- Policy Advocate: Engage in social welfare policy development and advocacy to promote systemic change and social justice.
- Nonprofit Program Coordinator: Manage social service programs addressing issues like homelessness, domestic violence, or youth development.
Joey Pagano '21, '22
From Combat to Counseling: PennWest Social Work Graduate Transforms Recovery Experience into Social Work Career
How We'll Help You Succeed
At Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest), we prioritize your success and well-being from the moment you join our community. Our comprehensive student support system is designed to meet you where you are, offering personalized guidance, academic assistance, and emotional support to ensure you can fully focus on your studies and personal growth. Whether you're a first-generation college student, returning for further education, or navigating career changes, our dedicated faculty and staff provide the encouragement and resources you need to overcome challenges and thrive. With a wide range of services from tutoring and career counseling to mental health resources, PennWest stands by your side, empowering you to achieve your academic goals and prepare for a successful future. Join us at PennWest, where you're not just a student; you're part of a supportive family committed to helping you find your place in the world.
Oldest in PA
The bachelor's degree in social work at PennWest University is one of the oldest, accredited undergraduate social work programs in Pennsylvania.
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Affordable Programs
Tuition & FeesDiscover quality education that fits your budget with our affordable programs at PennWest.
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Success Coaching
Success at PennWestAchieve your academic goals with personalized guidance from our dedicated student success coaches.
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Post-Graduation Support
Life After PennWestWe're here for you even after graduation, providing support and resources to help you succeed in your career.