8 Best BSW Programs in Connecticut
Looking to find CSWE-accredited social work programs with competitive salaries? Social workers in Connecticut earn 10-15% more than the national median salary of $58,570. This makes the state an excellent place to start your career.
Connecticut has nine CSWE-accredited BSW programs. These programs are available at Central Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, Sacred Heart University, Southern Connecticut State University, University of Saint Joseph, and Western Connecticut State University, to name a few. Students can prepare for entry-level positions through these four-year programs that create a strong foundation to propel development in their careers.
These programs help graduates find immediate employment and create pathways to Advanced Standing MSW programs. Students can reduce their graduate school experience from two years to just one. On top of that, institutions like Southern Connecticut State University make use of their urban locations to provide extensive field placement opportunities. Their BSW program has over 200 students.
CSWE accreditation will give a quality education that meets the profession’s highest standards. These Connecticut programs are a great way to get both financial and personal rewards in your career.
Central Connecticut State University
Central Connecticut State University distinguishes itself among social work programs in CT through its CSWE accredited curriculum. Students prepare themselves for generalist practice in social work of all levels. BSW students at CCSU benefit from a program that blends challenging academics with hands-on field work to develop their professional skills.
Program overview
CCSU’s Bachelor of Social Work program uses a liberal arts foundation to develop competencies for entry-level generalist practice. The program emphasizes cultural humility and a strengths-based approach from an ecological point of view. This detailed framework helps you address barriers to human wellbeing at three distinct levels:
- Micro level: Working with individuals, families, small groups
- Mezzo level: Engaging with large organizations and regional contexts
- Macro level: Operating within national and international frameworks
Students gain multidimensional assessment skills that prove especially valuable when working with groups facing social and economic challenges. These groups across Connecticut include marginalized women, children, Caribbean communities, African Americans, persons with disabilities, refugees, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and older adults.
Students must complete 54 credit hours in major requirements and 12 credit hours in related requirements to graduate. The program maintains high standards and requires a minimum 2.0 overall GPA and 2.5 GPA for introductory social work courses.
Field placement opportunities
Field education serves as the cornerstone of CCSU’s social work program. Students gain practical experience that reinforces classroom learning. Your educational experience includes a minimum of 680 hours in a variety of human service settings.
Field experience follows a progressive structure:
- Pre-admission: Two semesters with 70 hours each (typically sophomore year)
- Post-admission: Two additional semesters with 70 hours each (5 hours weekly)
- Final year internship: 400 hours (200 hours per semester) supervised by MSW-level social workers
These placements happen in vetted partner organizations that address various client systems and social issues. Some placements require passing a background check before participation. The university’s mutually beneficial alliances with over 50 agencies throughout Connecticut create great opportunities to connect theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
Tuition and affordability
CCSU maintains affordable tuition rates and offers robust financial support options. Full-time undergraduate tuition per term for 2024-2025 academic year costs $6,525 for Connecticut residents, $8,235 for domestic/NEBHE students, and $13,455 for international students.
Part-time students pay $642 per credit hour (Connecticut residents) or $659 per credit hour (non-residents), plus additional registration and transportation fees.
CCSU helps ease financial burdens through:
- Over $100 million annually in financial aid
- $1.4 million in scholarships benefiting nearly 900 students each year
- The Central Payment Plan allowing tuition payment in up to five installments
CCSU social work graduates earn a median salary of $37,519—higher than the national average of $37,334 for social work bachelor’s degree recipients. Students graduate with a median student loan debt of $9,314, substantially lower than the national median of $18,722 for social work graduates.
CCSU offers quality education, extensive field experience, and financial accessibility. These factors make it an excellent choice for aspiring social workers looking for CSWE accredited programs in Connecticut.
Eastern Connecticut State University
Eastern Connecticut State University stands out with its unique approach to social work education. The university ranks among the best BSW programs in Connecticut and offers remarkable value. Students benefit from small cohort sizes that create a supportive environment where they build strong relationships with peers and faculty throughout their educational trip.
Program overview
The CSWE accredited social work program shines through its cohort-based learning model. Students move through their coursework among a consistent group of peers. This setup encourages relationships that boost the educational experience and professional growth. The program emphasizes helping rural and developing communities through a global view.
Students develop expertise in these key areas:
- Knowledge and skills through hands-on interventions that affect social policies
- Real-life experience with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Professional competence from courses taught by practicing social work professionals
Graduates find diverse career opportunities in schools, child welfare agencies, mental health programs and community organizations. More than three-quarters of Eastern’s social work graduates move directly into MSW programs at prestigious schools like Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, Boston College, NYU, and Fordham University.
The program has essential courses such as Generalist Practice with Communities and Organizations, Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Social Welfare Policy, and Research for Social Work. Each course builds on liberal arts foundations to shape a professional social work identity.
Field placement opportunities
Field education serves as a vital part of Eastern’s social work program. Students get practical experience that strengthens their classroom learning. The degree requirements include extensive field internship hours at social service agencies across Connecticut.
SWK 444 course requires 220 hours at an assigned agency in one semester. Students typically spend 15 hours weekly at their placement site. An approved Agency Field Instructor supervises and guides their professional development.
The field education model combines classroom learning with practical experience. Students attend weekly seminars with their field placement to:
- Connect theory with practice
- Talk about professional issues and concerns
- Learn about the social work profession
Students often intern at local social service agencies and non-profit organizations. These placements help them use theoretical knowledge in real-life settings and build valuable professional networks.
Tuition and affordability
Eastern Connecticut State University ranks among the nation’s 101 most affordable social work programs according to their website. This recognition reflects both program quality and value.
The 2025-2026 academic year costs for in-state students include:
- Tuition: $6,998 for Connecticut residents ($10,498 for out-of-state students)
- Fees: $6,930 (State University Fee, University General Fee, Activity Fee, and Technology Fee)
- Housing (on-campus): $9,124 (traditional-style double room)
- Meal Plan: $7,064 (unlimited dining, 7 days per week)
In-state commuters pay $14,008 in total direct costs, while on-campus students pay $30,196. Students should plan for $3,281-$4,263 in indirect costs for books, supplies, and personal expenses.
Eastern provides over $14.20 million in need-based aid and $9.50 million in merit-based aid yearly. This financial support makes the program more available to qualified students.
The university’s commitment to availability matches its mission to prepare diverse students to become skilled generalist social work practitioners who care about social justice.
Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University’s Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program stands out with its steadfast dedication to integrated practice. The program builds on an anti-racist foundation that makes it different from other CSWE-accredited social work programs in Connecticut. You’ll learn to tackle society’s challenges at many levels while keeping social justice at the forefront.
Program overview
The BSW program at Sacred Heart has managed to keep full accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education since 1981. This decades-long accreditation shows the program’s quality and dedication to training students for ethical, competent entry-level generalist social work practice.
The program shines through its detailed approach to social work education. Your studies will cover:
- Theory and practice in social work settings of all types
- Social welfare policy and services
- Human behavior in the social environment
- Human diversity and social justice principles
The curriculum pushes you to participate in broader community and political issues that affect human suffering, whether you work with individuals, communities, or global societies. This integrated approach helps you become an agent of positive change, ready to defend human dignity in every situation.
Outside the classroom, you can join professional development groups like the student-operated Social Work Club or the XiXi Chapter of Phi Alpha (the National Social Work Honor Society). These activities are a great way to get real-world experience and start building your professional network.
Field placement opportunities
Field practice is vital to your BSW education at Sacred Heart. The program requires you to complete 575 hours of internship experience during your junior and senior years. The hours break down to:
- 175 hours during junior year
- 400 hours during senior year
These internships happen in a variety of settings under professional social workers’ supervision. You might work in healthcare facilities, mental health centers, schools, corrections programs, child welfare agencies, poverty programs, senior citizen programs, community action programs, family service agencies, substance abuse treatment programs, and many more social service organizations.
Students interested in child welfare can join Sacred Heart’s Baccalaureate Child Welfare Education Program (BCWEP). This competitive program gives a full scholarship with stipend to senior social work students who want careers in child protective services.
The program also gives you a chance to gain international point of view through courses in countries like India, Ireland, and Costa Rica. These experiences help you develop cross-cultural skills that today’s social work practice values highly.
Tuition and affordability
Sacred Heart University’s tuition and mandatory fees for full-time undergraduates will be $52,410 for 2025-2026. Campus life comes with extra costs:
- On-campus housing (median price): $13,200
- Big Red Meal Plan (required for first-year residential students): $6,700
The total estimated direct charges for on-campus students come to $72,310. Commuter students pay nowhere near as much at $53,410, which includes the required Jefferson Meal Plan ($1,000).
You should also plan for other expenses like books and course materials ($1,200 per academic year), supplies and equipment ($1,650), transportation ($1,000-$1,500), and personal expenses ($1,500).
The School of Social Work helps with costs through the Health Horizons CT grant initiative. MSW students who qualify can get up to $10,000 in tuition help through the CT CARES program. While this mainly helps graduate students, it shows Sacred Heart’s dedication to making social work education more available.
Sacred Heart’s BSW graduates often find jobs in social services, elder care, child welfare, healthcare, mental healthcare, human rights initiatives, community organizing, and political campaigning. Many alumni have gone on to study at top schools including the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, and the University of Michigan.
Southern Connecticut State University
Southern Connecticut State University stands out as Connecticut’s only university that offers BSW, MSW, and DSW social work degrees. Students benefit from a continuous educational path to build their social work career. The CSWE-accredited social work program blends challenging academics with extensive field work opportunities across New Haven and the state.
Program overview
SCSU’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work equips students for entry-level professional roles while creating a direct path to graduate studies. Students need a minimum 2.75 major GPA and must complete 120 credits to graduate. The program requires students to earn a “C” or better in two practicum courses (SWK 490 and SWK 491).
Students build their skills on a liberal arts foundation. The program teaches ethical practice, research application, and leadership skills in the profession. Small class sizes and shared research projects give students hands-on experience beyond theory.
Qualified seniors with a 3.0 GPA and 90+ credits can take an accelerated path. They earn credits toward both their undergraduate and graduate degrees simultaneously. This path lets students finish their MSW just one calendar year after completing their BSW.
Field placement opportunities
SCSU’s social work program uses field education as its core teaching method. BSW students complete a minimum of 400 internship hours at one agency over two semesters, usually working 14 hours weekly. This hands-on experience serves as their learning ground to apply classroom concepts in real-life settings.
Students receive complete support from their team:
- On-site supervisor
- Seminar instructor
- Academic advisor
- Practicum Education Office
The program partners with hundreds of Connecticut agencies. Students can work in hospitals, schools, child guidance centers, public health centers, community action agencies, and veterans’ services. The Practicum Office matches students with internships that align with their career goals and preferred location.
Field experience helps students master nine core competencies set by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). These skills include ethical professional behavior, human rights advocacy, anti-racism practices, and policy work.
Tuition and affordability
SCSU charges in-state students $13,438 in tuition, slightly more than the national average of $12,201. Out-of-state tuition costs $27,378, which falls below the national average of $29,084.
Students should plan for these additional costs:
- University fees: $6,190 (covers University Fee, General Fee, Activity Fee, Writing Center Fee)
- On-campus housing: $10,368 for townhouse living
- Meal plans: Starting at $820 for 25 meals each semester
Total estimated costs reach $32,844 for in-state and $46,120 for out-of-state students. Students receiving need-based aid pay an average net price of $25,068 (in-state) or $34,021 (out-of-state).
The Connecticut State Colleges & Universities Board of Regents for Higher Education sets all tuition and fees. Undergraduate students must take at least 12 credit hours per semester for full-time status. Your tuition rate might change based on registered credits before the Add/Drop period ends.
SCSU provides several financial aid options. These options help make this investment more affordable and set students up for a rewarding social work career.
University of Saint Joseph
The University of Saint Joseph offers a unique BSW program that teaches generalist social work practice through professional ethics and culturally competent approaches. This private institution puts social justice principles and hands-on experience at the forefront, making it one of the valuable CSWE-accredited social work programs to think about for your educational trip.
Program overview
USJ’s Social Work program stands out by teaching generalist social workers who drive individual and social change through culturally competent research and practice. The core curriculum lets you specialize in two emerging areas:
- Social Work in Sports Settings
- Latino Community Practice
The program helps social development by creating better educational opportunities for women and underrepresented student populations, including low-income students and students of color. Students learn to give individuals the ability to make changes, build stronger families and communities, and create a global civil society based on human rights and social justice.
USJ maintains higher academic standards than many other social work programs in CT. Students must earn a “C” or better in all upper-level required Social Work courses to stay in the BSW program. Those who get grades below “C” need to meet with the program director to discuss their future in the program.
The program’s CSWE accreditation, valid until 2028, will give a solid foundation that meets professional standards. Yes, it is vital as social work remains one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States.
Field placement opportunities
Students complete two full academic year internships during their program. These internships blend real-world experience with classroom learning.
Previous undergraduate students have found valuable placements in a variety of settings:
- USJ’s Counseling and Psychological Services
- West Hartford and Hartford schools
- Local town youth services bureaus
- Social services agencies
- Hartford Hospital
Field placement selection looks at service availability and quality, agency staff qualifications, settings that involve generalist social work practice, and the agency’s dedication to providing resources.
Tuition and affordability
BSW Completion Program tuition costs $17,294 per year (fall, spring, and summer terms included), with a total of $34,588 for the program (up to 61 credits). Students typically start in fall or summer semester and finish within three years from enrollment.
Additional credits beyond the standard 61 for the Social Work completion program cost the undergraduate full-time or part-time fee rate. Students should also plan for books, supplies, and transportation costs.
USJ shows its steadfast dedication to affordable education through extensive financial aid options. Students can access funds from federal and state governments, private sponsors, and university resources. The university rewards academic excellence, leadership, diversity, community service, and resilience through their scholarship programs.
Graduates find careers in social services, criminal justice, elder services, healthcare, schools, clinical counseling, and more. More than 90% of USJ Social Work graduates go on to earn their MSW degree, often with advanced standing that cuts the usual two-year program to just one year.
Western Connecticut State University
Western Connecticut State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program stands as Connecticut’s top-ranked program and ranks seventh nationwide for return on investment in 2015. This CSWE-accredited social work program blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience to help students succeed in various practice settings.
Program overview
WCSU’s Department of Social Work delivers a generalist baccalaureate education that surpasses the Council on Social Work Education Standards of Accreditation. Students learn to strengthen individuals, families, groups, and communities through a curriculum rooted in professional values and ethics.
The program operates within a broad liberal arts framework and gives you the skills to work in agencies of all sizes serving different populations. Graduates often qualify for advanced standing in MSW programs, student membership in the National Association of Social Workers, and nominations to Phi Alpha Honor Society.
The curriculum builds competencies in ten key areas defined by CSWE:
- Ethical and professional behavior
- Engaging diversity and difference
- Advancing human rights and social justice
- Research-informed practice
- Policy practice
- Engagement with individuals through communities
- Assessment across all system levels
- Intervention skills
- Practice evaluation
Field placement opportunities
Students complete two distinct internship experiences—one during junior year and another in senior year. Senior field experience requires 208 hours each semester (416 total hours), usually scheduled across two days per week.
Students receive one hour of formal supervision weekly plus additional guidance when needed. Learning objectives for each practicum level determine performance evaluation.
WCSU has built mutually beneficial alliances with many agencies throughout Connecticut, offering placements in:
- Healthcare facilities and rehabilitation centers
- Public schools and youth services
- Mental health organizations
- Child advocacy centers
- Senior centers and elder services
- Community support programs
Tuition and affordability
Students from Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey (Tri-State Rate) pay $13,401 in tuition and fees for the 2025-2026 academic year. Students from other states (National Rate) pay $16,901.
Living arrangements determine additional costs:
- On-campus housing and food: $15,988
- Commuter estimated food costs: $3,272
- Books and supplies: $1,200
- Transportation: $333-667 (depends on residential status)
- Personal expenses: $1,060-2,121
Total estimated costs reach $20,730 for in-state commuters and $32,051 for residential students. Out-of-state students can expect to pay $24,229 as commuters or $35,551 as residential students.
WCSU accepts various payment methods including cash, check, money order, or credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express). Credit card payments include a 3% convenience fee. Connecticut residents aged 62 or older might qualify for tuition and state university fee waivers.
Online BSW Options for Connecticut Residents
Connecticut residents can now choose from flexible online and hybrid social work programs that fit their schedules and priorities. These programs extend beyond traditional campus-based learning.
Overview of online BSW programs available to CT students
The number of fully online BSW programs in Connecticut remains limited. Students have several paths to pursue their education flexibly. The University of Saint Joseph stands out with its state-of-the-art hybrid BSW program that blends online theory courses with hands-on field experience. Students seeking completely online programs can enroll in nationally accredited courses from Arizona State University, Florida State University, and other institutions that welcome Connecticut residents.
Charter Oak State College has created a program that works well for adults with jobs. Their online Social Work Program uses a modern approach that lets students complete their practicum education on their schedule while preparing them to be generalist practitioners.
Field placement arrangements for online students in Connecticut
Field education is crucial to every program format. Students must complete 400-680 hours under supervision. Charter Oak’s approach is different – it lets students count their current human services work toward field hours if it matches required competencies.
Tuition and flexibility of online BSW programs
Students can access course materials any time with online programs. Southern Connecticut State University’s distance learning programs have attracted 934 online-only students. The tuition structure of online BSW programs matches campus-based options. Students save money because they don’t pay for commuting or housing costs.
Choosing the Right BSW Program in Connecticut
Choosing the right program takes careful evaluation of several elements to find your perfect fit.
Factors to think about when selecting a BSW program
Let’s get into the money side first. Public universities in Connecticut cost nowhere near as much as private ones. You’ll pay $30,700-$33,200 yearly at public schools compared to $60,200-$66,700 at private institutions. Program structure matters too. SCSU offers traditional day and evening courses while Sacred Heart provides weekend options. Location plays a big role. Urban programs at SCSU/CCSU connect you with city-based agencies. Eastern and Western’s focus stays on suburban and rural settings.
How to arrange your goals with program specializations
Each social work program in CT has its own strengths through elective choices and mutually beneficial field placements. To cite an instance, CCSU or SCSU might work better if you’re drawn to child welfare. Students passionate about healthcare often pick SCSU or Sacred Heart. Knowing your career interests early helps you pick programs that match your goals and give you relevant placement opportunities.
Tips to evaluate program ROI and career outcomes
Public university graduates see positive returns within 5-7 years. Private university graduates take 8-10 years. Western Connecticut State University stands out. It ranked first statewide and seventh nationally for ROI in 2015. Advanced Standing MSW eligibility adds great value. It cuts graduate school costs by $30,000-$50,000. The true value of your education goes beyond tuition. It includes your earning potential and career growth opportunities.
Start Your BSW Journey Today
The right BSW program selection is a vital step toward a rewarding social work career. Connecticut shines as an exceptional place to study social work. The state offers salaries 10-15% higher than the national median and features nine different CSWE-accredited programs. These institutions bring their own strengths to students. Central Connecticut boasts extensive field partnerships. Eastern follows a cohort model. Sacred Heart builds on an anti-racist foundation. Southern provides complete degree pathways. Saint Joseph’s features specialty tracks, and Western delivers an impressive return on investment.
CSWE accreditation remains the standard that ensures your education meets professional requirements. Students looking for affordable options can choose public universities, which cost between $30,700-$33,200 each year. Private institutions charge premium rates of $60,200-$66,700 annually but provide tailored experiences.
Field education is the basis of BSW training in these programs, though methods differ by a lot. SCSU and CCSU’s urban-focused programs prefer city-based placements. Eastern and Western put emphasis on suburban and rural settings. Students find this hands-on experience a great way to get ready for professional practice after graduation.
Advanced standing eligibility stands out as the most compelling benefit of earning a BSW in Connecticut. This qualification shortens your MSW trip from two years to one, saves $30,000-$50,000 in graduate education costs, and speeds up your career growth.
Connecticut’s social work programs cater to everyone through traditional day programs, evening classes, weekend formats, and online options. Your choice depends on your situation, goals, and budget. Students should visit campuses, talk to current students, and explore placement opportunities before picking a program that matches their professional goals. Quality BSW education investments will reward you throughout your career as you create positive change in Connecticut’s communities, families, and individuals’ lives.