Social Work, BASW, Online
Quick Facts
Credit Hours: 120 | Estimated Time to Completion: 4 years | Cost Per Credit Hour: $480.65 *View tuition details | Start Dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Details
- Location
- Akron Campus
- Level
- undergraduate
- Degree/Program Type
- Bachelor of Arts / major
- Format
- online
- Course Info
- Course Sequence
- College
- Health and Human Sciences, College of (Dean's Office)
- School/Department
- School of Social Work & Family Sciences
Program Contact
- Janice E. Steinmetz, MSW, LISW-S
-
Akron BASW Coordinator
330-808-5387
Program Overview
The University of Akron Online offers a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) that prepares you for entry-level roles in social service settings. Designed for students pursuing helping professions, including working professionals and transfer students, this online social work degree helps you build practical, career-ready skills on a flexible schedule. You’ll learn to support individuals, families, groups, and communities while working with diverse and vulnerable populations.
What You’ll Learn
In this online BASW program, you’ll develop foundational competencies in generalist social work practice, including client assessment, case management, ethical decision-making, and evidence-based intervention strategies.
Skills Gained
Assess client needs and develop individualized service plans
Apply communication strategies in individual, family, and group settings
Connect clients with community-based resources and support services
Make ethical decisions aligned with professional social work standards
Core Practice
Apply generalist social work methods across settings
Work effectively with diverse populations
Use strengths-based approaches to support clients
Apply research to guide decisions
Key Topics
Human behavior and the social environment
Social welfare systems and policy
Social work ethics and professional standards
Mental health and community-based services
Career Outcomes
As a graduate, you’ll be prepared for entry-level roles in social services, with opportunities to grow through experience or continued education.
Job Titles
Caseworker
Family service worker
Group service worker
Community organization worker
Outreach worker
Rehabilitation worker
Probation worker
Community health worker
Counselor
Child welfare worker
Employment community service worker
Fair housing coordinator
Human relations worker
Where You’ll Work
Hospitals and healthcare systems
Mental health clinics and behavioral health centers
Child welfare and family services agencies
Schools and community outreach programs
Career Advancement Pathways
Advance into specialized roles with experience
Pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW)
Meet educational requirements for licensure (varies by state)
BASW Curriculum at a Glance
The online Bachelor of Social Work degree combines general education, specialized social work courses, and hands-on field experience to prepare you for professional practice.
Core Courses
Your core social work classes focus on building the skills you’ll use in practice. You’ll move from foundational concepts to more advanced coursework in areas such as social work methods, human behavior, social policy, research, ethics, and mental health.
Field seminars and skills-based courses help you apply what you learn in real-world contexts.
View full program requirements
Liberal Arts Foundation
General education courses provide the foundation for your social work studies. You’ll explore subjects like psychology, sociology, biology, and political science while building skills in writing, communication, and quantitative reasoning.
These courses help you understand individuals and communities and must be completed before full admission into the major.
See full general education requirements
Electives
Elective courses allow you to tailor your degree to your interests. You may explore topics such as child welfare, mental health, family services, or corrections.
Learn more about BASW electives
Field Education
Field education is the foundation of social work training, giving you the opportunity to apply what you learn in real-world practice. In supervised settings, you’ll build skills in engaging, assessing, intervening, and evaluating while developing your professional identity.
You’ll gain experience working with diverse populations, strengthening your ability to respond with empathy, professionalism, and purpose.
Rankings
Recognized Among Top Online Universities
UAkron Online has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s top online universities, reflecting a strong commitment to quality and student success.
Accreditation
CSWE-Accredited for Professional Practice
Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), this program meets national standards for preparing you to enter the social work profession.
Licensure
Prepare for Social Work Licensure
Social workers in Ohio and other states must be licensed. This program builds the educational foundation for licensure and supports your next steps in the field. Learn more about licensure.
Admissions Information
Explore the requirements, application process, and financial options to help you take the next step into the social work program.
To be admitted to the online BASW program, you must:
- Be admitted to the School of Social Work and Family Sciences in the College of Health and Human Sciences
- Complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of general education courses with a 2.5 grade point average or higher
- Complete the School of Social Work and Family Sciences admissions packet
Students who are in the process of completing these requirements may be enrolled with a pre-admission status.
If you have any questions about the application or major declaration process, please reach out to an Enrollment Advisor, who can assist you.
→ View admissions requirements
Tuition and Cost Considerations
- Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis of $480.65
- Online students pay in-state tuition, with a $1 per credit hour out-of-state surcharge
→ View bachelor’s degree tuition estimates
→ View additional cost of attendance information
Students may be eligible for a range of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Student loans and work-study programs
- Institutional scholarships and merit-based awards
The University of Akron awards significant financial aid annually, with a large percentage of undergraduate students receiving some form of assistance.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Scholarships and Value
- Many scholarships require no separate application
- Aid packages may include multiple funding sources
- Programs like the Tuition Guarantee help provide cost predictability over four years (for eligible students)
→ Learn more about scholarships
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid provides support throughout the process, including help with FAFSA, scholarships, and understanding your aid package.
To be admitted to the online BASW program, you must:
- Be admitted to the School of Social Work and Family Sciences in the College of Health and Human Sciences
- Complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of general education courses with a 2.5 grade point average or higher
- Complete the School of Social Work and Family Sciences admissions packet
Students who are in the process of completing these requirements may be enrolled with a pre-admission status.
If you have any questions about the application or major declaration process, please reach out to an Enrollment Advisor, who can assist you.
→ View admissions requirements
Tuition and Cost Considerations
- Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis of $480.65
- Online students pay in-state tuition, with a $1 per credit hour out-of-state surcharge
→ View bachelor’s degree tuition estimates
→ View additional cost of attendance information
Students may be eligible for a range of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Student loans and work-study programs
- Institutional scholarships and merit-based awards
The University of Akron awards significant financial aid annually, with a large percentage of undergraduate students receiving some form of assistance.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Scholarships and Value
- Many scholarships require no separate application
- Aid packages may include multiple funding sources
- Programs like the Tuition Guarantee help provide cost predictability over four years (for eligible students)
→ Learn more about scholarships
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid provides support throughout the process, including help with FAFSA, scholarships, and understanding your aid package.
Online Social Work Faculty & Staff
Learn from experienced faculty who teach both online and on campus, bringing real-world social work practice into your courses.
“I'm driven by my commitment to interdependence, social justice, and advocacy. This program has connected me with experienced professors and advisors, providing invaluable insights beyond the textbook, gaining hands-on experience with social workers, the justice system, and crime victims. After graduation, I plan to pursue an MSW in medical advocacy while earning a Certificate in Addiction Services. With substantial experience, I hope to teach and mentor future social workers!”
Bachelor of Social Work FAQs
The career outlook for social workers is strong, with a median annual salary of above $60,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Social workers earn a median hourly wage of $29.49 and work across a range of settings, including healthcare, mental health, and community services.
A social work degree prepares you for a variety of entry-level roles in social services. Common positions include caseworker, family service worker, community outreach worker, child welfare worker, and human services assistant. These roles focus on supporting individuals, families, and communities in need. You can find opportunities in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, healthcare systems, and community-based organizations.
Yes, social work degrees are in demand, with employment projected to grow by 6% (faster than average) from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth is driven by the increased need for mental health services, healthcare support, and community-based programs. Social workers play a critical role in addressing complex social and economic challenges. As a result, employers continue to seek qualified professionals with social work training.
A Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) prepares you for entry-level roles in social services and generalist social work practice. A Master of Social Work (MSW) allows you to pursue advanced or specialized roles, including clinical positions and leadership opportunities. Many higher-level roles and licensure paths require a master’s degree. Earning an MSW can expand your career options and increase your earning potential over time.
Yes, most states require social workers to be licensed, including Ohio. Licensing requirements vary by state but typically include earning a degree from an accredited program, completing supervised experience, and passing a licensing exam. A BASW may qualify you for certain entry-level licenses, while advanced licensure often requires an MSW. It’s important to review the specific requirements in the state where you plan to practice.
Earn Your BASW Degree Online
Move forward with a degree that prepares you to support others and make a lasting difference in your community.