Bachelor of Science in Social Work

Prepare for entry-level social work careers and build a strong foundation for graduate study in social work with Southwest Minnesota State University's online B.S. in Social Work (BSSW). This 76-credit program focuses on developing the skills needed to work with individuals, families, small groups, communities, and organizations in a wide range of contexts.

In this program, you will study a generalist curriculum while completing 440 hours of supervised field practice in community agencies. Courses explore relevant topics like human behavior, social welfare, at-risk populations, interviewing, case management, crisis intervention, evaluation, and more.

We've designed our program to combine liberal arts coursework with professional social work courses to help you graduate with the interdisciplinary skills you need for lifelong success. SMSU's online BSSW is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, so you can be confident you're earning a degree that meets the highest industry standards for quality and career preparation. Personal connection is a core component of our online programs, so you're learning online but not alone.

When you graduate, you'll be qualified to work in settings like hospitals, community agencies, residential care facilities, schools, child protection/children and youth service centers, criminal justice institutions, and more. The expertise you gain will also allow you to enter an Advanced Standing MSW program if continued education is your goal.

Southwest Minnesota State University is a four-year public university offering a high-quality education in the liberal arts and professions to prepare you for a life that is successful both personally and professionally. SMSU has grown into a university of choice with high national rankings, producing scholars who become the leaders, thinkers, and entrepreneurs of the future.

Strong academics, fulfilling social activities, rewarding civic engagement projects, and support from fellow Mustangs in a close-knit environment mean you will get the education of a lifetime at a price that won’t take a lifetime to pay for. We invite you to visit SMSU and to see for yourself all that we have to offer.