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Introduction to the Online Bachelor of Science in Social Work

The online Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Southwest Minnesota State University is a CSWE-accredited program designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary for practice with individuals, families, groups, and organizations. This program is also offered on campus.

Program Details

• The program takes 3-4 years to complete.
• It requires 76 credit hours in the major.
• The cost per credit hour is $324.
• The program includes a field practicum with 440 hours of internship work in community agencies.

Curriculum

The online bachelor's degree in social work includes 25 major courses that combine a liberal arts education with professional social work classes for generalist practice. The curriculum covers essential topics like human behavior, social welfare policy, and at-risk populations.

Liberal Education Foundation

• INDS XXX: Any INDS Course (3 credits)
• PHIL 103: Ethics (3 credits)
• POL 220: American National Government (3 credits)
• PSYC 101: General Psychology (3 credits)
• SOCI 101: Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)

Interdisciplinary Foundation

• PSYC 200: Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3 credits)
• PSYC 200L: Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences Lab (1 credit)
• PSYC 235: Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
• PSYC 260: Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
• SOCI 315: Applied Social Research (3 credits)

Professional Social Work Foundation

• SWRK 234: Introduction to Social Work & Social Welfare (3 credits)
• SWRK 330: Basic Interviewing Skills (3 credits)
• SWRK 340: Human Behavior in the Social Environment (3 credits)
• SWRK 342: Generalist Social Work Practice I (3 credits)
• SWRK 343: Generalist Social Work Practice II (3 credits)
• SWRK 344: Generalist Social Work Practice III (3 credits)
• SWRK 351: Diverse and At-Risk Populations (3 credits)
• SWRK 402: Social Welfare Policy (3 credits)

Field Practicum

• SWRK 484: Pre-Field Practicum (1 credit)
• SWRK 485: Social Work Field Seminar (4 credits)
• SWRK 499: Field Practicum (8 credits)

INDS Courses

• INDS 101: Introduction to Indigenous Nations and Dakota Studies (3 credits)
• INDS 217: Indigenous Peoples of the Upper Midwest (3 credits)
• INDS 230: Dakota History & Culture (3 credits)
• INDS 286: Special Topics in Social Work (1-4 credits)
• INDS 310: Indigenous World View (3 credits)
• INDS 494: Independent Study Social Work (1-3 credits)
• INDS 499: INDS Practicum (2 credits)

Admissions Requirements

• SMSU Admission Requirements
• Apply by: 05/15/26
• Start class: 05/26/26
• Admission to the online degree in social work begins by submitting your application.
• Official transcripts are required.
• Minimum GPA: 2.5 (2.0 for transfer students with fewer than 24 credits)
• International students may need to provide additional information.

Tuition & Aid

• Cost per credit hour: $323.30
• Total credit hours: 120
• Total estimated cost: $38,796
• Other costs (textbooks, supplies, fees) are not included in the estimated tuition cost.
• Military benefits and financial aid options are available.
• In-state tuition rates are offered to all students.

Program Outcomes

The online social work major is designed to deliver the knowledge base needed for graduate study and positions in practice settings like social service agencies, courts, long-term care facilities, schools, and mental health institutions. Graduates will be prepared to work effectively with individuals, families, small groups, communities, and organizations from a strong social work foundation. They will also be able to pursue an MSW in an advanced format.

Faculty

The faculty at Southwest Minnesota State University are experts in their fields and are committed to providing personalized and thoughtful instruction to help students succeed academically and professionally. For example, Dr. James Smalley, Associate Professor of Social Work, has taught social work at the University of St. Thomas, Minnesota, and has worked in the nonprofit sector in Southwest Minnesota for 20 years.