Woman with dark hair smiling and putting a helping, caring, understanding hand on a man's shoulder next to her. Other people in a round chair group gathering, with shining rays of light washing in through the window in the background.

Bachelor’s in Social Work at UCCS

Advocate for and lead social change

Fill out the form to receive more information.

Rise to New Heights in Social Work

Make a difference in the lives of clients and communities. The UCCS Online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program will prepare you for entry-level roles in social work where you can operate as an advocate, leader, and catalyst for social change across diverse client systems. BSW-trained social workers are equipped to make impactful contributions to the lives of clients and communities by focusing their education on ethical practice and competence.

This program offers 100% online coursework, with a practicum you can complete in your own community. Students work with our Practicum Director to secure a local placement, which is ideal for those living out of state, stationed abroad, or residing internationally. Most placements are in-person, with limited virtual options available.

Offered by

College of Public Service
Format

100% Online

Delivery
Cost Per Credit

$452*

*Approximate In-state
Cost Per Credit

$653*

*Approximate Out-of-State
Application Deadline

May 1, 2026

Priority Application Deadline
Application Deadline

Rolling Admissions
Credit Hours

120
Time To Completion

4 Years

Career-Relevant Courses

Hands-on coursework will give you valuable experience in the field.

Flexible Format

Pursue your degree without pausing your life with this online learning format.

CSWE Accreditation

Our social work program meets rigorous standards set by the Council on Social Work Education.

Transfer Your Credits

Shorten the time to graduation—have your previously earned college credits evaluated for transfer into UCCS.

Featured Courses

SOWK 3001: The Helping Relationship
Covers basic skills of helping individuals and families in the context of generalist social work practice. Dual emphasis placed on both the knowledge base and the performance of these skills. Assists students in determining their desire to enter the field of social work and prepares students for further educational experiences at the university and in the social work program.

SOWK 3400: Awareness, Dialogue, and Engagement
Examines intersecting and ongoing injustices that result in oppression and racism, including social work’s role and response. Evaluates distribution of power and privilege to promote social justice, reduce inequities and ensure dignity and respect for all. Prepares students to engage in eliminating structural barriers to ensure that social rights are distributed equitably to protect civil, political, economic, social, and cultural human rights. Among the social work skills addressed are ways to advocate for human rights at the individual and system levels and engage in practices that advance human rights to promote social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.

SOC 3250: Power, Privilege and Social Difference
Examines the processes and conditions that produce the systems of differences and privilege shaping our lived experiences. Critically analyzes the prevailing cultural ideologies surrounding class, race, gender, sexuality, and ability. Emphasizes awareness, respect, justice and resolution.

Social Work Career Outlook

Prepare to meet a growing need in your community. Jobs in social work are projected to grow 8% from 2025-2029 in Colorado. Lightcast estimates an average salary of $71,660 annually for BSW holders across the state, which includes people in jobs such as:

social and community service managers,
postsecondary teachers,
probation officers and correctional treatment specialists,
marriage and family therapists,
healthcare social workers,
child, family and school social workers, and
mental health and substance abuse social workers.

Students who earn a bachelor’s degree in social work are well-prepared with the skills and confidence to complete a graduate-level program, advance in their current role, or pursue casework, health education, community outreach, advocacy, school counseling, and more.
We’re here to help. We emphasize to all students that faculty members are here for them. As faculty seek to connect with you, feel free to use their flexible office hours or contact them if you need additional help.
A common barrier to success is time management, especially if you are working a full-time job. The online format offers more flexibility and the opportunity to develop better balance among your commitments, but having a plan for completing your studies each week can help you get on track to success early.
Online courses at the University of Colorado are taught by the same professors that teach in-person classes. This ensures that you are receiving the same education and learning experiences as on-campus students. The primary difference is with the delivery format. Your online courses will all be taught in Canvas, the Learning Management System (LMS). You will be responsible for logging in, accessing course content, and completing any requirements of the course.
The Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) program is offered fully online, which means you will not be required to take courses at our campus and there are no on-campus components to this program. The program involves two practicum courses where you’ll engage in an approved human services site appropriate for your chosen emphasis area and learn and practice interview skills, resume building, professional communication, and more.
The best way to learn more is by requesting more information through the form on this page. We also hold information sessions, which are available both in person and virtually.