The University of Tennessee-Knoxville · Knoxville, Tennessee
Bachelor of Science in Social Work (Knoxville Campus)
What Should You Know About Bachelor of Science in Social Work (Knoxville Campus) at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
Bachelor of Science in Social Work (Knoxville campus) is a BSSW program at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee, offered on campus. It requires 120 credits. Published tuition: $11,560 per year (resident rate). The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.
Program Details
| Degree | BSSW |
|---|---|
| Format | on campus |
| Credits | Minimum of 120 credit hours, with 50 of those credit hours in social work |
| Admission to the major | Competitive progression application to upper-division social work courses (due February 15 for fall, September 15 for spring); minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, 45+ credit hours including English 101/118, 102 and general education, SOWK 200 and SOWK 250 with C or higher, and a personal essay |
| Transfer pathways | Transfer students must meet the university's minimum requirements for progression to upper-division status; UT Knoxville is a partner in the Tennessee Transfer Pathway |
| Field practicum | 500 clock hours of supervised instruction in agency settings (100 hours junior year, 400 hours senior year) |
| Tracks and focus areas | Tennessee school social work licensure |
| Tuition | 2026-27 tuition $11,560 per year in-state plus $2,464 fees; $31,672 per year out-of-state plus $2,806 fees (fall and spring) |
| MSW route | BSSW graduates with a minimum 2.7 GPA may apply to the MSSW Advanced Standing Program (36 semester hours, 12 months full time or 24 months part time, summer start); an Honors Program lets qualified students earn the BSSW and MSSW in five years |
From csw.utk.edu, reviewed October 1, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.
How This Program Compares
- The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's federal tuition and fees, $13,484 a year in-state (2023-24), compare with a median of $13,212 across schools with a CSWE BSW.
- Its 500-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 Tennessee
- 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
Tennessee licenses BSW graduates as the Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW). Tennessee BSW license from its board. Online students licensed in another state follow that state's board.
Other BSW Options at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- FormatOnline500-hour practicumTuition$13,484per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 (in-state) · NCESAccreditationCSWE
BSW Programs at Nearby Schools
Bachelor of Science in Social Work at Lincoln Memorial University
Lincoln Memorial University school profile · Harrogate, TNFormatOn campusTuition$27,360per yearAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Social Work at Tennessee Wesleyan University
Tennessee Wesleyan University school profile · Athens, TNFormatOn campusTuition$31,820per yearAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW) at University of the Cumberlands
University of the Cumberlands school profile · Williamsburg, KYFormatOn campusTuition$9,875per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWESocial Work (B.S.W.) at Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University school profile · Cullowhee, NCFormatOn campus400-hour practicumTuition$4,532per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 (in-state) · NCESAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Science in Social Work (Knoxville Campus): Common Questions
How Much Does Bachelor of Science in Social Work (Knoxville Campus) at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville Cost?
2026-27 tuition $11,560 per year in-state plus $2,464 fees; $31,672 per year out-of-state plus $2,806 fees (fall and spring) (2026-27). Federal undergraduate tuition and fees for 2023-24: $13,484 in-state, $31,974 out-of-state. Grants lower most students' price; confirm current rates with The University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
How Do You Get Into Bachelor of Science in Social Work (Knoxville Campus)?
Competitive progression application to upper-division social work courses (due February 15 for fall, September 15 for spring); minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, 45+ credit hours including English 101/118, 102 and general education, SOWK 200 and SOWK 250 with C or higher, and a personal essay, according to The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's pages.
Can You Transfer Into Bachelor of Science in Social Work (Knoxville Campus)?
Transfer students must meet the university's minimum requirements for progression to upper-division status; UT Knoxville is a partner in the Tennessee Transfer Pathway.
How Many Field Practicum Hours Does Bachelor of Science in Social Work (Knoxville Campus) Require?
500 clock hours of supervised instruction in agency settings (100 hours junior year, 400 hours senior year), according to the school's program page.
Can Graduates of Bachelor of Science in Social Work (Knoxville Campus) Go on to an MSW?
BSSW graduates with a minimum 2.7 GPA may apply to the MSSW Advanced Standing Program (36 semester hours, 12 months full time or 24 months part time, summer start); an Honors Program lets qualified students earn the BSSW and MSSW in five years. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's own Master of Science in Social Work (Knoxville, Nashville, online and Nashville hybrid evening) admits BSW graduates with advanced standing. Any CSWE BSW qualifies you for advanced standing at other schools too.
Is Bachelor of Science in Social Work (Knoxville Campus) CSWE Accredited?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.