UC’s online Bachelor of Social Work degree enables students to gain the knowledge and experience needed to launch careers as community social workers. The BSW program at UC offers an in-depth and well-rounded social work education, so it prepares those familiar with the industry or those looking to begin a new career. With multiple start dates available, you can begin working toward your UC social work degree on your time. If you’re curious to learn more about how a bachelor of social work can elevate you career and the impact you make, read our blog about what this investment could help you accomplish.
What does a Social Worker do?
No matter your specialty, the work life of a social worker is challenging, diverse, and rewarding, with the opportunity to go home every night knowing that you made a difference. While there is not really a typical “day in the life of a social worker,” you might:
- Spend your days working in an elementary school system, providing individual or group therapy sessions to children.
- Work as a family counselor, working with parents to ensure they are able to retain custody of their children and keep their family together.
- Work in an advocacy or policy guiding role, spending your day assessing new research, reading over policy recommendations, or meeting with politicians and other policy makers to discuss changes and advocate for at-risk populations.
The University of Cincinnati’s Bachelor of Social Work Program
UC’s online Bachelor of Social Work degree enables students to gain the knowledge and experience needed to launch careers as community social workers. With multiple start dates available, you can begin working toward your UC social work program on your time.
You will also have the opportunity to complete fieldwork during your final year in the program, wherever you are. Your field placement will provide you with high-quality opportunities to learn, develop skills, meet social workers in your community, and make a difference in the lives of the clients you serve. Field placements are arranged by the School of Social Work and are an important part of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) curriculum as you grow to assume the role of a professional social worker.
Through a partnership with CECH at the University of Cincinnati, students of our online social work program can gain additional credentials in Substance Abuse Counseling. By participating in this special course, students will fulfill the educational requirements for the Ohio Chemical Dependency Counseling Assistant Phase 1 (CDCA Phase 1) Exam or a similar exam in their home state. Students should check with their home state’s addictions counseling credentialing board for specific requirements.
We believe social work programs should incorporate content that addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion across the curriculum. By integrating these topics at UC Online students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to address social disparities and engage with diverse populations effectively.
Read more about financial aid and scholarship opportunities for our online students in our blog breaking down the social work degree costs.
Accreditations and Rankings
- The University of Cincinnati and all of its regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
- Top tier of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report
- Ranked #9 Online BSW in 2022 by College Consensus
- Our bachelor social work online is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation and is evaluated by a peer review process
Is Social Work Right for Me?
Social work is an excellent career choice for those driven by a desire to do good and make a positive impact. Social workers are driven by altruism — creating space for others to heal, for social justice to take place, and for families to come together. Social workers strive for the betterment of their communities and our society as a whole.
BSW online degree courses at UC focus on social welfare, human behavior, substance abuse counseling, and mental health awareness. Fieldwork takes place during the final year of the program and can be completed locally, making it convenient for social work class online students in any location.
Our dedicated faculty for the bachelor of social work degree online is composed of social workers and professionals with experience in community projects related to poverty, homelessness, cancer, veteran affairs, foster care, protective services, and more.
Career Options
Social workers find meaningful employment in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, schools, child welfare and human service agencies, hospitals, settlement houses, community development corporations, and private practices.
With high job satisfaction and great career stability, many social work positions appear on the U.S. News & World Report’s 100 Best Jobs list.
Social workers are trained to help people who are struggling with a range of issues and conditions such as physical and mental illnesses, addiction, homelessness, poverty, and more. To secure an entry-level social worker job, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) or equivalent degree in a related field.
High rates of job satisfaction are one of the greatest benefits of working as a social worker. Beyond that, jobs in this field often have many opportunities for advancement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities in social work are expected to grow 12% through 2029, faster than the national average, and the median pay for social workers is $51,760. If you’re curious to learn more about social work careers, read our blog the offers guidance on the top careers in the industry.
