5 Top BSW Programs in Colorado
Want to kickstart your social work career with a BSW program in Colorado? The state offers promising career prospects with median earnings ranging from $53,930 to $76,840 based on Colorado OEWS data from May 2023.
Students can choose from 5 CSWE-accredited BSW programs in Colorado. These programs include Colorado State University-Fort Collins, CSU-Pueblo, Metropolitan State University of Denver (available both online and on-campus), University of Denver, and Adams State University. Quality education standards remain assured through the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which maintains records of all accredited baccalaureate programs.
Your education costs will vary by a lot based on your chosen institution. Public universities typically cost between $90,000-$105,000 for a complete BSW education. Private institutions like the University of Denver can cost more than $175,000. This original investment pays off as many BSW graduates advance their careers through MSW programs within Colorado.
Ready to find your perfect Colorado social work program match? Let’s get into each option in detail.
Colorado State University – Fort Collins
Colorado State University – Fort Collins ranks first among social work education institutions in Colorado. The university’s BSW program has shaped social work practitioners since 1974. The program’s excellence shows in its placement among the top 15% of Best Graduate Schools for Social Work among public universities in the U.S..
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Social Work program at CSU creates professionals who champion social justice and help others succeed. Students learn about equity, anti-oppression, and ways to improve human health and well-being. The program meets CSWE accreditation standards, ensuring graduates have the skills they need for professional social work. The program also boasts a 100% internship completion rate, giving students valuable real-life experience.
Specializations Offered
Students can shape their education through three specialized paths:
- Addictions Counseling – Students learn to help people with addiction while meeting requirements to become a Certified Addiction Technician in Colorado
- Holistic Care – Students explore connected theories and environments, including animal-assisted interventions and nature’s effect on human health
- International Social Work – Students study global human experiences through theory, research, and education abroad opportunities
Program Format and Duration
Students can choose between two learning formats:
- A traditional four-year on-campus program
- A flexible online option through CSU Online
Both paths need 120 credits, including foundation courses in social science research, statistics, arts, humanities, and natural sciences.
Admission Requirements
CSU welcomes students into the School of Social Work right when they choose Social Work as their major. Students later complete an Application to the Major process that ensures they meet NASW ethical requirements and CSWE accreditation standards. Starting Fall 2025, students must earn a C (2.000) or better in each SOWK course and maintain a 2.500 overall GPA in all SOWK courses.
Tuition and Financial Aid
During 2022-2023, Colorado residents paid about $13,009 in tuition and fees. Total yearly costs vary based on living arrangements:
- On-campus: $35,722 for Colorado residents and $58,949 for non-residents
- Off-campus: $35,872 for Colorado residents and $59,099 for non-residents
Good news – 81% of first-year students get financial aid, mostly through grants and scholarships. Students receive an average aid package of $9,895.
Career Preparation
Senior students complete a 450-hour (10-credit) internship at approved agencies. This hands-on experience lets students apply classroom knowledge in real-life settings while building professional skills.
CSU graduates see promising career outcomes. BSW graduates earn a median salary of $38,134, which is a big deal as it means that they earn more than the national median for social work bachelor’s degree recipients ($37,334). Graduates work in schools, hospitals, community agencies, public health, and judicial systems.
Colorado State University – Pueblo
CSU Pueblo’s BSW program has served communities in the Pueblo area since the 1960s. The program has held continuous accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1982. Students learn to become effective generalist practitioners ready to work in our diverse, global society.
Program Overview
The Department of Social Work at CSU Pueblo prepares BSW generalist practitioners who work with diverse client systems of all sizes. Students learn interventions based on scientific inquiry. The program teaches an anti-racist, anti-oppressive view to boost life and dignity for all people. Social service agencies throughout Southern Colorado value graduates from this program highly. Many alumni now work as administrators and practitioners in the region.
Specializations Offered
Though CSU Pueblo doesn’t offer formal concentrations, students can take advantage of these unique opportunities:
- Campus Connection – An award-winning therapeutic mentoring program for at-risk youth and high-impact service-learning courses
- Child Welfare Stipends Program – Funding to help with educational expenses for qualified students and existing county employees in rural and urban agencies
Program Format and Duration
The BSW curriculum takes a minimum of 120 semester credit hours, including at least 40 hours in upper-division courses. Students take courses in human behavior, social environment, social welfare policy, research, practice, and field practicum. Field experience plays a vital role—students must complete 448 clock hours of professionally supervised fieldwork at an approved community agency.
Admission Requirements
You’ll need these qualifications for upper-division courses:
- A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or a minimum GPA of 2.5 in required social work courses
- Completed prerequisite courses including SW100, SW201, SW202, SW205, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, human biology, and political science
Social service agencies usually require background checks and drug testing at your expense.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Colorado residents will pay about $12,566 in tuition and fees for the 2025-2026 academic year. Your total cost depends on where you live:
- On-campus: $29,824 for Colorado residents and $40,444 for non-residents
- Off-campus: $34,934 for Colorado residents and $45,554 for non-residents
The university offers several scholarships and financial aid options. The Pack Promise Scholarship helps first-time college undergraduates or transfer students by covering free tuition for one year. You might extend this up to three years.
Career Preparation
Field practicum experience is the best part of professional preparation. The Department of Social Work pairs students with agencies—you won’t need to find your own placement. The program works with over 200 pre-approved agencies and helps students who already have jobs in the field to develop employment-based opportunities. BSW graduates are ready for entry-level generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
CSU Pueblo’s Career Center offers extra support through resources for resume development, job searches, and professional development. These tools help you land a job after graduation.
Metropolitan State University of Denver
MSU Denver’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) program sits in downtown Denver’s heart. Students get an urban educational experience that connects theory with real-world practice. The program has managed to keep continuous accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1997.
Program Overview
The BSSW program prepares you to become a generalist social worker with a strong focus on social justice and anti-racism. Yes, it is built on steadfast dedication to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. The program aims to advance racial, social, economic, and environmental justice. It does this by teaching diverse social workers who make positive changes in communities, families, organizations, and individuals’ lives. You’ll need 120 semester hours to graduate, with courses that meet professional practice standards.
Specializations Offered
While the BSSW program doesn’t have formal concentrations, it gives you a complete education in core social work skills. When you graduate, you’ll know how to:
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
- Advance human rights and social justice
- Participate in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion in practice
- Apply research-informed practice skills
- Take part in policy practice
Format and Duration
MSU Denver stands out by giving students several ways to complete their degree:
- Delivery Options
- Fully online with guaranteed spots in online sections (requires synchronous attendance)
- Mixed traditional format combining on-campus, online, and hybrid courses
- Enrollment Options
- Full-time: 9-12 credits of required BSSW coursework per semester (2 years to complete)
- Part-time: 6-9 credits per semester (3 years to complete)
You can complete field placements in person within your local community.
Admission Requirements
Before starting the BSSW program, you must finish these prerequisite courses:
- Social Work courses (C- or better required):
- SWK 1010: Introduction to Social Work
- SWK 1600: Community Engagement & Civic Responsibility
- Ancillary requirements (D- or better):
- Biology course
- American National Government (PSC 1010)
- Introductory Psychology (PSY 1001)
- Social/Cultural course (SOC or ANT options)
The admission process needs a personal statement that answers four prompts, each 200-250 words.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Colorado residents pay $3,547.20 in tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year. With the College Opportunity Fund and fees of $846.50, the total comes to $4,393.70 for full-time enrollment. Out-of-state students pay more, with costs reaching $11,882.90. The university helps students with several financial aid options:
- MSU Denver General Scholarship Applications (deadline March 1)
- FAFSA/CASFA assistance (priority deadline March 31)
- Raise-Me micro-scholarships
- Student employment opportunities
Career Preparation
The program’s Office of Field Education works directly with students to find field placements. They have relationships with over 700 agencies across Colorado. This hands-on experience helps you prepare for jobs after graduation. The results speak for themselves – 75% of graduates find jobs within 2 months of graduation. BSSW graduates typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 each year. The university’s Classroom to Career Hub also helps with career counseling, resumes, networking, and job fairs to support your move into professional work.
University of Denver
The University of Denver’s innovative 3+2 Program gives students a chance to earn both their bachelor’s degree and Master of Social Work in just five years. Students from any undergraduate major can choose this accelerated option, whether they study psychology, sociology, international studies, Spanish, or communications.
University of Denver Program Overview
U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) #1 in Colorado and #11 nationwide. The program stands out with its justice-oriented curriculum that teaches students to tackle issues of power, privilege, and oppression at every level. GSSW graduates find meaningful careers in a variety of settings—from public policy to private practice, health and mental health care, child welfare, and nonprofit management.
Specializations Offered
BSW students moving to the MSW program can choose from several specialization paths:
- Child Welfare – Work with children, youth, and families at every stage of care
- Mental Health – Get ready to work in therapeutic settings with trauma, mental illness, and substance abuse issues
- Ecological Justice – Study environmental social work through assessment and community engagement
- Family Systems Practice – Help families through direct-service and policy settings
Students can also earn certificates in Global Social Work, Human-Animal-Environment Interactions, Latinx Social Work, and School Social Work.
Program Format and Duration
The 3+2 Program combines three years of undergraduate courses with two years of graduate studies. Students complete their undergraduate coursework during the first three years and start MSW courses in year four. They receive their bachelor’s degree after finishing their first year of MSW coursework. This streamlined format helps students graduate faster and save money by taking fewer total credits than standard programs.
Admission Requirements
Students need a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or 2.5 for their last 60 semester credits. Students should apply to the 3+2 Program before reaching 135 undergraduate credits, usually during fall of their third year. The program doesn’t require GRE scores for application.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The University of Denver’s tuition as a private institution runs $61,434 for the 2024-25 academic year. Total costs reach $80,536 when including food and housing. Most first-year students (81%) receive financial aid, with need-based scholarships or grants averaging $43,800.
Career Preparation
Field education is a big part of professional preparation, with students choosing from over 750 internship options. The Career Services team provides detailed support through one-on-one advising, resume help, interview prep, and salary negotiation guidance. The university’s extensive network of over 9,000 social work alumni creates valuable professional connections for new graduates.
Colorado Mesa University
Colorado Mesa University sits in the heart of Western Colorado and offers a Bachelor of Social Work program that champions social and economic justice. The university stands on land that belonged to the Nuuchiu (Ute) people, and this recognition shows its commitment to cultural awareness.
Program Overview
The BSW program helps students become ethical, competent, and compassionate social workers who can work with people, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Students learn anti-oppressive and anti-racist practices to tackle systemic inequities and stand up for human rights. The program teaches students to build relationships, understand needs, provide services, and create positive change in different social settings. As a CSWE-accredited program, CMU’s BSW meets top standards in social work education and gives students both knowledge and hands-on skills.
Specializations Offered
CMU’s BSW program provides a complete generalist education instead of specific specializations. Students become skilled at:
- Ethical and professional behavior
- Anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Human rights and social justice advancement
- Practice-informed research
- Policy practice
These abilities let graduates work at individual, group, and community levels in different settings.
Program Format and Duration
Students need to complete 120 academic credit hours and 450 practicum hours at a local social service agency. The program uses a cohort system where students take major courses together over four semesters. This approach builds strong professional bonds between students and creates a smooth path through the curriculum.
Admission Requirements
The path to becoming a BSW student at CMU has two steps. Students can choose pre-Social Work as their major anytime. To join the BSW program, you need to:
- Complete 60 credits including Essential Learning requirements, wellness requirements, capstone courses, and foundation courses
- Keep an overall GPA of 2.0 and a social work GPA of 2.5
- Submit a formal application with personal statement
- Have a faculty interview
CMU accepts up to 25 students each year, and applications close on the second Friday in February.
Tuition and Financial Aid
CMU had the third lowest tuition and fees among Colorado’s four-year colleges for 2022-2023. Colorado residents might qualify for the College Opportunity Fund stipend to lower their tuition. The university gives out about USD 77 million in total aid yearly, and 60% of new students receive scholarships. The IRIS desk staff helps students with financial aid applications, scholarships, and loans to make college more affordable.
Online BSW options
Online BSW programs in Colorado give working professionals and students a flexible path to social work education. These programs break down location barriers and still maintain high academic standards.
Metropolitan State University of Denver leads the pack as a 20-year old pioneer. The university launched the first online Bachelor of Science in Social Work in the United States in 2003. The program helps rural, tribal, and non-traditional students who need flexibility in their educational experience. MSU Denver’s program remains one of the few complete online BSW options across the nation.
Students can earn their BSW completely online at University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) without visiting campus. The 120-credit hour program readies students to become entry-level professional social workers. Students must check if their chosen program has Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation since most states need this to grant licenses.
These are the standout features of Colorado’s online BSW programs:
- Field Education Integration – Students complete 400-450 hours of field work just like on-campus students, with placements usually in their local community
- Curriculum Parity – Online students follow similar rigorous coursework as traditional students to ensure equal preparation
- Specialized Support – Students get help from dedicated online advisors, success coaches, and virtual tutors
- Delivery Options – Programs let students learn at their own pace or join scheduled virtual meetings
MSU Denver makes its online program accessible through courses that meet federal standards. The Office of Online Learning’s Student Success Coaches help students build skills in time management, online learning, and stress management.
Students should check technical requirements like stable internet and webcam setup at the time they explore online BSW programs in Colorado.
BSW Curriculum
BSW programs in Colorado follow a well-laid-out curriculum that prepares students to become generalist social workers. Students learn about human behavior in social environments, social welfare policy, research methods, and practice skills at micro, mezzo, and macro intervention levels.
Generalist practice is a great way to learn in BSW education. Students learn to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Colorado’s social work programs help students understand human development and build relationships. Students also learn to assess needs and provide services.
Colorado BSW programs include these key components:
- Foundation Courses: Human biology, psychology, sociology, political science, and statistics are the foundations of liberal arts
- Core Social Work Courses: Introduction to Social Work, Human Behavior and Social Environment, Social Work Practice Methods, Research, and Policy
- Field Education: The signature pedagogy requiring 400-450 hours of supervised practice in community agencies
- Justice-Focused Content: Courses on diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-oppressive practice
Social work programs in Colorado maintain high academic standards. Students must earn at least a C grade in all social work courses. Many programs require a 2.5 GPA in major coursework.
Students progress through the curriculum in stages. They start with introductory courses, move to practice methods, and finish with field practicum experiences. Colorado Mesa University demonstrates this approach with 120 academic credit hours and 450 practicum hours at local agencies.
Students combine classroom learning with ground practice. Field education helps students apply theories in real-life situations. Students learn ethical behavior, human rights advocacy, anti-racism work, and research-informed practice.
BSW curricula meet Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) standards. This ensures Colorado graduates can work in different settings with various population groups and problem areas.
Field Education Requirements in Colorado
Requirements for hours differ between institutions. BSW students need to complete 450 hours at Colorado State University. The University of Colorado Colorado Springs asks for a minimum of 400 hours. Colorado Mesa University students must log 450 hours, which breaks down to about 15 hours each week during fall and spring semesters.
BSW programs in Colorado share these field education structures:
- Concurrent format – Most programs need students to enroll in practicum courses and companion seminars simultaneously
- Agency supervision – Students learn under qualified social work supervisors
- Diverse settings – Students can work in hospitals, schools, mental health centers, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies
The placement process starts months before the actual work begins. MSU Denver students join information sessions in spring and team up with field staff members who help them search. CMU needs applications submitted by February 1, followed by interviews.
Students should know that most agencies need background checks and drug tests, which students pay for. Many programs let students complete their practicum at their workplace if they meet specific criteria and have supervision separate from their job duties.
Career Outlook for BSW Social Workers in Colorado
Colorado’s BSW graduates have excellent career prospects. The state projects a 14% job growth rate for social workers through 2030, which exceeds the national average. The expansion of healthcare, mental health, and substance abuse services has driven this growth throughout the state.
BSW program graduates’ salaries in Colorado depend on their experience, specialization, and location. New social workers usually earn between $40,000 and $45,000 per year. Those who get clinical licenses (LCSW) can make $65,000 to $80,000 or more. Urban areas like Denver and Boulder pay better than rural communities.
The job market looks brightest for child, family, and school social workers with a projected 13% growth rate through 2033. Healthcare social workers follow at 10%. Colorado currently has about 1,760 social work jobs in settings of all types. However, Colorado’s social worker salaries average $45,000, which is 11% below the national average of $51,000.
High turnover affects the field, with about 70,000 social workers leaving their jobs nationwide each year due to burnout or career changes. BSW programs in Colorado play a crucial role to prepare the next generation of professionals who will serve communities throughout the state.
Colorado Social Work Licensure Pathway
BSW graduates need to understand Colorado’s unique social work licensure system to plan their career path. Colorado differs from other states as it doesn’t offer bachelor’s-level social work licensing. The state only provides two license types: Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Both these licenses need a master’s degree.
BSW graduates can practice social work in specific settings without a license if they have graduated from CSWE-accredited programs. They need continuing education to advance to licensed positions.
Colorado social workers must follow these steps to get licensed:
- Complete an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program
- Apply for LSW through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)
- Pass the Colorado Mental Health Professions Jurisprudence Examination
- Pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Masters examination
- For clinical licensure (LCSW), accumulate 3,360 hours of experience over a minimum of 24 months with 96 hours of supervision
Social workers who want to work in residential child care facilities can qualify for a Provisional License (SWP). MSW holders applying for the first time usually take the “Original License by Examination” route.
The license renewal in Colorado happens on August 31 of odd-numbered years. Social workers must complete 40 professional development hours during each two-year renewal period to meet Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.
Start Your Social Work Career Today
Your path to a successful social work career in Colorado starts with picking the right BSW program. This guide highlights five CSWE-accredited programs with unique strengths. CSU Fort Collins offers specialized concentrations while Metropolitan State University brings a trailblazing online format that’s been around since 2003. Each program delivers distinct opportunities and upholds strict educational standards needed for professional practice.
Students must complete 400-450 hours of supervised practice that turns classroom knowledge into practical skills. This hands-on experience prepares you for real-life challenges. You’ll build professional connections that often lead to job opportunities after graduation.
BSW graduates’ career outlook in Colorado looks bright with job growth projected at 14% through 2030. Notwithstanding that, you need to understand the state’s licensure structure for career planning. Colorado requires a master’s degree for both LSW and LCSW credentials. Many BSW graduates choose to continue their education to access advanced practice opportunities and earn more.
Your decision should substantially factor in the costs. Public schools are typically more affordable. Colorado residents pay $12,500-$13,000 annually at public institutions. This is a big deal as it means that private universities like University of Denver charge premium rates of over $60,000 per year. Most programs offer substantial financial aid packages to help reduce these costs.
Take time to review each program’s curriculum, field placement options, specialization opportunities, and location. Look into their career services, alumni networks, and job placement rates. The right BSW program matches your interests, professional goals, and practical circumstances. This detailed guide to Colorado’s social work programs helps you take your next confident step toward a rewarding career that makes a real difference in your community.