4 Best BSW Programs in West Virginia: CSWE-Accredited Schools for 2026

The University of Wyoming stands out as your best choice for a BSW program in the state. This exceptional institution offers the only CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program you’ll find in Wyoming.

The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education awarded UW the prestigious Research Level 1 (R1) status. This recognition places UW among the nation’s top research universities. The university ranks #1 in Wyoming for social work education and holds the #150 spot nationally in College Factual’s Best Schools list.

The remarkable value makes UW even more appealing with in-state tuition at just $5,580 yearly. Social work graduates can expect promising career opportunities, as Wyoming’s median social worker salary reaches $74,880 in 2024. The university awarded 41 bachelor’s degrees in social work during the 2021-2022 academic year. The detailed curriculum has at least 450 hours of valuable field education, preparing students effectively for their future careers.

University of Wyoming BSW Program Overview

The University of Wyoming runs the state’s best Bachelor of Social Work program with full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education. You’ll get ready for a rewarding career that helps individuals, groups, families, and communities thrive through ethical and competent generalist practice.

University of Wyoming BSW program format

The BSW program at University of Wyoming blends classroom learning with supervised field experience to build your professional skills. The program works great for “frontier” generalist practice and suits anyone who wants to serve rural communities in Wyoming and beyond.

You’ll need to complete minimum of 120 credit hours with 50 upper-division credits to earn your BSW degree. The curriculum has:

• University Studies Program requirements
• Division of Social Work’s course requirements (minimum of 53 credit hours in social work)
• Liberal arts point of view courses
• 450-hour supervised field practicum in your senior year

The program follows a well-planned sequence and core courses run once a year. This setup helps you build knowledge step by step – you must pass each semester’s courses before moving to the next semester.

The program’s flexibility stands out as one of its best features. While there’s just one BSW degree program, you can study at either the main campus in Laramie or at UW-Casper. Most classes happen face-to-face, but some use compressed video or online formats to fit different learning styles.

The program aims to shape students into effective, ethical, and competent generalist social workers. You’ll learn to lead efforts promoting social, economic, and environmental justice for diverse populations in Wyoming, across the nation, and around the world.

Program admission requirements

Getting into the BSW program takes two steps. Students who pick social work as their major start as “Tracking Majors” until they get into the professional program.

As a Tracking Major, you need to finish several prerequisites with a C grade or better before applying to become an “Admitted Major.” These courses should be done by the end of your application semester:

• STAT 2050 or 2070 or equivalent
• General Psychology (PSYC 1000)
• Macro Economics (ECON 1010)
• S. Constitution (POLS 1000)
• Sociological Principles (SOC 1000)
• Introduction to Social Work (SOWK 2000)
• Human Biology (PSYC 2080, KIN/ZOO 2040 or equivalent)

Keep in mind that General Biology (LIFE 1010) won’t work for the Human Biology requirement.

The professional program has a competitive application process and submitting an application doesn’t guarantee you’ll get in. Make sure you check all requirements carefully before applying. Only complete applications turned in by the deadlines will get looked at.

The Fall 2026 cohort deadlines are:

• Early consideration: Friday, November 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
• Spring consideration: Friday, April 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

After getting into the professional program, you can start junior and senior-level social work courses. You’ll need to keep a minimum 2.5 GPA to graduate and earn at least a C grade in all social work courses.

The program ends with a 450-hour supervised field practicum. You’ll get real-life experience in Wyoming’s human service agencies while working with professional social workers.

Tuition and fees

The university uses a block tuition model that makes costs predictable based on credit hours. Students taking 12 to 18 credits pay the same rate.

Current academic year’s undergraduate block rates look like this:

• Undergraduate resident (main campus): $2,700.00 per semester
• Undergraduate resident (online): $3,105.00 per semester
• Undergraduate non-resident: $11,010.00 per semester
• Undergraduate non-resident (online): $5,595.00 per semester

Students taking fewer than 12 credits or more than 18 credits pay per credit hour:

• Resident undergraduate: $180.00 per credit
• Non-resident undergraduate: $734.00 per credit
• Alumni rate: $270.00 per credit

You’ll also pay mandatory student fees. Students with 6 or more credits pay these fees:

• Student Mandatory Fee: $448.61
• Student Services Fee: $503.66 (covers student health service, campus recreation, and Intercollegiate Athletics)
• Technology Fee: $65.00 per term
• Total for students in 6 or more credits: $952.27

Distance education comes with extra fees:

• Distance Delivery Fee: $14.00 per credit hour
• Distance Student Services Fee: $35.00 per credit hour (for distance programs)
• Distance Student Advising Fee: $10.00 per credit hour (all courses)

The total yearly cost runs $26,433.00 for in-state and $42,843.00 for out-of-state students. After financial aid, the average net price ranges from $7,174.00 for families earning below $30,000 to $16,968.00 for families earning above $110,000.

The program offers great value compared to national averages. The university’s in-state tuition of $8,245.00 beats the national average of $12,422.00 by a lot. Out-of-state tuition of $24,865.00 also costs less than the national average of $29,767.00.

BSW graduates find excellent career opportunities. Many students get job offers before graduation because social workers are in high demand. Your BSW qualifies you for entry-level positions in mental health, child welfare, healthcare, aging services, or residential treatment.

Want to study more? Your BSW creates a path to advanced standing in Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. You might finish your master’s degree in just one extra year.

Top Online BSW Programs for Wyoming Residents

The University of Wyoming is the only in-state BSW option. However, many quality online programs welcome Wyoming residents who want more flexibility or specialized focus areas. These distance learning options let you get your BSW without moving.

Top online BSW programs accepting Wyoming students

Wyoming residents who need flexibility or can’t relocate can choose from several CSWE-accredited online BSW programs:

• Arizona State University – A fully online format with no out-of-state fees and accelerated options for Wyoming students
• Colorado State University – A hybrid program that combines online coursework with field placements and Western Exchange rates as a regional partner
• Fort Hays State University – A self-paced, online curriculum that stands out as the most affordable among top programs
• University of North Dakota – A program focused on rural practice and Native American emphasis that combines online coursework with field placements
• Ohio State University – A flexible online BSSW program with pre-scheduled synchronous discussions that helps match you with a 400-hour field placement near your community
• University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) – A fully online BSW program with specialized electives in military social work, healthcare social work, and child welfare
• Carlow University – A CSWE-accredited online BSW program that has volunteer requirements and a 450-hour agency-based field placement
• Herzing University – A program open to students from Wyoming and 39 other eligible states

Online BSW program features and flexibility

Online BSW programs give Wyoming residents several key advantages:

Scheduling Flexibility – You can learn and study when and where it works best for you. While deadlines and exam dates are set by instructors, you control your study schedule.

Field Experience Integration – These programs blend online learning with hands-on experience:

• Ohio State’s online BSW connects you with local agencies to complete a 400-hour in-person field placement
• Carlow University asks for 50 volunteer hours by junior year and a 450-hour agency-based field placement in your senior year

Program Structure Variations:

• Full online delivery (Arizona State, Fort Hays State, UCCS)
• Hybrid formats mixing online coursework with in-person field placements (Colorado State, University of North Dakota)
• Scheduled components like Ohio State’s pre-scheduled discussions

Specialized Focus Areas – Programs offer concentrations that match Wyoming’s social service needs:

• Rural practice focus (University of North Dakota)
• Military social work (UCCS)
• Healthcare social work (UCCS)
• Child welfare training (UCCS)

Career Advancement Potential – Social work jobs are growing faster than most fields. Licensed social workers earn an average of $61,330 yearly.

Graduate Study Foundation – Your online BSW creates a strong base for graduate studies. Many graduates go on to pursue Master of Social Work degrees.

Online BSW program tuition comparison

Program costs range from $30,000 to over $150,000 before financial aid. Here’s what Wyoming students can expect to pay:

Public Universities:

• Ohio State University: $522.71 per credit hour in autumn and spring, $392.03 in summer. Extra fees: $100 distance learning fee and possibly $200 non-resident surcharge per semester
• University of Colorado Colorado Springs: $452 per credit hour for in-state, $653 for out-of-state students
• University of Alabama: $385 per credit hour, about $46,200 total for the 120-credit program
• University of Louisville: Active-duty military pay $250 per credit hour, others pay $514. Total costs range from $30,000 (military) to $61,680 (non-military)

Private Universities:

• Carlow University: Total tuition runs about $59,400 (not counting fees and expenses), depending on transfer credits

Financial Aid Options:

• Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) lets eligible students pay no more than 150% of resident tuition at participating schools
• Many employers help with tuition as part of their benefits package
• UCCS students got over $10 million in scholarships last year
• Colorado’s College Opportunity Fund (COF) gives tuition stipends to eligible undergrads

The University of Wyoming’s in-state tuition ($8,245) beats the national average ($12,422) by a lot. This makes it worth checking local options first.

Online programs still bring great benefits. They let you study flexibly, choose specialized concentrations, and keep working while you learn. This makes them attractive choices for Wyoming residents pursuing BSW degrees.

Working adults and those in remote Wyoming areas can access quality social work education from home. The self-paced nature of many programs helps you balance school with work and personal life.

BSW Curriculum and Field Education

The University of Wyoming’s BSW program blends classroom learning with hands-on experience. This gives students a detailed foundation they need to start their social work career. UW runs Wyoming’s only CSWE-accredited BSW program. The curriculum meets national standards and prepares students to handle unique challenges in frontier social work practice.

Core BSW courses

The BSW curriculum at UW helps students develop professional skills set by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours. At least 53 of these hours focus on social work coursework.

Students build their expertise in several essential areas:

• Professional values and ethics
• Cultural awareness and competence
• Social and economic justice principles
• Support for at-risk populations
• Human behavior in social environments
• Social welfare policy and services
• Research methods and their use
• Basic social work practice skills

The program builds knowledge step by step. Here’s how the studies typically progress:

Foundation Courses (Years 1-2):

• Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare
• Human Behavior and the Social Environment I & II
• Social Work Research Methods
• Social Policy Analysis
• Diversity and Social Justice

Advanced Practice Courses (Years 3-4):

• Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
• Social Work Practice with Groups
• Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities
• Advanced Assessment and Intervention
• Case Management and Documentation

Students can choose electives in specialized areas like child welfare, aging, substance abuse, corrections, youth services, mental health, or disability services. This lets them shape their education based on career goals.

The program values practical experience alongside traditional classes. Students practice with trained actors who play clients to strengthen their skills. Several BSW students worked on research projects about the U.S. drug epidemic, thanks to a national opioid grant.

The McNair Scholarship program opens more research doors. Selected students work with faculty and graduate mentors on independent research. They present their work at the McNair Research Symposium and national peer-reviewed conferences.

Field education requirements

Field education is a vital aspect of BSW training at UW. Social work educators call it the “signature pedagogy.” Students learn to apply academic concepts in real-life settings.

Senior year students must complete a 450-hour supervised field practicum. This intensive experience runs alongside regular coursework. Students apply theories, knowledge, ethics, values, and skills from their classes in a guided environment.

The field practicum gives students several vital benefits:

• They use classroom concepts in actual practice
• They develop their professional identity and skills
• They work with different client groups
• They learn from experienced social workers
• They build connections with potential employers

UW’s field education focuses on in-person, supervised practice. The program works with many human service agencies across Wyoming. Students gain experience in their chosen field while serving local communities.

The program follows CSWE standards. This ensures students meet national quality standards for professional preparation. Experienced social workers supervise and guide students throughout their placement.

The Field Education Coordinator plays a vital role for Laramie campus students. This faculty member finds field sites, arranges placements, acts as faculty liaison, provides field instruction when needed, and teaches BSW Field Education/Seminar courses.

Field placement opportunities in Wyoming

Wyoming offers unique field placement options that prepare students for frontier social work. The state’s social service landscape helps students learn to address challenges like geographic isolation and economic changes in mining and agriculture industries.

Field placements are available across Wyoming:

Healthcare Settings:

• Wyoming Medical Center
• Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinics
• Wyoming Behavioral Institute
• Central Wyoming Counseling Center

Child Welfare and Family Services:

• Natrona County Department of Family Services
• Youth Crisis Center
• Child Advocacy Project
• Wyoming Children’s Law Center

Educational Institutions:

• Natrona County School District
• Various school districts statewide

Community Organizations:

• Interfaith
• Community Action Partnership

Mental Health Services:

• Peak Wellness Center
• Wyoming State Hospital
• Community mental health centers

UW’s Social Work Field Education Program partners with these agencies. This ensures quality placements that meet educational goals and community needs.

UW-Casper students can access many human service agencies in Natrona County. The Wyoming Department of Family Services offers internships in child welfare investigations, case management, and family support. Students learn about substance abuse and child protection.

The Wyoming Behavioral Health Division’s Internship Program is another great option. Students get clinical social work experience in counseling and crisis intervention. This helps address growing mental health needs across the state.

The job outlook for BSW graduates looks promising. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 12% growth for social workers through 2024. This is a big deal as it means that the growth rate tops the average for all occupations. Social workers earned a median annual wage of $45,900 in May 2015. This makes social work both rewarding and financially stable.

After finishing field education and the BSW program, graduates can start entry-level positions or continue their education. Many UW BSW graduates head over to MSW programs soon after graduation. This qualifies them for advanced roles in healthcare, administration, or education.

Wyoming Social Work Licensure Requirements

Your next significant step after earning your BSW is getting proper licensure to practice professionally. The Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board manages this process. You need to understand their requirements to advance your career.

Steps to get your LBSW license in Wyoming

Your journey to become a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) in Wyoming starts right after you graduate from a CSWE-accredited BSW program. The Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board asks social workers to apply for a Certified Social Worker (CSW) credential. This serves as the entry-level license for bachelor’s-prepared practitioners.

You’ll need to submit these items to qualify:

• Legibly completed application form with original signature
• Application fee of $300.00 (typically in check form)
• Proof of lawful presence in the United States
• Official transcripts from your CSWE-accredited BSW program sent directly to the board
• Professional references
• Professional Disclosure Statement outlining your practice approach

Your school must send official transcripts of your bachelor’s degree directly to the Board Office by mail or email. The Application Review Committee looks at applications and usually takes 2-3 weeks to process everything once they have all materials.

Examination and background check process

The next phase starts after your application gets approved. You’ll need to complete required examinations and background checks. Wyoming requires you to pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) examination at the Bachelor’s Level for CSW licensure.

The board will send information about registration once they approve you for the exam. The ASWB bachelor’s exam costs $230.00 right now. Here’s how the examination works:

1. Apply to your social work board for preapproval
2. Register with ASWB after receiving board approval
3. Schedule your exam with Pearson VUE testing centers
4. Complete the examination

ASWB sends scores to the Wyoming board within 14 days after you take the exam. You’ll need to wait during this period to learn your results.

Wyoming also requires a full background screening. You’ll need to submit:

• Two completed FD-258 fingerprint cards
• Background Submission Cover Sheet containing personal information
• Payment of $49.00 for processing

Here’s what you need for fingerprinting:

• Cards obtained from the Division of Criminal Investigation or the WDH Director’s Office
• Fingerprints taken at a local law enforcement agency or the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation
• Government-issued photo identification presented at the time of fingerprinting

Background screenings cover criminal history check, Department of Family Services Central Registry screening, and a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Exclusions Database search. This whole ordeal usually takes 3-5 weeks.

Continuing education and license renewal

You retain control of your social work license in Wyoming through ongoing professional development. Your license needs renewal every two years by your birth date.

Each renewal period requires 45 hours of continuing education, including:

• At least 3 hours in ethics
• At least 3 hours in suicide assessment or intervention

The renewal fees since July 1, 2021 are:

• Certified Renewal with NPDB and background check: $143.00
• Certified Renewal with NPDB but no background check: $104.00

It’s worth mentioning that background checks are only needed every four years during renewal. You’ll submit two FD-258 fingerprint cards with your renewal application.

Your license stays valid when you submit a paper renewal application postmarked on or before your expiration date. The board will return any application postmarked after the due date, making your license invalid.

The Wyoming board doesn’t accept email or faxed copies of renewal forms or credit card payments. Make sure to mail your application with enough time for postal delivery.

Your license remains valid for two more years until your next birth date once your renewal gets approved. You’ll get a confirmation letter and two new pocket ID cards via email.

All continuing education courses must come from organizations approved by the Association of Social Work Boards. You can apply extra hours earned beyond the minimum toward your total CE requirement.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for BSW Students

Getting your BSW education funded at University of Wyoming becomes easier when you understand the available resources and opportunities. You can access many funding options designed for social work students with proper planning.

State-specific financial aid for Wyoming BSW students

Wyoming residents pursuing BSW degrees have several state-specific funding opportunities. The Hathaway Scholarship provides up to $6,400 annually for eligible Wyoming residents. This merit-based program serves as the foundation of state educational funding. The Wyoming Works Grant covers remaining tuition after other aid for qualifying programs.

The Wyoming National Guard Tuition Assistance program offers 100% tuition coverage to active service members. These state programs reduce educational costs by a lot for qualified applicants, though they aren’t exclusive to social work students.

Students can spread their costs throughout each semester with University of Wyoming’s flexible payment plans instead of paying everything upfront.

Federal aid options for BSW students

Federal programs give substantial funding to BSW students beyond state resources. The Federal Pell Grant is a vital financial support that doesn’t need repayment.

Students can earn money while gaining valuable experience through Federal Work-Study’s part-time employment opportunities. Direct Loans come in both subsidized and unsubsidized forms to provide flexible borrowing options.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your gateway to these federal resources. This single application determines if you qualify for grants, loans, and work-study positions.

Social work-specific scholarships available

The Division of Social Work’s single application process offers six dedicated scholarships:

• Kay L. Cox Memorial Scholarship – Preferring non-traditional students with financial need
• Anne Michelle & Robert Fayer Social Work Scholarship – Requiring 3.0 GPA minimum
• Gordon S. and Charlotte Myers Social Work Scholarship – Favoring non-traditional students
• Lenore N. & Robert P. Palmer Memorial Social Work Scholarship
• Paul Stock Foundation Health Sciences Social Work Scholarship
• James Wiebler Memorial Scholarship

The DOSW provides two more significant resources: the Student Emergency Relief Fund helps with unexpected hardships and the Student Success Fund supports professional development. Students can use the latter for conferences, trainings, and research support.

External scholarships include the NASW-Wyoming Chapter Scholarship ($1,000-$2,500), Verne R. Smith CSWE Minority Fellowship (up to $15,000), and Steve Glickman LGBTQ Social Work Scholarship ($5,000).

Your best chance at securing funding comes from starting your search early and submitting applications before deadlines.

Start Your Wyoming BSW Today

Your future career in social work starts with picking the right BSW program. Wyoming has one exceptional CSWE-accredited BSW program at the University of Wyoming. This program stands out because it’s affordable, offers quality education, and leads to strong career outcomes. UW’s R1 research status and detailed curriculum, which includes 450 hours of supervised field experience, really prepare you for professional practice.

Students living in Wyoming get several perks while studying social work at UW. The university keeps its tuition rates well below national averages, and graduates typically land jobs with competitive salaries. On top of that, social work students can access many scholarships and financial aid options. These range from the Hathaway Scholarship to federal grants and field-specific funding opportunities.

UW might be the only in-state BSW option, but quality online programs welcome Wyoming students who want more flexibility. Programs at Arizona State University, Colorado State University, and Fort Hays State University are great alternatives that offer different delivery formats and specializations.

Getting your BSW is just the beginning. The next vital step is getting licensed through the Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board. This process includes submitting applications, completing exams, passing background checks, and keeping up with continuing education.

Social work education in Wyoming prepares you to tackle critical community needs. Your BSW degree from UW’s campus-based program or an online alternative will give you the essential skills to help individuals, families, and communities thrive. Wyoming’s growing need for qualified social workers means your career path will be rewarding as you serve others and create positive social change.