7 Affordable Online Social Work Degrees in Tennessee

A social work degree can lead to numerous career paths in social justice and human services. Social work is a field that is in demand across the United States, including in Tennessee. This has prompted schools to offer affordable online social work degrees throughout the country.

Students in Tennessee can pursue social work bachelor's degrees online or in person. Keep reading to discover affordable online social work degree programs in Tennessee.

Affordable Online Social Work Degree Programs in Tennessee

Several affordable online colleges in Tennessee offer social work degree programs. We've featured these programs below, all of which are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

1. Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay State University is a public institution in Clarksville, TN. It offers an online Master of Social Work (MSW) program that covers topics such as:

• child welfare
• human behavior
• social justice
• social welfare policy

This program offers a traditional track as well as an advanced standing track for those who have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. Tuition is $488 per credit hour.

2. East Tennessee State University

Through East Tennessee State University, social work students can earn a BSW or an MSW online. ETSU is a public research university in Johnson City, TN.

The bachelor's degree program includes core courses and electives on social work practice, substance abuse, crisis intervention, and social work in healthcare. It also includes field experiences and costs $464 per credit hour for in-state students.

The MSW program is an advanced generalist program that prepares students to work in clinical practice. Both a traditional and advanced standing track are available, and the program costs $464 per credit hour.

3. King University

King University offers a bachelor's and master's degree in social work online. King University is a private, nonprofit school in Bristol, TN.

Coursework in the BSW program includes topics like generalist practice, human behavior, and social welfare policy. It includes a field practicum and costs $305 per credit hour.

Students can take the master's in social work as a foundational or advanced standing program. It focuses on clinical social work and advocacy and has a tuition rate of $610 per credit hour.

4. Southern Adventist University

At Southern Adventist University, online students can earn an MSW through distance learning. This online program includes a mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses and offers three specializations:

• crisis and emergency management
• mental health practice in social work
• school social work

Southern Adventist University is a private Christian school in Collegedale, TN. It charges $760 per credit hour for this program.

5. Union University

Through Union University, students can earn an online bachelor's or master's in social work. Union University is a private Christian school in Jackson, TN.

The bachelor's degree focuses on the fundamentals of social work practice, as well as human behavior in the social environment. BSW students pay $567 per credit hour for this online degree.

The master's program offers an advanced standing and traditional track, both with an advanced generalist concentration. The tuition rate is $655 per credit.

6. University of Memphis

The University of Memphis offers both a BSW and an MSW online. The University of Memphis is a public research institution in Memphis.

The bachelor's program prepares students for generalist social work and human services and also offers a specialization in school social work. Tuition is $447 per credit for in-state and out-of-state students, with a cap of $5,364 per semester for in-state students.

The online MSW includes in-person field placements that can be completed within your community. This program has a tuition rate of $646 per credit hour, with a cap of $6,460 per semester for in-state students.

Additionally, students wanting to pursue even more advanced practice in social work can earn a Doctor of Social Work online through the University of Memphis. Tuition is $646 per credit hour for this program as well.

7. University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a public research institution in Knoxville, TN, and the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee System. It offers an online bachelor's and master's in social work through its School of Social Work.

The BSW includes coursework on evidence-based and trauma-informed child welfare, mental health, social justice, and clinical practice. It includes field education and in-state students pay $490 per credit hour.

In the MSW program, students learn through a mix of asynchronous and synchronous online courses. Students can choose between a clinical social work specialization or an organizational leadership specialization � the latter is focused on leading social services organizations. In-state students pay $744 per credit for this degree.

An online Doctor of Social Work in clinical practice is also available. The tuition rate for this program is also $744.

FAQs About Online Social Work Degrees

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

How Much Does an Online Social Work Degree Cost?

The cost of an online social work degree depends on several different factors, including whether you're earning a BSW or an MSW, whether you study full-time or part-time, and whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student.

Of the programs above, bachelor's degrees range from $305 to $567 per credit hour, while master's degrees range from $488 to $744. However, this is before any financial aid is applied.

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

There are four different social work licenses available to those in Tennessee. Those with a bachelor's degree from a CSWE-accredited program can earn the Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) credential, which allows them to work in entry-level roles in the field of social work.

The other three types of social work licensure all require CSWE-accredited MSW degrees. These are:

• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW): This license offers a chance for social workers to work in more advanced practice roles. There are no post-degree field requirements but students need to pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) master's exam.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): LCSWs can work in clinical practice, where they assess patients, diagnose mental health disorders, and provide treatment. They must have 3,000 hours of field experience and pass the ASWB clinical exam.
• Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker (LAPSW): These social workers can work independently, but cannot provide clinical services. They must have 3,000 hours of fieldwork and pass the ASWB advanced generalist practice exam.

What Can You Do With an Online MSW Degree?

There are various social work careers that MSW graduates can pursue. These include:

• case manager
• child and family social worker
• healthcare social worker
• mental health counselor
• school social worker
• social services coordinator
• substance abuse counselor

Note that some of these roles may have specific licensure and education requirements.

Find an Online Social Work Program Today

Start your path in social work today by exploring the online programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to specific schools for more information on admissions, enrollment, and affordability.