7 Best CSWE Accredited BSW Programs in Georgia (With Admission Details)
Thinking about CSWE accredited BSW programs in Georgia to start your social work career? You’re making a smart choice. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects social worker employment to grow by 6 percent from 2024 to 2034.
Georgia has 11 accredited programs that offer different specializations and learning formats to match your educational goals. These CSWE accredited BSW programs will prepare you to become a generalist practitioner who can encourage engagement to maximize human development, promote social justice, and help diverse populations. A BSW degree qualifies you for entry-level positions and builds a strong foundation if you decide to pursue graduate studies.
The state employs over 15,000 social workers in different specialties, with a projected growth of 7% through 2034. The MGA BSW program emphasizes community-based experiential learning that prepares skilled professionals to serve and support through direct and community practice. These programs build competency-based learning on core values like service, competence, human relationships, diversity, and social justice.
Let’s look at the 7 best CSWE accredited options in Georgia, along with their admission requirements to help you find your perfect program match.
1. University of Georgia
The University of Georgia runs a premier Bachelor of Social Work program that ranks #6 nationally among BSW programs. The CSWE accredited program in Athens gives you professional skills through classroom learning and hands-on field experience.
Program Overview
UGA’s BSW program prepares you for generalist social work practice in a variety of settings. Students learn to address human needs and analyze policies behind widespread social problems. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience and emphasizes power dynamics, social justice, evidence-informed practice, and advocacy. Students develop skills to create lasting change for vulnerable populations through this all-encompassing approach.
The program’s excellence shows in its rankings – #6 BSW program nationally and #1 in Georgia. BSW graduates earn a median salary of $32,534 and are ready to start their careers right after graduation.
Admission Requirements
Students must meet these requirements to join the UGA BSW program:
- Gain acceptance through UGA Undergraduate Admissions
- Choose social work as your major for lower-division (2000-level) courses
- Keep a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0+
- Finish required core courses
- Complete lower-division social work courses
Students can apply to the BSW Professional Program after finishing SOWK 2154 (Introduction to Social Work).
Field Education
Field education forms the core of UGA’s social work education. Senior BSW students spend 16 hours weekly at a local partner social service agency. This supervised internship combines classroom concepts with real-life experience to help students grow and develop competencies. Students conclude their experience with a senior capstone project that showcases their professional abilities.
Tuition & Financial Aid
UGA’s 2025-2026 academic year costs include $11,492 for in-state tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $32,336. On-campus living expenses run about $12,084. Total estimated costs reach $28,862 for in-state and $49,100 for out-of-state students.
UGA ranks among America’s best values in higher education. Students can access departmental, institutional, state, and federal financial aid. The university’s emergency fund helps students who face unexpected financial challenges.
Unique Features
The BSW program offers exceptional opportunities to improve your education:
The “Double Dawgs” pathway lets you earn both a BSW and a master’s degree in five years instead of six. This option benefits future nonprofit managers and leaders, as the sector needs 640,000 new managers in the next decade.
UGA also runs interdisciplinary study abroad programs in Ghana and Northern Ireland. These Maymester programs (6 credit hours each) let students experience social issues firsthand, immerse in different cultures, and grow through community involvement.
Accreditation
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits UGA’s School of Social Work. This accreditation means the program meets professional standards and prepares students for social work licensing in Georgia and potentially other states.
2. Georgia State University
Georgia State University stands out among CSWE accredited BSW programs in Georgia. The university provides flexible learning options and strong community connections. Their program creates skilled social workers who have a steadfast dedication to addressing social justice and supporting vulnerable populations.
Program Overview
Students can choose between two program formats at Georgia State: the Atlanta campus option with mixed in-person, hybrid, and online courses, or the fully online option with field placement in their local community. This online BSW program ranks #7 nationally according to Forbes. Georgia State remains the only public university in Georgia to offer this format.
The curriculum builds on nine core competencies that connect to accreditation and licensure requirements in Georgia. Students learn the foundations of human behavior in social contexts. They practice intervention methods with individuals and communities while developing critical thinking skills and ethical practice approaches.
Admission Requirements
BSW status requirements include:
- Good standing with a minimum 2.5 institutional GPA
- Formal BSW application submission
- C or higher grades in English 1101 and 1102
- Areas A through F completion (except SW 2000)
- Minimum 2.5 GPA in lower-division courses
Space availability determines selective entry, so meeting minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee acceptance. Students should apply by the priority deadline of May 15 before junior year. The program accepts applications until August 1 if spaces remain.
Field Education
Field education is the basis of BSW training at Georgia State. Students complete at least 400 hours over two academic semesters (about 16 hours weekly). This experience blends classroom learning with ground practice under experienced social workers’ supervision.
Students must have professional liability insurance during field placement. A $13 fee covers two semesters. Field performance makes up 60% of the evaluation grade, while the integrative seminar accounts for 40%.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Georgia residents pay approximately $3,530 per semester in undergraduate tuition and fees. Non-resident costs reach $11,470. Total estimated expenses including housing, food, and other costs amount to $24,099 for in-state campus residents and $32,039 for out-of-state students.
Students can access various financial aid options at Georgia State. Those with academic excellence might qualify for the Campus Atlanta Scholarship, which offers 100% or 50% out-of-state tuition waivers.
Unique Features
The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies houses Georgia State’s BSW program, reflecting its commitment to social justice values. Students take part in meaningful capstone projects with community agencies. Recent work includes the Fulton County Remembrance Coalition’s project to memorialize lynching victims.
Accreditation
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits Georgia State University’s BSW program. The most recent reaffirmation came in 2020, with the next review set for 2028. This accreditation confirms the program’s high professional standards in social work education.
3. Savannah State University
Savannah State University is Georgia’s oldest Black public university. Its Bachelor of Social Work program has managed to keep its excellence since receiving accreditation in 1984. The program combines theory and hands-on experience to create skilled social workers.
Program Overview
The BSW degree at Savannah State builds a strong generalist foundation for future social workers. Students learn from social, behavioral, and natural sciences along with group social work skills. The program teaches intervention methods at individual, family, group, institutional, and community levels. Graduates can respond to social work needs in a variety of settings—rural, urban, or international.
Admission Requirements
The BSW program accepts new students each Fall semester through a competitive process. Students must:
- Meet CSWE’s faculty-student ratio of 1:25
- Submit application materials by the deadline
- Know that academic performance determines selection
Field Education
Field education is the “heart of social work education” at Savannah State. Students will:
- Work in human service organizations with professional supervision
- Put classroom theories into practice
- Develop their professional identity through real-world experience
The program brings together human service organizations, professional social work practitioners as field instructors, and faculty from the Division of Social Work.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Current academic year costs show in-state tuition and fees at $6,596, while out-of-state students pay $19,452. On-campus students’ total costs reach about $28,862. Students can access scholarships, Federal Pell Grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Unique Features
Savannah State is one of four Georgia’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities offering BSW programs. The university delivers culturally responsive education with deep community ties. The Department of Social Work puts students first while celebrating its African American heritage and promoting a multicultural environment. Graduates leave ready to work in diverse settings.
Accreditation
Savannah State University’s BSW program has held Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation since 1984. This recognition shows the program meets professional standards and prepares graduates for licensure in most states. The CSWE Board of Accreditation fully recognizes the BSW program, which proves its commitment to quality social work education.
4. Fort Valley State University
Fort Valley State University ranks as one of America’s most affordable colleges. The university’s CSWE accredited BSW program helps students build successful careers in social services.
Program Overview
The BSW program at Fort Valley State University prepares students for jobs and graduate studies in social work. Students learn through classroom teaching and hands-on experience that builds their skills, values, and knowledge to solve problems affecting people, groups, and communities. The program also encourages students to join campus activities and community organizations that focus on human social services.
Admission Requirements
Students must complete these three steps to join the BSW program:
- Get into the university
- Apply to the Social Work Program after finishing SOWK 2001 and SOWK 2002
- Qualify for the Field Education program
Students need to keep a minimum 2.25 GPA in social work classes, finish all foundation courses, and write a personal statement about why they chose social work.
Field Education
Field education is a vital part of your BSW degree. Students complete 400 clock hours across two back-to-back semesters, working 16-20 hours each week. This hands-on training happens in human service organizations under qualified social work professionals. Students also join a seminar that connects classroom learning with practical experience while learning about different human service organizations.
Tuition & Financial Aid
The university stands out as one of America’s most budget-friendly colleges. The 2024-2025 academic year costs $3,985 for in-state and $11,080 for out-of-state students per semester. Students from Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee can get neighbor state tuition benefits. Housing costs run between $2,803 and $4,141 each semester based on living choices. Students can pay for college through federal loans and grants by submitting their FAFSA (school code 001566).
Unique Features
The university’s Title IV-E Child Welfare Education and Training Program gives students a chance to earn stipends if they commit to child welfare services. This program helps build a skilled workforce to improve services for families and children in foster care or adoption. All the same, students must work for the Department of Family and Children Services for one year for each academic year they receive funding.
Accreditation
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has given the BSW program its original accreditation through June 2023. This recognition shows the program meets national standards for quality social work education. CSWE accreditation means graduates can start working in social services right away, including mental health, adoption, child protective services, education, elderly services, and community organizing.
5. Clark Atlanta University
Clark Atlanta University’s Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work became the first accredited school of social work in Georgia and at a historically black college or university back in 1920. Students can earn their CSWE accredited BSW degree through this renowned program.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Social Work program equips students with skills needed for entry-level professional practice or graduate studies in social work. Students learn through a curriculum that blends liberal arts foundations with an Afrocentric point of view based on humanistic values. This unique approach uses African cultural resiliency as a foundation to tackle pressing social issues. Students gain theoretical knowledge about human behavior, practice skills, policy implementation, and research methods that culminate in hands-on field experience.
Admission Requirements
The BSW program’s admission process includes several key steps:
- Students must submit an Undergraduate Social Work application showing their interest
- A GPA of at least 2.5 is required
- Students need to pass two prerequisite courses (CUSW 200 and CUSW 202) with a ‘C’ grade or higher
The program makes three types of admission decisions: unconditional, conditional, or rejection. Most students submit their applications during spring semester of their sophomore year.
Field Education
Field education is the main part of the BSW experience. Students must complete 400 clock hours in an agency setting. The program requires completion of all BSW major core requirements before students start their practicum instruction. Students begin with 20 hours of service learning in the CUSW 202 prerequisite course before moving to their full practicum.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Clark Atlanta University’s tuition for 2025-26 stands at $30,270. Total costs, including room and board, reach about $46,308. Students should submit their FAFSA by February 1st to receive priority consideration for financial aid. Students who show financial need receive an average need-based scholarship or grant of $3,145.
Unique Features
The program’s Afrocentric point of view strengthens and combines shared cultural experiences and values of people with African heritage. This approach looks at how race, gender, ethnicity, social class, ability status, and sexual orientation intersect. Social work students with good academic standing and a minimum 2.5 GPA can also study abroad worldwide.
Accreditation
Clark Atlanta University’s School of Social Work has managed to keep its Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation since 1952. The bachelor’s and master’s social work programs received another eight years of accreditation that runs through June 2030. This accreditation lets graduates meet licensing requirements in all 50 states.
6. Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University blends practical experience with its behavioral sciences curriculum. BSW students gain both hands-on skills and theoretical knowledge.
Program Overview
The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences houses this program, which puts emphasis on experiential learning through research, internships, and fieldwork. Students learn critical thinking, ethics, problem-solving, and communication skills that build the foundation for successful social work careers. The program prepares graduates for careers in social services, business, education, government, and research settings.
Admission Requirements
Students who haven’t chosen their major can start as “Exploratory Behavioral & Social Sciences” students. Academic advisors help them find their ideal specialization during this phase. The university’s Academic Catalog and Program Maps show degree requirements and track progress toward graduation.
Field Education
Field experiences stand as key components of Georgia Southern’s professional preparation programs. The Office of Field Experience works with P-12 schools within a 70-mile radius of both campuses through mutually beneficial alliances. The College and school districts sign yearly agreements that outline everyone’s roles and responsibilities. These well-laid-out experiences give students the ground training they need for their future careers.
Tuition & Financial Aid
The university runs over 150 accredited programs at its beautiful campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, and Hinesville. Students who need flexibility can choose from various online program options.
Unique Features
“Ready Day One” career development runs through every degree program and helps students shape their professional path from day one. This preparation creates driven community leaders ready to serve others. The university’s specialized centers and research programs give students more chances for hands-on learning.
Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredits Georgia Southern University. This accreditation shows that the university meets high academic standards and delivers quality education in all its programs.
7. Valdosta State University
Valdosta State University leads innovative social work education in Georgia with a hybrid BSW program. The program blends online learning and face-to-face instruction to meet student needs.
Program Overview
VSU’s social work program started in 1995 and became Georgia’s first web-hybrid program in 2003. Students now attend five intensive weekend sessions each semester and complete their remaining coursework online. The program helps you build knowledge, values, ethics, and skills needed to work with individuals, families, organizations, and communities.
Admission Requirements
You’ll need these requirements to join:
- Minimum 2.5 overall GPA
- Bachelor’s degree with liberal arts foundation
- Prerequisite courses: humanities (6 hours), mathematics (3 hours), and social sciences (6 hours)
- Supplemental application with goal statement
- Three recommendations (one from undergraduate faculty)
Field Education
Students often say field practicum gives them the most rewarding educational experience. You’ll work under MSW professionals who guide you as you apply classroom knowledge in real-life settings. Their supervision helps you practice new skills while getting immediate feedback and support.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition and fees cost about $6,007 for in-state students, while out-of-state students pay more by a lot. You can get financial help through federal grants, loans, and scholarships available via FastWeb and CSWE.
Unique Features
The program’s hybrid format stands out, and VSU has graduated over 1,000 MSW students who now have licenses and jobs throughout South Georgia. The university partners with 125-150 human service agencies in Georgia for field placements.
Accreditation
The Council on Social Work Education fully accredits VSU’s social work program. This ensures graduates meet all educational requirements they need for professional licensure.
BSW Curriculum
BSW programs in Georgia that have CSWE accreditation follow a well-laid-out approach to build detailed social work competencies. Students learn through coursework that combines liberal arts foundations, social work theory and hands-on application.
The BSW curriculum requires approximately 120 credit hours. Students complete 42 hours of core courses in Areas A-E, 18 hours related to their program of study in Area F, 48 hours of major courses, and 12 hours of electives. This structured progression helps students master the basics before moving to specialized topics.
These programs focus on nine key competencies tied to Georgia’s accreditation and licensure requirements. Students learn critical skills to understand human behavior in different settings, practice intervention methods, develop ethical reasoning, and work with diverse populations.
CSWE accredited programs meet strict national standards—known as the “gold standard” of social work education. Your degree from these programs will meet established standards that professionals and educational institutions recognize nationwide.
The curriculum focuses on core values: service, competence, human relationships, diversity, and social justice. These values shape how students learn and develop their skills.
Field Education Requirements in Georgia
Field education is the core of professional preparation in CSWE accredited BSW programs in Georgia. Social work educators consider it the “signature pedagogy” or “heart” of social work education. This vital component combines theoretical knowledge with real-life experience.
BSW programs in Georgia require students to complete at least 400 clock hours over two consecutive academic semesters. Students typically spend 16 hours each week at approved human service agencies during weekdays. They also attend integrative seminars that bridge the gap between classroom learning and field experiences.
Students must meet specific requirements to qualify for field placement. These include maintaining a minimum 2.5 GPA, finishing prerequisite coursework, and passing background checks. Most agencies require detailed background checks and drug testing before they accept students.
Universities place students only at agencies that have formal memoranda of understanding (MOUs). These agreements specify the responsibilities of everyone involved. They also ensure students receive appropriate supervision from qualified social work professionals.
BSW social worker trainees work with clients, perform assessments, handle referrals, and help develop programs during their field education. This structured exposure to micro, mezzo, and macro practice levels prepares graduates for entry-level positions in a variety of settings.
Career Outlook for BSW Social Workers in Georgia
Georgia’s job market for BSW graduates shows promising growth. The state hired 5,570 social workers in 2022, and this number will reach 6,260 by 2032—a 12% increase. This growth rate is by a lot higher than the national average of 3%. The state opens up about 520 new positions each year.
BSW graduates’ salaries depend on their specialty. Child, family, and school social workers make around $47,790 per year. Healthcare social workers earn more at $57,640. Mental health and substance abuse professionals take home about $53,570. Social workers in other fields can earn up to $67,100.
Georgia’s aging population creates more jobs in this field. U.S. Census Bureau data shows that one in five Georgia residents will be 60 or older by 2030. This transformation creates a greater need for qualified social service professionals.
BSW graduates can find work in hospitals, government agencies, schools, mental health facilities, and community organizations throughout Georgia. Students who graduate from CSWE accredited BSW programs often land roles as case managers, family support specialists, and social service providers in organizations of all sizes.
Georgia Social Work Licensure Pathway
Your journey toward becoming a licensed social worker in Georgia starts after completing your degree from a CSWE accredited BSW program. The state’s licensure process works through the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists.
You’ll need at least a master’s degree from a CSWE-accredited program to become a licensed social worker. The Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW) credential requires two professional references and a passing score on the ASWB masters exam.
Clinical practice aspirants can pursue the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) path. This advanced credential requires 3,000 hours of postgraduate experience, 120 hours of supervision, and a passing score on the ASWB clinical exam.
Your credentials stay active when you complete 35 continuing education hours every two years. The requirements include 5 ethics hours (delivered in-person or synchronously), 15 core hours, and 15 related or core hours.
The Composite Board must approve Georgia candidates before they can register for ASWB exams. Georgia doesn’t have reciprocity agreements with other states, but out-of-state social workers can get licensed through an exam waiver process.
The right CSWE accredited BSW program serves as your stepping stone toward professional practice in Georgia. This educational foundation paves the way for your successful career in social work.
Choose a Georgia BSW Today
Your choice of BSW program will shape your future social work career path. Seven outstanding CSWE accredited BSW programs exist in Georgia. Each program offers distinct strengths and meets professional standards.
BSW programs in Georgia excel with their varied learning formats. Students can choose traditional campus learning at University of Georgia, hybrid classes at Valdosta State University, or fully online studies at Georgia State University. You can pick a program that fits your lifestyle and priorities.
Practical training is the foundation of your social work education. All but one of these programs need about 400 hours of supervised field work. Real-world experience helps turn classroom knowledge into practical skills. Students often build professional networks that lead to jobs after graduation.
BSW graduates in Georgia face bright job prospects, with 12% growth expected through 2032 – way above the national average. A CSWE accredited degree opens doors to entry-level roles in healthcare, child welfare, mental health, and community organizations. Annual salaries range from $47,790 to $67,100 based on specialization.
CSWE accreditation sets the standard for social work education. Your degree must meet strict national requirements. Employers and graduate schools look for this accreditation to verify your educational background meets professional standards.
Look closely at admission requirements before applying. Programs usually need a minimum 2.5 GPA, specific prerequisite courses, and sometimes personal statements or recommendations. Each program has special features – like UGA’s “Double Dawgs” pathway or Fort Valley’s Title IV-E Child Welfare Education program – that could improve your learning experience.
Starting your path as a licensed social worker in Georgia begins with solid education. A BSW qualifies you for entry-level positions. An MSW later can lead to clinical licensure and better career options. Whatever CSWE accredited program you pick, your social work education prepares you to change lives across Georgia communities.