Make a Difference in Your Career

Through a mix of online coursework and supervised in-person fieldwork, the UMass Global Bachelor of Arts in Social Work helps you build your knowledge of social, political, and cultural change and your skills in organizational dynamics and technological processes to help you best serve diverse communities.

  • In-Person, Supervised Fieldwork: Hone your skills through 400 supervised on-site field practice hours.
  • A Career Devoted to Helping Others: Learn to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities as a social worker.
  • Work in Various Settings: Child and family social work, gerontology, mental healthcare, probation/correctional treatment, social and community service, or substance abuse treatment.

At a Glance

Online
120 Credits
Next Start Date
Summer II (Jun 23, 2025)

Program Benefits that Benefit You.

Online education

A Better Balance for Work and School

Affordable, asynchronous classes that fit your work schedule, offered 100% online so you can learn while you earn.

Work Experience

Guidance and Support

Our attentive, expert scholar practitioners guide you through 400 supervised on-site field hours in your areas of interest.

Engagement

Focus on Engagement and Assessment

Learn how to intervene, evaluate and effectively communicate with a diverse set of individuals, families, groups and communities.

Career Outlook for BA in Social Work

Results for:
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring

Data source: Lightcast™ 2025 www.lightcast.io

The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.

  1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
  2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
  3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program

Courses You Might Take

SOWK 302

Interview and Assessment Skills in Social Work

3 Credits
SOWK 309

Introduction to Social Work Research

3 Credits
SOWK 304

Social Welfare

3 Credits
CJCU 416

Domestic Violence

3 Credits
SOWK 445

Drug and Alcohol Treatment in Social Work

3 Credits
SOWK 391

Youth At Risk

3 Credits

What it’s like going to UMass Global?

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

Woman shaking hands with man

Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

Woman shaking hands with man

Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

Our Faculty

Admission Requirements

Applicants for this program must complete the formal application process and submit required documents. Documents required vary based on the number of transferable credits and include:

0 - 11 TRANSFERABLE CREDITS

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Official high school transcript indicating the date of graduation

12 OR MORE TRANSFERABLE CREDITS

  • A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Provide official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended

Active military?

Admissibility and minimum transfer credit awarded will be determined based on the Community College of the Air Force, SMART, AARTS or JST transcripts.

Transcripts

Only credits from regionally accredited institutions may be accepted in transfer. Failure to report any previous academic work at another college or university may be considered a violation of academic integrity.

Residency Restrictions

This program is not available to residents of all states. Please contact a University Enrollment Coach for details.

WASC Senior College and University Commission

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

UMass Global's Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Calculate Time and Cost

Demo

Ready to pursue your bachelor's degree?

Frequently Asked Questions

In the United States and Canada, the requirements to become a licensed social worker vary by state, province, and territory. However, a common prerequisite is obtaining a degree in social work from an accredited institution. Typically, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is the minimum requirement for entry-level positions, while a Master of Social Work (MSW) is often necessary for advanced clinical roles.

According to the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), licensure requirements can differ significantly depending on your location. You can find specific licensing requirements by state or province on their website: ASWB Licensing Requirements.

For further insight into the requirements and pathways to becoming a social worker, you can refer to the article: Social Worker Requirements: What You Will Need. This article may provide additional details and considerations for individuals pursuing a career in social work.

Social worker licensure requirements vary by state. Typically, obtaining your licensure includes achieving a minimum level of education, reaching a required amount of supervised practice time and completing an application. There are also optional and advanced licensures for specific social worker careers. You can learn more about requirements here.

It usually takes between four to six years to become a social worker. Aspiring social workers must earn their bachelor’s degree, and many continue on to earn a master’s degree as well.

Social workers can help military clients address difficulties such as PTSD, depression or anxiety, unemployment, financial hardship and more through individual or family counseling. Social workers support military personnel and their loved ones by developing community programs and initiatives that can improve their lives. Learn more about military social work.

Testimonials

The professors realized I have a life and wanted to pursue my dreams. They didn’t make me feel like I had to choose between family and school. They made me feel like I could be successful in both.

Dominique H.
Psychology, BA
Rojelio Morales American Indian Education

What I admired the most were the professors. They are very structured; they are very disciplined. Their communication was on point, and their leadership style. They never criticized me. They worked with me.

Rojelio M.
Organizational Leadership, BA

From the moment I applied, my admissions counselor was such a huge support.

Alison C.
Human Resources, BBA

 

An Online Education
Built For You

Get More Information

I'm active-duty military or spouse
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
aoi-cta-social-work.jpg

Want More Information about Social Work?

Dig deeper into this helping profession and explore its different career paths.

Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes

All Council on Social Work Education programs measure and report student learning outcomes. Students are assessed on their mastery of the competencies that comprise the accreditation standards of the Council on Social Work Education. These competencies are dimensions of social work practice that all social workers are expected to master during their professional training. A measurement benchmark is set by the social work programs for each competency. An assessment score at or above that benchmark is considered by the program to represent mastery of that particular competency. This form is used to assist the COA in the evaluation of the program's compliance with the accreditation standards below:

  • 5.0.1(d) The program posts its assessment plan and summary outcomes publicly on its webpage using Form AS
    The findings are updated every two years, at minimum.
    1. The program submits Form AS M5.0.1(d) to report its assessment plan and most recent assessment summary outcomes.
    2. The program provides a hyperlink to the program’s webpage where the assessment plan and summary outcomes are publicly displayed.
    3. The program provides outcomes for each program option and in aggregate.