VCU · Richmond, Virginia
Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.)
What Should You Know About Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) at VCU?
Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) is a BSW program at VCU in Richmond, Virginia, offered on campus and online. It requires 120 credits and takes as little as four years full time. Federal tuition and fees: $16,458 a year in-state (2023-24). VCU's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.
Program Details
| Degree | BSW |
|---|---|
| Format | on campus and online |
| Part time | Offered |
| Credits | 120 credits over 40 courses |
| Length | As little as four years full time |
| Admission to the major | General admission to VCU with social work declared; foundational curriculum in the first and second years; rolling admissions with a first-year deadline of February 15 and a fall transfer deadline of March 17 |
| Transfer pathways | Transfer agreement with Brightpoint Community College and Reynolds Community College (associate in human services with a pre-social work specialization, BSW in as little as two more years); pathways from the Virginia Community College System and Richard Bland College of William & Mary |
| Field practicum | 400 hours at one placement over fall and spring (SLWK 494 and 495), about 14 hours per week; a one-semester Block Senior Field Practicum (SLWK 497) is offered fall, spring and summer |
| Start terms | Fall, Spring |
| Tracks and focus areas | Child Welfare Stipend Program |
| MSW route | Graduates of a CSWE-accredited BSW within the past five years may apply to VCU's advanced standing MSW track, 42 credit hours over three continuous semesters |
From socialwork.vcu.edu, reviewed October 1, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.
How This Program Compares
- VCU's federal tuition and fees, $16,458 a year in-state (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 Virginia
- 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
Virginia licenses BSW graduates as the Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW). Virginia BSW license from its board. Online students licensed in another state follow that state's board.
Similar Online BSW Programs at Other Schools
- FormatOnlineTuition$300per creditAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at University of Central Missouri
University of Central Missouri school profile · Warrensburg, MOFormatOn campus, OnlineTuition$311per credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Missouri State University-Springfield
Missouri State University-Springfield school profile · Springfield, MOFormatOn campus, Online400-hour practicumTuition$317per credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Science in Social Work at Charter Oak State College
Charter Oak State College school profile · New Britain, CTFormatOnline408-hour practicumTuition$329per credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.): Common Questions
How Much Does Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) at VCU Cost?
Federal undergraduate tuition and fees for 2023-24: $16,458 in-state, $39,042 out-of-state. Grants lower most students' price; confirm current rates with VCU.
How Do You Get Into Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.)?
General admission to VCU with social work declared; foundational curriculum in the first and second years; rolling admissions with a first-year deadline of February 15 and a fall transfer deadline of March 17, according to VCU's pages.
Can You Transfer Into Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.)?
Transfer agreement with Brightpoint Community College and Reynolds Community College (associate in human services with a pre-social work specialization, BSW in as little as two more years); pathways from the Virginia Community College System and Richard Bland College of William & Mary.
How Many Field Practicum Hours Does Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) Require?
400 hours at one placement over fall and spring (SLWK 494 and 495), about 14 hours per week; a one-semester Block Senior Field Practicum (SLWK 497) is offered fall, spring and summer, according to the school's program page.
Can Graduates of Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) Go on to an MSW?
Graduates of a CSWE-accredited BSW within the past five years may apply to VCU's advanced standing MSW track, 42 credit hours over three continuous semesters. VCU's own Master of Social Work (on campus, Richmond) admits BSW graduates with advanced standing. Any CSWE BSW qualifies you for advanced standing at other schools too.
Is Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) CSWE Accredited?
VCU's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.