Social Work

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) in the School of Social Work at Temple's College of Public Health prepares students for entry-level social work careers advancing social justice and working with individuals, families and communities in need. The BSW program–offered both online and in-person–focuses on societal transformation, and students learn about issues such as institutional racism, health disparities and poverty in Philadelphia's dynamic urban setting. 

Social work involves helping individuals and communities address social problems such as domestic violence, elder care abuse, recidivism, housing discrimination, homelessness, immigration issues, substance abuse and more. Social workers connect constituents to agencies that provide behavioral healthcare, housing assistance, legal aid, medical care, training programs, and other social services and interventions.

The degree program focuses on understanding human behavior using a person-in-environment perspective. As a student in the BSW program, you will focus on

• how biological and social factors contribute to human development;
• how families, organizations and communities interact;
• how to evaluate programs;
• how to identify various forms of oppression and develop cultural competence; and
• how to advocate for individuals and social groups.

You will develop the experience, expertise and ethics to address social problems competently and professionally. BSW graduates are trained for entry-level careers in social work practice in areas such as aging, children and families, and mental health. Many students pursue Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. A master's degree in social work is required in order to become a licensed clinical social worker. Learn about Temple's Master of Social Work program.

What sets our BSW program apart?

• Real-world experience: You will learn to integrate theory and hands-on skills through field practicum courses. Students can choose from placements at more than 500 human service and social change organizations in the Philadelphia region and beyond.
• Student and faculty diversity: Our students come from a broad range of ethnic, geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, and a variety of life experiences. This enriches classroom interactions, in both theory- and practice-oriented courses.
• Renowned faculty: The School of Social Work's faculty are recognized nationally as experts in areas such as aging, children and families, disability, incarceration, LGBTQ health, mental health, and substance abuse.
• Online completion option: Intended for working professionals, community college students and recent community college graduates, the BSW completion program is a 60-credit program offered fully online. Students utilizing the online option have access to the same courses as those in the on-campus program and complete the BSW through live, synchronous coursework taught by the same renowned faculty.

Program Format

Students in the on-site BSW program complete 120 credits of coursework, including 54 credits of professional courses in social work. You can complete the in-person BSW program full time in four years or part time in approximately six years.

The online BSW program can be completed full time in two years or part time in approximately four years. Classes take place in the evening, two to four evenings a week.

Fieldwork and internship opportunities allow students to integrate theory and hands-on skills during intensive internship experiences.

See a full list of program courses.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple's commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Social Work offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. Learn more about our tuition and fees.

These tuition costs apply to the 2021–2022 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $17,136.00 per year
Out-of-state: $30,864.00 per year
Online option: $610 per credit

1. Make an application plan.

If you’re a first-year applicant, you’ll first want to pick a deadline goal and decide if you’d like to apply Early Action (due Nov. 1) or Regular Decision (due Feb. 1).

2. Apply using the Common Application.

Temple exclusively uses the Common Application. When completing your application for Temple, be sure to indicate whether you’re applying Early Action or Regular Decision if you’re a first-year applicant. Even if you apply before or by the Early Action deadline, you still must indicate Early Action on your application to ensure you will receive an admissions decision early. Transfer applicants do not need to select a deadline preference.

There’s an application fee of $55, which you will submit at the same time as the Common Application unless you qualify for a waiver.