5 Best BSW Programs in Oklahoma: Complete 2026 Student Guide

Want a BSW program in Oklahoma that leads to real career success? The state has 5 CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work programs. These programs boast impressive job placement rates – 85-95% of graduates land jobs within six months.

You’ll be ready for rewarding careers in social services, healthcare, and community advocacy with these accredited programs. On top of that, the job market shows real promise. Oklahoma has over 5,000 social workers earning median salaries between $51,830 and $100,150, based on their specialty. Several schools now offer online social work degrees in Oklahoma, making education available whatever your schedule might be.

Yearly tuition costs run from $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your chosen school. So you’ll need to think over each university’s special features, field education options, and specialty tracks carefully.

This guide gets into all 5 CSWE-accredited programs in Oklahoma to help you choose the right path for your social work education and career.

1. University of Oklahoma – Norman Campus

The University of Oklahoma’s Bachelor of Social Work program is Oklahoma’s oldest and most established BSW program. Since 1947, it has led social work education throughout the state. Students learn at the Norman campus through the prestigious Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work. The program gives students a complete foundation in both micro and macro practice skills.

Program overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) at the University of Oklahoma needs 120 total credit hours. Students must complete 49 hours in social work major courses. A 2.50 grade average in both overall studies and social work courses helps students maintain good academic standing.

Students need to apply before their junior year. University acceptance doesn’t guarantee program admission. The program requires these core prerequisites:

• Introduction to Social Work
• Statistics for Social Work
• Supporting courses in biology, psychology, and sociology

Students learn through a well-laid-out curriculum after acceptance. The focus stays on building skills in individual, family, group, and community practice. Students learn about human behavior, social welfare policy, research methods, and social work skills application.

Special features

Students at the Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work enjoy several unique benefits. Zarrow Hall opened in 2011 with high-tech classrooms, community spaces, and a specialized simulation lab. Students practice their interviewing skills in a supportive setting.

Students can participate in specialized programs outside class:

• The Child Welfare Professional Enhancement Program connects students with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services
• The Social Work Aging Program pairs students with professionals who serve elderly populations
• The Knee Center for Strong Families lets students work on community-based research projects

Social work courses aren’t available abroad. Students can still study internationally through university programs that count toward general education requirements. Summer sessions work best to avoid conflicts with core coursework. Women’s and Gender Studies, African American Studies, Native American Studies, and Nonprofit Organizational Studies make excellent minor choices.

Field education

Field education is the basis of OU’s BSW program. Students get real-life experience that connects classroom theory with practical work. The program requires 400 clock hours of practicum experience through two courses in the final year.

Students spend 13-14 hours each week at their placement site. They earn 200 hours per semester minimum and take related classroom courses. A Field Education Coordinator watches all placements closely. This ensures they meet academic standards and accreditation requirements.

OU’s field education program stands out with its network of over 300 affiliated agencies across Oklahoma and nearby states. Each site offers structured learning experiences. Qualified Field Instructors with social work degrees from CSWE-accredited programs supervise students.

Tuition and costs

OU uses flat-rate tuition for full-time undergraduates. Students can take 12 to 21 credit hours while paying for just 15 hours of tuition and mandatory fees. This affordable approach helps students graduate on time without extra tuition costs.

The 2025-2026 academic year per-semester costs are:

Arts & Sciences students pay extra program and technology fees of $120.75 per credit hour. A typical 15-credit semester adds $1,811.25 to the total. This brings semester costs to $6,901.50 for Oklahoma residents and $15,961.50 for non-residents.

The yearly cost (fall and spring) for Oklahoma residents living on campus reaches $31,733.00. This includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing, and food. Non-residents pay $49,853.00.

Online/hybrid availability

OU offers online bachelor’s degree completion programs for adult learners. The BSW program’s online options remain limited. Online programs usually need students to be 21 or older. Students can transfer up to 90 credit hours from previous college work.

The Norman campus BSW program runs mostly in person. Some courses might mix online modules or hybrid elements. Evening classes help working students. The Tulsa campus offers more flexibility. Students can take evening and weekend courses that combine in-person and online learning.

Students should ask the program directly about hybrid options and schedule flexibility. Program delivery methods keep changing.

Best for

OU’s BSW program fits perfectly if you:

• Want a 75-year-old CSWE-accredited program known for excellence
• Need complete training in micro practice and macro practice
• Look for specialized training in child welfare, healthcare social work, or community organizing
• Value hands-on learning through field placements and simulations
• Plan to get an MSW with advanced standing, possibly finishing in one year after graduation
• Want a strong alumni network, with many graduates leading the National Association of Social Workers Oklahoma Chapter

The program prepares graduates to work as case managers and behavioral health rehabilitation specialists throughout human services. Strong partnerships with state agencies and healthcare facilities create excellent job opportunities after graduation.

2. East Central University

East Central University offers a detailed Bachelor of Social Work program that gets students ready for generalist practice in various human services positions. The CSWE-accredited program in Ada, Oklahoma gives you the skills you need to work with individuals, families, groups, and organizations. The program puts special emphasis on practice in rural communities.

Program overview

The BSW program at East Central University needs 120 total credit hours to graduate. Students learn professional social work practice through structured educational experiences that build knowledge, values, and skills. You must keep a minimum 2.25 GPA to stay in good academic standing.

You’ll need to apply for formal program admission before starting upper-division social work courses. First, complete these prerequisites:

• Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare
• Professional Skills for Social Work and Social Welfare
• General Biology (or approved human biology course)
• General Psychology
• Introduction to Sociology
• Freshman Composition I and II (with at least a “C” grade in each)

The program accepts applications with recommendation letters during fall and spring semesters. Once accepted, you’ll create a personalized Plan of Study with your advisor to guide your ECU trip.

Students develop these core skills that help them work better:

• Ethical and professional behavior
• Advancing human rights and social justice
• Engaging in research-informed practice
• Working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
• Engaging with diversity and policy

Special features

The program stands out for its focus on rural social work practice, preparing students for careers in Oklahoma’s underserved communities. You can also pick electives that match your career goals.

Social work majors can apply for several scholarships:

• Bridges/Burke Social Work Scholarship: Junior or senior students with a minimum 3.0 GPA who finished at least 12 program hours
• Burke & Judge Kilgore Social Work Scholarship: Full-time juniors or seniors with a 3.0 cumulative GPA and 12+ program hours
• Benita Wallace Erwin Memorial Social Work Scholarship: Students with 75+ credit hours, a 3.0 GPA who showed commitment to social justice and advocacy

The Department of Professional Programs in Human Services also offers scholarships like the Dr. Richard Baumgartner Memorial Scholarship and the Gillette Conn Scholarship.

Field education

Field education plays a significant role in the social work curriculum. Students get valuable hands-on experience in real-life settings through a 448-hour internship. You can complete this either as a one-semester block placement or split it across two semesters (224 hours each).

Students usually start their internship after finishing classroom coursework. This lets them use their theoretical knowledge in practical situations. The Field Director matches you with placement sites that fit your interests and career goals. You might work at:

• Medical hospitals
• Mental health agencies
• Health departments
• Rehabilitation agencies
• Youth and family services
• Tribal agencies
• Oklahoma Department of Human Services
• Hospice programs

These field experiences help you build practical skills in assessment, intervention, and evaluation while working with different client groups. This hands-on training helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice.

Tuition and costs

The BSW program at East Central University comes with competitive tuition rates. Oklahoma residents pay $331.80 per credit hour, which adds up to about $39,816 for the full 120-credit program. Your total tuition could drop to around $9,954 if you transfer credits (up to 90 hours).

Non-resident tuition costs $668.80 per credit hour, though you might qualify for a non-resident tuition waiver. Everyone pays an $89.00 semester fee plus any course-related fees.

These rates are nowhere near what other Oklahoma BSW programs charge. The university offers various financial aid options and scholarships to help social work majors afford their education.

Online/hybrid availability

East Central University now offers its BSW program fully online to meet the growing need for flexible education. The online BSW program carries the same CSWE accreditation as on-campus classes.

The online format includes:

• Similar coursework and learning outcomes as the traditional program
• Hands-on internship opportunities built into the curriculum
• Specialized studies through built-in electives
• You can finish in 2-4 years based on your pace

Quality doesn’t take a back seat to convenience in ECU’s online program. Students and faculty stay connected through interactive learning technologies. The online program teaches the same skills as the traditional format, so you’ll graduate ready for effective social work practice.

Best for

The BSW program works especially well for students who:

• Want flexible learning through fully online study
• Plan to practice in rural communities
• Hope to work with tribal populations (tribal child welfare is a key career path)
• Look for affordable, accredited social work education
• Want to start working right after graduation
• Need a solid foundation in generalist social work practice

Graduates often excel as tribal child welfare specialists, medical social workers, child welfare specialists, case managers, hospice workers, and school social workers. The program offers targeted preparation especially for those interested in rural Oklahoma communities.

After graduation, you can start entry-level positions in human services or continue your education with a master’s degree. ECU’s BSW builds a strong foundation for growing your career in social work.

3. Northeastern State University

Northeastern State University has a unique Bachelor of Social Work program that prepares students to work with Native American populations and lead child welfare systems. The Council on Social Work Education accredits this program, which serves Oklahoma’s communities through campuses in Tahlequah, Muskogee, and Broken Arrow.

Program overview

The BSW program needs 120 total credit hours with 57 hours in the social work major. Students move through two main phases: pre-social work education and professional social work education starting in junior year.

Students must keep a 2.5 GPA, submit an application packet, and get an Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation background check that covers sex offender and violent offender checks. The program builds competencies in:

• Ethical and professional behavior
• Diversity and difference in practice
• Human rights and social justice
• Research-informed practice
• Policy practice
• Engagement, assessment, and intervention with individuals through communities

Students learn generalist social work practice to serve different client systems in various agency settings. Yes, it is possible to start working in direct human service positions right after graduation with the skills needed to create positive change.

Special features

The university stands out because it prepares social workers to practice with Native American populations. The main campus in Tahlequah gives students a chance to serve Indigenous communities throughout their education.

The program welcomes first-generation college students and makes higher education available to students who might be the first in their families to attend university. This commitment pairs with high academic standards that lead to professional success.

NSU lets students specialize in child welfare leadership, which Oklahoma needs critically. This specialization creates leaders in child welfare delivery systems, meeting one of the state’s urgent social service needs.

The Social Work Department’s student organizations help with community service projects, fundraisers, and professional activities that line up with the social work profession’s mission. These organizations boost professional development while making meaningful community contributions.

Field education

BSW students complete 450 total clock hours of field practicum, split into two 225-hour courses. This practicum happens during senior year after finishing most coursework.

Students must submit applications by October 31, finish required courses, and complete 88 total credit hours to qualify for field placement. They also need:

1. A signed student contract
2. An essay describing experience, goals, and practicum objectives
3. An updated professional resume
4. Professional and faculty recommendation letters
5. A national background check (valid within 30 days)

Field experience connects classroom theory with ground application. Students develop and show competencies in real-life settings. The program’s location offers chances to serve both rural and urban populations, including Native American and African American communities.

Tuition and costs

NSU keeps its BSW program costs competitive. In-state undergraduate tuition for 2022-2023 was $6,623, plus $890 in fees. Out-of-state students paid $15,743 in tuition with the same fees.

Part-time students paid $221 per credit hour in-state and $525 out-of-state. NSU provides various scholarships specifically for social work students. The financial aid office can share current information about scholarships and aid packages.

Online/hybrid availability

NSU understands students need flexible education options. The university provides in-person, blended, and online learning across its three campuses. These options make the program available to students with work or family commitments.

Source materials don’t specify fully online BSW completion, but NSU calls itself “Oklahoma’s immersive learning institution” with multiple delivery options. Students can complete some coursework through distance education with blended courses.

The Social Work Department can provide current information about online or hybrid options. The program adapts its delivery methods while maintaining educational quality.

Best for

NSU’s BSW program suits students who:

• Want an available yet challenging social work education as first-generation college students
• Plan to work with Native American populations
• Aim for child welfare leadership positions
• Want to practice in both rural and urban settings
• Value strong cultural competence training
• Plan to start direct practice after graduation

Graduates find good job prospects, with median salaries of $38,168—above the national average of $37,334 for social work bachelor’s graduates. NSU also offers an MSW program focusing on Indigenous and rural populations for students continuing their education.

4. Northwestern Oklahoma State University

Northwestern Oklahoma State University shines in its dedication to rural and frontier social work practice. The university serves agricultural communities throughout northwest Oklahoma from its campuses in Alva, Enid, and Woodward. NWOSU delivers social work education that meets the specific needs of these regions.

Program overview

NWOSU has a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program that needs 45 hours of social work major requirements plus general education courses. Students learn to become skilled at generalist practice through a flexible problem-solving process based on a strengths point of view. Students who want to major in social work should apply between their sophomore and junior year, during the first 15 hours of social work coursework.

Students must meet these requirements to stay in good standing:

• A 2.5 grade point average in social work courses
• A 2.5 overall GPA
• At least a ‘C’ grade in all required social work courses

Students can receive full admission, provisional admission, or denial. The program builds on foundational courses and stresses ethical practice in rural settings.

Special features

NWOSU’s class sizes are small, with just 15 students per class on average. This creates a supportive environment where students get individual attention from faculty. The program highlights:

• Rural mental health practice
• Agricultural social work concentration
• Online-enhanced courses

The department has modern facilities. The Enid campus features a virtual reality lab with VR goggles and curriculum to practice social work skills. The Alva campus has an interviewing lab with technology and resources that help develop practical skills. These labs came through a partnership with the University of Oklahoma to keep quality social workers in the public child welfare system.

Northwestern Oklahoma State University field education

Field education is the heart of the program. Students must complete 420 field experience hours either in one spring semester or over two consecutive semesters. Spring block placement students spend about 28 hours weekly in field education during one term.

Students need several qualifications for field experience. They must be fully admitted to the program, finish all prerequisites, get a ‘C’ or better in all social work classes, keep a 2.5 GPA, and complete the application process. Students often work at the Department of Human Services, Western Plains Youth and Family Services, Northwest Behavioral Health, and public school systems.

Tuition and costs

NWOSU’s BSW program comes with competitive tuition rates:

NWOSU stands out by offering the NWOSU GO OK tuition waiver program for non-resident students who meet certain requirements. New students get this waiver automatically. Continuing students need to maintain a 2.0 GPA to keep it. Out-of-state tuition goes up to $473 per credit hour without the waiver.

Online/hybrid availability

Students looking for flexibility can take advantage of NWOSU’s online-enhanced courses. The university offers some bachelor’s degrees completely online, but the social work program uses a hybrid approach that combines online components with traditional classroom learning.

Success in online courses needs time commitment, active participation, and self-discipline. NWOSU follows Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education policy for credit hours, ensuring online courses match traditional course standards.

Best for

NWOSU’s BSW program fits perfectly for students who want:

• Rural and frontier social work practice
• Mental health services in agricultural communities
• Small class environments with personal attention
• Affordable education (over 95% of NWOSU graduates have no debt)

The program’s success shows in its numbers – more than 95% of social work students find jobs right after graduation. Graduates work in child welfare, healthcare social work, substance abuse treatment, and probation/correctional treatment. Oklahoma salaries range from $36,470 to $62,530.

5. Oral Roberts University

Oral Roberts University offers Oklahoma’s only faith-based CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program. The program combines Christian values with professional social work education. Students in Tulsa can prepare themselves for careers in both secular and faith-based settings that emphasize spiritual growth along with professional skills.

Program overview

The BSW program consists of a 50-hour academic core with practicum experiences that follow a logical sequence to prepare students for generalist social work practice. Students build their expertise on the university’s liberal arts foundation and Christian worldview. The curriculum helps students develop competencies set by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) plus an ORU-specific competency that reflects the spiritual focus. Students learn social work practice, research basics, human behavior, and gain field experience while pursuing the program’s goal to create Holy Spirit-strengthened leaders.

Special features

The program stands out as Oklahoma’s only faith-integrated social work education, giving students a chance to blend professional training with spiritual development. Key features include:

• International social work mission trips
• Medical social work concentration
• Partnership with Saint Francis Health System
• Dual degree options (BSW/Ministry)

The faculty brings expertise in childhood trauma, attachment disorders, and human trafficking. Thanks to extensive administrative and networking experience, the Field Education Director keeps expanding practicum placement options.

Field education

Senior year students complete 480 hours of supervised field experience, which goes beyond CSWE minimum requirements. Students typically combine this practicum with SWK 444 as a block placement. The experience lets students work like professional social workers under masters-level practitioners’ supervision. Students write weekly journals to track their growth, and through in-service training, they contribute to their placement agencies.

Tuition and costs

ORU’s 2025-2026 tuition structure breaks down as follows:

Almost all full-time undergraduate residential students receive ORU grants and scholarships through academic achievement or the Quest Whole Leader Scholarship.

Online/hybrid availability

Students can choose between residential and virtual BSW programs. The virtual program features:

• Up-to-the-minute interactive lectures through high-definition video conferencing
• Learning from on-campus faculty
• Direct student-professor interaction outside virtual classrooms
• Round-the-clock access to ORU Virtual resources

Students can access online programs from anywhere without weekly meeting requirements.

Best for

The program suits students looking for:

• Faith-integrated social work education
• Preparation for both secular and faith-based careers
• Medical social work specialization
• Online/virtual education options
• International social work opportunities

The program boasts a 99.87% career outcome rate. During 2021-2022, 13 students earned their bachelor’s degrees in social work (85% women, 15% men).

Next Steps

Your career goals, priorities, and budget play a crucial role in picking the right BSW program. Oklahoma offers five CSWE-accredited programs, each with unique advantages to help kickstart your social work trip.

These programs share key strengths – they provide complete field education experiences, high job placement rates, and solid preparation for professional practice. Each school brings something special to the table. The University of Oklahoma boasts a 100-year old history and vast alumni network. East Central University excels with its rural practice focus and online program. Northeastern State University specializes in Native American population training. Northwestern Oklahoma State University puts agricultural social work first. Oral Roberts University stands alone as Oklahoma’s faith-integrated social work school.

Money will without doubt shape your choice. Annual tuition varies substantially – public schools charge around $8,000 while private universities cost up to $35,000. The good news? Many programs offer social work-specific scholarships to help with these expenses.

Program flexibility can make a big difference. Several schools now combine smoothly online and in-person learning, especially when you have work and family commitments. East Central University’s fully online BSW program is perfect for working adults who need maximum flexibility.

Oklahoma’s BSW graduates enjoy strong job prospects, with 85-95% finding work within six months. Your degree opens doors to child welfare, healthcare, community organizations, and human services roles. Salaries range from $36,470 to over $60,000 based on your specialty.

Oklahoma has a BSW program that matches your professional dreams – whether you want to focus on rural communities, Native American populations, faith-based work, or medical social work. This piece gives you a full picture to pick a program that launches your career in helping others through social work.