University of Washington · Seattle, Washington
Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare (BASW)
What Should You Know About Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare (BASW) at University of Washington?
Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare (BASW) is a Social work bachelor's program at University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, offered on campus. It takes two-year cohort (junior and senior years). Federal tuition and fees: $12,643 a year in-state (2023-24). University of Washington's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.
Program Details
| Degree | Social work bachelor's |
|---|---|
| Format | on campus |
| Length | Two-year cohort (junior and senior years) |
| Admission to the major | Separate application to the major, usually in April of the sophomore year, after prerequisites (Fall 2026 application closed April 15, 2026) |
| Transfer pathways | Washington community college transfer equivalency guide; human services credits often do not transfer |
| Field practicum | 480 hours of supervised field experience (two full days a week at a practicum site in the senior year) |
| Start terms | Fall |
| Tracks and focus areas | Child Welfare Training and Advancement Program (CWTAP), state-funded with a DCYF employment commitment |
| MSW route | BASW graduates of accredited programs may apply for advanced standing MSW |
From socialwork.uw.edu, reviewed October 1, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.
How This Program Compares
- University of Washington's federal tuition and fees, $12,643 a year in-state (2023-24), compare with a median of $13,212 across schools with a CSWE BSW.
- Its 480-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
- FormatOn campus450-hour practicumTuition$54,285per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWE
- FormatHybridTuition$12,817per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 (in-state) · NCESAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Pacific Lutheran University
Pacific Lutheran University school profile · Tacoma, WAFormatOn campus400-hour practicumTuition$50,964per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWEBachelor 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
Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare (BASW): Common Questions
How Much Does Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare (BASW) at University of Washington Cost?
Federal undergraduate tuition and fees for 2023-24: $12,643 in-state, $41,997 out-of-state. Grants lower most students' price; confirm current rates with University of Washington.
How Do You Get Into Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare (BASW)?
Separate application to the major, usually in April of the sophomore year, after prerequisites (Fall 2026 application closed April 15, 2026), according to University of Washington's pages.
Can You Transfer Into Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare (BASW)?
Washington community college transfer equivalency guide; human services credits often do not transfer.
How Many Field Practicum Hours Does Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare (BASW) Require?
480 hours of supervised field experience (two full days a week at a practicum site in the senior year), according to the school's program page.
Can Graduates of Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare (BASW) Go on to an MSW?
BASW graduates of accredited programs may apply for advanced standing MSW. University of Washington's own Master of Social Work - Full-Time Two-Year Program and Advanced Standing Program (Seattle campus) admits BSW graduates with advanced standing. Any CSWE BSW qualifies you for advanced standing at other schools too.
Is Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare (BASW) CSWE Accredited?
University of Washington's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.