Online Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSSW)
Social Work
College of Social Work
Program Overview
Are you looking for a flexible online degree program to obtain your Bachelor of Science in Social Work? The University of Tennessee, Knoxville offers a fully online social work degree (BSSW) for distance learners who have completed an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science from an accredited community college.
The BSSW program at UT offers a quality education delivered exclusively online to maximize student learning while balancing work and family life.
Credit Hours
61
with AA or AS Degree
Cost Per Credit Hour*
In-State $490
Out-of-State $565
Field Experience
Required
Admissions Term
Fall
*Cost per credit hour is an estimate based on maintenance and university fees. Some programs may have additional course fees. Please contact your department for additional information on any related fees, and visit Tuition and Fees in Detail at One Stop.
The Experience You Need to Make a Difference
Our social work curriculum prepares you for a rewarding career in a helping profession with generalist training and specialized internships. Students complete 500 hours of internship experience through approved field placement, supervised by professional social workers to ensure their progress. Field faculty help place individual students in internships in their county of residence (when possible) and with a population/setting that interests them. Potential internship placements include, but are not limited to:
- K-12 schools
- Hospitals
- Community non-profit organizations
- Homeless shelters
- Mental health centers
- Social services
- Health clinics
Applicants should know that the online BSSW Program and the College of Social Work are committed to anti-racism and to advancing social, racial, economic, and environmental justice through its teaching, community-engaged research and service.
Join an Information Session
The College of Social Work holds Information Sessions specifically for those interested in our online program. These sessions help prospective students gain insight into the programs and the opportunity to interact directly with our faculty.
Guaranteed/Priority Admission
Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) community college graduates may be eligible for guaranteed or priority admission in our Online BSSW program.
Guaranteed Admission Requirements:
- An Associate of Science (A.S.) or Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in Social Work with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
- A grade of “C” or higher in SWRK 2010: Intro to Social Work and either SOCI 1040: Social Problems or any Social Work elective
- A minimum of 60 transferable credit hours
- Complete admission application by Feb. 1st of the same year for fall entry
Priority Admission Requirements:
- An Associate of Science (A.S.) or Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in Social Work with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- A grade of “C” or higher in SWRK 2010: Intro to Social Work and either SOCI 1040: Social Problems or any Social Work elective
- A minimum of 60 transferable credit hours
- Complete admission application by May 1st of the same year for fall entry
For more details about Guaranteed and Priority Admission, please read the full guidelines.
Featured Courses
Examples of the courses you can take during the Bachelor of Science in Social Work program include:
SOWK 312: Introduction to Interpersonal Practice
This course introduces social work students to professional interpersonal practice specific to individuals, families, and small groups. This course integrates the social work code of ethics, theoretical models, and practice techniques with an emphasis on social justice, trauma-informed care, and interprofessional practice. The course assists students with identifying appropriate evidence-based service interventions with consideration to intersecting identities, professional standards, and ethical code.
SOWK 316: Social Justice & Anti-Oppressive Practice
This course is designed to increase students’ awareness of the dimensions of human diversity, equity, and inclusion. Students will learn to articulate and apply multicultural and social justice practice frameworks, critical theories, and a human rights perspective to address complex social problems. Students will be prepared to integrate these concepts into future ethical decision-making and practice with historically excluded and under-served populations.
SOWK 335: Adverse Childhood Experiences & Trauma-Informed Care
Examines Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the potentially detrimental effects that these traumatic events, including maltreatment, neglect, and witnessed violence, can have on the development of children. This course will also examine the effects of traumatic events on the adult population in the context of various types of traumatic events.
SOWK 345: Crisis Intervention & Suicidology
Provides the knowledge, values, and skills for entry level generalist practice in a crisis intervention setting. This course will provide an overview of models and techniques for prevention, assessment, initial intervention and follow-up. It will examine the public health problem of suicide, with attention to prevention, intervention, and postvention approaches.
Online Programs Bring Brighter Futures
Learn how online courses have enabled many students to continue their education and advance their future.
