8 Top BSW Programs in Alabama
A bachelor of social work degree in Alabama offers a career path with strong job prospects that helps communities grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows Alabama employs about 21,780 community and social service workers. Social work students add value by contributing 15,000 hours of service each semester to community agencies.
Alabama’s social work field brings great career options. Social workers earn between $40,450 to $89,170 based on their expertise. The state has 17 CSWE-accredited BSW programs. Each program needs at least 400 hours of supervised field work for students to get their Alabama LBSW license.
This guide looks at eight top-rated BSW programs in Alabama. You’ll learn about their special features, focus areas, and tuition costs. These programs help you join this vital profession, whether you’re researching options or ready to submit applications. Your work will create positive changes in your community.
Auburn University
Auburn University is the premier source for social work education in Alabama. The university offers a complete Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program. Their steadfast dedication to excellence in social work education makes them the perfect choice for future social workers.
Program overview
Auburn’s Bachelor of Social Work program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education. This ensures students get quality education that meets national standards. The program helps students become beginning-level generalist practitioners who can get licensed after graduation. On top of that, graduates can apply for advanced standing in social work graduate programs, which could cut down their MSW completion time.
Students need 120 total credit hours to graduate. They must complete SOCY 1000, SOWO 2000, and SOWO 3910 with a grade of C or better before applying. The admission process also needs:
- Two letters of recommendation
- A personal statement essay (maximum four double-spaced pages)
- A 2.5 GPA in all major courses
The program aims to create positive change throughout Alabama. It prepares social workers who can stand up for disadvantaged populations, especially at-risk children and families.
Specializations offered
The BSW program focuses on generalist practice instead of specialized tracks. Students can customize their education through professional electives. They can choose from several specialized courses:
- Child Welfare (SOWO 3500)
- Aging Issues and Services (SOWO 3600)
- Addictions (SOWO 3700)
- Social Work Special Topics (SOWO 4970)
- Sociology of the Family (SOCY 3300)
This generalist approach gives students versatile skills that work in social work settings of all types. The curriculum uses the “person-in-environment” transformation, which prepares graduates to help vulnerable, oppressed, or impoverished people effectively.
Tuition and costs
The 2025-2026 academic year undergraduate tuition and fees per semester are:
- Alabama Residents: $6,659
- Non-Alabama Residents: $18,011
Students should also plan for these expenses:
- Housing and Food: $8,605 (on-campus) or $7,936 (off-campus)
- Books, Course Materials, Supplies, Equipment, Transportation, and Personal Expenses: about $3,760
The total costs for a complete academic year (fall and spring semesters) have increased by 4.5% from last year. In-state students living on campus can expect to pay around $36,882. Out-of-state students who live on campus will pay by a lot more, with yearly expenses reaching about $58,914.
The program remains popular at Auburn. Women made up all 28 students who received their bachelor’s degrees in 2022.
University of Alabama
The University of Alabama runs a strong Bachelor of Social Work program that prepares students to work in a variety of settings. Students who graduate from this Tuscaloosa-based program gain critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that are valuable in any discipline.
Program overview
The BSW program at University of Alabama creates practitioners who promote social justice and improve well-being at individual, family, group, and community levels. Students start as pre-social work majors and complete core curriculum requirements in their first two years. They can declare their social work major as freshmen, sophomores, or juniors.
The program gives students several learning options through:
- On-campus classes
- Distance learning opportunities
- Evening classes
- Online format
The online BSW program matches the main campus degree, which means students get the same quality education whatever format they choose. On top of that, it helps graduates prepare for both generalist practice and future graduate study in social work.
Specializations offered
While the BSW at Alabama follows a generalist approach, students can take advantage of several opportunities:
- Practicum internships in Washington, D.C. or at over 250 social service agencies
- Social work honors program
- Research experiences with faculty and graduate students
- Experiential and service learning options
- Community-engaged student organizations
The curriculum builds on five themes: life course viewpoint, valuing diversity, critical and reflective thinking, evidence-based practice, and services to Alabama’s poor and underserved. This approach helps students work with clients of all ages in healthcare establishments, mental health centers, schools, and family settings.
Tuition and costs
The 2025-2026 academic year undergraduate tuition rates per semester are:
- Full-time Alabama residents (12-16 hours): $5,842
- Full-time non-residents (12-16 hours): $17,271
- Additional hours over 16 cost $480 per hour for residents and $1,520 for non-residents
Part-time students pay $545 per credit hour (in-state) or $1,520 per credit hour (out-of-state). Distance learning students pay $399 per credit hour whatever their residency status.
Full-time undergraduate students can expect these total annual costs:
- On-campus in-state: $34,608 (including $27,600 direct costs and $7,008 indirect costs)
- On-campus out-of-state: $58,530 (including $50,458 direct costs and $8,072 indirect costs)
The total 120-credit BSW program costs about $47,880 for distance learning students at $399 per credit hour.
Troy University
Troy University has a fully accredited bachelor of social work program that gives students the skills to help individuals, families, and communities through hands-on training and professional development. The program stands out because it offers flexible learning options and a direct practice approach in Alabama’s social service world.
Program overview
The BSW program at Troy develops competencies through a well-laid-out curriculum that combines theory with practical skills. Students start with general studies in communication, psychology, and sociology. The professional social work curriculum has these requirements:
- A minimum 2.5 GPA in all college courses
- Completion or enrollment in HS 2240, HS 3310, HS 3370, SWK 2250, and SWK 2280 with a grade of C or better
Students need 27 hours of core coursework. This includes ethics in helping professions, human behavior in social environments, cultural competency, and research methods. The professional program needs 25 more hours and ends with field practicum experience.
The social work program started with a mission to help vulnerable populations in Alabama, the nation, and around the world. Students can choose between on-campus and online options, making education available to students of all backgrounds.
Specializations offered
Troy’s BSW curriculum prepares students as beginning generalist practitioners and creates paths to further specialization. Students learn direct practice skills to deliver client-centered care.
The core coursework covers:
- Human behavior in social environment
- Social policy and planning
- Research methodology
- Cultural competency
Field education is the cornerstone where students use their theoretical knowledge in ground settings. Students learn to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in the professional program.
Tuition and costs
Troy University’s undergraduate tuition rates for 2025-2026 are:
- In-state: $424.00 per credit hour
- Out-of-state: $848.00 per credit hour
Annual cost of attendance varies based on where students live:
- On-campus: $26,288.00 (includes $10,176 tuition, $1,000 books/supplies, $10,068 housing/food)
- Off-campus: $28,180.00
- Living with parents: $22,750.00
Extra fees include a $22.00 per credit hour general fee, $100.00 non-refundable housing application fee, and meal plans from $1,940.00 to $2,010.00 plus tax. Commuter students can get dining dollars for $275.00 per semester plus tax.
Students need to plan for testing fees, $25.00 payment plan fees, and a $60.00 graduation application fee. TROY shows its steadfast dedication to affordable education through financial aid and scholarship options.
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) offers a Bachelor of Science in Social Work program with practical experience in healthcare settings. Students learn to work in complex social environments while serving vulnerable populations.
Program overview
The Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) program at UAB maintains full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program prepares students to work with diverse and vulnerable populations in our interconnected world. Students build their skills through courses that cover fundamental knowledge, values, and social work practices.
Students must submit a formal application to join the BSSW Professional program as a major. The application evaluates:
- Academic achievements
- Faculty feedback on classroom behavior
- Four essays that show professional self-awareness
A full-time, one-term field practicum serves as the final capstone experience. UAB requires students to complete SW 322, SW 322L, SW 422, SW 422L, SW 490, and SW 494 at their campus and does not accept transfer credits for these courses.
Specializations offered
The BSSW program adopts a generalist practice model. Students learn to advocate for social and economic justice among at-risk populations. The program aims to:
- Strengthen local and global communities by producing entry-level social workers who serve individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations
- Create a foundation for advanced social work education and continuous learning
- Help students apply research and policy knowledge effectively
- Champion social and economic justice through human rights advocacy
Tuition and costs
UAB’s undergraduate in-state tuition and fees for 2025-2026 cost $11,640 per academic year with 15 credit hours each semester. Out-of-state students pay $28,980. Online programs cost $14,580 whatever your residence.
Additional expenses include:
- Books and supplies: $1,200
- Housing: $7,180-$10,050 (on-campus)
- Meal plans: $450-$5,550
- Health insurance: $3,146
In-state students living on campus spend between $29,397-$37,177 annually. Out-of-state students pay $47,095-$54,875. UAB social work graduates earn a median salary of $35,750 and graduate with average debt of $16,837.
University of Montevallo
The University of Montevallo’s social work program sits in the heart of central Alabama. Students can pursue either Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees through the College of Health Professions. The program helps students develop practical skills in a close-knit, supportive campus setting.
Program overview
The Council on Social Work Education fully accredits Montevallo’s social work program. Students learn the fundamentals needed to start their careers as generalist social workers. The program’s admission requirements include:
- Completion of prerequisite courses
- A meeting with the Program Director
- A minimum overall GPA of 2.3
- A 3.0 GPA or higher in original social work courses
The major has 42 credit hours of required coursework. Students take foundational classes like Introduction to Social Welfare, Human Behavior in the Social Environment, and Research in Social Welfare. Each social work course needs a grade of “C” or better while students must meet the GPA requirements.
Specializations offered
The program focuses on generalist practice instead of specific specializations. Students can choose between B.A. and B.S. paths that match their career goals. The B.S. degree needs seven extra hours of mathematics or natural science courses. Students pursuing a B.A. must complete sophomore-level foreign language studies.
Students get hands-on experience through a detailed field placement program. The final part of their academic trip combines SWK 455 (Social Work Practicum) worth 10 credit hours with SWK 456 (Social Work Integrative Seminar) worth 2 credit hours.
Tuition and costs
The 2022-2023 academic year costs were:
- In-state: $13,710 ($12,090 tuition plus $1,620 fees)
- Out-of-state: $26,730 ($25,110 tuition plus $1,620 fees)
Students should also plan for these yearly expenses:
- Books and supplies: $1,020
- On-campus housing and meals: $10,768
- Personal expenses: $3,640
Alabama’s social work graduates typically work in child and family services (average salary $40,710), healthcare ($47,740), or substance abuse treatment ($36,700).
Alabama State University
The 50-year old Alabama State University’s Bachelor of Social Work program is the only accredited BSW program in the Montgomery area. This historically Black College and University (HBCU) equips students with generalist practice skills that focus on social justice and community well-being.
Program overview
The Council on Social Work Education granted full accreditation to ASU’s BSW program in 1989. The curriculum helps students become competent practitioners who use critical thinking skills to solve social problems that affect Alabama’s poor and oppressed communities. Students need 120 credit hours to graduate, with 42 hours of general studies and 37 hours of required major courses.
Students must keep good academic standing and show their commitment to social work ethics during the admission process. The program readies graduates for entry-level professional roles and advanced academic pursuits.
Specializations offered
The program focuses on generalist practice at the undergraduate level but offers these specialized elective courses:
- Social Work in Health Settings
- Child Welfare
- Social Work with the Aged
- Social Work with Families
A detailed 450-hour field practicum ends the program. Students put their theoretical knowledge to work in real-world settings. This hands-on training creates paths to careers as policy analysts, behavioral health professionals, child welfare specialists, probation officers, and substance abuse counselors.
Tuition and costs
The 2024-25 academic year costs include:
- In-state tuition and fees: $11,068
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $19,936
- Room and board: $6,050
Additional expenses include:
- Books: $1,320
- Transportation: $3,000
- Personal expenses: $2,130
The estimated total annual cost reaches $23,568 for in-state students and $32,436 for out-of-state students who live on campus. About 65% of first-year students get need-based financial aid, with awards averaging $2,693,789.
University of West Alabama
Image Source: University of West Alabama
The University of West Alabama takes a unique approach to social work education with its Sociology: Social Work Track. Students get foundational knowledge they need for entry-level positions or advanced studies in the field.
University of West Alabama program overview
The University of West Alabama’s social work education is part of the Sociology major rather than a standalone BSW program. Students in this track must complete 30 credit hours of major requirements. The coursework has Introduction to Social Work, Principles of Sociology, Social Problems, and Marriage and the Family. The program concludes with a nine-credit field practicum where students get valuable hands-on experience.
UWA’s partnership with the University of Alabama’s School of Social Work creates a dual-degree option. Students can study at UWA for about three years and then transfer to complete their Bachelor of Social Work at Alabama.
University of West Alabama specializations offered
UWA’s 21-credit hour Social Work Minor helps students learn specialized knowledge in the field. The minor has:
- SW 100: Introduction to Social Work
- SW 200: History of Social Welfare
- SW 320: Cultural Diversity and Social Justice
- SW 360: Spirituality and Social Work Practice
Students can pick three electives from Child Welfare Services, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Social Work and Human Sexuality, and Forensic Social Work.
University of West Alabama tuition and costs
UWA’s 2025-2026 academic year costs per semester are:
- In-state tuition (15 credit hours): $4,875 ($325 per credit hour)
- Out-of-state tuition (15 credit hours): $9,750 ($650 per credit hour)
- On-campus housing: $2,110-$3,645
- Meal plans: $1,709-$2,119
Course materials cost about $24 per credit hour each semester. The Tiger One Fee of $605 covers campus services. Total semester costs range from $9,659-$11,604 for in-state students and $14,534-$16,479 for out-of-state students.
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville State University’s bachelor of social work program prepares students to work as generalists in a variety of communities. Students develop their critical thinking abilities and professional skills through a well-laid-out program focused on effective service delivery.
Program overview
The Bachelor of Social Work degree at JSU needs 120 hours of coursework. This requirement combines university general education courses and 54 semester hours of social work subjects. Students must complete 48 semester hours before they can join the program. The prerequisites include MS 110 and MS 204, along with maintaining a 2.25 overall GPA. Students should also earn a “C” or better in SW 230 and pass SW 390 successfully. The program helps graduates meet local and regional workforce needs while they work to improve individual and community well-being.
Specializations offered
The curriculum has 39 required social work hours that cover social policy, research, cultural diversity, and human behavior. Students can choose from these elective courses:
- Social Work in Health Care
- Substance-Use and Addictive Disorders
- Crisis Intervention
- Forensic Social Work
Tuition and costs
The 2025-2026 undergraduate tuition rates are:
- In-state: $353.00 per hour or $5,295.00 for 12-18 credit hours
- Out-of-state: $706.00 per hour or $10,590.00 for 12-18 credit hours
Students pay $5,730.00 yearly for on-campus housing and about $4,202.00 for meal plans.
Online BSW options
Working adults and rural residents can now earn their bachelor of social work degree online through several Alabama universities. These programs meet the same CSWE accreditation standards as traditional campus-based options.
The University of Alabama offers a BSW program that students can complete mostly online priced at $399.00 per credit hour. Students can finish most of their coursework remotely but must complete in-person practicum requirements and attend virtual skills labs on specific Saturdays.
Troy University has launched a fully online BSW program, and the University of West Alabama offers flexible scheduling options. These programs run in 8-week or 16-week formats that include recorded lectures, discussion boards, and group projects.
Learning management systems like Canvas or Blackboard give students access to course materials, virtual office hours, and online study groups. Students need simple technical requirements: reliable internet, a webcam for proctored exams, and standard software.
Field education remains a hands-on experience. Programs help students find placements in their local communities, and field coordinators assist in identifying suitable agencies. Some programs use existing employment or volunteer connections. Faculty support continues throughout placements through virtual field seminars on Zoom.
The University of North Alabama offers some BSW courses online, but classroom instruction remains the primary teaching method.
BSW Curriculum
Alabama universities require 120 total credit hours to graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. The coursework splits into three main areas: general education, pre-professional studies, and major professional courses.
Getting an Alabama social work degree starts with core prerequisites. Students need to pass basic courses in psychology, sociology, biology, statistics, and introductory social work. To cite an instance, see the University of Alabama’s requirements – students take “Introduction to Social Work,” “Reform and Resistance,” and “Professional Writing Seminar” before they start their professional program.
The professional part builds practical skills through social welfare policy, human behavior studies, research methods, and hands-on techniques. Students must keep their GPA between 2.25 to 2.5 in their major courses.
Field education caps off the degree with 400-450 hours of supervised practice. UAB students complete a “full-time, one-term field practicum placement that serves as a capstone experience”. The curriculum prepares students for work in settings of all types by covering cultural diversity, ethics, and evidence-based interventions.
Field Education Requirements in Alabama
Social work programs in Alabama consider field education their “signature pedagogy”. Students must complete over 400 supervised practice hours in agency settings. Alabama State University sets an even higher bar with 450 required hours.
Most Alabama programs structure field education through senior-year block placements that require 2-3 days weekly. Some programs spread the experience across junior and senior years. UAB students complete a full-time field practicum in one term, which serves as their capstone course. This experience helps them blend academic knowledge with ground application.
Students work directly with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities under licensed social workers’ supervision. The field instructors collaborate with students to create learning agreements that define competency goals. Students track their growth through process recordings, case presentations, and reflective journals.
Students can work in hospitals, schools, mental health centers, child welfare agencies, and community organizations. The Title IV-E Stipend Program supports students pursuing child welfare careers with Alabama Department of Human Resources through financial aid tied to an 18-month work commitment.
The university’s field office creates strong partnerships between students and placement agencies. This collaboration helps merge classroom theory with practical experience.
Career Outlook for BSW Social Workers in Alabama
Alabama offers promising career paths for bachelor of social work graduates. The state currently has more than 6,800 social workers. Over half of them work in child, family, and school services, while about a third hold healthcare positions.
The social work field looks bright nationwide. Job opportunities should grow 7% between 2023-2033, which outpaces most other careers. This growth translates to roughly 67,300 new positions each year across the country. Alabama’s Department of Labor expects similar steady growth over the next decade. The state’s unique focus remains on helping underserved communities.
Different specialties show varying growth rates. Healthcare social workers should see a 10% increase, while marriage and family therapists could experience a 15% jump. Mental health and substance use counselors project 11% growth. Child, family, and school social workers expect 5% more positions, and other social work roles should grow by 6%. Alabama’s high number of financially struggling households creates many opportunities through policy work and nonprofit organizations.
New professionals might want to start their careers in rural or underserved areas. Many state-funded programs prefer candidates with this background. Such experience could lead to loan forgiveness and special training opportunities. Those planning advanced studies should know that a master’s degree typically brings in $13,000 more than a BSW.
Alabama Social Work Licensure Pathway
Alabama social workers need a license to practice professionally after getting their bachelor’s degree. The Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners (ABSWE) manages the licensing process and provides Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) credentials as the starting point.
Social workers must meet these requirements to get their LBSW license:
- Complete a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s program
- Submit an application with a $75.00 fee (online $78.50)
- Pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) bachelor’s level exam
- Complete immigration compliance documentation
New LBSWs must work under supervision for 24 months with at least four hours of supervision each month. They need to finish this supervised experience within 36 months, or they might lose their supervision credit.
Social workers must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to keep their license active. This includes 10 hours from classroom or live events. Three hours must cover ethics. The license renewal fee is $100.00.
Social workers who move to another state can benefit from Alabama’s license reciprocity program. On top of that, Alabama became part of the Social Work Licensure Compact in 2024, which will let licensed social workers practice in other participating states.
The board approves applications for 12 months. New graduates should start their licensing process right after graduation.
Next Steps
Selecting the right BSW program will kickstart your social work career in Alabama. This piece covers eight outstanding programs that share key features like CSWE accreditation and complete field education requirements. These programs give you the knowledge and skills you need to create positive change in your community.
Social work in Alabama shows great promise with growth in jobs of all types. Healthcare social work, mental health counseling, and child welfare services stand out as expanding fields. Your BSW degree qualifies you for entry-level roles and builds strong foundations if you plan to pursue an MSW later.
Field education is the backbone of your social work education. Most programs need at least 400 supervised practice hours that connect classroom theory with ground application. This hands-on training helps develop your professional identity and abilities.
Alabama’s licensed social worker pathway follows clear steps. After graduating from a CSWE-accredited program, you must clear the ASWB bachelor’s level exam and finish supervised practice requirements. A license proves your competence and ethics while opening doors to professional practice.
Traditional on-campus and flexible online BSW programs prepare you to serve Alabama’s communities. Program costs, specialty options, and location should shape your choice. Most schools offer financial aid to help with educational expenses.
Your path to becoming a social worker begins with a program that matches your career goals and life situation. The eight schools we’ve covered are excellent starting points. This information prepares you to take your first steps toward achieving a career that improves lives of individuals, families, and communities across Alabama.