Pacific Lutheran University · Tacoma, Washington
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
What Should You Know About Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Pacific Lutheran University?
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a BSW program at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, offered on campus. Federal tuition and fees: $50,964 a year (2023-24). Pacific Lutheran 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 |
| Admission to the major | Application in the fall of the junior year with a background check; 2.75 GPA in social work courses and 2.50 overall |
| Field practicum | Minimum of 400 hours of field practicum in the senior year |
| MSW route | Graduates with strong grades can apply to one-year advanced standing MSW programs |
From plu.edu, reviewed October 1, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.
How This Program Compares
- Pacific Lutheran University's federal tuition and fees, $50,964 a year (2023-24), compare with a median of $13,212 across schools with a CSWE BSW.
- Its 400-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 Washington
- 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
- MSW to be licensed hereWashington licenses social workers from the master's level
Washington licenses social workers from the master's level. Washington BSW license from its board. Online students licensed in another state follow that state's board.
BSW Programs at Nearby Schools
- FormatHybridTuition$12,817per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 (in-state) · NCESAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Social Work at Saint Martin's University
Saint Martin's University school profile · Lacey, WAFormatOn campus600-hour practicumTuition$44,210per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWE- FormatOn campus450-hour practicumTuition$54,285per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare (BASW) at University of Washington
University of Washington school profile · Seattle, WAFormatOn campus480-hour practicumTuition$12,643per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 (in-state) · NCESAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): Common Questions
How Much Does Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Pacific Lutheran University Cost?
Federal undergraduate tuition and fees for 2023-24: $50,964. Grants lower most students' price; confirm current rates with Pacific Lutheran University.
How Do You Get Into Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)?
Application in the fall of the junior year with a background check; 2.75 GPA in social work courses and 2.50 overall, according to Pacific Lutheran University's pages.
How Many Field Practicum Hours Does Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Require?
Minimum of 400 hours of field practicum in the senior year, according to the school's program page.
Can Graduates of Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Go on to an MSW?
Graduates with strong grades can apply to one-year advanced standing MSW programs. Pacific Lutheran University's own Master of Social Work (MSW) 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?
Pacific Lutheran University's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.