How Hard Is IT To Get a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work?

Social work is a popular major with students who desire to impact society positively. A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree is an attainable goal for most students and is not typically considered a complex topic of study.

Learn more about common coursework requirements and competencies to complete a social work degree program.

What Is a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work?

A bachelor's degree in social work is a social science degree that prepares students for clinical social work or other social services careers.

BSW degrees typically require 120 credits and take around four years of full-time study to complete. Students also have the option to complete an online bachelor's degree in social work.

Students gain a solid introduction to social work and will often involve a practicum or field placement to gain practical experience. Graduates will have many career opportunities with a Bachelor's in social work, but a master's degree (MSW) is typically required for licensure that allows students to become clinical social workers.

Is a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work Considered Difficult?

While social work majors will likely face some challenges during the program, a bachelor's degree in social work is not considered to be extremely difficult. The perceived difficulty of a college degree will vary based on each student's interests, previous education, and motivational status; however, social work degrees are not generally considered difficult degrees.

Social work is a practical field that prepares students for applied social work practice. Students will not typically need to take advanced math or science classes during a social work degree unless they pursue these topics as electives.

While social work students may avoid some of these tough college classes, there are still notable challenges and other difficulties faced in social work and human services.

The Most Challenging Aspects of a Social Work Degree

Here are some aspects of studying social work that can be challenging.

Coursework

Regardless of your major, keeping track of the assignments and due dates for multiple classes can be tricky. Social work students may find that work experience or internship programs take up much of their time and make it difficult to complete their coursework on time.

Students must be strategic as they schedule their social work courses throughout their degree program if they want to attain a high GPA.

Speak with an academic advisor to create an efficient degree plan that spreads difficult classes and practicum hours over multiple semesters. Students who struggle with time management may also benefit from studying part-time.

Emotional Toll of Social Work

One of the most challenging aspects of social work practice is the high level of exposure to difficult and traumatic events. Social workers may deal with situations such as substance abuse, domestic abuse, child neglect, and criminal behavior.

While many social work students are passionate about social justice and advocacy, it is crucial to maintain your own mental health and well-being as you enter this field. Be sure to speak with a trusted professor or advisor if you are experiencing emotional distress.

Social Work Placement

Accredited social work programs typically require a field placement, which allows students to experience the full complexity of human behavior and understand the challenges of creating effective interventions. However, these placements can be difficult because they require an extensive investment of time and energy.

In addition to your field placement, practical hours are also a prerequisite for the licensed clinical social work (LCSW) exam that students take after they complete a master's in social work.

Tips for Making a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work Easier

Here are some ways to ensure academic success and personal growth during your social work degree.

Collaborate With Professors

Young undergraduate students sometimes see college professors as schoolteachers, but this is not an optimal framework for the relationship. Remember that you have autonomously chosen to study social work, so you should consider your professors a key resource on your developmental journey.

Professors will typically have plenty of time for motivated students who express interest in the social work field. They can also provide important reference letters that might be needed for MSW programs or jobs.

Professors in social work are typically invested in the long-term success of their students and hope to see them advance to master's degrees and employment opportunities.

Join a Study Group

Classmates are another key resource to tap into during your degree program. Students in on-campus programs can join or start social work study groups to discuss difficult topics and share study guides.

Students pursuing online bachelor's degrees in social work can still connect with classmates through digital platforms. Study groups can have a generalist focus or hone in on specific topics, such as research methods or social welfare policy.

Engaging with other students about course material can help you understand concepts more clearly and provide encouragement when you face challenges.

Manage Your Time Wisely

Managing your time effectively is one of the biggest challenges you'll face in college. Staying on top of coursework and practicum hours can make it difficult to find time for sleep and socialization.

Create a master schedule with blocks for study time. Be sure to include key deadlines and tests to prepare ahead of time. Many students find that using modern time management tools can make college life easier.

Keep Up With Assignments

College students often leave assignments until the last minute due to their busy schedules. While a rapidly approaching deadline can provide additional motivation, it's good to get in the habit of completing assignments ahead of time.

Create a list of assignments and display it in a prominent location to get ahead of your coursework. Waiting until the last minute can create a domino effect where students delay completing assignments in other classes due to the need to cram for exams or complete a project in that short period.

Utilize School Resources

A good social work program is designed to help you succeed, and your university likely has resources you can access if you're struggling. College degrees can feel overwhelming when coursework piles up and deadlines are looming. Speaking with an academic advisor or tutor about how to structure your study time and how to approach projects strategically can lessen the load.

Students with mental health challenges can take advantage of counseling services and other forms of well-being support to keep up with the work.