The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Social Work degree from Touro University Worldwide prepares culturally competent entry-level social workers to help individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. With a focus on community advocacy and social policy, our students learn to provide counseling, referrals, and practical human services.

What Can You Do With a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work?

The skills and knowledge acquired in the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BSW) program from Touro University Worldwide prepare graduates to take on a variety of roles in social work. BSW students gain the required skills necessary to pursue careers in making a real difference addressing complex social issues. Many graduates move on to earn a master’s degree. Potential job titles include:

  • Children and Family Social Worker
  • School Social Worker
  • Healthcare Social Worker
  • Research Assistant
  • Case Manager
  • Probation Officer

The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for social workers is $58,380. The BLS also projects 7% job growth in the field over the next decade. The TUW BA in Social Work prepares graduates to excel in these rewarding, challenging fields.

Note: This online social work degree program does not lead to any form of licensure or certification.

Undergraduate Social Work Curriculum

The online Bachelor’s in Social Work degree program inspires students to be advocates for social change and a more just and equitable society. Designed for career-ready success, the social work curriculum integrates online courses and field training to help students acquire the necessary knowledge, values, and professional norms required for a social services career. 

Students explore our engaging curriculum to gain knowledge about human behavior and the social context of the environment, social welfare policy and services, multicultural social work, human diversity, social and economic justice, and social work ethical standards. Upon completion of their online social work courses, graduates are able to employ an evidence-based approach to research findings to guide their decisions in the professional practice of social work

In addition, the online coursework equips students to pursue a Master of Social Work or enter one of Touro University Worldwide’s various master’s degree programs.

Fieldwork Placement

Fieldwork in varied settings enriches students’ learning experiences by allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills directly, fostering the well-being of diverse client groups. Students have previously undertaken placements in environments such as schools, family counseling centers, senior centers, and social service charities, gaining hands-on experience tailored to their future roles in social work and healthcare. 

Core Requirements

51 Semester Credits

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course describes the historical development, formation of social welfare policies, and the role of the social work professional.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course surveys the history of social welfare policy, services, and the social work profession.

It explores current social welfare issues in the context of their history and the underlying rationale and values that support different approaches. Topics include major fields of social work service such as: income maintenance, healthcare, mental health, child welfare, corrections, and services to the elderly.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides students with professional interviewing skills, and enhanced understanding of verbal and non-verbal communication listening skills, and an awareness and understanding of diverse issues related to the interviewing process. The person-in-environment perspective will be utilized throughout this course. Students will develop beginning proficiency as generalist social work practitioners when interviewing clients and other professionals who may work in an interdisciplinary setting. Students will begin to develop knowledge and proficiency in how to translate interview information into a bio-psycho-social assessment. Students will also learn introductory skills relating to the problem-solving model, particularly engagement and problem identification. Students are expected to demonstrate increased insight into their own behaviors, values, beliefs, and attitudes as they relate to professional social work practice.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course in human diversity provides students with a framework for understanding race, class, and gender, along with ethnicity, sexual orientation, and privilege. Students are taught to develop critical thinking skills, engage in culturally sensitive practice, and advocate for social justice.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course examines the relationship of social policy, ethics, and the social work field. Students will address ethical dilemmas, particularly as they relate to current and needed social policies on local, state, and national levels. A basic understanding of social welfare theories will assist the student in evaluating, assessing, and advocating for change in both a micro/macro perspective. The Ethical Standards of Social Worker Professionals will serve as a backbone for students to use in decision-making, assessment of clients and client groups, and promotion of change in a diverse setting.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course explores a select set of theories that help us understand how individuals and communities develop and interact. Because empathic and skillful interventions with individuals, groups, and communities require understanding ourselves as well as others, the course provides an opportunity for increased self-awareness. At the beginning of the course, we focus on the key theories that help us understand the dimensions and expression of human behavior in the social environment. This discussion is followed by an examination of how dimensions of culture and cultural contexts can shape individual values, beliefs, worldviews, and identities and, therefore, play a role in the helping process. Through discussion and analysis, we will explore areas of universality and difference in the context of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, spiritual beliefs, and socioeconomic class, as well as the realities and influence of multiple forms of oppression.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this second course in the human behavior and the social environment sequence, students will examine human development, considering the theoretical underpinnings regarding opportunities, vulnerabilities and cultural factors that can influence individual development within communities and organizations. With particular attention on how systems impact the health and well-being of marginalized populations, the ability to analyze human behavior in the social environment and the impact within communities and organizations is essential for all methods of social work practice, whether the primary focus is clinical or community based.
Prerequisite: BSW 310

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will provide students with an introduction to research methods used in social work. Topics include research paradigms, introduction to quantitative and qualitative analysis and how they relate to social work research. This course will guide students through the steps required to understand research and conducting a research project in social work.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course emphasizes the comparative analysis of respective national approaches to social policy provision in a variety of developed and developing nations. It examines different societies and a number of dimensions of the social welfare system: Social Security, social services, and health care policy. Particular attention is paid to the nature of governmental involvement in social policy, the nature of public/private sector relations, and the assessment of social policy with regard to such analytical concepts as adequacy, equity, and efficiency.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course prepares students to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior in the field of social work. Students learn about the CSWE 9 core competencies and associated practice behaviors. Students will hone interviewing and assessment skills as well as develop self-advocacy skills. Special topics include self-care and safety in social work.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this course Theories, models and perspectives for practice with Individuals and families discussed.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this course theories, models and perspectives for practice with groups are discussed.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this course theories, models and perspectives for practice with Communities and Organizations are discussed.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Practicum I include theory and traineeship of 150 hours and must be taken concurrent with BSW 320 Social Work Practice I (Individuals and Families). The prior arrangement for the agency for the Practicum/Traineeship must be arranged at least 6-7 months prior to the beginning date desired. This requirement is done by prior arrangement through the BASW Program Director and Coordinator of the Practicum.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Practicum I include theory and traineeship of 150 hours and must be taken concurrent with BSW 322 Social Work Practice II (Groups). The prior arrangement for the agency for the Practicum/Traineeship must be arranged at least 6-7 months prior to the beginning date desired. This requirement is done by prior arrangement through the BASW Program Director and Coordinator of the Practicum.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Practicum I include theory and traineeship of 150 hours and must be taken concurrent with BSW 324 Social Work Practice III (Communities and Organizations). The prior arrangement for the agency for the Practicum/ Traineeship must be arranged at least 6-7 months prior to the beginning date desired. This requirement is done by prior arrangement through the BASW Program Director and Coordinator of the Practicum.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Capstone Course is the final culminating course in the BASW degree program. In this course, the student work on a comprehensive social work portfolio. Students will demonstrate skills in research, synthesis of information, and critical thinking. The Capstone course is used to assess the student achievement of all 9 core competencies of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and the BASW Program Learning Outcomes.

CREDITS

3

Elective Requirements (Please choose 8 elective courses)

24 Semester Credits

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will provide a systemic perspective on Family Violence (FV) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) (IPV is formerly and is still referred to as domestic violence). Included in the course is an overview of associated theories and research FV and IPV, various types of abuse, the legal systems response, assessment and intervention techniques and community support services for batterer intervention programs. Special topics will also include socioeconomic status, gender and religion relevant to domestic violence.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces victim advocacy and victimization in the United States relative to social work. Students examine the impact of crime from the victims’ perspective. Special emphasis in the course addresses interventions for victims as well as victim’s rights and services. Students engage victim advocacy topics in both current events and local resources.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides an introductory examination of Youth at Risk in the United States. Students explore the physical, psychological, social and cultural dimensions of youths at risk. The course includes topics in diversity, socio-cultural contexts, and social work interventions pertinent to at risk youth populations. Students assess behavioral, emotional, and situational problems facing youth in our society today.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course examines social policies and interventions that address child abuse including neglect and abandonment. Students explore child abuse relative to historical, legal, policy, treatment and prevention. Special topics include attachment, separation, and the long-term effects of abuse on the developing child and the associated risk factors such as substance abuse, mental illness, and domestic violence.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides an overview of the social worker’s role with service members, veterans and their families. Students explore services and resources in a variety of settings to include community, government, education, health and mental health. Special topics include military culture, educating stakeholders, advocacy through the social worker’s knowledge of legislative, regulatory, and other associated policies that ensure optimal care for the military population.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces students to international social work and the theoretical underpinnings for social work practice in contemporary settings. Students examine the history, environment, culture, socioeconomic factors and social welfare policies in various geographic locations around the world. Special topics include but are not limited to global poverty, health disparities, treatment of women, population growth and migration. Students will analyze and employ critical thinking skills in a variety of models that demonstrate prevention and or intervention of international social work practice.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces students to social work intervention aimed at addiction prevention and treatment of drug and alcohol abuse. Students receive an overview of a variety of addiction theories used in social work practice. Special topics include psychosocial factors affecting both the identification and treatment of substance abusers, the impact of substance abuse on the user, families, and society.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides an overview of the biological, psychological, and social aspects facing older adults in our society. Students learn underling theories and skill sets for direct practice in social work with older adults. The course focuses on social agencies and other service resources for the elderly, and the associated policies and legal issues that most affect the lives of older adults. Special topics include challenges and opportunities in late life and the associated impact on caregivers’ family members of older adults.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course focuses on child protective services social workers role to ensure the safety and well-being of children living in households where abuse or neglect may be taking place. These social workers may provide counseling to families where poor parenting practices are endangering children. They may identify resources for the troubled families. In some cases, child protective services workers may remove endangered children and arrange adoptions or find foster care for them.

CREDITS

3

Credit Hours

120


Class Type

100% online, 8-week courses*


Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 90 credits


Accreditation

WSCUC

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Tuition Information

TUW’s tuition is $500 per semester credit. A range of tuition assistance programs are available to prospective students to help reduce the out-of-pocket expenses associated with continued education, including scholarships and students loans.

Many employers offer tuition assistance programs, so make sure to check to find out if additional financial support is available to you. TUW tuition assistance counselors are available to determine your eligibility for financial aid and other tuition assistance programs.

Touro University Worldwide’s online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work requires a total of 120 credit hours for completion. The social work curriculum combines online courses with a field internship.

*Combines online courses and field internship

  • General education (45 credits)
  • Major and core requirements (51 credits)
  • Electives (24 credits)

Students must meet the prerequisite requirements before taking any of the major program requirements. For this program, students may transfer 45 semester credits of General Education and may also transfer identical course credits from other social work programs (on a case by case basis).

The duration of the program will vary by student. Factors affecting your completion time include the number of transfer credits and time off between courses. Based on the program requirement of 120 semester credits, students may transfer 45 semester credits of General Education and may also transfer identical course credits from other social work programs (on a case by case basis).

Students seeking enrollment in the online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program must meet one of the following criteria to be considered for admission:

  • High school graduate
  • Successful completion of the General Education Development (GED) test
  • Transfer student from an accredited college or university in good academic standing

View the Policy for Admission for the B.A. in Social Work Program for more detailed admissions requirements.

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation.

Accreditation of a baccalaureate social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’ Commission on Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Commission on Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.

Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.

For more information about social work accreditation, you may contact Accreditation.

The TUW BSW Social Work Advisory Team (SWAT) is pleased to announce the results of our social work program initiative Random Acts of Kindness (RAK).

964 RAK were performed during the week of February 13-17, 2024, contributing to the well-being of our communities.

We wish to thank students, Alumni, faculty, friends and family for your support!

Explore more detailed information related to the online bachelor’s degree in Social Work.

  1. Admission Requirements
  2. Portability of Degree
  3. BSW Program Handbook
  4. Form AS 4(B): Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes

The time it will take to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BSW) degree online can vary. The duration of the program depends on several factors, including the number of credits accepted for transfer and whether or not students take time off between semesters.

The typical length of time for the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BSW) is four years.

Disclaimer:
Students who enroll full-time (12 credits per semester for three semesters each academic year) can complete the degree in three and a half years. Students who enroll part-time (six credits per semester for three semesters each academic year) will complete the BSW program in seven years.

Credit Hours

A Flexible Online Social Work Degree 

With our fully online bachelor’s degree in social work, Touro University Worldwide has created a student-centered, flexible alternative to traditional on-ground degree programs. This program is also well-suited for transfer students who would like to finish their social work degree online. 

Designed to be student-centered, class sizes are intentionally limited and more personal. You receive more of your professor’s time and can excel in a nurturing academic environment. Additionally, we offer our online students access to comprehensive career resources through Career Services. All TUW professors are carefully selected for their credentials and passion as an educator. 

The duration of the B.A. program in Social Work depends on several factors, including the number of credits accepted for transfer and whether or not online students take time off between social work courses. Students who enroll full-time (12 credits per semester for 3 semesters each academic year) can complete the bachelor’s degree in three and half (3.5) years. Students who enroll part-time (6 credits per semester for 3 semesters each academic year) will complete the program in seven (7) years.

Transfer credits: Up to a maximum of 45 semester credits of general education may be transferred and up to 45 semester credits of BSW may be transferred from other BSW programs from a regionally accredited university/college to fulfill the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program requirements. A minimum of 30 semester credits from the program major courses must be completed at Touro University Worldwide.