Messiah University · Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
What Should You Know About Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Messiah University?
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a BSW program at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, offered on campus. Published tuition: $43,815 per year. Messiah University's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.
Program Details
| Degree | BSW |
|---|---|
| Format | on campus |
| Field practicum | Minimum of 600 field hours with three agencies, including 130+ hours of applied practice in courses and a 425-hour senior field block placement |
| Tuition | $43,815 basic tuition per year (2026-27) |
| MSW route | BSW graduates qualify for advanced standing in accredited MSW programs (one year), including Messiah's online MSW |
From messiah.edu, reviewed October 1, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.
How This Program Compares
- Messiah University's federal tuition and fees, $40,640 a year (2023-24), compare with a median of $13,212 across schools with a CSWE BSW.
- Its 600-hour field practicum compares with a median of 430 among programs that state their hours (CSWE requires at least 400).
After This BSW: Licensing in Pennsylvania
- First years: general education and intro coursesPsychology, sociology, human biology, intro to social work
- Apply to the social work majorUsually in the second year, with a GPA minimum
- Senior field practicumAt least 400 supervised hours in an agency
- License: LBSW (ASWB Bachelors)Or an MSW in about a year with advanced standing
Pennsylvania licenses BSW graduates as the Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW). Pennsylvania BSW license from its board. Online students licensed in another state follow that state's board.
BSW Programs at Nearby Schools
Social Work (BSW) at Elizabethtown College
Elizabethtown College school profile · Elizabethtown, PAFormatOn campus700-hour practicumTuition$39,520per yearAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania school profile · Shippensburg, PAFormatOn campusTuition$344per credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) at Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Millersville University of Pennsylvania school profile · Millersville, PAFormatOn campusTuition$4,169per term · resident rateAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Lancaster Bible College
Lancaster Bible College school profile · Lancaster, PAFormatOn campus480-hour practicumTuition$31,190per yearAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): Common Questions
How Much Does Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Messiah University Cost?
$43,815 basic tuition per year (2026-27). Federal undergraduate tuition and fees for 2023-24: $40,640. Grants lower most students' price; confirm current rates with Messiah University.
How Many Field Practicum Hours Does Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Require?
Minimum of 600 field hours with three agencies, including 130+ hours of applied practice in courses and a 425-hour senior field block placement, according to the school's program page.
Can Graduates of Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Go on to an MSW?
BSW graduates qualify for advanced standing in accredited MSW programs (one year), including Messiah's online MSW. Messiah University's own Online Master of Social Work admits BSW graduates with advanced standing. Any CSWE BSW qualifies you for advanced standing at other schools too.
Is Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) CSWE Accredited?
Messiah University's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.