Are Online Social Work Degrees Legitimate?

What To Look For in an Online Social Work Degree Program

There are several things to keep in mind when choosing an online school and social work program. Let's take a closer look.

Accreditation

All legitimate schools are accredited by a regional or national accrediting body such as the Higher Learning Commission. Additionally, social work programs should have specialized accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education.

Reputation

Even accredited schools are not all created equally. Some have a better reputation than others. You should always endeavor to choose a school that is well-known and has a reputation for:

• Academic excellence
• Student support
• Graduation

Nonprofit vs. For-Profit Degrees

Both nonprofit and for-profit schools can be legitimate and accredited. Generally speaking, non-profit schools have better academic reputations. On the other hand, for-profit schools often offer highly flexible and accessible degrees at affordable prices. Consider which factors are more important to you when choosing your school.

Graduation Rates

Colleges and universities with higher graduation rates are thought to have a variety of student support services in place as well as high-quality professors and curriculum. While this is a smaller factor in making your college decision, choosing a school with a higher graduation rate can give you a better educational experience.

Differences Between Online Social Work Degrees and Traditional Social Work Degrees

Online social work degree programs are often flexible, allowing students to study anytime, day or night, as long as regular deadlines are met. Most or all coursework is completed online and can be done anywhere you have an internet connection.

Traditional social work programs are completed on-campus by taking most or all of your classes at set times in physical classrooms. They typically include more hands-on learning experiences and interaction between teachers and peers.

Online degree programs often have shorter class sessions than traditional programs, which usually follow a typical 16-week semester schedule. Online courses are often delivered in eight-week sessions, allowing students to take more classes in a shorter timeframe or focus more on each class they take.

Benefits of Earning Your Social Work Degree at an Online School

Getting a degree online has many benefits for highly motivated students. If you have a family, work full-time, or have other commitments outside of school, studying online allows you to fit your education into your existing life without having to put other priorities on hold.

Many online programs allow students to progress through the program at an accelerated rate or to slow down and take things at a more gradual pace; whatever works for you. This flexibility makes education more accessible for many people who otherwise wouldn't be able to go back to school.

In addition, online degree programs may be more affordable than traditional programs. While this isn't always the case, tuition costs may be lower, and fewer fees may be charged. You also won't have to pay to live on campus or commute to campus if you can study online from any location.

Featured Online Social Work Degree Programs

Check out the following schools and the online social work degree programs they offer.

1. University of Louisville

The University of Louisville is a public school in Kentucky. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and holds programmatic accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education.

Three online social work degrees are available:

• Online BSW - Bachelor of Social Work
• Online MS in social work
• Online DSW - Doctor of Social Work

2. Simmons University

Simmons University is a private women's college, though its graduate programs are coeducational. It is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and the Council on Social Work Education.

Consider pursuing one of the following online social work degrees:

• Online BSW - Bachelor of Social Work
• Online MSW - Master of Social Work
• Online DSW - Doctor of Social Work

3. Walden University

Walden University is a for-profit online university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It also has specialized accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education.

Several social work degrees are available to choose from:

• Online BSW - Bachelor of Social Work
• Online MSW - Master of Social Work
• Online DSW - Doctor of Social Work
• Online Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy in social work

4. University of Arkansas - Little Rock

The University of Arkansas - Little Rock is a public school boasting a variety of online degree programs. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Council on Social Work Education.

Students can pursue the following online social work degrees:

• Online BSW - Bachelor of Social Work
• Online MSW - Master of Social Work

5. Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers an array of degree programs through its online campus. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and its social work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Two online social work degrees are available at this school:

• Online BSW - Bachelor of Social Work
• Online MSW - Master of Social Work