Bachelor of

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 16th
Est. Program Length
2-4 years
Course Length
8 weeks
Cost per Credit
$321.80*
Credit Hours
124
Credits Accepted
94

*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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Council on Social Work Education Accreditation

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

Student and Faculty Interview


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 124 credit hours. Students must take 44 credit hours in general education, 46 hours in major coursework, 13 credit hours of related work and 31 elective credits.

ECU requires all students to take general education courses. For this program, 10 credit hours (BIOL 1114, PSYCH 1113 and SOC 1113) are counted in the major.

Includes math course*

34 additional credit hours needed

*Any math course approved for general education

HURES 2083
HURES 3183
HURES 3183
HURES 3763
SOWK 2273
SOWK 2521
SOWK 3013
SOWK 3613
SOWK 3833
SOWK 4423
SOWK 4494
SOWK 4892
SOWK 4946

Required General Education – 10 credits

BIOL 1114 General Biology (satisfies general education requirement and must be completed prior to enrollment in HURES 2083 Human Behavior and Social Environment)

It is recommended that the social work major select elective courses from the Department of Human Resources or a related field.


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 ComponentRequirementsCostTotal
Tuition124 credit hours$321.80*$39,903.20
Total with transfer credits (up to 94)**$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 Aid

Military 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 Benefits

Native 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 page

Are 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 page

Transfer 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 page

Career 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.

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