Bachelor of Science
in Social Work
Overview
Become an Advocate for Those Who Need it Most with Liberty’s Bachelor’s in Social Work Degree
Prepare yourself for a career that makes a difference! Earning a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) can give you the skill set to become an advocate for people from all walks of life. Liberty’s social work degree can help equip you with compassion and care for these people so you can become an industry leader with excellence and integrity.
From adoption services to mental health clinics to social service agencies, the field of social work continues to grow and change. We want you to be prepared for your future, whether you are looking to work in a medical capacity or on mission. There are so many ways to use the talents God has given you, so let us help!
Credit Hours
View CoursesNext start date: Aug 18, 2025
CSWE Accredited
Highlights of Our BS in Social Work Degree
Apply What You Study to Real-World Settings
Our bachelor’s in social work is designed to help you turn classroom knowledge into career-ready skills. From your very first semester, you can find opportunities to connect theory to practice in ways that can shape your future in meaningful ways.
Get Involved in a Purpose-Driven Community
You won’t walk this path alone. Join clubs like the Social Work Club and find encouragement, mentorship, and collaboration with peers and professors who share your passion for service and justice.
Study Under Leaders Who Inspire Change
The Department of Psychology hosts events and activities that spotlight pressing social issues and introduce you to professionals in the field. These experiences can expand your understanding of how to become a force for good in the communities you care about.
Build Your Resume Before Graduation
Field experiences and internships are a core part of your journey here. Whether you choose to serve locally in Lynchburg, head home for a placement, or take part in national or international programs, you can gain valuable experience.
Discover Unique Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Want to explore policy work in D.C.? Our Washington Fellowship program offers a chance to live and work in the nation’s capital. Or, if you’re drawn to global service, consider completing your field experience abroad and bring your passion to an international stage.
Career Potential
Potential Career Opportunities for BS in Social Work Graduates
Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work can help prepare you to pursue the following occupations:
- Adoption and foster care
- Counseling/private practice
- Geriatrics
- International social work or missions
- Medical social work
- Military social work
- Research
- School social work
Courses
What Will You Study in Our Bachelor’s in Social Work Program?
Develop the skills for wherever your career in social work takes you. Our program focuses on helping equip you with care and compassion as you study best practices you will use on a daily basis. We want you to feel as prepared as possible to provide the best social, mental, and spiritual help you can to those who need it most.
Our social work degree provides courses in health, psychology, sociology, and, of course, social work. Our psychology courses can help develop your understanding of human behavior. The sociology courses can help you assess and prevent certain social problems you or your clients may face in the workplace. Finally, your social work courses can give you practical applications on how to work with families, diverse populations, chemical dependents, and more!
Featured BS in Social Work Courses
SOWK 101 – Introduction to Social Work
SOWK 270 – Ethics in Professional Helping
SOWK 325 – Social Welfare and Policy
SOWK 431 – Social Work in Mental Health
Explore further with the Degree Completion Plan or Course Catalog. This program falls under the School of Behavioral Sciences. Please review our CSWE program evaluation for more information.
BENEFITS
Why Choose Liberty’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW)?
Prepare for a Your Future in Social Services
If you’re passionate about making a difference, a BSSW from Liberty can help set you apart in the field. Social service agencies often prioritize hiring candidates with a social work degree, giving you a competitive edge when entering the workforce.
Unlock a Range of Career Opportunities
A degree in social work can open doors to a variety of roles -whether you’re drawn to adoption services, medical settings, or military social work. Liberty’s program can help equip you with the best practices and foundational knowledge to thrive in any of these areas.
Get a Head Start on Graduate School
Our BSSW is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which means you may qualify for advanced standing in a Master of Social Work (MSW) program. This advantage can save you time and money, potentially allowing you to complete your MSW up to a year faster.
Maximize the Value of Your Education
At Liberty, your undergraduate degree can serve as a springboard into graduate-level study, without the wait. By earning a CSWE-accredited BSSW, you not only fulfill your undergraduate goals but also get ahead in your pursuit of a master’s degree.
Tuition & Aid
How Much Does it Cost to Attend Liberty On Campus?
Knowing up-front what you’re paying for and why can go a long way toward making you feel comfortable about your investment. This overview of major college costs can give you an idea of what’s coming so you can create an accurate budget from the start.
All Tuition & Aid
| Part-time (<12 Credits) | $845 |
#4 Best College Campus in America
At Liberty, you’ll find an affordable, high-quality education designed to help equip students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as the #4 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com.
Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.
Specializations
Social Work Bachelor’s Degree Specializations
Liberty’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work offers specialized areas of study designed to align with your career goals and passions. Whether you’re interested in healthcare, child welfare, or community advocacy, our program allows you to focus your education on the issues that matter most to you.
BS in Social Work Specializations
General*
Child and Family
Healthcare, Aging, and Medical Social Work
Note: Many states require an MSW to conduct clinically focused work such as crisis intervention, substance abuse counseling, cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical therapy, and motivational interviewing. Because requirements for becoming a social worker may vary, be sure to research your state’s licensure requirements for more information.
Admissions
How Do You Become a Social Work Bachelor’s Degree Student?
Every application is reviewed by the admission committee on a case-by-case basis, meaning there are no set minimums for acceptance. However, all applicants must submit the following documents* for admission:
- Admission application
- Official high school transcripts
- Official college transcripts (if applicable)
- Admission essay
Results from the CLT, SAT, or ACT are not required for admission, but may be used in consideration for merit-based aid.
*Note that additional documentation may be requested by the admission committee after your application has been received.
Have Questions?
We’ll make sure you have the information you need to take your next step.