5 Best Bachelor’s of Social Work Programs in Washington

A bachelor’s degree in social work from Washington state could launch your career with attractive salaries. Social workers here earn between $56,220 and $96,550 yearly. The state’s average annual wage stands at $64,360, which translates to about $30.94 per hour. This career path promises both financial security and a chance to make a real difference.

The state offers several paths to earn your social work degree. Programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) are available at multiple institutions. BSW graduates get a valuable advantage – they qualify for one-year Advanced Standing MSW programs. This option can cut your graduate studies time in half and save substantial tuition costs. The job outlook remains bright too. Social work positions should grow by 7% from 2022 to 2032, opening up around 53,800 new jobs each year.

University of Washington – Seattle

The University of Washington in Seattle shines as a leading institution if you have your sights set on a bachelor’s degree in social work. Their focus lies in tackling complex social problems. The School of Social Work at UW Seattle ranks among the nation’s finest programs – #6 overall among social work schools and #2 for bachelor’s degree social work programs.

Program overview

UW Seattle’s Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare (BASW) program readies students for entry-level generalist practice. The detailed curriculum comes with accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education. Students learn in cohorts of about 50 peers who take classes together for two years. This setup makes networking easier and builds friendships that create a safe space for open classroom discussions.

Junior year classes run three to five days weekly, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:20 p.m. The curriculum covers key areas like Human Behavior & Social Environments, Cultural Diversity & Justice, Social Welfare Policy. Students also take Social Welfare Practice courses that span individual (micro), family and group (mezzo), and systems (macro) practice.

Senior year brings a mix of classroom learning and hands-on experience. Students attend campus classes two or three days weekly while working at community practicum sites for two full days. This mix helps students build both theoretical knowledge and practical skills they’ll need professionally.

UW’s School of Social Work looks for future social change agents who want to help individuals, families, and communities. Fall 2025 admissions are closed, but you can apply next January for Fall 2026 entry.

Degrees offered

UW offers three distinct paths in social work education. The Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare (BASW) program builds a strong foundation for aspiring social work professionals. This program has upper-division social welfare courses with prerequisites in psychology, statistics, and sociology. Students learn about social welfare history, policy and services, human behavior and social environment, research methods, and cultural diversity.

Graduate students can choose from several Master of Social Work (MSW) options: a two-year full-time program, a three-year part-time program, and advanced standing programs. The advanced standing programs run for 6 quarters (part-time) or 10 months (full-time) for students with CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degrees.

The university’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in social welfare prepares scholars to advance knowledge and practice in the field. PhD students develop deep subject expertise and research skills to create theoretical frameworks and conduct studies that shape effective social work practice.

Many BASW graduates move on to UW’s accelerated MSW program – a special track only for BASW degree holders from accredited programs. This path helps graduates become licensed clinical social workers who serve in mental health and other vital areas.

Field education opportunities

Field education functions at the core of UW Seattle’s social work program. Students get supervised learning chances to blend social work knowledge, values, and skills. The university’s mutually beneficial alliances with over 600 field sites give students ground experience alongside classroom theory.

The Office of Field Education helps students with:

• Funding resources for field education experiences
• Social work credentialing requirements and processes
• Transition assistance from first field-education experience to professional practice

Child Welfare Training and Advancement Program (CWTAP) participants get specialized field education in select Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) offices. They focus on key areas like:

• Abuse-and-neglect prevention strategies
• Protective services implementation
• Permanency planning approaches
• Solution-based casework techniques
• Cultural competency in working with diverse populations

After finishing BASW studies through CWTAP, students either work with DCYF for a period matching their financial aid time or apply to UW’s Advanced Standing MSW program before completing their DCYF service.

Tuition rates

The 2025-26 academic year estimated costs for undergraduate students at UW Seattle reflect a comprehensive student budget. Resident undergraduate tuition stands at $12,260 annually, while non-resident tuition reaches $43,494. When including mandatory annual student fees totaling $1,597, resident undergraduates face an annual total of $36,189, compared to $67,423 for non-residents.

The complete nine-month expense breakdown for 2025-26 reveals varying costs based on living arrangements:

Regarding financial outcomes, social work bachelor’s degree graduates from UW Seattle report a median salary of $40,969, surpassing the national median of $37,334 for social work bachelor’s recipients. Moreover, master’s degree graduates earn a median salary of $61,696, considerably higher than the national median of $51,347 for social work master’s graduates.

The university strives to make education accessible through various financial aid options. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students was $21,421, with 36% of first-year students receiving need-based financial aid. The average need-based self-help aid (including federal loans and work-study) awarded to first-year students was $5,920.

Career preparation

The School of Social Work equips students with extensive resources designed for today’s social work professionals. Career preparation support includes job-search databases, career-development sites, international social work opportunities, and networking connections with school alumni. Students also gain access to nationwide post-graduate internships and fellowships, loan repayment and forgiveness options, and professional associations.

Throughout the year, UW Seattle hosts career fairs and skill development workshops to enhance students’ professional readiness. These include specialized events such as government career fairs sponsored by the Career Center, providing valuable opportunities to connect with government employers seeking candidates for part-time, full-time, and internship positions.

Interview preparation receives special attention, with dedicated workshops helping students refine their interviewing skills after years in academic settings. The UW Career Center offers additional resources, including various written materials and free job search counseling.

The comprehensive approach to career preparation contributes to strong employment outcomes. Among the 51 bachelor’s degrees in social work awarded during the 2021-2022 academic year (a 21% increase from the previous year), graduates find themselves well-positioned for successful careers. Consequently, demand continues to increase for social workers, particularly those with expertise in healthcare, children and family services, addiction counseling, elder care, and community advocacy.

Seattle University

Seattle University stands out for students who want to get a bachelor’s degree in social work. The curriculum focuses on social justice principles and gives students both theory and hands-on experience to help vulnerable populations in different settings.

Program overview

The Bachelor of Social Work program at Seattle University prepares students for community-based social work through a mix of coursework and practical learning. Students learn the skills to help others, make society better, and support fair social conditions. The program connects classroom theory to ground applications, which helps graduates become ready for their careers.

Students learn to become skilled entry-level social work professionals who value diversity and focus on economic and social justice. This matches the university’s broader goal to challenge systemic injustice, help vulnerable populations, heal trauma, and drive social change.

Students must first declare social work as their major at Seattle University to become social work major candidates. They need to complete SOCW 1510 (Introduction to Social Work) with a grade of C or better during candidacy. The formal application process starts in fall of junior year, and applications are due January 15th. Students need:

• Junior standing (90 credits)
• Overall GPA of 2.50
• Completion of Module I of the Core
• SOCW 1510 completed with grade C or better

Faculty members review applications that need a personal statement, academic program evaluation, three reference letters, and a criminal background check.

Degrees offered

Seattle University’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) needs 180 total credits, with 70 credits for the major. Students follow an educational plan that has core university requirements, college requirements, and major-specific courses.

The BSW curriculum builds knowledge step by step. First-year students start with basic courses like SOCW 1510 (Introduction to Social Work). Second-year students take SOCW 2010 (Social Justice) and electives. Third-year courses take a closer look at:

• Human Behavior in the Social Environment
• Human Development and Social Work
• US Social Welfare Policy
• Activism and Advocacy for Social Justice
• Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families

Senior year brings everything together through research, practice, and field work with courses in:

• Social Work Research (Data Analysis, Methods, and Capstone)
• Practice with Groups, Organizations, and Communities
• Field Practicum and Seminars

Social work majors must get at least a C (2.00) grade in required courses to move forward. This step-by-step approach helps students build their skills throughout their learning experience.

Field education opportunities

Field education is the main driver of Seattle University’s social work program. Students get extensive practical experience through community placements. Senior BSW students complete a 450-hour Field Practicum (SOCW 4510, 4520, 4530) with approved social work professionals watching over them. This hands-on work lets students use their classroom knowledge in real situations.

Students also join integrative seminars with classmates to reflect and learn more deeply. They work at social service agencies where they practice under supervision and learn about social work.

While specific BSW placement sites aren’t listed, the university’s MSW program works with more than 65 community sites. This shows they have many field education options. Students can work in:

• Mental health counseling agencies
• Child welfare organizations
• Community-based programs for various social issues
• Hospital and healthcare settings
• Schools and educational institutions

The Field Director helps students find placements that match their career goals and learning needs. Social Work Practicum Instructors give at least one hour of weekly supervision throughout the practicum.

Tuition rates

Full-time undergraduate students (12-18 credits) at Seattle University will pay $19,275 per quarter or $57,825 for the academic year in 2025-26. Part-time students and those taking more than 18 credits pay $1,285 per credit. Students also need to pay these mandatory fees:

Housing costs change based on where you live and room type, ranging from $2,500 to $4,681 per quarter in 2025-26. Meal plans cost between $221 and $3,092 per quarter.

The total cost for undergraduate students living on/off campus in 2025-26 comes to $79,928:

• Tuition: $57,825
• Books & supplies: $660
• Technology & Wellness Fees: $1,140
• Housing: $10,440
• Food: $6,180
• Personal Expenses & Transportation: $3,618
• Loan Fee: $65

Seattle University works hard to make education affordable. Most students come from families earning less than $120,000 per year. Students borrow $13,000 less than the national average, and 35% don’t take loans at all. The university also offers over 1,400 paid on-campus jobs with a $20.76 minimum wage (as of 2025).

Career preparation

The social work program helps students get ready for their careers with many resources. Each year, students can join several career prep events. These events cover everything in professional development and job searching.

Students learn practical job search skills through workshops about:

• Resume building and job search best practices
• Interviewing techniques and behavioral question preparation
• Salary negotiation and benefits package evaluation

The program focuses heavily on professional licensure. Students meet with Washington State Department of Health representatives to learn about clinical social worker licensure requirements. Extra workshops cover special topics like:

• Treatment of co-occurring mental and substance-related disorders
• Requirements to become a Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUDPT)

Self-care is a big focus, with sessions that show how personal well-being affects professional relationships and work quality. Students also learn about having healthy conversations about race and its effects on practice.

The program ended up achieving its goal of preparing graduates for entry-level social work jobs who can use their skills in different community settings. Graduates say they feel well-prepared for both social work careers and graduate school.

Eastern Washington University – Cheney

Eastern Washington University in Cheney takes a unique path to social work education with its fully accredited program that focuses on ground experience. The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program shapes skilled practitioners through classroom learning and field work.

Program overview

The School of Social Work at Eastern Washington University runs a detailed Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students can join the program at the Cheney main campus. The curriculum helps future social workers to involve, assess, step in, and evaluate their work with individuals, families, organizations, and communities.

The BASW program shapes skilled, evidence-informed social workers who become change makers serving clients locally and globally. Students learn through hands-on experience and critical thinking, guided by core social work values of social justice and human dignity.

Students need at least 80 college credits to join the program. They must complete ENGL 201 with a minimum grade of B- and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students should have all but one of these breadth area core requirements finished when they apply.

Degrees offered

Students must meet the World Language requirement. They can do this by taking two years of a single language in high school or one year in college. The major needs 76 credits, and students must earn 180 credits total to graduate.

The program follows a well-laid-out course sequence. It covers introduction to social work, human development over the lifespan, diversity and social justice, microsystemic practice theories, social work case management, policy analysis, research methods, and field preparation. Each required social work course needs a minimum grade of C for students to move forward.

The program ends with a capstone experience (SOWK 490) where students show what they’ve learned. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work degree that opens doors to entry-level practice or advanced standing in Master’s programs.

Field education opportunities

Field practicum experiences play a key role in the BASW curriculum. They are a great way to get students to test their skills, blend theory with practice, and explore social welfare services. This part of the program drives professional growth significantly.

Students must finish all required social work courses with a minimum 2.7 GPA before starting their practicum. Only social work majors can take part in the field practicum, and they need to apply in spring quarter of junior year.

Tuition rates

Eastern Washington University’s undergraduate programs use a tiered tuition system based on where students live and how many credits they take. As a state school, EWU costs less than private universities in Washington.

Part-time MSW options have higher per-credit fees than the full-time program. This covers off-campus facilities and program coordination costs. All the same, part-time students pay fewer university fees overall.

Students should think about other costs like books, supplies, housing, and transportation when planning their education budget. EWU makes various financial aid options available to help with these expenses.

Career preparation

Eastern’s BASW program graduates master nine core competencies that line up with the 2022 Council on Social Work Education standards. These include:

• Showing ethical and professional behavior
• Supporting human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice
• Taking part in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion practices
• Using research-informed practice and practice-informed research
• Working with policy
• Helping individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities effectively

The program gives students skills to assess, step in, and evaluate at different practice levels. This training helps graduates serve in a variety of communities and tackle complex social problems throughout their careers.

Eastern Washington University’s BASW program builds a strong base if you want to start a social work career or move on to graduate school. The program stands out for its hands-on learning and focus on social justice principles.

Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific Lutheran University stands out as a great choice for students who want a bachelor’s degree in social work in Washington. The program builds on liberal arts education and social justice principles. Students become ethical agents who create change globally and locally through practical learning and individual attention.

Program overview

PLU’s social work program gives students a chance to help others, particularly those who want to work with marginalized populations, address community behavioral health needs, or create social change. The program teaches caring, skillful generalists who know how to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

The program’s educational approach makes it special. It develops students personally while teaching them to create social change and solve problems at different levels. Students learn from field experts and get practical experience through practicums at local social service agencies.

Students can choose social work as their major anytime by meeting with the department chair. They need to keep a 2.75 GPA in social work courses and a 2.50 overall GPA. Their behavior must also match the NASW Code of Ethics.

Degrees offered

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work needs 52 semester hours. This includes courses like SOCW 290, 332, 335, 336, 350, 360, 460, 465, 480, and 481. Students must first take ANTH 102 and PSYC 101.

The curriculum helps students understand how individual, family, and community systems work together. Students learn multiple methods to help various individuals, families, groups, and communities.

PLU’s BSW program has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1975. The curriculum stays current and meets national standards. Students with excellent grades can apply for advanced-standing, one-year MSW programs across the country.

Field education opportunities

Field instruction plays a vital role in preparing students for entry-level generalist practice. Full-time students complete their field experience during fall and spring semesters of their senior year.

Each student must complete 460 hours in agency settings, usually at one location. These experiences let students:

• Show generalist skills in engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation
• Use ethical principles with clients and staff
• Show critical thinking
• Work with diverse groups
• Apply knowledge of human behavior and social environments

The Tacoma/Pierce County area lets students work with many different populations. Agencies must provide experiences that expose students to this diversity.

Tuition and affordability

PLU’s estimated costs for 2025-26 include:

Students who live with their parents pay less, with a total cost of $62,695.

97% of PLU students receive financial aid, with average aid packages of $48,362 in 2023-24. The university gives more than $69 million each year in scholarships and grants.

Career preparation

PLU’s social work graduates find jobs as:

• Case managers
• School social workers
• Behavioral health coordinators
• Clinical intervention specialists
• Mental health therapists

Recent graduates work at Puyallup Community Court, Bethel School District, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, and Harborview Medical Center. Some have continued their studies at top schools like the London School of Economics, University of Washington, and University of Pennsylvania.

PLU’s mix of field experiences and detailed coursework creates ethical change agents who can tackle complex social problems.

Saint Martin’s University

Saint Martin’s University stands out among Washington’s top bachelor’s degree social work programs with its customized approach to education. The university’s small size promotes strong bonds between students and faculty, making it perfect for aspiring social workers.

Program overview

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Saint Martin’s emphasizes ethical practice and cultural competence. Students develop skills to serve people from all backgrounds through a curriculum that combines theory and practice. Small classes give students direct attention from faculty members who bring their ground expertise to the classroom.

Degrees offered

Saint Martin’s BSW program prepares students for entry-level social work positions in organizations of all types. Students learn about human behavior, social welfare policy, research methods, and practice skills. Graduates can start their careers or move on to advanced standing MSW programs.

Field education opportunities

The field education program merges classroom learning with supervised practice at community agencies. Students work directly with clients while faculty members and field instructors provide guidance. This ground experience builds professional confidence before students enter the workforce.

Tuition and affordability

Saint Martin’s, a private Catholic university, sets its tuition based on its customized educational approach. The institution makes education more available through scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities. Students often find their investment worthwhile through better career opportunities and potential advanced standing in graduate programs.

Career preparation

Students start career preparation early with professional development workshops, networking events, and internships. The program teaches ethical practice and cultural competence to prepare students for careers in child welfare, healthcare, mental health, and community organizations. Faculty advisors help students identify their strengths and interests to find meaningful employment after graduation.

Start Your Washington BSW Today

A rewarding career in social work starts with the right bachelor’s degree program in Washington State. Our analysis of the top five programs reveals some exciting opportunities. Washington social work professionals earn $56,220 to $96,550 annually, which is a big deal as it means that salaries here outpace many other states. The field expects to grow 7% through 2032, creating 53,800 new openings each year. This growth means great job prospects for new graduates.

These programs each bring something special to the table. University of Washington-Seattle shines with its national ranking and detailed field education network. Seattle University weaves social justice principles into its curriculum and hands-on experiences. Eastern Washington University gives you affordable state education with strong field placements across the state. Pacific Lutheran University’s program, accredited since 1975, takes a more tailored approach. Saint Martin’s University keeps classes small and focuses on one-on-one mentorship.

Field education gives you real-life experience before you graduate. You’ll put your classroom knowledge to work, build professional connections, and discover your preferred practice areas. Programs typically require 450-500 supervised field hours. This combination of academic learning and practical skills makes you job-ready.

Money matters when choosing a program. Tuition costs vary between public schools like University of Washington ($13,406 resident/$44,640 non-resident) and private institutions like Pacific Lutheran ($52,256). The good news? Most schools offer substantial aid packages. PLU, for example, helps 97% of its students with financial aid.

CSWE-accredited bachelor’s programs offer a hidden advantage for future master’s students. Graduates can enter Advanced Standing MSW programs, cutting their graduate education time in half and saving thousands in tuition.

Your perfect program should match what matters most to you. Location, cost, size, religious connection, and specialty areas all play a role in your choice. The right fit will support your academic goals and personal values while preparing you to help vulnerable populations.

Social work education in Washington State opens many doors to professional success. These five exceptional programs prepare you to make a difference – whether you want to work in child welfare, healthcare, schools, or community organizations. You’ll graduate ready to serve your community as an ethical, skilled social work professional.