Social Work Degree Overview

The online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work helps you build your knowledge of social, political and cultural change and your skills in organizational dynamics and technological processes to help you best serve diverse communities.

As a student, you will:

  • Hone your skills through 400 supervised on-site field practice hours. 
  • Learn to have a positive impact on the lives of others through the career of your choice.
  • Prepare for a position in child and family social work, gerontology, mental health care, probation/correctional treatment, social and community service, or substance abuse treatment.

Attend BA Social Work Info Sessions


Next Session

Summer I (Apr 28, 2025)

Estimated Tuition

$500/Credit

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Ways to Learn

Online

Program Benefits that Benefit You.

A Better Balance for Work and School

Affordable, asynchronous classes that fit your work schedule, offered 100% online so you can learn while you earn.

Guidance and Support

Our attentive, expert scholar practitioners guide you through 400 supervised on-site field hours in your areas of interest.

Focus on Engagement and Assessment

Learn how to intervene, evaluate and effectively communicate with a diverse set of individuals, families, groups and communities.

Education is a treasure waiting for people to partake. There’s nothing more effective than getting a degree in a field you’re interested in and passionate about.
Bill K.
Master in Social Work
 
The professors realized I have a life and wanted to pursue my dreams. They didn’t make me feel like I had to choose between family and school. They made me feel like I could be successful in both.
Dominique H.
BA, Psychology
All of my instructors inspired me. They were working in the field as well as teaching, so the stories they shared made it relatable and attainable. The staff and faculty are all very positive and provide motivation for the students.
Quinton J.
BA, Psychology

Imagine Your Future In Social Work

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    Data source: Lightcast™ 2022 www.lightcast.io

    The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.

    1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032

    2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly

    3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program

    WSCUC

    University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

    CCNE

    UMass Global's Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

    All Council on Social Work Education programs measure and report student learning outcomes. Students are assessed on their mastery of the competencies that comprise the accreditation standards of the Council on Social Work Education. These competencies are dimensions of social work practice that all social workers are expected to master during their professional training. A measurement benchmark is set by the social work programs for each competency. An assessment score at or above that benchmark is considered by the program to represent mastery of that particular competency. This form is used to assist the COA in the evaluation of the program's compliance with the accreditation standards below:

     
    5.0.1(d) The program posts its assessment plan and summary outcomes publicly on its webpage using Form AS
    5.0.1(d). The findings are updated every two years, at minimum.
    a. The program submits Form AS M5.0.1(d) to report its assessment plan and most recent assessment summary outcomes.
    b. The program provides a hyperlink to the program’s webpage where the assessment plan and summary outcomes are publicly displayed.
    c. The program provides outcomes for each program option and in aggregate.

    Frequency Asked Questions

    As a social worker, you can make a true difference in the lives of so many people. Explore this rewarding profession and get answers to some of the most common questions asked by aspiring social workers.



    • To become a social worker, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in social work. Many employers prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in social work as well. Clinical social workers must have a master’s degree in order to practice.
    • Social worker licensure requirements vary by state. Typically, obtaining your licensure includes achieving a minimum level of education, reaching a required amount of supervised practice time and completing an application. There are also optional and advanced licensures for specific social worker careers.
    • It usually takes between four to six years to become a social worker. Aspiring social workers must earn their bachelor’s degree, and many continue on to earn a master’s degree as well.
    • Social workers can help military clients address difficulties such as PTSD, depression or anxiety, unemployment, financial hardship and more through individual or family counseling. Social workers support military personnel and their loved ones by developing community programs and initiatives that can improve their lives.
    • All social workers will work with our military population in some capacity, but some choose to specialize in serving those in specific stages including civilians, active-duty personnel and veterans. Each segment has unique resources such as community centers, military bases, and VA support.  

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