Online BSW

Program Overview
Course Offerings
Admission Requirements
Career Outcomes
How To Apply
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Program Overview

Develop the skills and knowledge needed to begin social work practice with the online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program from Aurora University. You’ll be prepared to work with communities, groups, families and individuals in a variety of settings as well as with diverse populations and problems. Graduates with the BSW degree are eligible to take the Illinois State Social Work license exam (LSW) after completing two years of work experience and to apply for advanced standing in the Aurora University MSW program.

Instructors in this program use open education resources (OER) in place of traditional textbooks for some courses. This means digital, openly licensed content is available free of charge to students.

Begin your journey today with our CSWE-accredited social work program.

The adult degree completion program in social work is also offered at the AU Woodstock Center.

Curriculum Overview

Aurora University’s online BSW provides you with a broad academic background and field instruction in social work. Each class is taught by faculty members who have real-world experience.

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Program Details

Next Start Date:March 9, 2020
Est. Program Length:2-4 Years
Credit Hours:120 (40 in major)
Course Length:8 Weeks
Cost Per Credit:$425

General Education Required Courses for Admission

PSC1300 Introduction to US Government – 4 hours
PSY1100 General Psychology – 4 hours
SOC1100 Principles of Sociology – 4 hours

Core Courses

SWK2500 Survey of Social Work – 4 hours
SWK3140 Social Work with Groups – 4 hours
SWK3150 Social Welfare: Institutions and Policies – 4 hours
SWK3210 Human Behavior in the Social Environment: Infancy to Adolescence – 4 hours
SWK3400 Human Behavior in the Social Environment: Adult Lifespan – 4 hours
SWK4010 Social Work with Communities and Organizations – 4 hours
SWK4110 Individuals and Families – 4 hours
SWK4120 Integrative Seminar in Social Work – 4 hours
SWK4200 Social Work Research I – 4 hours

Field Instruction Courses

SWK4210 Field Instruction I – 4 hours
SWK4220 Field Instruction II – 4 hours

Course details are based on information available at the time of publication. Specific program requirements are subject to change.

An earned associates degree (AA, AS, AAS) or 60 earned hours of credit from a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
Transcripts (official, sealed) from all previously-attended colleges and universities
A resume demonstrating two or more years of work experience, military service, or relevant adult responsibilities
A personal statement addressing why you wish to enroll in an online program and a description of how you will structure your life and time to be successful

Students admitted to Aurora University are also required to apply to the School of Social Work and meet the following requirements.

A grade-point average of 2.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale).
60 semester hours of general education coursework
Completion of these prerequisite courses or an equivalent transfer course: U.S. Government; General Psychology; and Principles of Sociology
Career goals consistent with the BSW program’s philosophy and curriculum.
Commitment to high standards of personal and professional conduct, as reflected in the NASW Code of Ethics.
Completed BSW application and Statement of Purpose.

Students can transfer more than half the credits they need to successfully earn a four-year degree. Aurora University will accept up to 68 credits from a 2 year institution and 90 credits from a 4 year institution.

Check your credits with our Transfer Evaluation System.

Learn more about Transfer Credits