4 Affordable Online Social Work Degrees in Arizona

Students who earn a degree in social work can go on to do rewarding work in many fields, including criminal justice, education healthcare, and, of course, social services. Unfortunately, social workers are often underpaid, leading many to wonder if a social work degree is worth the time or effort.

Luckily, many colleges and universities in places like Arizona and across the U.S. offer affordable online social work degree programs. Keep reading to discover some social work programs from low-cost online colleges in Arizona.

Affordable Online Social Work Degree Programs in Arizona

A handful of universities in Arizona offer online bachelor's degrees in social work at an affordable rate. We've listed these programs below. All schools listed are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research institution in Tempe, AZ. It offers an online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW).

The BSW program covers topics like child welfare, behavioral and mental health, and the basics of social work practice. In-state students pay $683 per credit for the first ten credits, after which the price becomes $63 per credit. For example, a student taking 12 credits would pay $6,570.

ASU's MSW has a standard track and an advanced standing track. Both options are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and cost $885 per credit. Financial aid is available for online students at all levels.

2. Northern Arizona University

Through Northern Arizona University, students can earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in social work online. Both of these social work programs are CSWE-accredited.

The bachelor's program includes coursework on social services, social justice, and human behavior, as well as a field education portion for hands-on experience. In-state and out-of-state students who study online pay $11,688 per year of full-time study.

Those pursuing licensure can move on to the master's degree program, which requires an internship or field placement. Graduate social work students pay $11,430 per year when studying full-time, regardless of residency. NAU is a public research university in Flagstaff, AZ.

3. Park University

At Park University, students can earn a Bachelor of Social Work through online learning. This CSWE-accredited program covers multiple topics in the field of social work, including behavioral health and human services for diverse populations. The program also includes electives and practical experiences.

Park University is a private institution based in Parkville, MO, with a campus in Gilbert, AZ. The tuition rate for online programs at the university is $575 per credit hour.

4. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix is a private, for-profit online school based in Phoenix. It offers a Bachelor of Science in social work that covers topics such as:

• communication
• human behavior
• social work advocacy
• social work practice

This program includes real-world experiences and costs $398 per credit hour. Financial aid options to help students pay for their program.

Other Affordable Online Social Work Programs in the U.S.

While Arizona only has a few online social work programs, online learners can complete their higher education through numerous online schools across the U.S. We've listed them below — all are regionally accredited.

1. Charter Oak State College

Charter Oak State College offers an online BSW program to social work students. It includes courses on human behavior, working with diverse populations, and social services, as well as practicum experiences.

Charter Oak State College is a public online school based in New Britain, CT. It charges $329 per credit for its programs, regardless of whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student.

2. Eastern New Mexico University

Through Eastern New Mexico University, students can earn an online, CSWE-accredited BSW in social work. ENMU is a public research university based in Portales, NM.

The bachelor's program includes hands-on field practicums that help students develop the competencies necessary to work as entry-level social work professionals. In-state students pay $2,097 per semester for full-time study, while out-of-state students pay $3,087.

3. Touro University Worldwide

Students at Touro University Worldwide can earn a bachelor's degree in social work online. This CSWE-accredited program covers human behavior, social justice, and social services.

Touro University is a private, nonprofit school based in New York City, but its online Worldwide campus is based in California. It charges $500 per credit hour for this program and accepts a high number of transfer credits.

FAQs About Online Social Work Programs

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online social work programs.

What Can You Do With a Social Work Degree?

The career path you take with a social work degree will depend largely on the level of degree you earn and whether you obtain licensure, but options include:

• case manager
• community service manager
• family and child social worker
• healthcare social worker
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• nonprofit administrator
• probation or parole officer
• school social worker
• substance abuse counselor

Note that some of these roles require you to complete a master's program through an accredited School of Social Work and to earn social work licensure.

What Degree Do You Need To Be a Social Worker in Arizona?

Many careers in the social work and social services fields require only a bachelor's degree in social work. However, to become a licensed social worker in Arizona, there are certain requirements you'll need to meet depending on your career goals.

To become a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), which is an entry-level social worker, you'll need to complete a CSWE-accredited BSW. You'll also need to take and earn a passing score on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) bachelors exam.

Licensed Master Social Workers are advanced generalist social workers. They need to complete a CSWE-accredited master's program and pass the ASWB master's exam.

To become an LCSW, you'll need not only an MSW from an accredited program but at least 3,200 of in-person clinical social work experience. You'll also need a passing score on the ASWB clinical exam.

What Is the ROI of an Online MSW Program?

Return on investment, or ROI, is calculated by taking the amount you make during your first year as a social worker and dividing it by the amount of debt you left your online Master of Social Work program with. As a result, many factors, including program affordability and starting salary, affect ROI.

For example, in-state students who earn their MSW at ASU will pay roughly $49,288 without financial aid. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the annual mean wage of child, family, and school social workers in Arizona is between $35,940 and $49,330. This means that during your first year or so, your ROI may be very low or even negative; however, it will increase the longer you stay in the workforce.

Find Online Bachelor's Degrees in Social Work Today

Start your journey toward a rewarding career in social work by exploring the online Bachelor of Social Work degrees featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual colleges to learn more about admissions, enrollment, financial aid, and more.