7 Best Accredited BSW Programs in Indiana That Lead to Licensed Social Work
Want to find accredited BSW programs in Indiana? You’re learning about one of the most popular academic paths in the state. Social work ranks #13 in popularity nationwide, and Indiana schools awarded 1,617 social work degrees.
Seven universities in Indiana offer CSWE-accredited BSW programs, and each has its own strengths and focus areas. These programs will give you an education that meets national social work practice standards and prepares you for a career with average starting pay of $44,119. On top of that, you can choose from three fully accredited online BSW programs through Huntington University, Ball State University and Indiana Wesleyan University if you need more flexibility with work, family, or location.
Program costs vary substantially between schools. Public universities charge in-state students $10,000-$12,000 for tuition, while private universities cost $30,000-$40,000 on average. But don’t worry about these numbers too much. You can get great financial support through the Frank O’Bannon Grant, which offers up to $5,000 per year. The 21st Century Scholars program can cover up to four years of tuition for Indiana students who qualify.
1. Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) ranks #20 nationally (top 5% in the country) and leads Indiana as the #1 institution for social work programs. The Indianapolis campus delivers a complete BSW program that combines academic excellence with hands-on field experience to prepare students for professional practice.
Program highlights
IUPUI’s Bachelor of Social Work program prepares you to work with clients of all types – individuals, families, groups, and communities. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits the program, which you’ll need for licensure eligibility and admission to advanced standing MSW programs.
The program’s urban setting stands out as a major advantage. Students benefit from an extensive field placement network throughout Indianapolis. This metropolitan environment creates great opportunities to work with people from different backgrounds and tackle complex social challenges.
IUPUI BSW graduates earn a median starting salary of $41,657, which exceeds the national average of $37,334 for social work bachelor’s degree holders. The State of Indiana allows all BSW graduates from Indiana University to apply for legal licensure.
Curriculum and fieldwork
The BSW program requires 120 credit hours split into these areas:
- 42-45 credit hours in general/supportive liberal arts courses
- 52 credit hours in required social work courses
- Remaining credits through elective courses
Students need a solid foundation in liberal arts and specialized social work knowledge. The program requires a minimum “C” grade in core social work courses. Students must complete all 100, 200, and 300-level social work courses before starting 400-level coursework.
IUPUI defines generalist practice as “improving the well-being of individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities and society by creating social change both within and among these social systems in a global context”. This approach equips students with research-based knowledge, professional values and ethics, and core skills that work in any setting.
Admission requirements
The BSW program at IUPUI has these basic requirements:
- Regular admission to the university
- Completion of 12 credit hours minimum
- Grade of C or higher in SWK S141 Introduction to Social Work
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
IUPUI also looks for students who show “characteristics or potential required of competent social work practitioners”. Your application materials, references, relevant experience, and performance in the introductory course help demonstrate these qualities.
Recent data from 2021-2022 shows IUPUI awarded 147 bachelor’s degrees in social work. Women made up 92% of graduates, while men represented 8%. The program attracts students from various backgrounds – 61% white, 16% Black or African American, and 14% Hispanic or Latino.
2. Ball State University
Ball State University runs Indiana’s oldest accredited undergraduate social work program, maintaining its accreditation since 1974. The program has grown into one of the state’s largest BSW programs with nearly 400 social work majors. Students get excellent preparation to practice generalist social work.
Program highlights
The Bachelor of Social Work program blends liberal arts with professional social work courses. Students develop knowledge, values, and skills needed in this rewarding field. The curriculum meets Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) standards. Graduates can take entry-level Association of Social Work Board licensing exams anywhere in the United States.
Students master nine practice competencies before graduation:
- Engaging with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Using empathy and interpersonal skills to build client relationships
- Assessing and intervening with various populations
- Evaluating and applying human behavior theories
The program offers courses every semester, making it easier to complete your degree. Experienced professionals teach the classes and bring their real-life social work expertise to students.
Curriculum and fieldwork
Getting a BSW degree requires completing 126 credits. This includes the University Core Curriculum, required social work classes, and social science electives focused on inclusiveness. Students take key courses like Introduction to Social Work, Human Behavior in the Social Environment, and Social Work Practice with Field Experience.
The program’s fieldwork component stands out. Senior year students complete over 400 hours at a social services agency – similar to working a full-time job. This hands-on experience happens in your final semester during spring or summer only. The practicum coordinator helps place you at an Indiana agency or nearby state that matches your career goals.
Students work 35-40 hours weekly at their assigned agency. Ball State provides $1 million per occurrence and $3 million combined liability coverage for students during their senior practicum.
Tuition and financial aid
Indiana residents pay about $11,242 yearly for on-campus undergraduate courses. This breaks down into tuition ($8,948), student services fee ($1,454), health fee ($206), technology fee ($300), recreation center fee ($174), and course fees ($160). Out-of-state students pay approximately $29,790.
Online BSW students from Indiana save money, paying around $10,008 per year. Social work students can apply for department-specific scholarships along with university-wide financial aid. Indiana adults aged 25 and older might qualify for the Adult Student Grant, which offers up to $2,000 for college expenses.
The Accelerated Master’s Program in Social Work lets undergraduate students start their graduate studies while finishing their BSW, which saves time and money.
3. Indiana Wesleyan University (Online Option Available)
Indiana Wesleyan University stands out with one of Indiana’s fully accredited online Bachelor of Social Work programs. The program beautifully blends Christian principles with professional social work education. Students can balance their educational goals with personal and professional commitments through this bachelor completion program that prepares them for state licensure.
Program format
The BSW program takes a well-laid-out yet adaptable approach that works great for working adults. Students take courses in six-week blocks, one at a time. This lets them focus deeply on each subject instead of managing multiple classes at once. While matching the content and rigor of the on-campus Social Work program, the virtual classroom experience adapts to students’ needs and schedules.
The program breaks away from traditional fixed class attendance by providing:
- Learning at your own pace with no set login times
- Personal attention from qualified instructors
- Student interaction and discussion
- Complete access to IWU’s learning community
Online BSW features
The program shines through its faith-integrated curriculum that pairs academic excellence with Christian principles. Students grow both professionally and ethically, guided by spiritual values. Instructors bring both academic credentials and professional expertise to teach through real-life scenarios and case studies using various media and technology.
Students become “world changers” who use scientific inquiry and blend worldview, faith, and learning into active service for social justice. This comprehensive approach creates professionals who understand how environment affects individuals, families, and communities while developing trailblazing solutions.
Field placement support
Each student completes a 400-hour field placement at a social service agency after finishing major coursework. The Director of Field Education works together with students to find placement sites that match their professional goals and growth needs. Students need to:
- Complete a Social Work Field Placement Application
- Submit an updated resume and personal statement
- Meet with the Director to create a tentative field plan
Students usually complete field placements at agencies in their local community, which means no relocation.
Pricing and transfer policy
The online BSW program costs $426-$449 per credit hour, making it a competitive choice among Indiana’s social work programs. The university welcomes transfers, accepting up to 90 transfer credits toward the required 120 graduation credits. Transfer courses must meet these requirements:
- “C” grade or higher
- Course number 100 or above
- Non-remedial, non-developmental courses
- No overlap with IWU major core courses
The university handles credits differently based on accreditation. Credits from regionally accredited schools typically transfer more easily than those from nationally accredited institutions. Students can access various financial help options including grants, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and other aid types.
4. Huntington University (Online Option Available)
Huntington University’s online Bachelor of Social Work program ranks in the top 10 nationally from various sources. The program stands out with its unique faith-integrated approach to social work education. Students can get licensed in all 50 states through this CSWE-accredited program that delivers a Christ-centered educational experience.
Program overview
The social work program aligns with the university’s mission to prepare students for professional practice, graduate education, and worldwide service. The program earned its original CSWE accreditation in February 2009 (backdated to 2006) and got reaffirmed in June 2021 for eight years. Students receive professional credentials that start the licensing process in most states. The department takes a “Globally Aware/Locally Active” approach that values local community service and cultural understanding.
Online BSW structure
The program offers a student-friendly structure:
- 8-week courses let students focus on fewer subjects at once
- Small classes help students connect with teachers and classmates
- Summer residency programs boost the relationship aspects of online learning
- Schedules work around working adults’ needs
Most students finish their coursework in three and a half years and complete their field placement in the final spring semester. Nine Core Competencies from the 2022 CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards form the curriculum’s foundation, plus a tenth competency for faith integration.
Faith-based approach
The sort of thing I love about Huntington’s program is how it combines Christian faith with social work values and ethics. The program centers on “Seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8), which lines up with social work’s core values of justice, service, and integrity. Students often say this faith integration made them choose Huntington over other online options.
Field education
Students must complete 480 hours of supervised field education, usually during their final semester. The program helps online students find field placements near their homes. Students work at social service agencies, schools, hospitals, or community organizations to learn real-life skills. Field instructors with MSW or BSW credentials supervise students throughout their placement.
5. University of Southern Indiana
Fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the University of Southern Indiana (USI) Bachelor of Social Work program readies students for entry-level roles in local, state, and federal social service agencies. The program combines a strong liberal arts foundation with detailed professional social work knowledge that creates well-rounded practitioners.
Program strengths
USI’s main goal centers on preparing students for competency-based social work practice. This generalist approach gives graduates the knowledge, skills, and ethical principles they need to work with people from all backgrounds – individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Students learn from a well-laid-out curriculum that covers core knowledge areas including:
- Social welfare policies and issues
- Human behavior in social environments
- Research methods and skills
- Problem-solving methodology
- Generalist intervention models
- Professional values and ethics
The program sets high academic standards through its admission requirements. Students must earn a C+ or better in all social work classes and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, along with a minimum major GPA of 2.75. The department welcomes minorities and students from diverse backgrounds, which creates an inclusive learning environment.
Curriculum and fieldwork
Field education stands as USI’s signature teaching method – the fundamental way future social workers learn their craft. Students develop critical professional skills through hands-on experience: thinking, performing, and acting with integrity.
The field component features two distinct placements. Practicum I requires a minimum of 150 hours, while Field Practicum II needs at least 300 additional hours in agency settings. These experiences help students blend classroom theory with real-world application.
The program requires students to complete specific coursework and maintain minimum GPA standards before starting field placements. Students work with the Director of Field to find agency matches that align with their interests and professional development needs.
Career outcomes
USI social work graduates earn a median salary of $36,126 per year. While this figure sits below the national average of $37,334 for social work graduates, USI alumni have many career paths available.
The program opens doors to various practice areas: administration, advocacy, aging services, substance abuse treatment, child welfare, healthcare, corrections, and mental health. Healthcare institutions, government organizations, and agencies actively seek licensed social workers from accredited programs like USI’s to meet their accreditation and regulatory requirements.
Students interested in specialized practice can choose an optional concentration in addictions counseling. This path prepares them to work with substance abuse and other addictive disorders, meeting Indiana’s educational requirements for addictions counseling.
6. Indiana State University
The Bachelor of Social Work program at Indiana State University stands out among Indiana’s accredited BSW programs. The program focuses on clinical rural social work practice and addresses social challenges in rural communities. The program’s CSWE accreditation extends through 2032, which was confirmed by a recent reaffirmation.
Indiana State’s BSW program prepares practitioners specifically for rural settings, which makes it unique given these communities’ special challenges. The university is one of just four in Indiana that offers the Indiana Child Welfare Scholars Program. Students get targeted skills they need for child welfare practice in underserved regions through this program.
The curriculum combines generalist education with specialized rural practice elements. Students learn about engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation while understanding rural social issues in context. This preparation helps graduates find immediate employment or advance to the university’s MSW program, which also emphasizes rural clinical practice.
Research opportunities
The Rural Health Innovation Collaborative (RHIC) makes Indiana State unique. It’s Indiana’s first simulation center with accreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. Students can practice in simulated settings that represent more than 30 health professions, including social work.
BSW students blend theoretical coursework with hands-on applications through these simulations. This creates a natural bridge between classroom learning and field experience. BSW and MSW students make a significant difference in their community by contributing over 30,000 hours to local social service agencies through field internships each year.
Tuition and aid
Indiana residents who attend full-time pay $9,452 in annual tuition. Out-of-state students’ costs run $20,880. Students living on campus should budget an additional $11,286 yearly for room and board.
Students have good access to financial support:
- 76% of full-time freshmen get scholarships and grants
- 80% of all full-time students receive financial assistance
- The university awards $16 million in scholarships annually
Students can tap into various financial aid options from federal, state, and institutional sources. These include Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, grants, and work-study opportunities. The job market looks promising for graduates, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 9% growth in social work jobs between 2021 and 2031.
7. Valparaiso University
Valparaiso University has a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program that stands out with its liberal arts integration, exceptional field education, and complete student support services. Valpo BSW students have contributed 50,000 hours of service to the community between 2015-2020.
Liberal arts foundation
A strong liberal arts foundation sits at Valpo’s social work education core. Students develop critical thinking and communication skills that work in any discipline. The College of Arts and Sciences gives students more than just academic knowledge – they discover their purpose and get tools to achieve it. This approach sees students as complete individuals and enables them to lead and serve their communities through a curriculum that lets them explore interests before choosing a major.
Students create strong bonds with faculty mentors who help them find their strengths, interests, and passions. These mentors create engaging learning experiences both in and out of the classroom. This foundation gives graduates skills that last throughout their careers, not just for one job.
International field placements
The program’s standout feature is its two required internships with 550 hours of ground experience—substantially more than many BSW programs nationwide. Students complete a 100-hour internship in junior year and a 450-hour internship during senior year.
Valpo runs four global study centers in Cambridge, England; Reutlingen, Germany; Hangzhou, China; and San José, Costa Rica. The university actively supports students who want to study abroad and suggests the fall semester of junior year for this enriching experience. More than a third of all undergraduate students study abroad, making Valparaiso one of the top 40 institutions in the country for international education.
Support services
Students receive extensive support throughout their educational experience. The Director of BSW Field Education carefully designs, supervises, and coordinates field placements by matching student’s interests with regional agency needs. Each placement lets students practice social work skills directly with diverse populations at micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
Valpo also provides substantial financial support, with more than $26 million awarded yearly to over 80% of students. This steadfast dedication to accessibility means qualified students can join this high-quality program whatever their financial situation.
BSW Curriculum
BSW programs in Indiana that have CSWE accreditation follow a standard curriculum structure. Students need 120 total credit hours to graduate. The programs organize coursework into specific categories that give students a detailed educational foundation.
Students in Indiana’s BSW programs typically spend 42-45 credit hours on general education and liberal arts courses. The curriculum requires 52 credit hours of social work courses, and students can use their remaining credits for electives. This structure will give a solid foundation in both general knowledge and specialized skills needed for professional work.
The main social work courses include:
- Introduction to Social Work
- Human Behavior and Social Environment
- Social Welfare Policy
- Research Methods
- Practice courses (individuals, groups, organizations)
- Field education seminars
Support courses usually include professional writing, public speaking, human biological science, psychology, and sociology. Students must earn at least a “C” grade in all core social work courses before they can move on to 400-level coursework.
Field education stands as the cornerstone of social work education. BSW programs require students to complete at least 400 supervised field hours, usually during their senior year. This hands-on experience helps students apply their classroom knowledge in ground settings.
Students build their fundamental understanding through first-year foundation courses. Junior and senior-level practice courses help them develop intervention skills at micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
Field Education Requirements in Indiana
Field education is the basis for social work preparation in BSW programs throughout Indiana. Students know it as practicum, fieldwork, or internship – the place where classroom theory becomes ground practice.
Students in CSWE-accredited Indiana programs must complete 400 supervised field hours at minimum. Most programs split these hours between junior and senior years, with students completing 200 hours each semester. Student supervision plays a vital role – each student needs at least one hour of weekly guidance from a qualified practicum instructor.
The practicum structure requires students to spend 75% of their hours on direct client activities, and the rest on indirect learning experiences. Students track their progress by logging detailed timesheets that separate direct work from indirect tasks.
Programs have similar eligibility requirements with slight variations:
- Completion of all core social work courses with minimum grades (typically C or C+)
- Maintenance of specific overall and major GPAs (often 2.5-2.75)
- Completion of prerequisite coursework
- Good standing in the program
Students start their placement journey several months before fieldwork begins. They submit applications and meet with potential agencies through interviews. Programs across Indiana emphasize that practicum helps students “really learn to apply and further develop their technical and relational skills”.
Career Outlook for BSW Social Workers in Indiana
BSW graduates from accredited programs in Indiana step into a job market full of promise. The state projects a 12% growth in social work positions through 2030, which beats the national average of 9%. Medical facilities, mental health centers, and child welfare organizations just need more qualified professionals.
Your earning potential depends on your specialty and where you work. Social workers throughout Indiana make about $52,000 annually, while clinical specialists can earn up to $60,000. New graduates typically start at $38,000, particularly in rural areas or non-profit organizations. Indianapolis offers better compensation, where clinical social workers earn between $58,000 and $65,000 per year.
These specialties show promising growth rates:
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers: +12%
- Healthcare Social Workers: +10%
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers: +5%
Indiana’s aging population and greater focus on mental health services create many opportunities for BSW graduates. Social workers with accredited degrees have better career prospects than counselors or psychologists because they can work in a variety of settings. The state offers diverse roles from Family Case Managers to State Eligibility Consultants in government agencies.
Indiana Social Work Licensure Pathway
A BSW degree from an accredited Indiana program paves the way to your professional practice, and getting proper licensure is a vital next step. The Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board manages social work licensing across the state.
Your BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program qualifies you to apply for the Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) credential – the entry-level license. You’ll need to submit your documents through the MyLicenseOne portal with a $50 application fee. The process also requires a criminal background check.
You can request a temporary practice permit for $25 if you need to start working right away. This permit stays valid up to 12 months or until you pass your exam. The permit lets you work while completing your license requirements.
The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) bachelor’s level exam is mandatory for all LBSW candidates.
Licensed social workers must renew their credentials by April 1 in even-numbered years. Most practitioners need 40 continuing education hours – 20 hours in Category I and two hours in ethics education. New licensees with less than 24 months of practice only need 20 hours, including one hour of ethics training.
Indiana’s accredited BSW programs offer graduates a well-laid-out licensing pathway that leads to recognized professional credentials.
Find Your Indiana BSW Program Today
Your choice among Indiana’s seven CSWE-accredited BSW programs ends up depending on your specific needs, interests, and career goals. Each university has its own strengths – IUPUI’s urban focus, Ball State’s extensive field network, and Indiana State’s rural specialization. On top of that, online options through Huntington and Indiana Wesleyan give working adults or those with family responsibilities the flexibility they need.
CSWE accreditation is crucial for your professional future. This ensures your degree meets national standards and qualifies you for licensure in all 50 states. Your credential also prepares you for advanced standing in MSW programs and helps you save time and money during graduate studies.
Field education is the key to your social work preparation whatever program you select. Supervised practice helps you turn classroom theory into practical skills. You’ll contribute meaningful service to communities across Indiana.
Your career outlook after graduation looks bright. Indiana projects 12% growth in social work positions through 2030. This is a big deal as it means that the national average and creates abundant opportunities in healthcare, mental health, child welfare, and other settings.
The path to licensure moves smoothly from graduation to professional practice. Your BSW completion qualifies you to apply for the Licensed Bachelor Social Worker credential through Indiana’s Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board.
Money matters should shape your decision too. Private universities often charge higher tuition rates. However, substantial financial aid exists through programs like the Frank O’Bannon Grant and the 21st Century Scholars program. Quality social work education remains available whatever your financial circumstances.
Social work education in Indiana blends academic excellence with hands-on experience. This prepares you to impact individual lives, families, and communities meaningfully. Your BSW from an accredited Indiana university positions you perfectly for a rewarding career serving others, whether you pick a decades-old program or one with innovative approaches.