New online Bachelor of Social Work program exceeding enrollment expectations
iStock photo by SeventyFour
Social workers are in big demand.
Citing U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures, the National Association of Social Workers projected the profession will grow 7% by 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
To help more people prepare for careers in this growing field, Arizona State University launched an online Bachelor of Social Work program last year.
The new ASU Online BSW program, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, is proving to be popular with students. Slightly more than 200 students enrolled as soon as applications opened in fall 2024 — more than double initial projections, said Assistant Teaching Professor Marcos Martinez of the School of Social Work. More than 400 students are pursuing their BSW degree online during spring 2025.
The new program, led by the school’s baccalaureate program director, social work Assistant Teaching Professor Tahnee Baker, complements an existing ASU Online Master of Social Work program, Martinez said.
Accessibility meets opportunity
“This online BSW offers a path that gives students accessibility and opportunity,” Martinez said. “Now we can make our program accessible to students who live in other states who want to do the work of helping.”
School of Social Work Director and Distinguished Professor of Social Policy Elizabeth Lightfoot said the online BSW program is evidence of ASU’s commitment to a high-quality social work education.
“As ASU is one of the top-ranked schools of social work in the country, students in our BSW program take classes designed and taught by some of the most innovative and knowledgeable social workers in the world,” Lightfoot said.
Undergraduate Elizabeth Juarez, a Los Angeles native, said she was drawn to the online BSW program’s flexibility, allowing her to balance studies, work and personal commitments, as well as its focus on social justice and community impact.
“That resonated with my passion for helping others, making it an ideal choice for me,” Juarez said.
Martinez said social work is a helping profession with applications in a wide variety of fields and places, from one-on-one therapy settings to nonprofit administration. The field provides veterans the opportunity to work for Veterans Affairs programs as well, he said.
According to a National Association of Social Workers statement, social workers are “in our communities, in hospitals, the halls of Congress and in local governments, corporations, social service agencies, veterans’ centers, as well as schools, sporting institutions, and more.”
“Social work allows versatility in serving kids and adults, in school-based, governmental and nonprofit settings, as well as in mental health/substance abuse, sex trafficking and prevention of at-risk behavior, just to name several,” said Martinez, who noted that the U.S. has a shortage of social workers in the mental and behavioral health fields.
Juarez said she enjoys the program’s engaging and interactive course materials, which enrich her understanding of social work theory and practice.
“The opportunity to collaborate with diverse peers through online discussions further enhances my learning experience, allowing me to gain valuable insights and perspectives from others in the field,” Juarez said.
Accelerated BSW and MSW degrees available
Students who would not be able to travel to campus to attend classes in person can now get both a BSW and MSW online. Those who complete their BSW program with at least a 3.2 grade point average within the past six years are eligible for ASU’s accelerated MSW Advanced Standing online graduate program.
Students in the accelerated MSW Advanced Standing program can also complete requirements for the MSW degree in one year instead of the traditional two, said Martinez, who said most BSW students go on to earn an MSW degree.
The years leading to 2033 will see marked growth in the number of social workers, NASW said.
“By then, more than 836,000 social workers will be employed here in the United States. Social workers undergo years of schooling and training, gaining the expertise needed to support communities and individuals,” according to the NASW statement. “They excel at meeting people where they are and provide compassionate guidance and help.”
More information about the online BSW program and how to apply is available here.
The School of Social Work is part of the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
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