University of Alabama School of Social Work

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Founded in 1820, the University of Alabama is the oldest and largest of all public universities in the state. With learning options available both online and on the ground at the nearly 2,000-acre Tuscaloosa campus, UA offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in more than a dozen academic disciplines. Some of UA’s most respected programs include business, engineering, communications, and social work. The University of Alabama is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The University of Alabama’s school of social work programs are accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE).

Featured Programs in Social Work

Social Work Program Overview

In 1965, the Alabama Legislature and the University of Alabama established the School of Social work to help address the state’s critical needs for professionally trained social workers. The University of Alabama’s social work school remains the only department of its kind in the state to offer bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs. UA educates and prepares professionals at all levels of experience, including licensed social workers, scholar-practitioners, and researchers. Program faculty, students, and more than 7,000 global alumni all work toward one overarching mission: to end adverse social conditions and promote societal well-being through teaching, research, and service.

Online Social Work Programs

Students can complete their bachelor of social work (BSW), master of social work (MSW), and doctor of social work (DSW) through primarily online means, requiring 120, 60, and 45 credits, respectively. While most course components can be completed through part-time or full-time asynchronous online learning, all degree levels require some in-person participation. The BSW and MSW programs require attendance for on-campus lab sessions and on-site field experiences. The DSW requires attendance at a few on-campus residences throughout the program. Guidelines remain identical for online and on-campus applicants, including minimum GPA requirements, prerequisites, and work experience.

On-Campus Social Work Programs

In addition to online options, the University of Alabama social work department offers on-campus options for students to earn their BSW, MSW, and Ph.D. The bachelor’s and master’s programs consist of the same learning outcomes and graduation requirements as their online counterparts. The Ph.D. program — intended for the postgraduate education of researchers, scholars, and academic professionals — provides an alternative to the online DSW, which prepares students for advanced social work practice in the field.

University of Alabama Online Social Work Degree Programs

Online Bachelor’s in Social Work

Program Overview

  • Department: School of Social Work
  • Program Name: Bachelor of Social Work

Delivery

  • Format: Online with in-person field experiences and Saturday labs
  • Instruction Style: Asynchronous online classes

Program Requirements

  • Prerequisites: 50 completed credit hours at the time of application
  • Credit Requirements: 120 credits
  • Field Education Requirements: 450 clock hours of field experience

Program Length

  • Program Options: Full-time or part-time
  • Program Length: 4 years

Admission Requirements

  • Application Deadline: February 15 (fall semester), September 15 (spring semester)
  • GPA: 2.25 minimum
  • Standardized Tests: ACT, SAT

Online Master’s in Social Work

Program Overview

  • Department: School of Social Work
  • Program Name: Master of Social Work
  • Concentrations: Social work with children, adolescents, and their families; social work with adults and their families

Delivery

  • Format: Online, with in-person field experiences and evening labs
  • Instruction Style: Asynchronous online classes

Program Requirements

  • Prerequisites: BSW degree from an accredited university or non-social work bachelor’s degree with 2 English composition courses, 4+ humanities/fine arts courses, 4+ behavioral/social sciences courses, 1+ natural science courses, 1 college-level math course
  • Credit Requirements: 45-60 credits
  • Field Education Requirements: 500-1,000 clock hours of field experience

Program Length

  • Program Options: Full-time or part-time
  • Program Length: 1 year (advanced-standing track), 2-3+ years (regular track)
  • Program Start Dates: Late May or early June

Admission Requirements

  • Application Deadline: February 1 (summer semester), April 1 (fall semester), September 1 (spring semester)
  • GPA: 3.0 minimum
  • Standardized Tests: GRE or MAT for applicants with GPAs below 3.0

Online Doctorate in Social Work

Program Overview

  • Department: School of Social Work
  • Program Name: Doctor of Social Work
  • Concentrations: Clinical track; organizational leadership track

Delivery

  • Format: Online with on-campus residencies each summer

Program Requirements

  • Prerequisites: MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
  • Credit Requirements: 45 credits

Program Length

  • Program Options: Part-time only
  • Program Length: 3 years

Admission Requirements

  • Application Deadline: April 1
  • GPA: 3.0 minimum
  • Work Experience: 3 years of post-MSW experience, current paid or volunteer social work placement
Read more information about Social Work Degrees and Careers in Alabama