12 Top BSW Programs in Tennessee: Career Paths & Admission Guide
BSW programs in Tennessee create a direct path to a rewarding social work career with promising job prospects. Tennessee currently employs about 1,940 social workers in all specializations, and experts project a 6% growth through 2034.
Your investment in a BSW program in the Volunteer State brings real returns. Social workers in Tennessee earn a median salary of $52,060 as of 2024. Public universities charge in-state tuition between $9,000 to $13,000 per year. On top of that, you gain practical skills through 400-500 hours of supervised field placements.
Tennessee features 17 CSWE-accredited BSW programs at public and private institutions that help students enter this meaningful profession. These programs prepare you for licensure and provide specialized paths that match your career goals. This guide covers the 12 best BSW programs in Tennessee, from their curriculum and admission requirements to career preparation resources.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is one of the state’s best institutions for social work education. The Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) program combines challenging academic work with extensive practical experience. This prepares students to make a difference in many social work settings.
Program Highlights
UTK’s College of Social Work has impressive numbers that show its quality and student success. Students stay in the program at a remarkable 94% rate, and they complete over 230,000 field placement hours each year. More than 95% of BSSW graduates find jobs within six months after graduating. Students can choose between on-campus and fully online options that follow the same curriculum, letting them study in a way that works best for them.
Program Curriculum
UTK’s BSSW curriculum creates highly skilled social workers who champion human rights and work well with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Students in the online program attend all required social work courses through live video conferences. The program lets you choose from specialized electives such as:
- Trauma treatment
- Forensic social work
- Crisis intervention
- Suicidology
- Social work with military and veteran populations
UTK also runs a special BSSW Honors Program where high-achieving students can earn both BSSW and MSSW degrees in five years.
Field Placement Opportunities
Field education plays a vital role in the BSSW program. UTK works with organizations across Tennessee and nationwide to create varied placement options. Students can work in schools, hospitals, state agencies, courts, emergency shelters, and mental health centers. Field coordinators help match your interests with approved placement sites. This supervised real-life experience helps you become skilled at social work knowledge, values, and skills.
Tuition and Financial Aid
In-state students pay $13,812 for tuition and fees during the 2025-26 academic year, while out-of-state students pay $32,956. Total costs with room, board, and other expenses reach $35,064 for in-state and $54,208 for out-of-state students. The university offers several financial aid options to help with costs. First-year students receive an average need-based scholarship or grant of $15,646.
Admission Requirements
Getting into upper-division BSSW courses is competitive. You need:
- 5+ cumulative GPA (UTK or transfer)
- Completion of at least 45 credit hours, including English 101/118, 102, and general education requirements
- Completion of SOWK 200 and SOWK 250 with a C or higher
- Submission of a personal essay
The online BSSW program requires 60 transferable credit hours and an Associate of Art (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree from an accredited community college.
Career Preparation
The BSSW program opens doors to many social work careers. Graduates work in schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, mental health facilities, colleges, nonprofit agencies, government agencies, and corporate settings. Strong industry connections and networking opportunities build your professional foundation. The College of Social Work provides individual-specific academic support and career preparation resources to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) offers a respected Bachelor of Social Work program that has managed to keep professional accreditation through the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1976. The university sits just 30 miles from Nashville, giving students plenty of opportunities to gain field experience and find jobs after graduation.
Program Highlights
MTSU’s BSW program stands at #8 in Tennessee and #283 nationally. The program gives students a solid foundation to become skilled social workers. Students learn everything they need to work with people from all backgrounds. Social work ethics are the foundation of education here. Small class sizes and teachers with real-life experience make this program stand out. Students looking to advance their education can also pursue a Master of Social Work degree, with admissions available in spring and fall.
Program Curriculum
Students need 54 credit hours of major-specific coursework. The program follows this four-year structure:
- Freshman year: Introduction to Social Work and general education requirements
- Sophomore year: Interviewing Skills and Social Policy courses
- Junior year: Human Behavior courses, Research Methods, and Practice I
- Senior year: Practice II and III courses, plus field placement
Students take core courses in Cultural Diversity, Data Analysis, and specialized electives that prepare them to work in settings of all types.
Field Placement Opportunities
Field education is MTSU’s primary teaching method for social work. BSW students complete 425 hours of practicum education under licensed social workers’ supervision. The university works with over 200 social service agencies throughout middle Tennessee. Students receive at least one hour of scheduled supervision each week. This ensures they get quality guidance throughout their experience.
Tuition and Financial Aid
In-state students pay about $10,932 per year (2025-2026) for tuition and fees. Out-of-state costs run around $33,428 annually. MTSU provides several financial aid options. These include scholarships, grants, and the Regional Scholars Program. This program lets qualified non-Tennessee residents within 250 miles attend at reduced rates.
Admission Requirements
BSW program applicants must:
- Complete at least 60 semester hours, including general education requirements
- Pass SW 2570 (Introduction to Social Work) with a C- or better
- Keep an overall GPA of 2.00
- Submit their completed application by September or January deadlines
Career Preparation
BSW graduates work in a variety of settings. These include aging services, child welfare, mental health facilities, hospices, hospitals, schools, and substance abuse programs. The degree prepares students to take the Association of Social Work Boards Exam and seek licensure as a Baccalaureate Social Worker in Tennessee. Students graduate ready to start their careers or continue their education.
University of Memphis
The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at the University of Memphis prepares students with knowledge, values, and skills they need for generalist practice, especially when you have to work in the field. This CSWE-accredited program teaches graduates to improve quality of life in a variety of populations while promoting social and economic justice.
Program Highlights
The University of Memphis BSW program stands out through its commitment to evidence-based generalist-level practices. The program, 55 years old and first accredited in 1974, has managed to keep its CSWE accreditation status throughout its history. Students can choose from different concentration options such as child welfare, generalist practice, and school social work—each leading to specific licensure tracks.
Program Curriculum
Students must complete SWRK 2010 (Introduction to Social Work) and SWRK 2011 (Writing for Social Work) with a grade of C- or higher before applying. The curriculum builds skills in critical thinking, ethical standards, social justice advocacy, and working with diverse populations. Students interested in school settings can take a specialized concentration that prepares them for Licensed School Social Worker (LSSW) credential in Tennessee.
Field Placement Opportunities
Field education splits 400 total hours between two courses:
- SWRK 4830/4840: 150 hours
- SWRK 4831/4841: 250 hours
Students can choose flexible scheduling options: fall/spring (13 hrs/week), fall block (28 hrs/week), spring block (28 hrs/week), spring/summer (16 hrs/week), or summer/fall (16 hrs/week). Licensed social workers provide weekly supervision to ensure each student’s professional growth throughout their experience.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition costs approximately $25,042 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Notwithstanding that, 97% of students receive financial aid. Available social work scholarships include:
- Cicely Crawford Scholarship ($1,200) for students completing internships at CMI Healthcare
- McGaughran Fellowship ($2,000) for students in unpaid internships
- Project RAISE (up to $15,000) for those pursuing School Social Work licensure
Admission Requirements
Your application needs:
- University of Memphis U-number
- PDF copy of unofficial transcript
- Personal goals statement (approximately 3 pages)
- Additional writing sample (literature review or research-based paper preferred)
- Completion of prerequisite courses
Faculty members and the BA program director review applications and typically make decisions within a month.
Career Preparation
The program equips you for immediate employment or advanced education. Graduates can earn the Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) credential in Tennessee. Students who complete the school social work concentration become eligible for the Licensed School Social Worker (LSSW) credential. You’ll develop core skills during field placements and then move into various work settings including child welfare, healthcare, justice, and mental health services.
East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University’s BSW degree program, 49 years old, has managed to keep CSWE accreditation since 1974. The program prepares graduates to become generalist practitioners who serve Northeastern Tennessee and the southern Appalachian region.
Program Highlights
ETSU’s Bachelor of Social Work program builds on a liberal arts foundation. Students gain interdisciplinary views from psychology, sociology, political science, and human biology. The program helps students promote human dignity and community wellbeing through social and economic justice advocacy. Students can choose between on-campus and 100% online options, making it flexible to accommodate different learning needs.
Program Curriculum
Nine core competencies shape the curriculum, from ethical professional behavior to evidence-based practice evaluation. The program has foundation classes like Introduction to Social Work, Professional Values and Ethics, and Cultural Diversity. The program requires specific course sequencing and prerequisites, which ensures logical skill development throughout your educational experience.
Field Placement Opportunities
Senior year field education requires 430 hours over two semesters. Students work about 16 hours weekly at an agency within a 50-mile radius of campus. A qualified field instructor with at least two years of post-BSW experience provides weekly supervision. This hands-on experience helps students apply classroom knowledge practically.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Annual in-state undergraduate tuition and fees cost $10,994. Students from border states (KY, VA, NC, SC, GA) pay $11,894, while other out-of-state students pay $15,194. Financial assistance reaches 83% of students. Students can access various funding options, including social work scholarships like the Claude Green Jr. Memorial Scholarship ($1,000 annually).
Admission Requirements
BSW program applicants must:
- Complete SOWK 1010 with a C or better before applying
- Maintain a minimum 2.25 overall GPA and 2.5 GPA in required social work courses
- Document 60 hours of human service activity
- Attend a BSW Program Orientation
- Submit a personal statement and application by October 1st
Career Preparation
The program prepares students for entry-level positions in mental health, healthcare, child and family services, and non-profits. Graduates can apply for Tennessee licensure as a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW). Students interested in school social work can take additional courses to get licensed by the Tennessee Department of Education.
Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University’s CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) program stands out because it focuses on urban populations and upholds social justice principles. The program gives you the skills you need to serve communities of all types while maintaining professional values.
Program Highlights
TSU’s social work program prepares professionals specifically for urban settings. Students must identify as social workers, show their dedication to learning, and develop strong communication skills. The program features an active chapter of Alpha Delta Mu, the National Social Work Honor Society, which recognizes exceptional academic performance.
Program Curriculum
Your degree requires 120 semester hours, with 45 hours dedicated to social work courses. The curriculum builds progressively:
- Freshman/sophomore years: General education and introductory social work courses
- Junior year: Human behavior courses and observational experiences
- Senior year: Advanced practice courses and field placement
Students must earn at least a C grade in required social work courses.
Field Placement Opportunities
Field education is the mainstay of your practical training. Students complete 400 clock hours during their senior year. You’ll apply your classroom knowledge in real-life settings under qualified supervision. A Field Coordinator and faculty liaison monitor your progress through formal evaluation visits.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The 2025-2026 academic year costs $9,174 for in-state students and $21,416 for out-of-state students in tuition and fees. Total costs, including living expenses, books, and other necessities, reach $31,920 and $44,162 respectively. Most students receive financial help – more than two-thirds get some form of assistance.
Admission Requirements
The program requires a 2.3 cumulative GPA, completed university general education requirements, and a successful formal interview. Students must complete observational experiences in social service agencies before field placement.
Career Preparation
Graduates work in human services, public health, mental health, corrections, and social services across different settings. Student organizations like the Social Work Student Organization and National Association of Black Social Workers – Student Chapter build leadership skills and create networking opportunities.
Austin Peay State University
Austin Peay State University’s BSW program helps students develop practical skills through a unique clinical lab setup. Students practice and record social worker-client interactions on video to improve their learning. The program has managed to keep full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education and prepares students for entry-level generalist practice.
Program Highlights
Students need time beyond textbooks and lectures to apply theory in practice. The program lets students take part in guided class role play, simulations, and community volunteering right from the start. Faculty members come from three different countries and bring research interests that range from individual work to international social work.
Program Curriculum
The BSW program needs 120 semester credit hours:
- 58 semester hours of required Social Work courses
- 42 semester hours from University Studies Core
- 20 additional semester hours
Students progress through the curriculum step by step. First-year students start with SW 2110, while second-year students focus on values and ethics courses. Third-year coursework includes human behavior, research methods, and generalist practice. The final year covers micro/macro practice courses and field instruction.
Field Placement Opportunities
Students complete 480 clock hours of field practicum in one semester. The schedule includes full days at field agencies four days a week plus a three-hour field seminar one day weekly. Students can choose from various practicum settings in rural and urban areas, including mental health, healthcare, child welfare, and substance abuse facilities.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The undergraduate tuition costs $318 per credit hour for hours 1-12, with a lower rate of $66 per credit hour after that. Students from other states pay an extra $240 per credit hour. The university offers scholarships, grants, and loans as financial aid options. Students can use the Net Price Calculator to estimate their tailored costs.
Admission Requirements
The social work program requires students to:
- Declare social work as their major
- Complete two of these courses: SW 2110, 3410, or 3420
- Keep a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Show they’re suited for the profession through interpersonal skills, emotional stability, and commitment to social work values
Career Preparation
BSW graduates can work in entry-level positions at organizations of all sizes, including state and county agencies, health departments, courts, case management, schools, and residential facilities. A bachelor’s degree meets minimum requirements, but many positions and independent practitioner licensure need a master’s degree. Social workers can switch between practice areas without getting additional degrees, which makes this career path flexible.
Tennessee Tech University
Tennessee Tech University offers social work education as a concentration within its sociology major instead of a standalone BSW program. Students get a broad sociological foundation combined with specialized social work training.
Program Highlights
The university’s social work concentration shapes students into “helping professionals” who support people in difficult circumstances. Students learn sociology coursework that covers population studies, crime, family relations, deviant behavior, community studies, and minority relations. The Bachelor of Science degree combines on-campus learning with practical training.
Program Curriculum
The major requires 57 total hours with 27 core sociology hours plus key social work courses. The required classes cover:
- Introduction to Social Work
- Case Management
- Probation & Parole
- Ethics and Psychology foundations
Students need 15 more elective hours with at least 9 at the upper division level. The total graduation requirement reaches 120 hours with 36+ upper-division credits.
Field Placement Opportunities
Students can start their field experience through a formal internship after completing 9 hours in sociology/social work coursework and 60 university credit hours. Partner agencies like Department of Children Services, mental health centers, and legal aid societies offer internship positions. Students with a 2.0 GPA can take a 3-hour internship, with options to complete up to 6 total internship hours.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Domestic undergraduates pay a $25 application fee. Early application helps students get considered for scholarships. Tuition for in-state students is $5,963 a semester and $8,063 for out-of-state students.
Admission Requirements
The university processes applications within 3-5 business days after receiving all documents. Students can apply as freshmen, transfers, or through non-traditional options. You’ll need a 3.0 GPA without SAT/ACT or a 2.5 GPA if you are a student over 21 and have SAT/ACT scores to submit.
Career Preparation
Graduates find careers in family services, medical settings, corrections, public welfare agencies, and corporate environments. They help with marriage counseling, health crises, rehabilitation, poverty issues, and employee wellness programs in these different settings.
Belmont University
Belmont University’s Bachelor of Social Work program stands out with its CSWE accreditation and unique blend of Christian values with social justice principles. Students receive customized mentorship to become compassionate, licensed social workers.
Program Highlights
The BSW program connects classroom theory with ground practice right from semester one. Students create professional networks through extensive community partnerships in Nashville. A strategic 4+1 pathway lets students complete their Master of Social Work (MSW) just one year after graduation.
Program Curriculum
The 128-hour degree requirements break down as:
- 50 hours BELL Core requirements
- 54 hours Social Work major requirements
- 24 hours general electives
Students master core courses like Introduction to Social Work, Social Work Research, Human Behavior and Social Environment, and Crisis Intervention.
Field Placement Opportunities
Students dedicate 400 clock hours to field instruction split between two semesters (200 hours each). Belmont’s partnerships with agencies throughout Nashville help students find placements that match their interests.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The 2025-2026 annual costs include:
- Tuition and fees: $43,750
- Room and meal plan: $15,530
- Total estimated cost: $59,280
A significant 87% of undergraduates receive financial aid.
Admission Requirements
Students must secure general university admission before declaring Social Work as their major. The program follows standard admission requirements without additional prerequisites.
Career Preparation
The program boasts a 97% success rate with graduates finding employment or pursuing further education within six months. Students benefit from dedicated career coaching, networking events, and internship opportunities that build professional skills effectively.
Union University
Union University offers a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program built on a distinctive Christian foundation. The university began the mission to prepare competent professionals who champion social and economic justice.
Program Features
The BSW program combines Christian faith with professional social work values. Students learn compassionate service and leadership skills in generalist practice. Class sizes remain intimate with 10-30 students. The program also provides international study opportunities in Kenya, Ecuador, and Panama.
Program Curriculum
The 42-hour major has essential courses like:
- Introduction to Social Work
- Human Behavior and Social Environment
- Social and Economic Justice
- Research Methods
Senior students complete a capstone integrative project to demonstrate their competency.
Field Placement Opportunities
Senior year students must complete 424 clock hours of field practicum. Approved agencies such as Baptist Memorial Hospital, Department of Children’s Services, and Pathways Behavioral Health Services typically host student placements.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The 2025-26 academic year costs $588 per credit hour with a $33 per hour student fee. Students can access federal loans by completing their FAFSA.
Admission Requirements
Students should meet these criteria:
- 5+ cumulative GPA
- Grade “C” or better in SW 200 and SW 310
- Faculty interview
Career Preparation
BSW graduates build careers in a variety of settings including child advocacy, healthcare, mental health, and geriatric services. Students with 3.0+ GPAs can qualify for Advanced Standing MSW programs, which they can complete in as little as 9 months.
Lipscomb University
Lipscomb University’s BSW program combines Christian principles with core social work values. The program gives you professional knowledge and skills that help you become a compassionate, competent leader who can ethically merge faith with social work practice.
Program Highlights
The BSW program at Lipscomb educates students from a Christian point of view and social work values to uphold human dignity, recognize strengths, and value diversity. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has fully accredited the program, which makes graduates eligible for Advanced Standing MSW programs. Small class sizes and a 20:1 student-faculty ratio will enhance your learning experience.
Program Curriculum
Students need 63 total hours with specific courses that include:
- Introduction to Social Work
- Social Policy Practice and Advocacy
- Human Behavior and Social Environment
- Research Methods
Social work majors must earn a letter grade of “C” or higher in each social work course before moving to subsequent coursework. Students graduate with the Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree instead of a B.S. or B.A. degree.
Field Placement Opportunities
Students gain over 500 supervised field practicum hours. Recent placement sites include government agencies, family advocacy centers, foster care and adoption agencies, long-term care facilities, teen shelters, domestic violence shelters, and healthcare settings. This hands-on experience creates the foundations for generalist social work practice.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Annual tuition costs $42,596 for 2025-2026. The total reaches $61,896 with room, board, and other expenses. The good news is that 99% of undergraduates receive financial aid, and the average aid package amounts to $24,000.
Admission Requirements
Students need approximately a 3.86 GPA for admission to Lipscomb. The social work program’s formal admission process typically happens in junior year after completing introductory courses. Students must submit references, an autobiography, and personality assessment results.
Career Preparation
The program achieves a remarkable 98% job placement rate. Lipscomb’s Career Development Center provides individual-specific guidance on résumé writing, interview preparation, job search strategies, and salary negotiation. Graduates work in hospitals, schools, community mental health centers, court systems, and many other settings.
Lincoln Memorial University
Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) will celebrate 50 years of social work education in 2024-2025. The university’s BSW program combines academic excellence with hands-on experience. This program ranks among Tennessee’s top BSW offerings and prepares students to start their careers or pursue advanced degrees.
Program Highlights
LMU’s BSW program stands unique in Tennessee. The university provides foundational education and helps students find jobs as bachelor’s-level social workers. Small class sizes averaging 14 students ensure individual attention during your academic journey. The Council on Social Work Education’s full accreditation guarantees quality professional preparation.
Program Curriculum
Students need 122 credit hours to graduate, with 52 hours dedicated to major coursework. The program has specialized courses like Medical Social Work. This course teaches healthcare setting skills through cooperative health approaches and inter-professional teamwork. Students must earn a “C” grade or higher in all required social work courses.
Field Placement Opportunities
Senior year field experiences with professional agencies are vital to your education. Field supervisors bring extensive practice experience and hold baccalaureate or master’s degrees in social work. Students can complete their placements in southeastern Kentucky, southwestern Virginia, and eastern Tennessee.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Annual tuition costs $26,448. The program becomes more affordable as nearly 90% of undergraduate students receive financial aid. These costs make LMU more available than similar private universities.
Admission Requirements
The university uses a simplified rolling admissions process. Students don’t need to submit application fees, essays, or test scores. Social Work program students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
Career Preparation
Most graduates find jobs within six months and can work in multiple states. The social work field shows promise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 12% job growth from 2020-2030, which means the growth rate exceeds most other professions.
Trevecca Nazarene University
Trevecca Nazarene University’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work program builds on Christian principles to create generalist practitioners who champion service and social justice. This CSWE-accredited program teaches anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices through cultural humility.
Program Highlights
The program’s intimate size helps create strong bonds between faculty and students, offering a tailored education experience. Students become incredibly close – seniors often call themselves “family”. The program naturally merges faith points of view with professional social work practice.
Program Curriculum
Students need 78 credit hours in social work plus general education requirements. Theory and practice blend together, and students choose a minor that matches their career interests. Students learn essential competencies in ethical practice, cultural diversity, and evidence-based intervention.
Field Placement Opportunities
The field education program has two practicums:
- Early practicum: 60 volunteer hours at local nonprofits
- Senior practicum: 400 hours in professional settings
Students can work at juvenile courts, homeless services, human trafficking nonprofits, adoption agencies, and refugee services.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The program accepts 78% of applicants, and every student receives financial aid.
Admission Requirements
New students must have at least a 2.5 GPA.
Career Preparation
Graduates find diverse job opportunities with excellent mobility. Alumni surveys show 56% earn over $36,000 yearly, while 23% make more than $50,000. The core team at the career development office connects students with employers and provides coaching.
Start Your BSW Todayx
Your future starts with picking the right BSW program in Tennessee. This piece explores 12 outstanding programs that create unique paths to social work careers. Tennessee offers many choices that match your career goals and personal values. Students can choose between large universities like UT Knoxville or smaller settings like Lincoln Memorial University.
Quality BSW programs thrive on field education. Most Tennessee schools require 400-500 supervised hours. These hands-on experiences turn classroom theories into real-world skills. Graduates can start working right after completing their degree.
Social work jobs look promising in Tennessee. The state employs about 1,940 social workers with a projected 7% growth through 2032. Social workers earn a median salary of $52,060. This career path gives both meaning and financial stability.
CSWE accreditation is a vital factor in program evaluation. This credential ensures your degree meets national standards. It qualifies you to get licensed and gain advanced standing in MSW programs. All highlighted programs have this important credential.
Program costs vary between schools. Public universities charge around $9,000 while private institutions cost over $40,000. Notwithstanding that, schools provide substantial financial aid packages. Your education remains available whatever your financial situation.
A social work degree’s flexibility maybe even ranks as its biggest strength. BSW qualifications open doors to healthcare, mental health, child welfare, and school systems. You can switch practice environments throughout your career without extra degrees.
This complete guide to BSW programs in Tennessee gives you the knowledge to choose your education path wisely. Your dream of becoming a licensed social worker starts with picking the right program. It should match your academic interests, budget, and career goals. Your experience of helping others begins with this first step.