Social Work
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- 100% online
- Transfer up to 94 credits
- Gain valuable field experience through internships
Program Details
- Next Start Date
- January 21st
- Est. Program Length
- 2-4 years
- Course Length
- 8 weeks
- Cost per Credit
- $321.80*
- Credit Hours
- 120
- Credits Accepted
- 90
*Price reflects tuition for Oklahoma residents. Non-resident tuition is $638.80 per credit hour. There is a non-resident tuition waiver available if certain requirements are met. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information. An additional semester fee of $89 will apply for all students and possible charges for course related fees.
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Make a Difference in Your Community with a Rewarding Career
Prepare for a successful career as a generalist social work professional with the online Bachelor of Social Work from East Central University. Graduates of the online social work degree program are qualified to work with individuals, families, groups and organizations in human and social services positions or to pursue further study at the master’s level. East Central University’s Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
The bachelor’s in social work online curriculum promotes both human and community well-being through a global perspective, respect for diversity and scientific knowledge. Our expert faculty educate students for social work practice in today’s rapidly changing society, with the aim of enhancing quality of life for all people. Online BSW coursework includes hands-on internship opportunities that give you valuable workplace experience as well as built-in electives so you can specialize your studies for your career goals.
ECU – Why Social Work Matters to the Chickasaw Nation
Topics of Study
Our online social work degree offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare you for career success. Just a few potential topics of study include:
- Human behavior
- Interviewing techniques
- Case management
- Group processes and practice
- Social welfare
- Policy
Learning Outcomes
When you complete your bachelor’s in social work online, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
- Advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice in practice
- Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
- Work with, assess, evaluate and intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
- Engage with diversity and policy
Courses & Requirements
Our online BSW program requires a total of 120 credit hours. Students must take 40 credit hours in general education in this program.
A maximum of 12 hours may be counted in both the major/related work and general education.
- SOWK 2083
- COUNS 2103
- COUNS 3183
- COUNS 3763
- SOWK 2273
- SOWK 2521
- SOWK 3013
- SOWK 3613
- SOWK 3833
- SOWK 4423
- SOWK 4494
- SOWK 4892
- SOWK 4946
Human Behavior and Social Environment I
3 Credits
Prereq.: SOC 1113 and PSYCH 1113; for Social Work Majors, SOC 1113, PSYCH 1113 and BIOL 1114. Theoretical frameworks drawn from the biological, social, and behavioral sciences for understanding across the life span and the range of social systems in which people live; and the ways social systems promote or deter achievement of health and well-being. Explored is the impact of factors including ethnicity, race, class, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and culture on human development and behavior.
Interviewing Techniques
3 Credits
A study and practice of case management and knowledge and skills for effective case management. Areas of emphasis include identification and assessment of client situations, use of formal and informal assessment techniques, case recording skills and development of individualized assessments and case plans.
Case Management Practice
3 Credits
Prereq.: 2103 and an introductory course in Human Resources or departmental approval. A study and practice of case management and knowledge and skills for effective case management. Areas of emphasis include: identification and assessment of client situations, use of formal and informal assessment techniques, case recording skills, and development of individualized assessments and case plans.
Group Processes and Practice
3 Credits
A study of the nature and purpose of various types of groups, techniques of group facilitation and direction, and the roles of participant and leader in various practice settings. Includes experiential component designed to expose students to group process.
Introduction to Social Work & Social Welfare
3 Credits
Provides students with an overview of social work as a profession, its historical development and knowledge, value and skills for practice. Informed sensitivity to all aspects of human diversity is emphasized and the advocacy role of social workers with oppressed and devalued populations. History, development and philosophy of the social welfare institution in U.S. society and the role of the profession is explored.
Professional Skills for Social Work and Social Welfare
1 Credits
This course builds upon and reinforces the foundation of generalist social work knowledge, values, ethics, attitudes and skills introduced in the SOWK 2273 Introduction to Social Work course. Students will learn about various types of social work writing including APA, case notes and process recordings, and court and agency reports. Students will also study the code of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers and practice ethical decision-making. The course reinforces the skills necessary to implement the phases of the planned change model to social work practice. Students will be required to participate in a 15-hour field experience in a community agency.
Social Work Practice I
3 Credits
This first course in the social work practice curriculum sequence emphasizes the preparation of students for competent strengths-oriented action with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities through use of professional knowledge, values and skills. A generalist practice framework using a problem-solving model approach is the context for the course. Students are introduced to relevant theoretical and conceptual frameworks for generalist practice and for work with diverse populations, including older adults.
Social Welfare Policy & Services
3 Credits
This course prepares students to understand how policy affects service delivery and how to actively engage in policy practice to advance and improve the quality of social services. Content includes the history and current structure of policies and services, the role of policy in service delivery and the role of practice in policy development. Students analyze, propose and formulate policies that advance social well-being. The advancement of human rights and social and economic justice provides a context for the course.
Research Methods in Social Work
3 Credits
This course introduces students to systematic approaches to scientific thinking necessary for knowledge building and evaluating one’s own practice and practice that informs research. Critical thinking and analysis skills are emphasized within the context of ethical scientific inquiry and practice. Students apply research to evaluation of practice and improvement of practice, policy and social services delivery.
Human Behavior & Social Environment II
3 Credits
This is the second course in the human behavior and social environment curriculum sequence that builds on competencies from HURES 2083 and knowledge from the liberal arts. Emphasized is the range of social systems impacting on social functioning and well-being as well as the dimensions of human diversity which may oppress, marginalize and alienate people in their environment. Content focuses on how social workers respond to evolving organizational, community and societal contexts at all levels of practice.
Social Work Practice II
4 Credits
The second course in the social work practice curriculum sequence, which prepares students for generalist practice within the context of the problem-solving model approach. Emphasis is on preparing students for competent strengths-oriented practice using relevant knowledge, values and skills to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities, which encompasses work with diverse persons, including older adults. Focus is on the interactive process of engagement, assessment, intervention and evaluation.
Integrative Seminar in Social Work
2 Credits
This course, taken concurrently with the Social Work Internship, provides students the opportunity to reflect on the application of the theoretical and conceptual contribution of the classroom and field as preparation for generalist practice. The seminar is a forum for exchange of ideas and experiences relative to practice issues, professional development, the helping process and social work values and ethics. The seminar is further defined by evaluation of student learning and competency building that has occurred across the social work curriculum in the classroom and field.
Internship in Social Work *
Credits
The social work internship socializes students to perform in the role of practitioner. The theoretical and conceptual contribution of the classroom is connected to the practice setting, where interns demonstrate achievement of the program’s generalist practice competencies and corresponding behaviors. This 448-hour internship is systematically designed and supervised through coordination of the program and practice setting.
*Internship in Social Work is not offered during summer semester.
BIOL 1114 General Biology (satisfies general education requirement and must be completed prior to enrollment in HURES 2083 Human Behavior and Social Environment) PSYCH 1113 General Psychology (satisfies general education requirement and must be completed prior to enrollment in SOWK 2083 Human Behavior Social Environment I) SOC 1113 Introduction to Sociology (satisfies general education requirement and must be completed prior to enrollment in SOWK 2083 Human Behavior Social Environment I)
An elective course is any college-level course not required by the degree that is utilized to reach the120 credit hours required for degree completion. Elective courses are chosen according to the interest of the student and can be used in completion of a minor, certificate, or additional major
Admission Requirements
To be accepted into the ECU Online social work degree program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have a GPA of 2.25 or higher
- If you are a transfer student, you must have completed 24 college credit hours with a retention GPA of 2.0 or higher. If you have fewer than 24 college credit hours, you will be required to submit your high school transcript and ACT or SAT scores for consideration.
Note: CLEP or life experience will not be accepted for credit.
How to Apply
To apply, you must submit the following materials:
- Online application
- Official high school transcript or college transcript from an accredited institution
- ACT/SAT scores
Have a question about this program or the admission process? Get connected to one of our knowledgeable enrollment counselors.
Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 120 credit hours | $321.80* | $38,616.00 |
| Total with transfer credits (up to 90)** | $9,654.00 | ||
*Price reflects tuition for Oklahoma residents. Non-resident tuition is $638.80 per credit hour. There is a non-resident tuition waiver available if certain requirements are met. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information. An additional semester fee of $89 will apply for all students and possible charges for course related fees.
**Note: Transfer students must have completed at least 24 credit hours.
Fees and tuition subject to change.
Financial Aid
At ECU Online, we strive to ensure your education is as affordable as possible. Learn more about your options for financing your education by visiting our Financial Aid page.
View Financial AidMilitary Benefits
East Central University is a proud military-friendly school. Discover how your status as a U.S. military veteran or active-duty service member can help you earn your degree by visiting our Military & Veterans page.
View Military BenefitsNative American Students
Eligible Native American students can find financial aid programs, heritage scholarships, grants, and academic support services to help ensure their success at ECU.
View our Native American Students pageAre You the First in Your Family to Go to College?
At ECU, we recognize that “going first” can be difficult. We provide the extra financial support, scholarships, resources, services, and skills you need to succeed.
View our First-Generation College Students pageTransfer Students
If you’ve taken college-level courses elsewhere, you could save time and money earning your degree by transferring credits to ECU and may qualify for scholarships.
View our Transfer Students pageCareer Outlook
The online BSW degree gives you the knowledge and skills for entry-level human services and social work roles in a variety of contexts, including practice in rural communities. You can pursue career paths such as the following:
- Tribal child welfare
- Medical social work
- Child welfare
- Case management
- Hospice
- Mental health
- School social work
- Veterans family support
- Social service
- Domestic violence
With further study at the graduate level, you can also pursue a career as a licensed social worker. ECU Online’s BSW provides a strong foundation for your future goals.
Case Managers
guide and support individuals in ways that will help them improve their quality of life. They work closely with health providers to ensure their clients’ needs are met. Clients often include recovering addicts, ex-convicts, those experiencing poverty or the elderly.
Average annual salary: $40,171
Social and human services assistants
help social workers and other social services professionals provide support for clients. They work with individuals and families, assisting them in accessing benefits and community services.
Average annual salary: $33,750
Social workers
help people solve problems and improve their quality of life. Clinical social workers are also qualified to diagnose and treat mental, behavioral and emotional issues.
Average annual salary: $49,470
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We have three scholarships specifically dedicated to those who choose to social work:
- Bridges-Burke Social Work Scholarship
- Richard E. Baumgartner Memorial Scholarship
- Lowell E. Green Human Resources Scholarship
For more information about these scholarship opportunities, speak to an enrollment counselor.
The field of social work is focused on improving the lives of others. Social workers assist their clients by helping them access resources, solve problems and cope with issues in all aspects of life.
This program is an ideal way to earn your online BSW degree in a flexible format. You can study on your schedule and balance work and family commitments while meeting your professional goals. Because there is no residency requirement, you can complete your studies from anywhere and learn in a way that fits your life.