What Will I Learn as an Online BSW Student?

The expertise you’ll develop as an online BSW student enables you to become an advocate for individuals and communities. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of social justice dynamics, critical thinking, issues impacting human welfare and best practices within the field. Specific knowledge gained from the program includes:

• Contextual understanding of social welfare policy and its history in the U.S.
• How to practice social work with people who have suffered oppression such as racism, sexism, heterosexism, classism, ageism and ableism at the individual, community and institutional levels of society
• Comprehensive understanding of the interrelationship between problem conceptualization, policy options and their impact on social work practice and clients

What Can I Do with a Bachelor of Social Work?

Career opportunities available to Bachelor of Social Work graduates include:

• Child and family social worker
• Healthcare social worker
• Mental health social worker
• Substance abuse social worker (requires completion of the specialized track in Alcohol and Drug Counseling)

The social work occupation is expected to grow 13% nationwide between 2019-2029, which is much faster than the average national occupation growth rate, and have a median annual salary of $51,760 (bls.gov).

Where Can I Work with a Bachelor of Social Work?

Social Work graduates are equipped with a critical perspective that allows them to address community issues in a variety of settings including:

• Public School Systems
• Hospitals
• Nursing Homes
• Government Agencies
• Charitable Organizations
• Non-Profits
• Police Departments
• Courts

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Online BSW Application Deadlines

Applicants are encouraged to work on and submit their complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts, test scores and other materials may take more time. Applications submitted or completed after the preferred deadline will be considered on a case-by-case basis for the next available start/term.

All applicants are admitted first to the Lower Division, and can apply for any of the above terms. Once admitted, those eligible for the Upper Division then complete a second application directly reviewed and managed by the Kent School. Upper Division cohorts start in fall terms only.

How to Apply for the Online Bachelor of Social Work

1. Start your application for undergraduate admission
2. Submit $30 non-refundable application fee
3. Complete any checklist items listed on your Application Portal*
4. Request official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: adetran@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Office of Admissions, Dept AO, Louisville, KY 40292
5. Create a financial plan

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Online Bachelor of Social Work Admissions Requirements and Materials

New Students and Transfer Students with less than 24 transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:

• High school diploma from an accredited institution (GED or equivalent also accepted)
• Minimum high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; AND for transfer students, a minimum college GPA of 2.0 (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
• Composite ACT* score of 21 or higher (test optional admission is granted on a case-by-case basis)

Transfer Students with 24 or more transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:

• Minimum college GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)

*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started an undergraduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.

No ACT/SAT? Test-optional admissions are granted on a case-by-case basis and require a comprehensive review of high school transcript, including grades and college-preparatory courses. A personal statement may be requested during the admissions review process.

Transfer Credit

• Complete the transfer credit pre-evaluation to get an idea of how many credits you'll be able to transfer in toward your UofL bachelor's degree, and visit our General Transfer Student page for more details.
• Transfer students who have earned an Associates of Arts or Associates of Science (AA and AS) degrees from KCTCS satisfy UofL’s Cardinal Core.
• PLEASE NOTE: Additional coursework may be required for admission to the BSW’s Upper Division. Entry into the Upper Division is only possible in fall semesters and is only available to students first admitted to UofL’s Lower Division. Learn more about eligibility for Upper Division or review the Upper Division application checklist here.

For more information on the admission and application process, please contact our Online Enrollment Services team at 800.871.8635 or by email at online@louisville.edu.

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Additional Programs Available from the Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science

Founded in 1936, the Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science prepares students to work in a society with complex social problems and needs. Rapidly becoming one of the top research social work programs in the country, the Kent School is able to provide current research information in the preparation of its students for work with individuals, families and communities. The Kent School offers the 100% online BSW as well as an online MS in Social Work and an online Doctor of Social Work.

Online BSW Courses

The online Bachelor of Social Work is a 120 credit hour program comprised of 37 credit hours of General Education (Cardinal Core), 23 credit hours Lower Division General Electives and supporting requirements, and 60 credit hours in core courses. The program is 100% online. Courses are delivered asynchronously, in standard term length.

• General Education (Cardinal Core) Requirements: 31 credit hours
• Social Work Lower Division Requirements ³ 29 credit hours
• Social Work Upper Division Requirements: 60 credit hours

General Education Requirements

Social Work Lower Division Requirements

Social Work Upper Division Requirements

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* All degrees require the completion of the university-wide General Education Program. Some General Education requirements may be met in the requirements for the major or supporting coursework, in which case additional electives may be required to complete the minimum hours for the degree.

¹ Six (6) hours of Diversity (D1/D2) coursework is required. If these competency areas are not covered as part of the program requirements and/or general elective coursework, 6 additional hours will be needed to fulfill the University of Louisville competency-area requirements.

² Or equivalent as approved/decided by the unit.

³ Students who satisfy General Education Requirements by courses defined by the program will require additional electives to complete the minimum hours for the degree.

⁴Students must have a minimum total of 60 credit hours to complete the Lower Division requirements.

⁵ Two of the five Upper Division Social Work Elective courses must be from Social Work (minimum 300 level). Please contact the BSW Advising Team should you have questions.

⁶ Practicum is the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) for BSW students. As such, it is intentionally designed to provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate mastery of the core competencies that they learn throughout the Program. Before beginning the Practicum, students are expected to successfully complete all 300-level BSW Core requirements.

Online BSW Course Descriptions

Online BSW Team

Online BSW FAQs

• Practicum Logistics and Requirements
  • Can I start the practicum early, during the summer, to ease my schedule during the semester?

    The practicum and practice courses are co-requisites and must be taken during Fall and Spring semesters. Depending on the social service organization, students may be required to complete orientation, in the event that the orientation begins before the semester, hours of orientation can still count toward practicum hours. For more information, please review the Practicum Brochure or reach out to the Practicum Education office at fieldedu@louisville.edu.

  • When is the practicum class scheduled? It is listed as "TBA" on the class schedule.

    “TBA” refers to the assigned placement site. All practicum hours are spent at the placement agency.

  • Is the practicum considered part of the practice course?

    The practicum, seminar, and practice courses are self-standing courses, each with separate credit and faculty.

  • Are there field seminars for this practicum?

    Yes, students attend practicum seminars that integrate theory and practice and learn about social work sites and client populations.

• Scheduling and Work-Life Balance
  • I work full-time. Can I have a practicum in the evenings and/or weekends?

    Most social work placements are Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm, so adjustments to your work schedule may be necessary.

  • I plan on getting a new job. Can my new job count as my practicum?

    Roles of employee and student must be separate. An Employment Approved Practicum might be an option after meeting criteria.

  • Can I meet with my faculty advisor to help me plan my practicum and other classes?

    Yes, consulting with your faculty advisor about career plans and electives is highly recommended. Upon admission, students are able to find their advisor and schedule an appointment by Using CardSmart. For more information, please refer to BSW Advising.

• Placement Process and Options
  • How do I go about getting a practicum? Am I responsible to find my own placement?

    Students collaborate with a Field Coordinator to identify placements, and then interview with agencies to finalize the match.

  • I know a really good private therapist with whom I would like to study. Can I do my practicum with this person?

    The BSW Practicum is generalist-focused. Clinical skills are developed at the Master's level, so it would not be appropriate. Please refer to our website for Practicum Placement for more information regarding this process.

  • There are no social workers at the agency I am interested in, but some good supervisors in other disciplines. Can they supervise me?

    Practicum supervisors must hold a master’s degree in social work with two years of post-master's experience. For more information regarding prospective sites, please feel free to reach out to our Practicum Education office at fieldedu@louisville.edu.

  • I have a lot of interests. Can I have a different practicum site for each semester?

    Practicum requires a two-semester placement in the same agency for deeper learning and skill development.

  • When will I know I have an approved practicum?

    Once your interview is successful and the agency agrees to accept you, the Field Education Office will confirm the placement. Please refer to our website for Practicum Placement for more information regarding this process.

• Practicum Experience and Requirements
  • I have several years of social services experience. Can I get credit for that and waive the practicum requirement?

    No, accreditation standards do not allow course credit for life or previous work experience.

  • I have no prior experience in social work, how do I write my resume?

    All life experiences count. Your resume should reflect both paid and volunteer work, and can be longer than typical business resumes.

  • I am a student in the fully online program, how does this practicum work?

    Online students complete practicum at a local human service organization. Meetings are conducted via videoconferencing.

• Financial Considerations
  • Can I get paid for my practicum?

    Paid practicums are rare. Financial aid and scholarships may be available through the university.

    Students who are Kentucky residents who are in the Upper Division (Juniors/Seniors) can apply for the Child Welfare (CW) Prep program. CW PREP is an innovative workforce development program in partnership with Kentucky’s Department of Community-Based Services *(KY DBCS) to develop expertise in the child welfare workforce. The goal of CW PREP is to foster an unparalleled pathway for recruiting, supporting and retaining a vibrant, dynamic child welfare workforce. Students that are accepted into this program are provided with in-state tuition, a stipend, and a particular concentration in public child welfare training (including special practicums, retreats, and mentoring) for their final two years in the BSW program. For more information, please visit the CW-PREP website or contact emily.watts.1@louisville.edu.

  • Money is tight. Do I have to buy insurance for my practicum?

    Yes, professional liability insurance is required. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) membership offers discounted rates for students.

  • Which level of insurance coverage do you recommend I get?

    If in a medical setting, opt for the highest level of coverage. Otherwise, you can choose the coverage level like with other insurance.

• Other Practical Concerns
  • How should I dress for my practicum?

    Business casual attire is required, unless otherwise specified by the agency.

  • Is there an orientation for my practicum?

    Yes, orientation is mandatory and conducted online during the first week of the semester. Please review the practicum placement webpage for more information regarding orientation.

  • When can I register for my practicum course?

    You can register for your practicum course after being admitted.