Studying Social Work Online

I live in Montana and I am searching for an online bachelor's degree program in social work. I don't recognize the schools I've found and worry that I won't find a good one. Will my associate's degree be credited toward a bachelor's program, and do I need to attend classes locally for an online degree?

Before you enroll in an online bachelor's program in social work, make sure the program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). At the least, if the program is not accredited, ask if they are in candidacy for accreditation, and when they expect to be accredited. As long as the program is in candidacy when you enroll and you graduate after it becomes accredited, your degree will be from an accredited program.

Your associate's degree might be transferrable toward a bachelor's degree program, possibly cutting your time in school in half. However, the following might be required:

• Your associate's degree was completed at an accredited institution
• Your overall GPA and GPA for individual classes meet the bachelor program's minimum requirements
• Your associate's degree was in liberal arts or a field related to social work

If your degree was in a specialized vocation unrelated to social work, many or all of your credits might not transfer. Most online coursework can be completed entirely online, making your geographic location irrelevant. While many bachelor programs in social work require their students to complete internships at organizations such as schools or clinics, most students are able to find a local location to complete required internships. Some degree programs assist students in finding local internships.

Good luck!