Best BSW Programs in Wisconsin

Finding the best BSW programs in Wisconsin starts here. You’ve picked an excellent career path with bright opportunities ahead. Wisconsin has 15 CSWE-accredited BSW programs across the state. This gives you plenty of choices to start your social work career.

Social work remains one of the most popular career choices today. It ranks as the 13th most sought-after degree program nationwide. The career outlook looks promising too. BLS data from 2024 shows 6% job growth through 2034, with social workers earning a median salary of $61,330 annually. Most programs take 120 credit hours to complete and include 400-500 hours of supervised field work.

This guide will walk you through the 12 best social work programs in Wisconsin. We’ll look at both traditional campus-based and online options. You’ll learn what each school offers to help you choose the right path for your education and career goals.

University of Wisconsin-Madison

The Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work at UW-Madison is the top choice among the best BSW programs in Wisconsin. Students receive exceptional education based on professional values and scientific research.

Program overview

The UW-Madison BSW program delivers a complete liberal arts education with a focus on social and behavioral sciences that apply to human challenges. This program goes beyond theory to prepare you as an entry-level professional social worker with practical skills. We centered the curriculum around understanding human relationships and interactions at individual, family, group, organizational, and community levels.

Students learn both theoretical concepts of social problems and practical methods social workers use. The program aims to develop competent, ethical professionals who value scientific research, evidence-based practice, respect for diversity, and human rights promotion.

Specializations

This program stands out among Wisconsin’s best social work programs because of its rich curriculum that covers specialized areas including:

• Aging and family/child welfare
• Mental health and developmental disabilities
• Substance use disorders
• Race, ethnicity, and diversity issues
• Criminal justice and at-risk populations
• Social, economic, and environmental justice

Students can improve their education through various certificate programs such as African American Studies, American Indian and Indigenous Studies, Criminal Justice, Gender and Women’s Studies, LGBTQ+ Studies, and Global Health among others.

Admission requirements

The path to joining this program follows specific steps. Students start by declaring the Social Welfare major, then apply to the BSW program during late fall/early spring of their junior year.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Completion of SOC WORK 205 and 206
• Declared Social Welfare major
• Statistics course completed or concurrent enrollment
• Second-semester junior status (minimum 71 credits)
• Minimum 2.500 cumulative GPA from all colleges attended

The program accepts approximately 45 students each year based on their background, preparation, and experience in social work practice. Students must submit their applications by the deadline with all required materials, including general information, one letter of recommendation, transcripts, and a personal statement.

Students who get accepted into the BSW program must transfer to the College of Letters & Science if they’re enrolled in another School or College.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

UW-Milwaukee’s Bachelor of Social Work program ranks #57 nationally and #2 in Wisconsin for social work education. This impressive ranking puts it among the top 15% of colleges and universities nationwide.

Program overview

The BSW program at UW-Milwaukee will prepare you to become a generalist social work practitioner through a complete curriculum that’s fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. You’ll learn to promote positive change through practice, advocacy, education, and leadership – the program’s core mission.

The social work major requires 55 credits, with 46 mandatory credits and 9 elective credits. Your core coursework will cover:

• Human behavior and social environment
• Case management and advocacy
• Social welfare policy and research
• Ethics and cultural diversity
• Social work practice methods

Students need 120 total credits with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA to graduate. You’ll also need to maintain a B or better in all social work practice and field courses.

Field placement options

Field education is a cornerstone of UWM’s BSW program. Senior students complete two back-to-back semesters of field placement at one agency. Each semester demands 215 hours (about 14-17 hours weekly).

The Social Work Field Education Office will match you with one of hundreds of partner sites in Wisconsin and nearby states. These sites represent settings of all types – from child welfare and mental health to substance abuse treatment and community organizations. A weekly faculty-taught field seminar helps you connect classroom knowledge with hands-on experience.

Remember these important field application deadlines: May 15th for fall semester, September 15th for spring semester, and February 15th for specialized placements like Veterans Administration or school social work.

Tuition and financial aid

In-state undergraduate tuition at UWM for 2022-2023 was around $8,455 plus $1,565 in fees. Out-of-state students paid about $20,455 plus fees.

Financial aid becomes crucial for many students. About 91% of UWM’s social work students get some type of financial aid. UWM’s BSW graduates earn a median salary of $40,188—beating the national median of $37,334 for social work bachelor’s degree holders.

The Milwaukee Tuition Promise helps qualifying Wisconsin residents by covering up to four years of tuition and segregated fees when family earnings are under $62,000 yearly. Students can also benefit from graduate assistantships, Helen Bader School of Social Welfare scholarships, and the Child Welfare Training Program.

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

UW-Green Bay offers an exceptional social work education through its CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program. Students can explore numerous career paths while building strong community connections and gaining practical experience.

Program overview

The BSW program at UW-Green Bay ranks among Wisconsin’s best BSW programs. Its detailed curriculum shapes competent, ethical professionals. CSWE accreditation qualifies graduates for state certification and opens job opportunities in organizations of all types. Students learn in cohorts and build strong bonds with professors and classmates. The faculty brings ground social work experience to their teaching.

Nine core competencies form the foundation of the curriculum. These include ethical behavior, human rights advancement, anti-racism practices, research-informed practice, policy participation, and intervention skills. BSW graduates from UW-Green Bay earn a median salary of $44,135, which surpasses the national average of $37,334 for social work bachelor’s degree holders.

Students can tailor their education with specialized tracks in child welfare or behavioral health. The child welfare track prepares you to support families in crisis. The behavioral health track provides expert knowledge to help people with mental health and substance use challenges.

UW-Green Bay online social work degree

The program runs mainly on campus, but UW-Green Bay provides flexible learning options for BSW students. The university has grown its online education capabilities at the master’s level, showing its dedication to making education available to more students.

Wisconsin residents find an affordable path to their social work degree at UW-Green Bay. In-state tuition costs $282 per credit hour, with annual fees totaling about $8,342. This makes it one of the most affordable options among Wisconsin’s top social work programs.

Community partnerships

The program’s extensive network of community partnerships stands out as its most impressive feature. Social Work Professional Programs works together with more than 100 community agencies, organizations, and institutions throughout Wisconsin. These partnerships create meaningful practicum placements in schools, healthcare facilities, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

Students gain hands-on experience and build professional networks through partnerships ranging from Advocates for Healthy Transitional Living to YWCA Greater Green Bay. Many students describe these internships as life-changing experiences. They learn from experienced professionals who prepare them for ground practice.

The Center for Civic Engagement helps create community-based learning experiences. Students apply their classroom knowledge and make positive changes in their communities.

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

UW-Whitewater offers aspiring social workers an affordable path to become skilled generalist practitioners. The program stands out with its practical training opportunities that are easy to access.

Program overview

The social work bachelor’s degree program at UW-Whitewater combines affordability with detailed professional training you need to start your career as a generalist practitioner. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has fully accredited this program, showing UW-Whitewater’s steadfast dedication to academic and professional excellence.

The results tell a compelling story: 96% of recent Social Work graduates found jobs in their field or moved on to advanced degrees within a year of graduating. Social workers can look forward to good job prospects, with 7% employment growth expected over the next decade and a median yearly salary of $61,330.

Students learn the foundations of liberal arts, person-in-environment approaches, social work values, and scientific inquiry. The program’s mutually beneficial alliances with social service agencies in Wisconsin and northern Illinois give students access to quality field experiences. These experiences happen in community agencies, schools, counseling centers, nursing homes, hospice facilities, and probation offices of all types.

Disability services focus

UW-Whitewater ranks among Wisconsin’s top BSW programs thanks to its exceptional work in disability services and inclusive practice. The university uses its nationally recognized disability support services to prepare students to work with diverse populations.

The Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) provides detailed services like interpreting/captioning, alternative media, available testing, classroom accommodations, assistive technology, note-taking help, and adaptive transportation. These services create an environment where students with disabilities can succeed.

Student numbers tell an interesting story. While overall enrollment has dropped over the last several years, CSD continues to serve more students. CSD helped 1,070 students in 2020-2021, up from 876 in 2013-2014. This reliable support system helps social work students gain hands-on experience in disability advocacy and service delivery.

Rural practice training

Students learn to serve Wisconsin’s smaller communities through specialized rural social work practice. Field education plays a vital role, with students completing 480 hours of field internship in their final semester.

Faculty-mentored research opportunities come through various channels like the Research Apprentice Program, Undergraduate Research Program, or Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship. Upper-level courses take students into social service agencies where they develop new programs for advocacy, policy development, or education.

Graduates can choose from many career paths in adoption, aging services, child welfare, corrections, domestic violence, substance counseling, mental health, probation, and various social service areas.

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s BSW program ranks among Wisconsin’s best social work education programs. Their excellence dates back to 1974, blending academic quality with deep community ties.

Program overview

The Bachelor of Social Work program at UW-Eau Claire has managed to keep its Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation since 1974. Graduates become ethical, skilled social work generalists who qualify for certification or licensure after completion.

The program builds on liberal arts foundations to develop critical thinking and professional skills. Students learn to enable individuals, families, and communities while pursuing broader social change.

Students access specialized lab spaces to practice their engagement and intervention skills with individuals, families, and groups. They receive constructive feedback throughout their educational trip. This practical approach ends with a complete field placement program during their fourth year.

Healthcare partnerships

UW-Eau Claire’s strong partnership with Mayo Clinic Health System sets it apart from other BSW programs in Wisconsin. Students interested in healthcare social work settings get exceptional learning opportunities through this strategic collaboration.

The university received significant external funding for healthcare initiatives, including a $9.4 million Workforce Innovation Grant to meet rural healthcare needs. This grant supports:

• Training 48 additional nurses yearly, with 144 in training by 2025
• Tuition support for nurse educators pursuing master’s degrees
• Creation of six new high-skill healthcare degrees including public health, psychiatry and mental health, exercise physiology, healthcare management, speech-language pathology, and nurse education

Social work students gain real-world experience by working with healthcare professionals in rural settings through these partnerships.

Interdisciplinary learning

Interdisciplinary education is the basis of the UW-Eau Claire experience. Students cooperate with peers from psychology, sociology, and public health disciplines.

The rural interprofessional practice network stands out. Student teachers, social work interns, and healthcare practicum students live and work together in rural communities during clinical experiences. This state-of-the-art approach promotes collaborative skills across disciplines while meeting critical workforce needs in underserved areas.

Students participate in community service and shared research projects to develop practical skills and make meaningful contributions. Many choose international education through study abroad programs, cultural immersion experiences, or the National Student Exchange.

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

The BSW program at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh shapes students into social workers who champion justice and make a difference in communities of all types.

Program overview

UW-Oshkosh’s Bachelor of Social Work program holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students learn to become the “heart and conscience” of their profession through the program’s vision of doing what is right. They develop critical thinking skills and social justice values that apply to both local and global settings.

The program wants to:

• Create graduates ready for entry-level generalist practice positions
• Build competent BSW professionals based on CSWE Foundation Competencies
• Help students identify oppression and support disadvantaged populations
• Prepare students for graduate education and professional growth

Field placements play a crucial role in student education. Students must apply for Field Practicum admission after finishing their 300-level courses, usually in mid-spring semester.

Nonprofit sector connections

UW-Oshkosh stands out among Wisconsin’s best BSW programs thanks to its strong ties to the Fox Valley’s nonprofit sector. Students benefit from many internship options in one of Wisconsin’s fastest-growing areas.

The university shapes local nonprofit organizations significantly. Program alumni lead many Oshkosh agencies. Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services shows this impact clearly – 17 of its 26 staff members graduated from UW-Oshkosh.

Second-year students get hands-on experience through the university’s “Quest III” community program. They complete service-learning hours with nonprofit partners. This partnership helps organizations get valuable help while students apply their classroom knowledge in real situations.

Macro practice emphasis

Unlike programs that focus mainly on direct practice, UW-Oshkosh prioritizes macro practice and community organizing skills. Graduates learn to work at systems levels and promote policy changes that develop communities.

The curriculum has specific courses about interventions and evidence-based practice in macro settings. Students gain a detailed understanding of mezzo and macro-level social work. This knowledge prepares them for careers that create systemic change.

University of Wisconsin-River Falls

The UW-River Falls BSW program sits at the heart of the School of Allied Health and Social Work. Graduates emerge ready for meaningful careers through practical experience and complete support services.

Program overview

UW-River Falls stands among Wisconsin’s best BSW programs. The advocacy-focused curriculum gives you the tools to work with marginalized and oppressed communities. Students learn sensitivity to various factors like age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, gender, family structure, and class.

The program’s curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications. Students learn to:

• Apply knowledge of biological, sociological, cultural, psychological and spiritual variables that affect individual development
• Work effectively with client systems to assess strengths and challenges
• Communicate ethically with various audiences

The program’s success speaks through its numbers – 99% of UWRF social work graduates find employment or advance to graduate school soon after graduation. Career paths include roles in county social service departments, corrections, Veterans Affairs, and healthcare settings.

Field placements

Field placement is essential to the senior year experience at UW-River Falls. The fourth year features a sequence of courses that create a complete learning experience. These include two senior seminars, Advanced Interviewing, and Theory and Practice II.

Students apply their classroom knowledge in ground settings through the field program. The university actively promotes internships and offers dedicated resources to help students find these opportunities. The campus’s location near Minneapolis-St. Paul gives students field placement options in both Wisconsin and the Twin Cities area.

Student support services

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program serves as a valuable resource for eligible social work students. This federal initiative provides academic coaching, leadership opportunities, career advising, and help with campus resources.

Student eligibility depends on first-generation college status, income levels, or documented disabilities. The program’s benefits include priority registration, peer mentoring, early grade awareness reports, and financial wellness guidance.

TRIO/SSS participants join a supportive community of scholars. Knowledgeable advisers help underrepresented students overcome barriers to college success.

Carthage College

Carthage College sits on a beautiful 80-acre campus along Lake Michigan’s shoreline. The college stands out as a private institution that delivers quality social work education in Wisconsin’s competitive environment.

Program overview

The BSW program at Carthage, fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, shapes students into generalist practitioners with a strong social justice focus. The curriculum gives students essential knowledge, values, and skills through classroom learning and supervised field work. Seniors complete a community-based, two-semester internship to show their professional competencies. This complete preparation helps many graduates qualify for advanced standing in MSW programs. Students follow CSWE’s academic standards and meet the original BSW licensure requirements across states where BSW licensure matters.

Study abroad options

Carthage students can study on all but one of the world’s continents. The college ranks among the top five schools nationally for short-term study abroad participation. Students can take innovative on-campus courses or join global study tours led by professors during January Term (J-Term). The college’s scholarship funds help students who need financial support to join these life-changing international experiences.

Class sizes and faculty

Carthage’s commitment to tailored education shows in its average class size of 16 students. A 13:1 student-faculty ratio will give students individual attention, and professors—not teaching assistants—teach every class. The Social Work Department’s faculty consists of experienced professionals under Department Chair Rebecca Hornung’s leadership, with specialists in field education.

Marquette University

Marquette University stands out as Milwaukee’s only Jesuit BSW program. The university’s unique approach combines Catholic social teaching with professional preparation.

Program overview

The social welfare and justice program at Marquette prepares students for various careers. Students can work in social service, policy analysis, mediation, and advocacy through a mix of coursework, service learning, and internships. The program accepts students directly as freshmen. This guarantees them all required classes and clinical hours, which helps them complete their degree in four years if their academic performance stays strong.

The curriculum includes:

• Simple, social and nursing sciences
• Laboratory, clinical practice and simulated learning experiences
• Core course requirements

Students can explore their interests through elective courses, study abroad programs, or internships at the Les Aspin Center for Government in Washington, D.C..

Jesuit values and ethics

Marquette’s foundation in Jesuit traditions makes it stand out among Wisconsin’s best BSW programs. The university’s Catholic, Jesuit mission emphasizes “the search for truth, the discovery and sharing of knowledge, encouraging personal and professional excellence, the promotion of a life of faith, and the development of leadership expressed in service to others”.

The program welcomes practices that advance anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Marquette encourages students from all faiths to participate in discussions about social justice, ethics, and human dignity.

Clinical preparation

Clinical experiences are the foundations of Marquette’s education. Students work in various clinical settings determined semester-by-semester. They can choose placements throughout metro-Milwaukee, southern Wisconsin, and northern Illinois. These rotations give students direct patient contact under expert supervision. Students learn to:

• Show genuine caring behavior
• Communicate effectively
• Perform safe therapeutic interventions
• Apply ethical views

Mount Mary University

Mount Mary University has managed to keep its accredited social work bachelor’s degree program since 1974. The program is one of Wisconsin’s best BSW programs with a clear focus on strengthening women and serving the community.

Program overview

The university offers a flexible four-year Bachelor of Arts in Social Work degree. Students can choose full-time or part-time options with day and evening courses. The complete curriculum needs 67 credits in social work plus core university requirements. Each social work major completes 500 hours of supervised fieldwork before graduation. This work spans three semesters at two different agencies. These placements throughout Milwaukee’s ethnic communities give students valuable hands-on experience. They work with people of various ages and cultural backgrounds.

Feminist social work focus

The program’s history shows a strong emphasis on developing “special appreciation for the needs and strengths of women”. This women-centered approach spreads through the entire curriculum. Students learn specific knowledge and skills to support and encourage women. The commitment goes beyond classroom learning through student groups like the Social Work Club and Phi Alpha honor society. Members actively involve themselves with social justice issues affecting women.

Domestic violence training

Senior students take on meaningful social action projects that address critical community issues. Some projects focus on domestic violence concerns. The Social Work Club runs regular drives to help women’s shelters among initiatives that address human trafficking. Students also gain domestic violence training through community partnerships, field placements, and projects. They tackle issues like “the shackling of female prisoners giving birth”. These experiences prepare graduates to work directly with vulnerable populations across Milwaukee’s various settings.

Viterbo University

Viterbo University’s BSW program stands out as one of Wisconsin’s finest. Students receive exceptional hands-on training and healthcare-focused social work education at this La Crosse institution.

Program overview

The Council on Social Work Education has accredited Viterbo’s BA and BS degrees in Social Work since 2000. Students complete 13 professional classroom courses and gain 450 hours of supervised field experience. This comprehensive preparation qualifies graduates to take state licensure exams needed for entry-level positions.

Students can apply to professional courses at the junior level after submitting applications by February 1 of their sophomore year. The program’s experienced faculty brings rich social work backgrounds and teaches small classes that enable individual attention. The program’s success speaks through its impressive statistics – graduates achieve 100% placement in the field and those seeking Master of Social Work degrees receive 100% acceptance.

Healthcare integration

The university’s social work program demonstrates excellence in health sciences integration. A $1.3 million U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration grant helps improve mental health care access in rural areas. Students pursuing mental health counseling masters degrees receive support to serve underserved regions including Monroe, Vernon, Jackson, and Juneau counties.

Interdisciplinary learning

Students learn ethical decision-making skills through practical field experience. Local agencies provide valuable service learning opportunities that enhance student development. Each social work major completes their education with a comprehensive 450-hour senior practicum at community organizations.

Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa University

Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University stands out among Wisconsin’s tribal higher education institutions. Its Human Services program differs from other top BSW programs in Wisconsin through a unique blend of indigenous focus and community-centered learning.

Program overview

LCOOU’s Human Services Program readies graduates to help families and individuals with their diverse needs in tribal settings. Students learn through a mix of liberal arts education, human services courses, and hands-on field experience. The program builds key skills in working with diverse populations, understanding social justice, and navigating complex systems. Graduates can help people face life’s challenges in both tribal and non-tribal environments.

Cultural relevance and traditions

LCOOU’s curriculum sets itself apart from typical social work programs. The university weaves Ojibwe language, culture, and values into every aspect of learning. “Ozhitamaadizoyang” (Making it for Ourselves) guides the university’s vision, which builds strong cultural identity while developing professional skills. Students learn to blend Anishinaabe knowledge with professional practice, which proves right the cultural nuances of marginalized peoples. This method connects classroom learning with traditional Ojibwe wisdom about the environment.

Native American community service

Native American communities benefit directly from this program’s focus. Students learn to put social justice principles into practice. They also develop ways to shape social policies that affect tribal systems. The university works closely with the Lac Courte Oreilles Band to support education, health, social welfare, and economic stability across generations. Graduates leave well-prepared to strengthen Native communities through culturally aware human services.

Get Your Wisconsin BSW Today

Your choice of a BSW program depends on several key factors like location, specialization options, field placements, and cost. Wisconsin gives you excellent options that match different interests and career paths.

These 12 programs show why getting your social work education in Wisconsin is a smart investment. Each school brings something special to the table. UW-Madison excels in research, UW-Milwaukee has a strong field placement network, Marquette stands out with Jesuit values, and Lac Courte Oreilles offers an indigenous viewpoint. UW-Green Bay’s behavioral health focus and UW-Eau Claire’s healthcare collaborations let you arrange your education with your career goals.

Social work graduates have bright job prospects. The field projects 6% growth through 2034 with a median yearly salary of $61,330. Your BSW degree should lead to stable, meaningful work. Most programs have great placement rates, and some report all but one of their graduates land jobs or move on to graduate school.

Hands-on experience is the key to these programs. You’ll get hundreds of supervised practice hours. This real-world training and classroom education give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.

Public and private schools have different costs, but financial aid can reduce your expenses by a lot. Many programs give specialized scholarships, work-study jobs, and extra support to social work students.

Now that you know about Wisconsin’s best BSW programs, you can move forward with confidence. Visit campuses, talk to program advisors, and connect with current students to find the right fit. Wisconsin’s social work education gives you a solid foundation to make positive changes in people’s lives, families, and communities.