Online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Transform Communities with a CSWE-Accredited BSW Degree
LSW Exam Preparation
Three Certificate Options
Hispanic-Focused Curriculum
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- Duration 4 years
- Cost per Credit $504
- Credit Hours 120
Program Benefits
- 100% Online Coursework
- Local Field Work Placement
- Transfer up to 72 Credits
Serve Communities with a BSW Degree Focused on Growing Hispanic Population
Our Lady of the Lake University’s (OLLU) BSW degree is one of only three in the nation to address the Hispanic population, the fastest-growing demographic expected to reach 111 million people by 2060.1 You’ll be prepared to treat diverse clients through a CSWE-accredited program that prepares you for the LSW exam.
With your developed generalist social work practice skills and additional courses in economics, stats, psychology, sociology, and government, you’ll have the knowledge you need to help individuals and families. Our expert faculty members have been educating social workers since 1942 (the first SW school in Texas). In addition, once you earn your BSW degree, you can apply to the Advanced Standing online Master of Social Work program, opening up even more opportunities to further your social work career.
Curriculum: CSWE-Accredited Program
The CSWE-accredited online BSW curriculum is specifically designed to address emerging needs and trends in the social work community while instilling students with time-tested foundational knowledge, theories, and skills.
OLLU is one of only three programs in the country with a focus on the growing Hispanic population. You can also earn a certificate in Violence Prevention and Intervention (VPI), Dismantling Oppression (D)C) or Administration and Leadership (ALC) without taking any additional credits. Plus, OLLU field placement specialists will work directly with you to secure a practicum.
Review CurriculumEnhance Your BSW Degree with a Certificate
Add this certificate alongside your BSW to learn about the complexities of Social Work Administration. Through tailored coursework you’ll learn the tools necessary to navigate a dynamic future in Social Work Administration from a position of knowledge, service, ethics, and leadership. You’ll work in the classroom to understand and gain experience with addressing the challenges inherent in supervisory roles, as well as the challenges of program development, implementation, and evaluation in an ever-changing socio-political landscape.
Add this certificate to your program to gain competencies for contributing to social justice initiatives that aspire to assist oppressed populations. You’ll gain extensive knowledge of the challenges affecting these populations and their inherent strengths, enabling you to provide support with empathy and a sense of justice. The coursework prepares you to confront issues of power and privilege while committing to inclusion as a practitioner.
When sought alongside your BSW degree, this certificate gives you a firm grasp on the cyclical nature of violence and competencies for promoting violence prevention as a social worker. The add-on certificate imparts knowledge of the fundamental intervention theories and techniques involving how to prevent the trauma of violence and an understanding of its effect on individuals and the broader community.
Career Outlook: Help Others in a Growing Field
Your BSW degree and passion for serving others will give you the foundation to step into a fulfilling career role or begin graduate and clinical studies.
The social work field is growing, with jobs in this field — including social workers and other community and social service specialists — experiencing an exceptional 12 percent growth rate. In 2020, the median salary for social workers was $51,760.2
Careers in Social WorkProgram Outcomes: Graduate Ready to Make a Difference
You’ll complete this program ready to:
- Sit for the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) Exam at a bachelor’s level*
- Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice
- Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
- Interact and intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
Admission Requirements
To apply for the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Our Lady of the Lake University as a first-time freshman, you’ll need:
- A completed application
- A GPA of at least 2.5 with a minimum score of 840 on the SAT, a GPA of at least 2.0 with a minimum score of 880 on the SAT, or a score of 15 on the ACT
- Official transcripts from any previously attended academic institutions
- Students who do not meet the grade and test requirements are recommended to submit letters of recommendation, a résumé, or a personal statement to supplement their application
Tuition Details
This 120 credit hour program costs $504 per credit hour. Furthering your career with an education from OLLU is an investment in your future. Find full tuition details at the link below.
Full Tuition Details
Military Student Support
Our Lady of the Lake University is proud to support you as you balance your education with your personal and military service commitments. Our online programs offer the flexibility you need to conference with faculty members, study, and access course materials from wherever your busy life takes you. We also accept a variety of military education benefits to ensure the degree program you want is within reach.
Get SupportFaculty: Learn From Diverse Social Work Leaders
You’ll learn firsthand from the industry’s finest social advocates, policymakers, and social-service educators. They’re here to support, mentor, and empower you to be part of the next generation of social work leaders.
OLLU FacultyStudent Testimonial
“The faculty’s expertise has contributed to my success in the program and my career by helping me find the confidence within myself.“ – Amanda – BSW Student
Learning online with OLLU is just as engaging as our on-campus programs — the only difference is the flexibility to learn on your own schedule. Connect with lively discussion groups, complete your assignments and interact with your professors from wherever you prefer to work.
OLLU OnlineSeeking financial aid is a great way to reduce the out-of-pocket cost of getting your new degree — in fact, 90% of our students receive some form of financial aid to ease their transition back to school.
Explore Financial AidFrequently Asked Questions
If you have a question we don’t cover here, request more information or call 855-275-1082.
The Worden School of Social Service at Our Lady of the Lake University has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1942 and meets all guidelines for regional accreditation. The degree you earn online is identical to the Bachelor of Social Work degree offered on campus. Upon earning your BSW, you may apply for the Master of Social Work’s Advanced Standing program, an accredited program of 30 credits that may be completed in 12 consecutive months of accelerated track study.
The total tuition for the online BSW at OLLU is $60,480, as the tuition rate is $504 per credit and the program requires 120 credits.
First-year college students can earn the online BSW in four years. However, with transfer credits, some students may complete the program as quickly as 2 years.
Students are required to complete one full-time, supervised field experience in an agency, under the supervision of a social worker. BSW students must complete a minimum of 450 agency-based clock hours. You can learn more about the Field Education requirements here.
*Licensure requirements vary by state. Students are responsible for understanding the requirements for social work licensure in their resident state. Applicants seeking licensure are encouraged to review all applicable eligibility requirements related to the respective occupational license per the Texas occupations code HB 1508.
*The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
Sources:
- United States Census Bureau (2018 October 9) “Hispanic Population to Reach 111 Million by 2060.” Retrieved March 31, 2022, from https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/2018/comm/hispanic-projected-pop.html.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022 March 24). Social Workers. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved March 31, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm.