SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
iBSW - Online Bachelor of Social Work

What is the iBSW at Illinois?

The undergraduate iBSW Program at the School of Social Work provides a comprehensive educational experience for junior-level transfer students. The CSWE accredited program allows students with 60 hours of college credit to earn their Bachelor of Social Work degree 100% online through a combination of online courses and in-person field placements based on their location. BSW graduates can seamlessly transition into our one-year advanced standing MSW program.

Small Classes Outstanding Reputation BSW>MSW Fast app

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Questions? Attend an info session to learn more about program specifics and meet with staff who can help answer your questions.
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25:1Faculty-to-student ratio

#41ranked in top 50 public institutions by US News

90%job placement rate for graduates

What is the iBSW?

The undergraduate iBSW Program at the School of Social Work provides a comprehensive educational experience for junior-level transfer students. The program provides entry into three potential tracks upon degree completion, including (but not limited to):

Generalist social work practice
Advanced standing in graduate social work programs
Career opportunities or graduate education in areas such as: communications, corrections, business, education, government, health care, human resources, law, non-profit organizations, religious studies, and public service.

Online Bachelor of Social Work

Our flexible program allows community college graduates and students with transfer credits to earn their Bachelor of Social Work degree through a combination of online courses and in-person field placements based on your location.

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Transfer Student Requirements

The iBSW Program welcomes transfer students from many majors and areas of interest. The program is highly structured in the junior and senior years and provides course sequencing to support academic success in the profession.

For transfer course information, prospective transfer students should consult the Transferology website, as well as communicate directly with the Undergraduate Affairs Coordinator at the School of Social Work to determine if the student’s current and/or past coursework is acceptable.

Transfer students for the iBSW Program are accepted for Fall semester only. Students interested in a Spring start may consider the campus BSW Program. Admission to the School of Social Work requires the following:

A minimum GPA of 2.75 (A = 4.00)
Evidence of strong communication and interpersonal skills demonstrated through applicant’s personal statement
Evidence of volunteer or work experience related to the field of social work

Hear More from others

Scarlett Davalos, BSW '19 MSW '21

“I am incredibly grateful for the doors that have been opened here at the U of I as a first generation Mexican-American. I cannot be thankful enough for all the support I've received–from the staff, my peers, my colleagues, and the faculty.”

Sierra Fitzpatrick-Skinner, BSW '22, current MSW student

"The School gave me the tools and the direct vision for how to create better opportunities for myself and for others around me,” she says. “And the field placement was very eye-opening. That’s something you don’t find in every social work program in the country. I’ve gained colleagues, friends, and mentors. It’s been a great experience."

Anne Coulomb, BSW '17

"The School has helped me gain a broader picture of the world that's more accurate. My time here has broadened my understanding of other people and has given me a taste of all the different areas that social workers focus on."

Araceli Carbajal, BSW '20, MSW Student

"Before I knew that an MSW was required to become a School Social Worker, I knew I wanted to attend graduate school. In this program, I get the opportunity to learn how social workers benefit the lives of students, families, and communities, and that’s exactly who I want to be. Right now, I am most looking forward to completing my upcoming two-semester internship at a local school and I am ready to take this next step."