A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) provides access to a wide range of careers focused on advocacy, care coordination, and direct support services. Whether you’re helping clients navigate healthcare systems or access housing or an education, this degree equips you with the skills and experience necessary to work in a people-centered role and make a meaningful impact on communities and individuals.
For example, the online BSW program from Aurora University prepares students to pursue various roles, such as correctional treatment specialist and probation officer, which are just a few of the many options available to program graduates. This article explores what a BSW degree is and the opportunities Aurora University’s BSW online program provides.
What Is a BSW Degree?
A BSW is an undergraduate degree that prepares students for roles in social services. BSW degrees combine theoretical knowledge and field-based learning to help students develop the skills to support individuals, families, and communities facing complex challenges. To satisfy licensing and practice standards, BSW programs must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
A typical online social work degree includes approximately 120 credits, which students complete in two to four years, depending on their pace. Online undergraduate programs include core social work courses as well as general education courses in psychology, sociology and political science. Many online BSW programs offer specialization options, such as child welfare or addictions, to prepare students for more advanced or niche roles. In addition to classroom learning, students complete supervised fieldwork or internship experience in settings such as schools, nonprofits or public offices.
Bachelor of Social Work Core Skills and Competencies
Students develop a wide range of technical and interpersonal skills required for BSW jobs that involve direct support, advocacy, and coordination in community and institutional settings. These core competencies and skills include:
- Communication: Students refine active listening and communication in verbal and written formats to support effective interactions with clients and professionals.
- Critical thinking: Courses train students to assess information and identify underlying issues within case management and complex social systems.
- Group dynamics: Students study how people behave in group settings and how to facilitate interactions in support groups, workshops, and meetings.
- Human behavior: Courses examine how social, cultural, and environmental factors influence individual development.
- Leadership: Students develop initiative, accountability, and motivational skills to guide teams or programs and prepare for supervisory roles.
- Policy analysis: Students learn to interpret, assess, and advocate for policy development that affects individuals and communities.
- Social welfare policy: Students explore how social programs are developed, implemented, and evaluated within public systems.
- Problem-solving: Programs practice identifying challenges and applying practical solutions in case management, conflict resolution, and other scenarios.
- Psychology: Foundational courses introduce theories of behavior and mental health relevant to client support.
- Research methods: Students evaluate practice research, data analysis and practical application.
Why Earn a Bachelor’s in Social Work?
Earning a BSW prepares you to support individuals and communities in practical and meaningful ways. Many students pursue this degree to channel their natural compassion and empathy for others into structured, rewarding and people-focused professions.
Social work is a growing field with diverse and versatile opportunities for specialization. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for social workers is projected to grow by up to 9% through 2033, with healthcare, child welfare, and mental health support representing some of the field’s strongest growth areas. BSW graduates work in public, private, and nonprofit sectors, and many use their undergraduate degree as a foundational pathway to enter graduate studies, such as Master of Social Work (MSW) programs.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Bachelor of Social Work?
BSW graduates are qualified for various job titles that support individuals, families and communities. These roles can be in direct services, program planning, policy advocacy or administration.
Child and Family Services
Social work professionals in child and family services work with clients to protect children and promote safe family environments. Common roles include:
- Case manager
- Child welfare worker
- Family support worker
- Foster care coordinator
- Adoption support specialist
- Children’s aid investigator
Healthcare and Aging Services
Healthcare and aging service professionals help patients navigate illnesses, disabilities or other age- or health-related challenges. Job titles may include:
- Hospital discharge planner
- Patient advocate
- Home health aide coordinator
- Geriatric care assistant
School and Youth Programs
Professionals in education and youth programs support students’ social and emotional development while promoting academic success. BSW graduates can take on roles such as:
- School social work aide
- Youth counselor
- Behavioral health technician
- After-school program coordinator
Substance Use and Mental Health Support
Substance use and mental health social workers support individuals in crisis, during recovery or in ongoing treatment. BSW graduates can work in non-clinical roles, including:
- Substance abuse case technician
- Crisis hotline coordinator
- Mental health support specialist
- Harm reduction or outreach worker
Community and Public Services
Professionals in community and public services work with broader systems and community needs, often within nonprofit or government organizations. Job titles include:
- Housing advocate
- Job training and employment assistance coordinator
- Community outreach worker
- Probation support officer
- Policy analyst
- Program intake coordinator
Prepare to Pursue a Career Related to Social Work
Explore how our BSW provides a foundation for beginning social work practice in a variety of fields.
Explore DegreeBSW Career Growth and Salary Outlook
Although opportunities vary based on role, location, and credentials, the job outlook is positive for BSW graduates. As social challenges evolve, most fields are actively hiring workers, particularly in healthcare, mental health, education and public service.
Reflecting shifts in demand for preventive community services, aging care coordination and behavioral health support, the BLS projects healthcare social work and mental health and substance abuse roles to grow by about 10%. Jobs in family and school social work are on track to grow by 5.3% through 2033.
Across all areas, the median annual salary for social workers is $61,330. Other median salaries vary in roles and sectors, such as:
- Child and family services social workers: $53,940
- Social and community service managers: $78,240
- Health education specialists: $63,000
- Community health workers: $51,030
- Social and human service assistants: $45,120
Licensure expands the types of services a social worker can legally provide, especially in clinical or supervisory roles, which typically offer higher salaries. Specializing in healthcare, substance use, or school social work may also increase earning potential, particularly in high-demand settings or advanced roles.
Career Advancement Opportunities With a BSW Degree Online
A BSW offers rewarding career opportunities and allows graduates to become licensed baccalaureate social workers (LBSW), but many pursue advanced degrees or licensure to expand their practice scope. Students who complete a CSWE-accredited BSW program may qualify for advanced standing in an MSW program. This option reduces the required credit hours from 60 to 30, saving on tuition and significantly reducing the time needed to graduate.
An MSW, in addition to supervision and passing an exam, is required to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), which allows you to provide clinical assessment and treatment services for mental health and behavioral support. An MSW is also often required for advanced roles in program leadership, policy development and social work supervision.
Explore BSW Programs and Start Your Social Worker Career
A BSW gives you the education, field experience and professional skills to advocate for individuals and communities in need. Whether you want to pursue a career in substance abuse counseling, child and family services, or any of the myriad options available to social workers, a BSW gives you the foundation to meet client needs.
For those who want to pursue their MSW and additional licensure, Aurora University’s BSW online program also lays the groundwork for further education and opportunities and meets the requirements for the MSW Advanced standing option, requiring only 30 hours instead of 60. With this degree, you can take the first step toward an impactful, in-demand career in social work.
