Social Work (BSW): Online

Undergraduate

Social work students

An online bachelor's degree completion program

Want to finish your bachelor’s degree in social work? Simmons University’s Online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program gives you the same high-quality education as our on-campus program, but with the flexibility to fit your schedule.

You’ll join live, interactive online classes led by experienced professionals and learn the basics of social welfare, economic justice, and general social work practice. Our online BSW program combines flexibility with strong academics.

Learn more about Simmons’ women-centered online degree completion program.

Why pursue an online BSW degree at Simmons? 

The Simmons online BSW program goes beyond theory and helps you build practical skills to address real-world challenges.

What you’ll gain:

  • Mastery of human behavior, social research, and justice-oriented practice
  • Skills to work with diverse groups in diverse settings
  • The ability to drive change at the individual, family, and community level 
  • Preparation for licensing exams and/or future MSW studies

Whether you want to enter the workforce immediately or pursue your MSW, our program provides the springboard you need. You will graduate with the versatile skill set needed to strengthen organizations, influence policy, and transform lives. 

Practicum education 

Theory meets practice in the Simmons BSW program. You won’t just read about social work, you’ll do it. 

Practicum Placement (Senior Year)

  • Integrated Learning: Take part in a supervised internship where you’ll gain real-world experience for over 425 hours, about 16 hours each week.
  • Generalist Expertise: Get ready for a flexible career in many different social work settings.
  • Expert Mentorship: Gain knowledge from experienced social workers who will guide and support you as you build your skills.
  • Local Focus: Grow your professional network in your own community.

The Social Work (BSW, Online Degree Completion) program requires 72 credit hours.

Required BSW Program Courses (60 credits)

SW101CD Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare 4
SW253CD Human Behavior in the Social Environment 4
SW255CD Interviewing & Documentation in Human Services 4
SW200CD Social Welfare Policy 4
SW351CD Social Work Practice I: Introduction to Generalist Practice 4
SOCI249CD Inequalities 4
SW352CD Social Work Practice II: Work with Individuals & Families 4
SW345XCD Junior Virtual Practicum Experience Seminar 4
SW354CD Social Work Practice IV: Macro Social Work 4
SW353CD Social Work Practice III: Groups 4
SOCI239CD Introduction to Social Research I 4
SW370CD Social Work Practicum & Seminar I 8
SW371CD Social Work Practicum & Seminar II 8

Required Liberal Arts Courses (12 credits)

BSW students must also complete the following coursework as part of their liberal arts plan of study. BSW students may elect to take these liberal arts required courses Pass/Fail.

Complete the following required course:

STAT118CD Introductory Statistics 4

Complete one of the following Biology courses:

BIOL109CD Sex, Gender, and Biology 4
BIOL113CD General Biology 4

Complete one liberal arts course from the following options:

Option 1: Elective offerings will vary by semester and may include:

PH101CD Introduction to Public Health 4

Transfer credit for approved liberal arts coursework

Option 2: Students may transfer in other courses that are approved by the academic department to meet this liberal arts coursework requirement, including:

ECON101 Principles of Macroeconomics 4
POLS101 Introduction to American Politics 4
POLS217 American Public Policy 4

Here is just a sample of possible BSW practicum settings:

SettingKey Responsibilities
Hospitals and Long-term Care SettingsDischarge planning, intake assessments, and family meetings
Schools (K-12)Student mentoring, behavioral planning, and wellness education
Mental Health CentersIndividual/group support, case management, and advocacy
Child Welfare Home visits, abuse/neglect assessments, and resource linking
Advocacy & PolicyGrant writing, policy analysis, and community organizing
Criminal Legal SystemsCase management, resource linkage, advocacy

Spotlight on Online Social Work Students and Alums

Maggie Spadaro '25 with her new book "My Friend Doesn't Have a House"

Social Work Student Destigmatizes Homelessness in New Book

Social Work major Maggie Spadaro ’25 recently published a children’s book that fosters awareness and empathy regarding individuals experiencing homelessness. We spoke with her about this unique project, Simmons’ vital community, and her social justice-related aspirations.


photo of Student Working At Computer

An Alums Journey from Online Learning to Social Work

Annie LaRochelle '20 shares her experience with getting a degree in social work through the online BSW program, including her first clinical experience.