7 Accredited BSW Programs in Virginia

If you want to study for a bachelor of social work in Virginia, you’re looking at a field that’s really taking off. The social work workforce in Virginia will grow 12% by 2030. The pay is solid too – social workers earn between $44,550 and $92,400 based on their specialty.

Virginia has more than 12,000 social workers right now. The jobs are especially plentiful in Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads. A BSW degree from an accredited Virginia school gives you everything you need to start your career. These programs are available all over the state, from big research universities to smaller liberal arts colleges.

The sort of thing we love about these seven accredited BSW programs is how they fit different needs. Recent high school graduates and career changers will find options that work for them. Each program has its own strengths while meeting all the standards you need to practice social work professionally.

George Mason University

George Mason University serves as the premier location of social work education in Virginia. The Department of Social Work started its mission over 50 years ago and has prepared students to boost the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through quality education and hands-on training.

Program overview

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at George Mason holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This ensures graduates meet national professional standards. Students learn a broad range of knowledge and skills that align with systems and strengths views. The program teaches students to practice with core social work values and helps them think about ethical dilemmas.

Students need 120 total credits to prepare for generalist social work practice. The National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics guides all students. Note that the department doesn’t give academic credit for previous work or life experience whatever the relevance.

Special features

Mason’s BSW program sits just 15 miles from Washington D.C., which gives students exceptional advantages. Students can tap into nearby policy-making institutions and national social service organizations.

The Social Work integrative Research Lab (SWiRL) stands out as a key feature. Here, undergraduates work on research projects and get mentoring from graduate students and faculty. This hands-on research experience makes Mason unique among Virginia’s BSW programs.

The Bachelor’s Accelerated Master’s Program gives qualified undergraduates a chance to get both BSW and MSW degrees faster. Students can earn both degrees after completing 168 credits, which cuts down time and tuition costs by a lot.

Admission requirements

Getting into Mason’s BSW program takes two steps. Students first apply to the university through standard admission. They then apply to the social work major, usually at the start of spring semester in their junior year.

The major requires students to:

• Complete 45 credit hours with a 2.50 GPA or higher
• Complete or register for BIOL 103, ENGH 101, SOCI 101, and PSYC 100
• Get at least a C in SOCW 200, SOCW 357, SOCW 361, and two other specific courses
• Submit applications by January 15

Social work faculty reviews applications and might ask for a personal interview. Students should confirm enrollment by April 15 to allow enough time for practicum placement.

Tuition and financial aid

In-state tuition and fees at George Mason University will cost $14,316 for 2025-26, while out-of-state students pay $39,212. These numbers show the full cost before financial aid.

About 65% of George Mason students get some type of financial aid. First-year students receive an average need-based scholarship or grant of $11,591. Merit-based aid averages $9,392 for students who qualify.

Students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to get financial help. Virginia residents who can’t use FAFSA can submit the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application. Students can visit the university’s financial aid website or call 703-993-2353 to learn about program-specific scholarships.

Field education

The BSW program’s heart lies in its required 450 hours of supervised practicum at department-approved agencies. Students complete this hands-on experience during senior year through SOCW 495 and SOCW 496 (Field Practicum and Seminar I and II).

Students must pass all required 200-, 300-, and 400-level social work courses with a C or better before starting practicum. They also need yearly tuberculosis screening and hepatitis B immunization series as per U.S. Public Health Service guidelines.

The department tries hard to find good placements but doesn’t guarantee them. Most practicum sites need students during regular daytime hours, which matters for those with work or family responsibilities.

Career opportunities

Mason’s BSW program opens doors to many job options. Graduates often work in:

• Affordable housing and advocacy organizations
• Child welfare services and foster care
• Community service boards and emergency services
• Group homes and residential living facilities
• Services for people with disabilities and older adults

Prominent employers like Alexandria City Public Schools, Dominion Hospital, INOVA Health System, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services hire Mason graduates.

Students can boost their job prospects by joining professional groups like the National Association of Social Workers and the School Social Work Association of America. Most employers want six to twelve months of related experience for full-time jobs, which makes internships and volunteer work during college valuable.

Virginia Commonwealth University

VCU stands as Virginia’s longest-running social work educator. The university has built strong relationships with more than 500 community agencies throughout Richmond and the state. Students benefit from this extensive network that helps them get relevant field experience matching their career goals.

Program overview

VCU’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program teaches students how to support vulnerable populations who lack personal, social, and institutional resources. Students learn generalist social work practices that focus on helping individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities.

Students need 120 credits across 40 courses to graduate. They can finish the program in four years of full-time study, with part-time options available. The program builds skills in direct clinical practice and covers human service program administration, social planning, policy development, research, and teaching.

VCU holds a unique position as one of only two Virginia schools that offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in social work. The program showed its strength in 2022 by awarding 96 bachelor’s degrees in social work.

Special features

Richmond’s diverse urban setting gives VCU’s BSW program a unique advantage. Students can reach neighborhoods with different populations and needs just blocks away from campus, which brings their studies to life.

The program maintains an excellent 18:1 faculty-to-student ratio. Nearly 40 full-time faculty members and more than 15 community-based adjunct instructors provide personal attention throughout your studies.

Students can earn specialized credentials in mental health and substance abuse counseling. The Child Welfare Stipend Program offers $10,000 yearly stipends to BSW students who commit to work in Virginia’s Department of Social Services or local agencies after graduation.

Admission requirements

Students must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA to declare social work as their major. The first step is to email the student success advisor for an academic advising appointment.

The BSW program looks at:

• Academic performance (minimum 2.5 GPA requirement)
• Completion of prerequisite courses
• Understanding of social work values and ethics
• Potential for professional development

New students must complete VCU’s standard undergraduate application through the university’s admissions office.

Tuition and financial aid

During 2022-2023, VCU’s in-state undergraduate tuition was $443 per credit hour. Out-of-state students paid $1,198 per credit hour. In-state students paid average tuition and fees of $16,233.

VCU’s social work graduates typically leave with $18,578 in student debt. They report a median salary of $34,088, which falls below the national average of $37,334 for social work graduates. Monthly student loan payments average $206 for BSW graduates.

VCU helps students manage costs through federal loans, grants, and program-specific scholarships. The Child Welfare Stipend Program provides substantial support for students interested in child welfare careers.

Field education

Field education plays a vital role in VCU’s BSW program. The Office of Field Education connects students with social service agencies for hands-on experience.

Senior students complete 400 hours of field practicum (SLWK 494 and SLWK 495) at one placement over fall and spring semesters, working about 14 hours weekly. Starting Fall 2025, students can choose a Block Senior Field Practicum (SLWK 497) to complete their placement in one semester during fall, spring, or summer.

Students on campus get placements around Richmond, which builds valuable connections with local professionals.

Career opportunities

Social work jobs should grow by 14% through 2030, creating strong prospects for VCU graduates. BSW graduates work in:

• Healthcare facilities
• Schools and youth development centers
• Senior centers
• Nonprofit organizations
• Government agencies
• Mental health and substance abuse facilities

Graduates often work as case managers, child and family social workers, healthcare social workers, patient representatives, qualified mental health professionals (QMHP), and probation officers.

Many BSW graduates continue their education in VCU’s Master of Social Work program. The Advanced Standing MSW program lets BSW graduates earn their master’s in just one year or three semesters.

Liberty University (Online Option)

Liberty University’s online Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) program blends professional training with Christian principles. You can pursue your social work education without moving or changing your current lifestyle.

Program overview

The online BSSW program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This means graduates meet the same professional standards as traditional campus programs. The curriculum helps you become skilled at generalist social work practice while building your professional development on a biblical worldview.

You’ll need 120 total credit hours with at least 30 hours of upper-level courses (300-400 level). A minimum 2.5 overall GPA and at least a C grade in all major courses are required. It’s worth mentioning that Liberty doesn’t give academic credit for previous work or life experience, whatever its connection to social work practice.

Special features

The program’s complete online delivery stands out. Working adults and those with family commitments get maximum flexibility. This convenient format still includes ground application through required field placements in your local community under supervision.

Liberty gives you electronic textbooks for all undergraduate courses at no extra cost. This can save you between $800-2,000 each year, which cuts down your educational expenses by a lot.

The program weaves Christian values throughout its curriculum. Its mission clearly aims to create “healthy, generalist social workers to be servant leaders who follow the example of Christ”.

Admission requirements

Your application needs:

• A completed online application (with a $50 non-refundable fee, waived for qualifying military personnel)
• Official high school transcripts or GED scores
• TOEFL scores for non-native English speakers

Liberty’s High School Self-Certification Form lets you take up to 12 credit hours while finishing your application.

Tuition and financial aid

The 2025-2026 academic year online undergraduate rates are:

• Full-time students: $390 per credit hour
• Part-time students: $455 per credit hour
• Military rate: $250 per credit hour

Liberty hasn’t raised its undergraduate online tuition in the last decade. A technology fee of $349 applies each semester, though active military personnel and their spouses don’t pay this fee.

The university ranks in the top 35% for affordability among online competitors. Students can access federal loans, grants, and scholarships.

Field education

Field education is the basis of Liberty’s BSSW program. Students must first complete the Field Enrollment course—a prerequisite 0-credit, 8-week Canvas class to submit paperwork for agency placement.

The online program includes two internship experiences:

• Generalist Field Experience: 400 hours plus a weekly 2-hour live seminar
• Advanced Generalist Field Experience: 600 hours plus a weekly 2-hour live seminar

Each experience can be completed in one 16-week semester (25-26 weekly hours) or across two semesters (12-13 weekly hours). Students beyond a one-hour radius of Liberty University (OCVA students) find appropriate agencies in their communities with Field Advisors’ help.

Career opportunities

A BSSW from Liberty opens doors to many career paths. Graduates work in:

• Adoption and child welfare agencies
• Healthcare facilities and hospitals
• Community organizations
• Court systems and probation services
• Mental health clinics
• Schools and educational settings

Your BSSW might qualify you for Advanced Standing in Master of Social Work programs. This means you could earn your MSW in just one year instead of two—saving time and money if you plan to get advanced credentials.

Liberty’s BSSW gives you “practical knowledge directly applicable to real-life settings.” The program balances academic excellence with hands-on experience to prepare you for immediate employment or graduate studies.

James Madison University

JMU’s Bachelor of Social Work program puts strong emphasis on practical experience through case-based learning. Students learn to tackle social challenges of all types. The program sits within the College of Health and Behavioral Studies and shapes skilled generalist practitioners who champion social justice.

Program overview

The BSW program at James Madison University has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education. This generalist degree gives you entry-level skills for various human services work and sets you up for graduate study in social work. Students learn professional ethics and practice skills to work in settings that deal with poverty, oppression, social injustice, and human rights violations.

Students need 120 credit hours to graduate. This includes General Education requirements, 44 credit hours of core social work courses, and prerequisite courses. Social work majors must follow the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and take part in student outcome assessments. The program prepares you to help people reach their potential through direct services or by creating better social conditions.

Special features

JMU’s social work program goes beyond traditional lectures. Students learn through case-based and hands-on approaches. The program uses interviewing labs where majors practice case simulations to build real-world skills. Students learn about issues at local, state, and national levels through policy forums, conferences, interviews, and service-learning projects.

Students can add valuable minors to their social work degree. Options include Family Studies (with focus areas in gerontology or family ecology) and Nonprofit Studies. These choices help you shape your education toward specific career goals.

The program creates a welcoming space for students of all backgrounds. It focuses on inclusive excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. This approach helps you work better with clients from different backgrounds.

Admission requirements

Students can apply to the social work program after finishing SOWK 287 and SOWK 288. You’ll need:

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
• At least a “C” (2.0) in SOWK 287 and SOWK 288
• 20 hours of community service work from SOWK 287

Faculty look at several factors: community service experience, grades, communication skills, work habits, teamwork ability, motivation, values, and career plans. This full picture helps select dedicated students for the program.

Tuition and financial aid

The 2025-26 academic year costs at JMU are $14,300 for in-state students and $31,906 for out-of-state students. Housing and food add $14,212, bringing total costs to $28,512 for Virginia residents and $46,118 for non-residents.

The 2025-2026 costs include books and supplies ($1,336), transportation ($2,296), and personal expenses ($2,446). These numbers help you plan your education budget better.

Field education

Field practicum plays a vital part in JMU’s social work education. Senior students work with agency professionals four days weekly for one semester. They complete at least 472 hours of directed field practice. This happens in the final semester under a designated field instructor’s guidance.

Students get supervision from agency staff and faculty field instructors. They can work in rural and urban areas across Virginia and Washington, DC. International options exist in Dominica and El Salvador. Students can work in juvenile and adult corrections, family services, mental health services, hospitals, schools, and other settings.

Career opportunities

A BSW from JMU opens doors to many career paths:

• Child welfare and foster care
• Mental health and substance abuse treatment
• Healthcare facilities
• Schools and educational settings
• Senior centers and gerontology services
• Criminal justice and probation services

Graduates often become case managers, family service workers, community organizers, healthcare social workers, and qualified mental health professionals. Many continue their education in social work, law, counseling, or public policy.

The social work degree stands out as one of today’s most versatile degrees. Graduates can choose from many professional paths or pursue advanced education. The field offers both challenges and rewards as you help people and create positive change.

Norfolk State University

The Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work at Norfolk State University stands out as the only school of social work at a state-supported Historically Black College and University that offers BSW, MSW, and Ph.D. programs. NSU has delivered excellence in social work education for over 60 years and stays committed to social justice and strengthening communities.

Program overview

NSU’s BSW program equips students to tackle complex social challenges through a well-rounded curriculum. Students progress through two phases: Pre-Social Work Education and Professional Social Work Education, which starts in the junior year.

The program requires 120 credit hours, which combine social work core courses, electives, and general education requirements. Students learn to become generalist social workers who understand the need for change beyond individual cases to social systems.

Special features

NSU students can boost their professional development through several student organizations:

• The Whitney Young Social Work Society
• Alpha Delta Mu Honor Society
• Active Minds at NSU

Students also work with faculty experts who specialize in advocacy, child protection, mental health, gerontology, veterans services, grief and loss, policy, and forensic social work.

Admission requirements

Students must complete a two-step admission process: university admission first, followed by BSW Professional Program admission after finishing pre-social work course requirements.

The program requires students to maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average in all social work courses and an overall 2.0 GPA. Candidates must submit a formal application, resume, academic assessment, recommendations, and personal statement.

Tuition and financial aid

The 2025-26 graduate resident tuition and fees amount to $13,768, while non-residents pay $27,254. The total budget estimate reaches $31,520 for residents and $45,006 for non-residents, covering room, board, books, transportation, and personal expenses.

NSU provides various financial aid options through federal and state scholarships, grants, student employment opportunities, and loans. Students can access valuable networking opportunities through the work-study program while meeting their financial needs.

Field education

Field education serves as the foundation of social work training at NSU. BSW students complete 450 hours over two consecutive academic semesters, averaging 15 hours weekly.

Students gain practical experience through more than 100 community-partner agencies in the Hampton Roads area. The university allows students working in eligible social work organizations to complete their practicum at their workplace if it meets educational goals and receives faculty approval.

Career opportunities

Social work ranks among the most rapidly growing professions in the United States. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 12% job growth for social workers through 2030.

Graduates work as family therapists, school counselors, case managers, health educators, youth specialists, mental health assistants, probation officers, and community outreach workers. NSU’s Career Services department helps students with resume development, interviewing skills workshops, and connections to employment and internship opportunities.

Radford University

Radford University’s Social Work Program gives you choices. You can study full-time at the main campus or part-time at the Roanoke Higher Education Center. This detailed professional program readies students with a Bachelor of Social Work degree that fits into Radford’s REAL Curriculum.

Program overview

The BSW program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education until 2030. Students need 120 credits to graduate and must keep high academic standards. The requirements include a 2.7 overall GPA and 2.8 GPA in social work courses. Students must also pass all required social work courses with a C or better.

Special features

The program shines with impressive results. Every student finds an internship placement, and over 95% of graduates either land jobs or move on to graduate school within three months. The program stands out by giving stipend opportunities and study abroad experiences. Students learn about values, ethics, and cultural competence.

Admission requirements

The standard admission process at Radford comes with a $50 application fee. Veterans, alumni, and first-generation students might qualify to skip this fee.

Tuition and financial aid

The 2025-26 annual tuition varies by residency. Virginia residents pay $8,698, while out-of-state students pay $22,012. Extra costs include a $120 technology fee and $4,134 detailed fee. Non-Virginia residents pay an additional $468 capital fee.

Field education

Students complete 400 hours of directed practice in their final semester. They need professional liability insurance ($1 million/$3 million coverage) before placement. Holiday schedules are worked out with agencies. Students should have reliable transportation since placements could be up to 90 miles from campus.

Career opportunities

Graduates work in a variety of roles. These include case management in senior living, child welfare, hospice, mental health, and addiction services. Many BSW graduates step into master’s programs, especially when aiming for clinical positions in psychotherapy and substance abuse counseling.

Christopher Newport University

Christopher Newport University’s Social Work Program has managed to keep its accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1982. This 41-year-old program prepares students for generalist practice and promotes social and economic justice.

Program overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work curriculum at CNU builds excellence through competencies needed for generalist social work practice. Students need 120 credits to graduate. The coursework includes core requirements such as SOWK 201 (Introduction to Social Work), SOWK 210 (Human Behavior), and advanced courses. Biology and math components complement the social work fundamentals in this program.

Special features

CNU’s learning experience goes beyond the classroom through:

• Phi Alpha national social work honor society
• Sociology Club
• The innovative SWEET (Social Work Engagement and Education Team) program where students visit local schools to promote social work careers
• Service learning opportunities

Admission requirements

Sophomore students can apply with a minimum 2.5 GPA. The program allows freshmen and sophomores to take introductory courses while they complete their liberal learning requirements.

Tuition and financial aid

The 2025-2026 in-state tuition and fees amount to $15,167.50 per semester. Out-of-state students pay $22,278. Need-based aid reaches 43% of first-year students, with average awards reaching $13,053.

Field education

Field education stands as CNU’s signature teaching method. Senior students complete 448 hours across fall and spring semesters under their field instructors’ direct supervision. The Field Instruction Coordinator matches students with appropriate agencies that meet CSWE standards.

Career opportunities

CNU graduates build careers in schools, hospitals, mental health facilities, child welfare agencies, and government settings. The program’s success shows in its numbers – 94% of CNU’s alumni either find employment or continue to graduate school within six months of graduation.

Next Steps

These seven accredited BSW programs help you build a strong foundation for your social work career in Virginia. Each school brings something special to the table. You might prefer George Mason’s research opportunities, VCU’s extensive agency connections, Liberty’s online flexibility, JMU’s hands-on approach, Norfolk State’s rich HBCU heritage, Radford’s high placement rates, or Christopher Newport’s 50-year old reputation.

Social workers in Virginia have excellent job prospects right now. The field is set to grow 12% through 2030, and salaries range from $44,550 to $92,400. Your BSW degree opens doors to meaningful jobs in a variety of settings – healthcare, schools, community organizations, and government agencies.

Field education is the of all seven programs and gives you essential hands-on experience before graduation. You’ll complete 400 to 600 supervised hours that prepare you for real-life challenges and help build valuable professional connections.

Quality social work education is within reach since these programs are spread throughout Virginia. Liberty’s online program is perfect if you have work or family commitments.

Your final choice depends on what matters most to you – location, cost, program features, religious affiliation, or specific career interests. A BSW from any accredited Virginia school gives you the skills to make a real difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities facing social challenges.