Penn State · University Park, Pennsylvania
Social Work, B.S.W.
What Should You Know About Social Work, B.S.W. at Penn State?
Social Work, B.S.W. is a BSW program at Penn State in University Park, Pennsylvania, offered on campus. It requires 122 credits. Federal tuition and fees: $20,234 a year in-state (2023-24). Penn State's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.
Program Details
| Degree | BSW |
|---|---|
| Format | on campus |
| Credits | Minimum of 122 credits |
| Admission to the major | Entrance to major requires a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA and C or higher in SOCW 195, 205, 215 and 290 |
| MSW route | BSW graduates of CSWE-accredited programs may be eligible for advanced standing in MSW programs |
From bulletins.psu.edu, reviewed October 1, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.
How This Program Compares
- Penn State's federal tuition and fees, $20,234 a year in-state (2023-24), compare with a median of $13,212 across schools with a CSWE BSW.
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
- FormatOn campusTuition$56,402per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Social Work at Saint Francis University
Saint Francis University school profile · Loretto, PAFormatOn campusTuition$41,720per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania school profile · Shippensburg, PAFormatOn campusTuition$344per credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Messiah University
Messiah University school profile · Mechanicsburg, PAFormatOn campus600-hour practicumTuition$43,815per yearAccreditationCSWE
Social Work, B.S.W.: Common Questions
How Much Does Social Work, B.S.W. at Penn State Cost?
Federal undergraduate tuition and fees for 2023-24: $20,234 in-state, $40,188 out-of-state. Grants lower most students' price; confirm current rates with Penn State.
How Do You Get Into Social Work, B.S.W.?
Entrance to major requires a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA and C or higher in SOCW 195, 205, 215 and 290, according to Penn State's pages.
Can Graduates of Social Work, B.S.W. Go on to an MSW?
BSW graduates of CSWE-accredited programs may be eligible for advanced standing in MSW programs. Any CSWE BSW qualifies you for advanced standing at other schools too.
Is Social Work, B.S.W. CSWE Accredited?
Penn State's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.