9 Best Online and On-Campus BSW Programs in Florida

The job market for social workers in Florida shows promising growth with a projected 12.9% increase from 2022 to 2032. This trend makes online BSW programs a compelling educational choice in the state.

Students seeking schedule flexibility will find online social work programs advantageous. These programs let you learn at your own pace while completing local field placements. Florida State University’s BSW program demonstrates this balance with its structured curriculum – 38 hours of instruction, 12 hours of field work, and 512 hours of field experience. The CSWE accredited online BSW programs at the University of Central Florida and Barry University provide strong preparation for a meaningful career. Licensed social workers can earn between $50,000 and $63,000 yearly, based on their specialty. Healthcare social workers earn around $58,420 while child, family, and school social workers receive an average of $48,890. A Florida online BSW degree can accelerate your path toward master’s programs and career advancement.

Florida BSW Program Overview

CSWE-accredited social work programs in Florida create well-laid-out paths to professional practice through comprehensive coursework and field experiences. Florida BSW programs typically need approximately 120 total credit hours. Social work-specific coursework makes up 38-41 credit hours of the curriculum.

BSW programs in Florida share common curriculum elements that meet Council on Social Work Education standards. Students learn about:

• Human behavior in individual, group, and community contexts
• Social welfare policy and services
• Research methods and application
• Social work practice skills
• Ethics and professional values
• Diversity and cultural competence

Field education is an important component of every accredited BSW program. Students need to complete between 420-512 hours of supervised field experience during their final semester(s). This hands-on training gives students vital opportunities to apply classroom theory in ground settings with professional supervision.

Florida schools offer learning options that fit different student needs. The University of South Florida gives students both in-person and online cohort choices. Online cohorts blend synchronous sessions that need attendance at specific times with self-paced coursework. UCF and other universities structure their BSW as limited-access programs that need a separate application beyond general admission.

Students in Florida BSW programs move through courses together in a set sequence using a cohort model. Full-time students finish the social work portion of their degree in four semesters after completing general education and prerequisites. UCF and USF students must take prerequisite courses in biology, psychology, sociology, government, and economics before starting the BSW major.

Students looking into online BSW programs in Florida should verify full CSWE accreditation. This credential shows the degree meets national standards that employers and graduate programs will recognize. Accredited BSW graduates can pursue advanced standing in MSW programs and potentially finish their master’s degree a year earlier.

Florida BSW programs share one main goal: preparing graduates who can work as generalist social workers with people from all backgrounds in healthcare, schools, child welfare, mental health, and community organizations.

You need to think over multiple factors beyond finding CSWE-accredited programs to get an online BSW degree. Florida’s institutions each bring their own strengths to online social work education. These strengths show up in specialized areas and the way they support field placements.

Here are the key factors to look at in Florida’s online BSW programs:

Delivery Format Online BSW programs are set up differently. Some let you complete everything on your own schedule with asynchronous learning. Others mix in live virtual sessions that you need to attend. Saint Leo University gives you a fully online format you can do anytime. UCF takes a different approach by combining online learning with some scheduled live sessions.

Field Placement Support Field education makes up a crucial part of every BSW program, whatever the format. Schools help students find placements differently. Barry University and Florida State University’s dedicated field education coordinators help online students find the right placements close to home.

Admission Requirements Florida’s online BSW programs have different entry standards. Most schools want you to finish prerequisite courses with GPAs between 2.5 and 3.0. Florida International University’s competitive program usually accepts students with even higher grades. Some programs look at your whole application through personal statements, letters from references, and interviews.

Cohort Model vs. Flexible Progression Many Florida BSW programs put students in cohorts that take courses together in a set order. This builds community but isn’t as flexible as programs that let you move at your own pace. The program’s structure should match your learning priorities.

Technology Requirements Online learning needs good tech setup. You’ll need more than just a computer and internet connection. Some programs use special software and virtual tools. Make sure you can handle all the technical needs before you sign up.

Cost Considerations Florida’s online BSW programs price their tuition differently. State schools usually charge less for Florida residents. Some schools offer special online rates to everyone. Private schools like Barry University and Saint Leo University charge the same tuition no matter where you live but might give different financial aid packages.

The next part gives you detailed information about nine top CSWE-accredited online BSW programs in Florida. Each section looks at how the program works, its online format, and costs. This helps you pick a program that fits your goals, learning style, and budget.

1. Barry University

Barry University ranks among Florida’s most respected social work education providers. Their CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program has unique features that prepare future social work professionals.

Program overview

The BSW program focuses on a trauma-informed approach that prepares students to handle trauma and build resilience in communities. Students complete 45 credits across five curricular divisions, which includes 13 social work courses (39 credits) and two upper-division psychology courses. The senior year combines a year-long clinical internship at a South Florida human service agency with practice courses to build real-world experience.

Students can choose from several completion paths:

• Traditional four-year bachelor’s program
• Transfer Student (2+2) program for associate degree holders
• “3 to Degree” accelerated option that needs about 18 credits each semester

Barry’s BSW graduates can pursue their MSW through an advanced standing option. This allows them to complete their master’s degree in just two additional semesters. The smooth transition creates the quickest way to advance your career.

Students must complete 420 total hours of clinical education across two consecutive semesters (SW 495 and SW 497). This hands-on experience runs alongside specialized courses in trauma-informed frameworks and clinical assessment.

Online learning format

Barry’s online programs cater to adult learners while offering flexibility. Students work with course materials through readings, videos, websites, projects, and discussion forums based on weekly deadlines.

The program provides 24/7 access to instructors and peers through chats, email, and virtual cyber cafés. Course schedules match face-to-face classes to maintain consistent academic timing. Some instructors might require proctored exams using ProctorU® services or approved test centers.

Online BSW students receive identical support services as campus students, including academic advising and access to the Center for Academic Success.

Tuition and fees

Full-time undergraduate tuition for 2024-2025 (12-18 credits per semester) costs $16,800 with a required student services fee of $375 per semester. Each credit beyond 18 per semester costs $1,050.

The 2025-2026 academic year will see tuition rise to $17,300 for full-time students with a student services fee of $500.

Barry provides substantial financial aid—over 90% of students receive some form of assistance. Students should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using Barry’s federal school code (001466) and look into scholarships from alumni, private donors, and corporations.

Online students pay an additional $125 fee for each online course. This fee supports the online learning platform. The combination of this fee structure and various financial aid options makes Barry’s BSW program available to students from different financial backgrounds.

2. Florida Memorial University

The CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program at Florida Memorial University equips students with skills for meaningful careers. Students learn to address challenges faced by individuals, families, and communities through a complete curriculum that emphasizes social justice and ethical practice.

Program overview

Florida Memorial University’s BSW program prepares students for advanced graduate education and entry-level social work positions. The curriculum builds strong theoretical foundations, practice skills, and ethical principles needed for generalist social work practice. Students become skilled at identifying societal problems and creating effective response strategies.

The program’s purpose lines up with social work’s core mission to understand political, economic, and social inequalities affecting at-risk populations. The liberal arts coursework helps you appreciate diverse cultural traditions and strengthens marginalized communities.

Career paths for graduates include:

• Case management
• Community outreach
• Mental health assistance
• Residential counseling
• Diversity and inclusion management
• Public policy advocacy
• Research gerontology

Your BSW experience culminates in a year-long field practicum during senior year. This hands-on experience needs completion of all prerequisite social work courses with minimum grades of “C” and an overall GPA of 2.5. Prerequisites include courses in human behavior, research methods, social policy, and practice techniques.

Online delivery

Florida Memorial University offers campus-based programs but supports students through strategic online options. The university’s partnership with Acadeum (formerly CIC) College Consortium provides select online courses. This arrangement helps students who need to:

• Repeat courses for grade forgiveness
• Maintain progress toward four-year graduation plans
• Qualify for athletic eligibility

Acadeum courses appear on your FMU transcript. You can use financial aid, count them toward full-time status, and meet residency requirements. The enrollment process requires an Acadeum Registration Request form with approvals from your advisor, department chair, school dean, and provost’s office.

Tuition details

The 2022-2023 academic year’s undergraduate tuition at Florida Memorial University was $6,288 per semester for 12-18 credits ($524 per credit). General fees added $2,130 per semester for both on-campus and off-campus students.

Off-campus students’ semester costs break down as:

• Tuition (12-18 credits): $6,288
• General fees: $2,130
• Total: $8,418

On-campus students’ costs varied by housing type, ranging from $12,181 to $12,946 per semester including room, board, and other fees.

Florida Memorial University’s annual attendance cost ranks in the bottom 45% of colleges nationwide for room and board expenses. About 85% of students receive financial aid, with undergraduates getting average assistance of $12,576. These figures make this CSWE-accredited program more available compared to other options.

3. Florida State University

FSU’s College of Social Work runs a nationally recognized BSW program at its main Tallahassee campus and Panama City location. The program gives students a clear path to become professional social workers.

Program overview

FSU’s limited-access BSW program has specific admission requirements. Students need a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and must complete 60 credit hours of general education. They also need to pass five prerequisite courses with a C or better. These courses include American Government, Economics, Biology, Sociology, and Psychology.

Students who get in will spend about four semesters completing their degree. The program needs 50 credit hours in social work – 38 for coursework and 12 for field instruction. The field placement is valuable because it provides 512 hours of supervised professional experience.

The program has these core courses:

• Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
• Social Work Practice with Groups
• Human Behavior and the Social Environment
• Social Welfare Policy and Programs
• Introduction to Social Work Research

BSW graduates from FSU can get their MSW through an advanced-standing program. This means they could finish their master’s degree in just one year.

Online structure

FSU doesn’t offer its BSW program online or through distance learning. The university makes it clear that you can only take classes in person at the main campus in Tallahassee or the Panama City campus.

Students can choose between part-time and full-time study options, though most classes run during the day. The program assigns dedicated academic advisors to help students plan their studies effectively.

Tuition and affordability

FSU’s in-state undergraduate tuition costs $6,517 per year, which is much lower than the national average of $12,201. Out-of-state students pay $21,683 annually, less than the national average of $29,084.

The total cost, including food, housing, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses, comes to $26,613 for in-state students and $41,779 for out-of-state students. Financial aid brings the average cost down to $15,828 for in-state students and $31,854 for out-of-state students who qualify for need-based aid.

The Florida Legislature sets tuition rates and adjusts them based on actual enrollment after the drop/add period. Your individual costs will vary depending on your housing choice (on-campus or off-campus), meal plans, and personal expenses. FSU offers budget worksheets to help you calculate your specific financial needs for the academic year.

4. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University leads Florida’s CSWE-accredited schools with its innovative online education and complete Bachelor of Social Work program. The program strikes a perfect balance between flexibility and academic excellence.

Program overview

The BSW program at Saint Leo builds on liberal arts principles to prepare students for social work in a variety of populations. Students learn to work with children, elderly, military personnel, and marginalized communities. The curriculum weaves anti-racist and cultural humility principles throughout. Students learn anti-oppressive practices at every level – from individual and family to group, organizational, community, research, and policy.

The program provides strong academic advising support to students. Class schedules are flexible with both daytime and evening options. A dedicated advisory board of students, alumni, and human service professionals keeps the curriculum relevant and high-quality.

Online flexibility

Saint Leo became a virtual learning pioneer in 1998, well before other institutions adopted online education. The university’s excellence showed when it ranked 69th in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Online Programs for bachelor’s degrees. Students get user-friendly software and round-the-clock support.

The university creates a strong virtual community through online clubs and organizations. Students can build valuable connections with peers worldwide. Faculty members are always ready to provide mentorship and guidance throughout your studies.

Tuition and cost

The 2023-2024 academic year civilian undergraduate tuition is $4,920 per semester ($9,840 annually). Active-duty military students pay less at $3,000 per semester ($6,000 annually). The Para to Professional program costs $3,840 per semester ($7,680 annually).

Saint Leo’s tuition stays below average private college rates. Most students receive financial aid that usually doesn’t need repayment. Personal financial aid advisors help you find and maximize all available assistance options.

5. University of Central Florida

Students at UCF’s School of Social Work can earn a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree. The program helps them become skilled generalist practitioners who can serve populations of all types.

Program overview

The UCF Bachelor of Social Work program runs as a limited-access major that needs a separate application beyond regular university admission. You’ll need to meet these requirements:

• Get admitted to UCF and finish the General Education Program requirements
• Choose Social Work Pending as your major
• Keep a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Complete at least three BSW prerequisites (biology, psychology, sociology/social problems, American national government, economics)

Students learn to “promote optimal well-being, human rights, and social, environmental, economic, and racial justice” through the curriculum. The core courses cover human behavior, social environment, social welfare policy, research methods, and social work practice. Students can also choose specialized electives in child welfare, addictions, aging studies, health services, and LGBTQ+ populations.

Online format

UCF started offering online bachelor’s degree programs before 2000-2001, making it a pioneer in Florida’s distance education sector. Students can access recorded and archived lecture materials whenever they want. This works great for working professionals and students who have family commitments.

The university accepts applications for online programs on a rolling deadline basis, which gives students more flexibility. Online students get the same quality education as on-campus students, with similar policies, course expectations, faculty, and learning activities.

Tuition and fees

UCF’s tuition rates for 2024-2025 vary substantially based on where you live:

• Florida residents pay $179 per credit hour
• Non-Florida residents pay $716 per credit hour

Full-time undergraduate Florida residents should expect to pay $25,796 yearly (including housing, food, and personal expenses). Non-Florida residents’ total costs reach about $40,822.

UCF’s financial aid numbers look impressive. About 81% of undergraduate students get some type of financial help, and 57% graduate without educational debt. The university’s value shows in its consistent high rankings from both Kiplinger and Forbes as one of the nation’s best education values.

6. University of South Florida

USF’s distinctive BSW program offers flexible learning options that serve students with different educational needs and career goals.

Program overview

The Council on Social Work Education has fully accredited USF’s BSW program. Students need 41 credit hours spread across four semesters to graduate. We focused on preparing graduates as social work generalists who understand human behavior in different contexts, social welfare systems, and research methods.

Students learn these critical skills:

• How human behavior works in individual, group, and community settings
• Ways socio-cultural environments shape behaviors
• Understanding of social welfare systems and institutions
• Social, economic, and political factors that affect policy

The program’s highlight is a 460-hour hands-on field placement during the final semester. Students must keep a minimum 2.75 GPA in core courses and show behavior that lines up with professional standards.

Online learning

USF gives students two ways to complete their BSW degree:

• Tampa campus in-person cohort that needs students on campus three days each week
• Sarasota-Manatee campus online cohort that blends live and self-paced learning

The online program has live virtual sessions about two days each week among other self-paced elements. Canvas, USF’s learning platform, delivers course content through videos, discussion boards, and interactive materials.

Tuition structure

The 2024-2025 undergraduate tuition varies based on where students live:

• Florida residents pay $6,410 per year
• Non-residents pay $17,324 per year

BSW students should know about extra costs. Online courses have a $30 per credit hour Distance Learning Fee. SOW4510C has field lab fees of $23.33 per credit hour. Tevera field placement tracking software costs $215. USF’s in-state tuition is a big deal as it means that students pay much less than the national average of $12,201.

7. University of West Florida

The University of West Florida combines rigorous academic standards with practical field experience in its CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program. This comprehensive program prepares you to step into professional social work practice.

Program overview

The BSW program at UWF requires 51 semester hours of social work courses that include vital field experience to give you hands-on learning opportunities. You’ll need 120 total credit hours to graduate, which combines general education requirements with specialized social work training. The program helps you build multi-level assessment skills so you can work with individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Students must keep a minimum university GPA of 2.0 and a 2.5 GPA in major coursework to qualify for field instruction courses. The curriculum follows guidelines from the Council on Social Work Education and the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, which ensures your qualifications meet professional standards.

After graduation, you’ll be ready to work in many settings. These include child and family services, mental health facilities, substance abuse treatment centers, hospitals, and hospice care.

Online delivery

U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 rankings place UWF among the top 10 Public Universities of the South. The university stands out as a leader in online education and offers multiple start dates throughout the year – perfect for working professionals.

Students can choose from face-to-face, hybrid, and fully online class formats. UWF’s commitment ensures high program quality regardless of how you choose to study.

Tuition and affordability

UWF’s 2024-2025 credit hour costs depend on where you live:

• Florida residents: $212.00 per credit hour ($6,360 for 30 credits)
• Alabama residents: $317.00 per credit hour ($9,510 for 30 credits)
• Non-Florida residents: $642.00 per credit hour ($19,260 for 30 credits)

Florida resident tuition costs substantially less than the national average of $12,201. UWF has managed to keep its tuition rates stable for ten years, making it an even better value for students.

8. Florida Atlantic University

The Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University takes a unique approach to social work education. Students learn through hands-on field experiences that bridge classroom theory with real-life practice.

Program overview

The CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program at FAU uses the Generalist Intervention Model with a strength-based approach that works with client systems of all types. The curriculum opens doors to several career paths:

• Child welfare services
• Criminal justice settings
• School social work
• Gerontology specialization

The program continues to grow stronger. Recent numbers show 206 bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2021-2022, a 17% increase from the previous year. FAU social work graduates earn a median salary of $39,912. This is a big deal as it means that their earnings exceed the national average of $37,334 for social work bachelor’s degree holders. These numbers prove the program’s value for career growth.

Florida Atlantic University online options

The FAU social work bachelor’s program doesn’t currently offer online degrees. All the same, the university has successfully run various online bachelor’s degree programs since 2011-2012. Most FAU online classes are recorded and stored, so students can watch lectures when it suits them best. While the BSW program isn’t available online yet, FAU has built a strong digital learning foundation.

Florida Atlantic University tuition and cost

FAU’s 2025-2026 tuition stands at $203.29 per credit hour for Florida residents and $721.84 for non-residents. The full academic year 2024-2025 costs $6,099 for in-state students, nowhere near the national average of $12,201. When you add housing, food, books, and personal expenses, the total comes to $26,623 for in-state and $42,179 for out-of-state students. Looking at financial outcomes, 2023-2024 graduates who borrowed averaged $34,185 in debt, with just 23% taking on any debt at all.

9. Florida International University

The 50-year old FIU’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work program builds on its legacy of educational excellence. Students get ready for entry-level generalist practice in urban communities at local and global levels.

Program overview

FIU’s BSSW program roots itself in person-in-environment and liberal arts frameworks. The program gives you the tools to promote human and community well-being. Students need to complete 60 credits of social work courses. These include two internships and an Introduction to Public Health course. The curriculum prepares future social workers to work with:

• Individuals and families
• Groups and communities
• Organizations and institutions

Field education stands as the final experience. Students must stay fully available during their last two semesters. You’ll apply your classroom knowledge in real-life settings under professional supervision. Each semester allows only two personal leave days.

Online structure

FIU’s social work major doesn’t offer a fully online program right now. Students can take only select courses in digital format. Field courses remain exclusively in-person. This mixed approach keeps educational quality high while offering some schedule flexibility. Course timings between day and evening depend on classroom space and student numbers.

Florida International University tuition and fees

Florida residents pay $3,084 per semester in undergraduate tuition for 2023-2024, plus $199 in fees. Out-of-state students pay substantially more at $9,283 per semester. The total yearly cost reaches about $27,278 for in-state students and $39,676 for non-residents. This includes housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses.

Most students receive help with tuition costs. About 89% of full-time undergraduates get some type of financial aid. FIU social work graduates earn median salaries of $41,626 yearly. This exceeds the national average of $37,334 for social work bachelor’s degree holders.

Comparing Florida’s BSW Programs

*Through Acadeum partnership **Based on $179 per credit hour for 30 credits ***Based on $3,084 per semester

Choosing the Right Online BSW Program in Florida

The perfect online BSW program involves much more than finding CSWE-accredited options. You should think over each program’s delivery format, field placement support, admission requirements, and cost structure before making your decision.

CSWE accreditation is the gold standard for social work education that ensures your degree meets national professional standards. Your credential will help you pursue advanced standing in MSW programs and potentially reduce your master’s degree completion time by up to one year.

Field education is the life-blood of quality social work education whatever the delivery method. Florida programs need between 420-512 hours of supervised field experience. These hours are a vital way to apply classroom theory in real-life settings. Online programs give you flexibility, but you’ll still need to complete field placements in-person at approved locations.

Money definitely plays a significant role in program selection. Tuition costs vary widely between schools – Florida residents pay about $5,370 yearly at UCF while private institutions like Barry University charge $33,600. The good news is that most schools provide substantial financial aid packages, and many students receive help that cuts their out-of-pocket costs.

Social workers in Florida have excellent job prospects with 12.9% projected growth through 2032. A CSWE-accredited degree can lead to annual salaries between $50,000 and $63,000 based on your specialty. Healthcare social workers earn around $58,420 while child, family, and school social workers make an average of $48,890.

Your BSW degree from a fully online program like Barry University or Saint Leo University, or hybrid options at UCF and USF, will prepare you for immediate employment or continued education through advanced standing MSW programs. Online learning flexibility combined with structured field experience creates a perfect path toward a rewarding career serving communities throughout Florida and beyond.

FAQs

Q1. What are the benefits of pursuing an online BSW program in Florida? Online BSW programs in Florida offer flexibility for students to study asynchronously while still completing local field placements. They allow greater control over your education schedule and can be more convenient for working professionals or those with other commitments.

Q2. How much do social workers typically earn in Florida after completing a BSW? Social work salaries in Florida vary by specialization, but generally range from $50,000 to $63,000 annually. Healthcare social workers earn around $58,420 on average, while child, family, and school social workers average $48,890 per year.

Q3. What is the job outlook for social workers in Florida? The job market for social workers in Florida is very promising, with projected growth of 12.9% from 2022 to 2032. This indicates strong demand and good employment prospects for BSW graduates in the state.

Q4. How important is CSWE accreditation for online BSW programs? CSWE accreditation is crucial for online BSW programs. It ensures the program meets national standards, will be recognized by employers, and allows graduates to pursue advanced standing in MSW programs, potentially reducing the time needed to complete a master’s degree.

Q5. What are the field education requirements for online BSW programs in Florida? Most CSWE-accredited online BSW programs in Florida require students to complete between 420-512 hours of supervised field experience. This hands-on training is typically arranged during the final semesters and provides crucial opportunities to apply classroom theory in real-world settings.