Pacific Oaks’ Online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This online BSW program uniquely prepares graduates to promote well-being, empower and invigorate communities, and support a sense of community and family-centric models of service and learning. As a strength-based program, students learn to enhance protective factors and prevent the development of problems in communities, groups, and families.
Grounded in Pacific Oaks’ social justice and equity frameworks, students will also learn how to advocate for change in traditionally underserved communities. This practice enables us to prepare entry-level social work generalists who can provide greater access to culturally appropriate practice across diverse populations.
The online bachelor’s degree in Social Work program explores both the macro (e.g., policy change and program implementation) and micro (e.g., case management, care coordination, health care, and discharge social work) relevant to the field of social work.
Real-world training is an integral part of the online BSW program. Practicum placements and hands-on training provide students with multiple opportunities to develop and apply professional skills that can help lead to mastery of the professional competencies they will need to position themselves for successful careers. By placing our online social work students in actual settings in their communities under the experienced guidance of staff mentors, students can develop essential competencies in applying social work knowledge, our rigorous social justice values, and skills. Research demonstrates that students consistently remember their field experience as the most important aspect of their social work education and a meaningful relationship with their supervisor is essential for their growth as social workers.
The 120-credit Online Bachelor of Social Work program includes 46 credits of general education courses, 35 credits of lower and upper-division general electives, and 39 credits of upper-division social work major core courses. Our BSW students may be eligible to transfer up to 87 units, depending on prerequisites already taken. Prior Learning Assessment is also available, including Pacific Oaks’ Credit for Learning from Experience program.
This Bachelor of Social Work program is offered in an accelerated online modality. Therefore, students should have internet access, a computer, and be prepared to engage in online coursework.
Accreditation Statement
Pacific Oaks’ Bachelor of Social Work online program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA).
Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the BOA indicates that it meets or exceeds standards of program quality evaluated through a peer review accreditation process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to achieve its mission and goals. The BOA has verified that it complies with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS).
Accreditation applies to all program options, which include locations and delivery methods. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.
Review our online BSW program’s accredited status in CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs. You can email CSWE’s Department of Social Work Accreditation for more information.
Learning Outcomes
Psychology of Culture, Power, & Inequality
This course on social work examines the role played by culture in explaining persistent inequality in the distribution of resources and power. The BSW online course will examine the unique inequity processes across different social groups, such as race, class, and gender as well as the intersection of these statuses. The course will also introduce key social psychological concepts and apply theories to help understand how and why inequalities persist in the U.S. In this class we will cover some of the most important concepts (e.g., stigma) for understanding inequality and examine several key axes (e.g., gender) along which inequality is created.
Principles of Field/Action Research
This course, as part of our online bachelor’s degree program in social work, focuses on developing an understanding and knowledge of interdisciplinary methods and approaches to community action research. Additionally, the course will provide an overview of approaches to research with a focus on community-based participatory research design. The content of the online BSW course will center on issues related to this topic including an expectation that students will develop an awareness and understanding of themselves as researchers and of their personal biases. It is also expected that students will develop an ability to identify and access legitimate sources of psychological research. Important features of the online social work course will be learning about community research practice within multicultural settings, knowledge about the inclusion of diverse perspectives in research practice, the ability to address social justice issues in community research, and knowledge about ethical research practices.
Community Mental Health
The purpose of this online social work course is to provide students with an introduction to the field of community mental health. This course will provide an overview of emerging issues in community mental health counseling and will teach ways in which to address systemic issues within a person’s community and surroundings that affect their mental health.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Completed Application for Admission
- Application fee
- Personal statement
- Identification verification
- Proof of academic history
- Work or Volunteer Experience Summary showing three or more years of significant professional or life experience or an official transcript confirming 24 transferable credits from an institutionally accredited institution with a grade of C or better
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Pacific Oaks College
- Any degree specific requirements
Applicants with less than 24 credits of transferrable college coursework who do not demonstrate three years of significant professional or life experience outlined on their Work or Volunteer Experience Summary, are required to submit additional documentation:
- One letter of support from someone (a non-relative) familiar with your ability to be successful in this program
- An additional essay (500-750 words). In your essay, please answer the following questions:
- What life and professional experience do you possess that would enable you to be successful in the Pacific Oaks classroom focused on the application of experience to the course content?
- Why it is important to you to study this discipline at a school that emphasizes social justice, cultural humility, and respect for every individual? (Please refer to the mission and vision statements of Pacific Oaks College).
- Interview with a member of the Admissions Committee
Pacific Oaks College prepares you to make an impact in a variety of high-demand careers. Below, you will find possible career options and salaries associated with this degree.
Data is pulled by a third-party tool called Lightcast, which includes data from sources including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, and other government databases. The information below represents a regional and national career outlook related to this degree program*. Pacific Oaks College is dedicated to assisting you in achieving your career goals.
*Many degree programs are intended to fulfill licensure requirements in specific states. The data shown here may not represent the state where you currently reside. For more information on how this program is applicable to the requirements of your state, please speak with your admissions counselor.
How do I become a social worker?
The steps to becoming a social worker vary by state, but here is a general overview:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree in social work.
- Pursue a master’s degree in social work (MSW).
- Complete fieldwork requirements.
- Apply for and obtain state licensure.
- Maintain licensure and pursue continuing education.
and which licensing you will need for your career.
Can I transfer credits to the Online Bachelor of Social Work program?
Yes, students may be eligible to transfer up to 87 units to the Online Bachelor of Social Work program, depending on the prerequisites already taken. The program also offers a Prior Learning Assessment through Pacific Oaks’ Credit for Learning From Experience program.
How long does it take to complete the Online BSW program?
Our Online Bachelor of Social Work requires 120 credits for completion, including general education, electives and core social work courses. The duration may vary based on transferred credits and individual study pace but typically takes three to four years to complete.
Are there any in-person BSW programs?
The Bachelor of Social Work is currently only offered online, while the fieldwork is in person we offer the program online to support accessibility and flexibility for working professionals.
What types of financial aid are available for students earning their Bachelor of Social Work online?
Pacific Oaks offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, federal loans, and Federal Work Study programs. More information can be found on the Costs, Scholarships, & Financial Aid page.