Online Social Work Degree | BSSW

Degree Options

Online* with 1 virtual intensive

Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total

Next Start Dates: January 19, 2026 | February 16, 2026 | March 23, 2026

Serve Your Community with an Online Bachelor’s in Social Work Degree from Liberty University

Do you want to offer hope to individuals, families, and communities — both locally and statewide? If so, you may be interested in becoming a social worker with advanced training from Liberty University.

If you’re not interested in attending class on a residential campus but you’d like to work towards becoming a social worker, degrees online are available. Of those options, Liberty offers one of the most affordable, credible, and respected BSSW degrees online.

Our online Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) degree can help you tackle critical social challenges through an understanding of human psychology. Learn to evaluate, engage with, and intervene for individuals, families, and communities. With the skills you gain from our online bachelor’s degree in social work, you can help the people of your community take a step toward healthier lives.

Our online BSSW degree can help you adapt to hurting communities in a diverse world. Learn from industry professionals with real-world experience in human services and get on-the-job experience in your community through social work field placements. Best of all, you can fit your education into your life with Liberty University’s flexible online learning environment.

Your officially conferred degree name will be Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW).

*Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.

Liberty maintains strict compliance with all licensure requirements for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Not a Virginia resident? We want to help find the best program for you! To view educational requirements and whether a specific program aligns with the licensure requirements for your state, please review our licensure/certification requirements webpage.

Is a BSSW considered a social worker?

An online BSSW can help you become a social worker, yes. Because requirements for becoming a social worker may vary, be sure to research your state’s licensure requirements for more information.

Earning an online bachelor’s degree in social work can help you pursue entry-level positions in a variety of social work settings — such as adoption agencies, medical facilities, or human services entities. If you’re interested in becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), you may need to pursue a Master of Science in Social Work.

However, an online BSSW can be your ticket to becoming a social worker. By partnering with Liberty, you can become a confident, prepared professional who is capable of excelling as a social worker.

What Will You Study in Our Online Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work?

Through Liberty’s online social work classes, you can receive specialized training in assessments, intervention strategies, and counseling techniques. These skills can help prepare you to practice as a human services professional in diverse communities. As a social worker, you can be empowered to help families and individuals make positive life changes, no matter their background.

The online social work degree helps provide you with specialized training and experience that can help equip you to become a social worker. The knowledge and practical skill sets you can gain can also help meet a critical demand for human services expertise in many industries.

Your skills and hands-on experience with a degree in human services can lead to various career opportunities. Research, criminal justice, education, government, and other important management roles all require advanced training. Our online BSSW degree can help prepare you to fill the increasing needs in the private, public, and nonprofit markets. With people-focused understanding, you can be a valuable human services asset.

Featured Courses

Degree Information

This program falls under the School of Behavioral Sciences.
View the Undergraduate Behavioral Sciences Course Guides (login required).
Our online BSSW degree requires one 3-credit-hour virtual intensive and 2 full-semester field placements.
Upon declaring this major, students will pursue the Gate process to gain approval into the program. Please see the Social Work Gates page for more information.
Please review our CSWE program evaluation for more information.

Why Choose Liberty University’s Online Social Work Bachelor’s Degree?

With Liberty’s bachelor’s in social work, you can help people in your community or work with communities across the country. Our online social work degree can help provide the skills and experience you need to become a caring, effective social worker. Through this program, you can gain critical knowledge of human psychology — which is valuable in every people-focused industry.

An online BSSW degree can benefit you in several career paths. You can sharpen the skills you need for a career as a social worker — preparing for future graduate studies or for other behavioral science roles. With Liberty’s online bachelor’s degree in social work, you can earn a degree through a flexible learning environment that works for you.

As a pioneer in distance education since 1985, Liberty understands what you’re looking for in an online social work degree program. You want a degree that can mold you into a professional capable of serving individuals with excellence, but you don’t want to sacrifice your personal obligations to pursue your degree.

We seek to exceed your academic expectations by offering a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Social Work that can help you gain valuable skills and command the respect of hiring managers. Our online BSSW is taught by a group of expert professors with years of real-world experience and a vested interest in your success. Our online social work program’s curriculum has been carefully developed using extensive research, the knowledge of social work professionals, and rigorous accreditation requirements.

Better yet, at Liberty, you won’t have to put your life on hold to earn your bachelor’s in social work degree online. The flexible nature of our online BSSW program allows you to complete your assignments when it’s most convenient for you, and our professors are readily available to offer guidance on assignments. Our professors want you to succeed. As a student in our online social work program, you’ll have the expertise and experience of your professors at your full disposal.

Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026

Private Nonprofit University
600+ Online Degrees
No Standardized Testing for Admission
Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Top 10 Reasons to Choose Liberty

Potential Careers

Adoptions clinician
Child welfare worker
Counselor
Gerontology social worker
Group home/residential worker

Healthcare social worker
Hospital social worker
Human services leader
Medical social worker
School social worker

Degree Options for Our Online Social Work Bachelor’s Degree

Social work is not a one-size-fits-all field which is why we offer a variety of specializations tailored to meet diverse needs and interests. Each specialization is designed to help equip you with the specific knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to begin your journey in your chosen area. You can study the ways to assess and address individual and community needs, develop and implement effective intervention strategies, and advocate for those who can’t always speak for themselves.

Our Bachelor of Social Work degree has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Generalized Track (No Specialization)

Our Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) – generalized track* can give you a deep understanding of the practice of social work and develop effective intervention strategies to address social challenges. The flexible online coursework is paired with real-world field placements, allowing you to apply what you learn in your own community. This CSWE-accredited program can help you prepare for entry-level positions in healthcare, schools, and human services agencies, or for further education to advance your career in social work.

View the Degree Completion Plan.

*Please note that this is not a specialization. Any reference using the term “General” is the main degree and is only used to differentiate from other specializations.

Child and Family

Our Bachelor of Science (BS) in Social Work – Child and Family program is designed to help empower you with the knowledge and skills to help bring hope and healing to families facing a myriad of challenges. From addressing grief and family stress to tackling issues like neglect, substance abuse, bullying, poverty, and immigration, you can explore a range of critical areas that impact youth and their families today.

View the Degree Completion Plan.

Healthcare, Aging, and Medical

Our online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Social Work – Healthcare, Aging, and Medical degree can help equip you with the core knowledge, competencies, and abilities essential for excelling in diverse healthcare settings. Picture yourself making a tangible difference in hospitals and clinics as a medical social worker, armed with specialized expertise and skills. The program is meticulously designed to train you to address vital social issues through a comprehensive lens of human psychology. You can dive deep into assessing, connecting with, and providing crucial interventions for individuals, families, and communities, guiding them toward healthier lives.

View the Degree Completion Plan.

State Licensure Requirements

Individual state licensure requirements may vary and are subject to change without notice. View your state’s requirements here: licensure/certification requirements.

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

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Tuition & Aid

At Liberty University, a private Christian education is less expensive than you think. Over the last 10 years, Liberty University’s Online Program has only raised its standard tuition costs by less than 5% – and most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors.

To continue our mission of providing affordable education, electronic textbooks are provided for all undergraduate courses at no additional cost to you. As a full-time student, this could save you an estimated $800-2,000 per year on textbooks!

Undergraduate Full Time	$390/Credit
Undergraduate Part Time	$455/Credit
Military Undergraduate	$250/Credit

These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Our Online Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work

Admission Requirements

Apply online or over the phone with an admissions counselor by calling (800) 424-9595.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required).
Send official high school transcripts or official GED test scores.*
- Students may be allowed to enroll in up to 12 credit hours with Liberty with the submission of our High School Self-Certification Form (login required – you will first need to claim your Liberty Account).
Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system).
- Unofficial transcripts can be used for acceptance purposes with the submission of a Transcript Request Form.
Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy.

*Official high school transcript requirement may be waived with college transcripts from an accredited college/university showing at least 12 earned credit hours with an acceptable GPA.

Note: A 2.0 or above cumulative GPA is required for admission in good standing.

Transcript Policies

High School Transcript Policy

Applicants may submit a High School Self-Certification Form in lieu of a final official high school transcript in order to enroll in up to 12 credit hours at Liberty University.

Applicants may submit a college transcript showing 12 or more credits from an accredited institution and a High School Self-Certification Form in lieu of high school transcripts.

Students must submit official high school transcripts, or official college transcripts showing at least 12 credit hours earned with an acceptable grade point average (GPA) from an accredited institution, in order to register for additional courses.

The official high school transcript, GED requirement, and High School Self-Certification Form can be waived if the applicant has earned an associate degree or higher.

Final transcripts must reflect all coursework and final grades received for grades 9-12, a graduation date, and an overall GPA. (Mailed transcripts must be in a sealed and unopened envelope.)

Unofficial College Transcript Policy

Unofficial transcripts combined with a Transcript Request Form can be used for admission. Official transcripts are required within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first, and will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Before sending unofficial college transcripts, please make sure they include the following:

Your previous school’s name or logo printed on the document
Cumulative GPA
A list of completed courses and earned credit broken down by semester
Degree and date conferred (if applicable)

Official College Transcript Policy

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to luoverify@liberty.edu.

If the student uses unofficial transcripts with a Transcript Request Form to gain acceptance, all official transcripts must be received within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first. Failure to send all official transcripts within the 60-day period will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Military Transfers

International Applicants

If you are an international applicant, you may be required to have your international transcripts reviewed. Information regarding the transcript evaluation process for international students can be found by visiting NACES.

Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy.

Admissions Office Contact Information

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

Active Duty
Reserve/National Guard
Veterans/Retirees
Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

Tuition discounts – $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses
Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $565 per course)*
8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
Potential college credit for military training

*Not applicable to certificates.

These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

View Military Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I complete a social work degree online?

Liberty’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work allows you to use your understanding of human behavior to help people heal, grow, and thrive. As a professional in the health and human services field, you can use your skills and knowledge to:

Build effective case management systems
Develop support networks
Identify people and communities in need
Research and implement systems to serve client needs
Respond to critical care needs such as abuse or mental health emergencies

While earning your BSSW degree online, you can gain abundant knowledge and expertise that are integral to success in the field of social work. But taking social work classes online doesn’t mean that you won’t get hands-on experience. Liberty’s online social work degree blends real-world training and a virtual intensive to help you prepare for the field with confidence.

What Are the Benefits of Liberty’s Social Work Online Degree?

While many online social work colleges offer their own versions of BSSW degrees, we believe Liberty stands out. Here’s why:

Unlike some online social work programs, Liberty’s online BSSW degree is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Earning your CSWE-accredited online social work degree from Liberty University can help you confidently pursue careers in social work upon graduation.
Improve your employment options by demonstrating your knowledge of strategic human services and relevant experience in the field. This online social worker degree program can help equip you with practical knowledge directly applicable to real-world settings.
Use our online BSSW program to lay the groundwork for graduate studies that can prepare you for a career in advanced research or clinical counseling.
This degree’s field placements can be completed at a location near you, so you won’t have to wait until you graduate to start making a difference in your community.
Complete a marketable bachelor of social work online while gaining valuable, real-world experience during your field placements. Our online social work degree program includes several field placement requirements — so you can pursue careers with real-world experience already under your belt.
Network with your peers and professors during your social work degree program’s 5-day, virtual intensive. Being an online student doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on career connections. Our virtual intensives offer distance learners an excellent opportunity to enjoy community and build camaraderie with other students.
Complete our online social work bachelor’s degree program coursework on your time. With our flexible online learning environment, you can access your online materials at any time.

How can I gain hands-on experiences in an online Social Work Bachelor’s degree?

Are you ready to change your future?

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App Fee Waived This Week*

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*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, non-degree-seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and certificate students.

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BSSW – Online Social Work Degree Empower Communities, Transform Lives

Serve Your Community with an Online Bachelor’s in Social Work Degree from Liberty University

Is a BSSW considered a social worker?

What Will You Study in Our Online Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work?

Featured Courses

Degree Information

Why Choose Liberty University’s Online Social Work Bachelor’s Degree?

What Sets Us Apart?

Potential Careers

Degree Options for Our Online Social Work Bachelor’s Degree

Generalized Track (No Specialization)

Child and Family

Healthcare, Aging, and Medical

State Licensure Requirements

Not sure what to choose?

Tuition & Aid

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Admission Information for Our Online Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work

Admission Requirements

Transcript Policies

Military Transfers

International Applicants

Admissions Office Contact Information

Military

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I complete a social work degree online?

What Are the Benefits of Liberty’s Social Work Online Degree?

How can I gain hands-on experiences in an online Social Work Bachelor’s degree?

Are you ready to change your future?

Request Information About a Program

Request Info About Liberty University Online

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