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Social workers play a vital role in our society, helping people in every circumstance overcome challenges. In the online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program, you’ll have the opportunity to develop skills to help people, groups and communities access resources they need to thrive.
*Capella’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is not currently accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation. Capella is currently in Candidacy status. If Capella’s BSW program does not achieve full accreditation or is delayed in achieving full accreditation, it may prevent or delay you from obtaining licensure in certain states.
Use the code MSFALL to waive the $50 application fee.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
SWK2002 |
Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare
Learners in this course develop professional foundations of social work. Learners gain the knowledge, skills, and understanding of ethics involved in generalist social work practice. Learners analyze the economic, political, social, and theoretical contexts of social work practice. Throughout the course, learners familiarize themselves with the diverse settings, roles, and client groups associated with social work. For BSW learners only. Must be taken during the learner’s first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. |
6 quarter credits |
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SWK2200 * |
History, Policy, and Practice of Social Welfare
Learners in this course gain an understanding of the history of social work. Learners investigate theoretical frameworks and generalist practice to understand domestic social policies and social welfare programs. Learners build an understanding and competence in advocating, leading, and planning concerning issues of economic, human rights, and social justice for children, youth, adults, families, communities, and organizations. For BSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in SWK2002. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework from a CSWE-accredited program. |
6 quarter credits |
SWK2208 * |
Introduction to Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Learners identify how generalist practitioners utilize systems approaches to analyze the impact of social forces on the dynamics of individuals and families. Using theories, social work best practices, and research findings, learners cultivate the ability to assess the ways in which individuals and families function within the context of their social environments. For BSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in SWK2002. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework from a CSWE-accredited program. |
6 quarter credits |
SWK2400 * |
Introduction to Research in Social Work Practice
Learners in this course develop the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to engage in generalist practice that is rooted in the duality of research-formed practice and practice-informed research. Learners cultivate competence related to evaluating best practices and critically assessing the research of others, as well as planning and conducting research. Through analysis of the relationship between social work and research, learners acquire the skills necessary to effectively serve individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Learners demonstrate their knowledge and skills through building their own research plans and leveraging technology throughout the design and proposal processes. For BSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in SWK2002. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework from a CSWE-accredited program. |
6 quarter credits |
SWK3200 * |
BSW Practice - Micro
Learners in this course engage in a dynamic synchronous and asynchronous online hybrid experience integrating live video generalist practice experiences with faculty and learners in a virtual learning community to guide them as they gain the skills necessary to integrate social work best practices, methods, and theories into their work as generalist practitioners. Learners build the knowledge, values, and best practice skills required for generalist social work practice. Learners demonstrate their ability to utilize technology, leadership, and evaluation-of-practice techniques by leveraging a strengths-based perspective and problem solving processes. Finally, learners identify how to appropriately and effectively improve the well-being of others while mitigating adverse environmental conditions. For BSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): SWK2002, SWK2200, SWK2208, SWK2400. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. |
6 quarter credits |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
The Bachelor of Social Work degree program introduces the foundations of generalist social work practice.
The comprehensive curriculum provides ongoing opportunities to develop and enhance critical thinking, technological and leadership skills with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
On successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
The mission of Capella University’s Bachelor of Social Work program is to educate and prepare diverse adult students to serve as innovative, 21st-century foundation generalist practitioners.
We strive to develop professional social workers who will exemplify strengths-based and ecological perspectives, cultural competence and ethical practice, and emerge as leaders who apply technology as an adjunct to practice.
We aim for our graduates to further advance social work practice in service of their local communities, agencies and organizations.
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
$350 per credit, $125 resource kit fee, 180 total quarter credits, 120 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 10, 2023, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. Books, supplies, and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include an application fee, travel expenses, and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50-$200, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
*Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2021–2022
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
Capella’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is not currently accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation. Capella is currently in Candidacy status. If Capella’s BSW program does not achieve full accreditation or is delayed in achieving full accreditation, it may prevent or delay you from obtaining licensure in certain states. This program is currently not approved for VA education benefits by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
Admission requirements
Applicants to the Bachelor of Social Work must provide the following information for admission:
SAT and ACT are not required for admission.
All admissions decisions are final.
International student requirements
If you live outside the U.S. or aren’t a U.S. citizen, you may be considered an international student.
To meet the requirements for Capella admission, you must:
Learn more about international student admissions.
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a bachelor’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work.
Job titles to explore
Employment settings to explore
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any professional license, certification, endorsement, salary increase or other career outcome. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
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Explore paths and programs that leverage your unique interests to help build a better world.