Social Work

100% Online Bachelor of Social Work Degree

ETSU Online

Dynamic Helping Profession

Social work is a dynamic and unique helping profession rich with meaning, action, and the power to make a difference for individuals, families, groups, and communities. The primary goal of social work is to improve a society’s overall well-being, especially for the most vulnerable populations. Many social workers provide direct services to clients helping them cope, manage, and overcome problems such as poverty, abuse, addiction, and mental illness by providing counseling, connecting clients with needed resources, and empowering clients to create change in their own lives.

Applicable Coursework

Through examination of evidence-based practices, students develop critical thinking skills required for exploring complex social problems. The program builds on a liberal arts foundation and equips students with the skills and knowledge for either an entry level professional position in a social agency, or further study at the graduate level.

Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the Bachelor of Social Work entry in the ETSU Undergraduate Catalog.

Vast Opportunities

The BSW program prepares students to be highly competent generalist practitioners who work with individuals, families, groups, and communities to advance human rights, empower others, and create social change. Receiving a BSW prepares students to work in entry level positions in areas such as mental health, healthcare settings, child and family services, residential treatment, non-profits, and more. 

  • Career Outlook and Income Trends

    The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections cites the following:

    • 16% Growth Projected in Overall Social Worker Employment,
    • 14% Growth in Child, Family & School Social Work Positions,
    • 20% Growth in Healthcare & Medical Social Work Positions,
    • 19% Growth in Mental Health & Substance Abuse Positions.

The School of Clinical Sciences offers fully accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs. The BSW degree has been continuously accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1974, when BSW programs first gained accredited status. The 100% online BSW program gained accreditation April 2023.

Image of the Counsel on Social Work Education logo.

For students wanting an in-person program, please visit the School of Clinical Sciences webpage. 

Complete Your Degree Online

The core values of ETSU are directly in line with a social work education: “People come first, are treated with dignity and respect, and are encouraged to achieve their full potential; relationships are built on honesty, integrity, and trust; diversity of people and thought is respected; excellence is achieved through teamwork, leadership, creativity, and a strong work ethic; efficiency is achieved through wise use of human and financial resources; and commitment to intellectual achievement is embraced.”

  • Career Outlook and Income Trends

Steps to Apply

  • Step 1 - Create your ETSU Application Account

    Step 1   Create your ETSU Application Account by choosing the "Sign Up" option

    Create your ETSU Application Account

  • Step 2 - Sign into the ETSU Application Portal

    Step 2  Sign in to the ETSU Application Portal and select "Start a New Application"

    Sign in

  • Step 3 - Complete the Remaining Fields

    Step 3   Choose "Undergraduate," select your student type, select your start term, then choose  Social Work and complete the remainder of the form.

    select domestic/international

    select certificate

Apply Today! 

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Cost

TN Residents *GA, KY, NC, SC, VA *Other USA States  eRate (Out of State, 100% online) All International
$464 per credit hour $493 per credit hour $599 per credit hour $532.50 per credit hour $1,225 per credit hour

The costs associated with attending ETSU can include both direct and indirect costs. Please review ETSU's Cost of Attendance for more details.

- Tuition discounts are available for border county students.
- Additional fees may be required.
- Visit the Paying for College page to read more about costs and financial aid options. Students may also use theTuition and Fees estimator.
- The information presented in the Tuition and Fees estimator is only an estimate; it is not an actual statement of costs
- *First-Time Freshman and Transfer Students only. Currently enrolled students should visit the tuition and fees charts if considering a major change.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should I pursue this program at ETSU?

    The BSW program is nestled in the southern Appalachian mountains bordering North Carolina and Virginia. The department views itself as a regional program collaborating with community members and service providers in northeast Tennessee, western North Carolina, and southwest Virginia. The demographics of both the faculty and students are representative of this culturally rich geographic region. Accredited since 1974 by the Council on Social Work Education, the BSW program provides opportunities for students to acquire knowledge for better understanding of human behavior in the environment, social welfare policy, practice methods and research skills necessary for successful interventions with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. 


  • What accreditation applies to this program? 

    The BSW degree has been continuously accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1974, when BSW programs first gained accredited status. The 100% Online BSW program option gained accreditation April 2023. 


  • Do I need to have a background in this field? What are the prerequisites? 

    No. This program does not require a background in the field of social work.

  • Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous? 

    This program is delivered through a combination of asynchronous and synchronous formats. Students must use a laptop or PC to participate and complete assignments. There are no on-campus requirements. Typically, synchronous courses meet once per week during normal working hours.

  • Does this program require an internship or field work? 

    Yes, field work is required. BSW students have one internship of 430 hours over 2 semesters. The 430 hours works out to be approximately 16 hours/week. 

  • What is the time to completion? 

    Full-time students pursuing the BSW typically take 2 years to complete the program (post general education requirements). Part-time students pursuing the BSW typically take 4 years to complete the program (post general education requirements).

  • Are scholarships available?

    Yes, scholarships can be viewed on the program website. Additionally, ETSU's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships offers scholarship information for all student levels. By submitting the Universal Scholarship Application, students can be considered for a variety of university scholarships.