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Become a Change Agent
The Bachelor of Science in Social Work program is designed to prepare students like you for service, leadership, continuous learning and advocacy to serve vulnerable populations while promoting social justice across diverse communities. Via our strong foundation curriculum in social work theory and practice, you will become a well-rounded social worker, ready to enter into roles in various settings, including healthcare, education and other community organizations.
On-Campus Option
Interested in completing your coursework at our residential campus in Abilene? We offer our B.S. in Social Work program with face-to-face instruction.
About the Program
Whether entering the workforce or pursuing graduate study, ACU Online’s B.S. in Social Work program provides you with the tools and support to inspire change and aid with intention. This program dives deep into the core of social work practice, from understanding human behavior to applying evidence-based strategies that create fundamental differences in the lives of others. You’ll explore topics like diversity, equity and belonging, ethics, social policy and so much more — all through a Christian lens and in our flexible, 100% online format. With every course, you’ll build the skills to support individuals and families in need while preparing for your next advanced degree or a meaningful career.
Program Structure
All The Details On Your Degree
ACU’s School of Social Work is dedicated to preparing the next generation of social workers to serve with skill and compassion—wherever their calling leads. This degree is designed to give you the knowledge and tools to support and empower clients, with a special focus on those who are vulnerable, oppressed or at risk. Through practical learning and a values-driven approach, you’ll be equipped to make an impact in the lives of others.
Required Hours
Timeframe: 120 credit hours, 3.5 years
Cost: $395 per credit hour, $300 resource fee per part of term
Example Coursework
Foundations of Social and Economic Justice
Theoretical Frameworks for Social Work
Principles of Practice: Ethics and Engagement
Practice III: Communities and Organizations
Upcoming Start Dates
January 13, 2026
March 10, 2026
Common Job Titles
Case manager
Substance abuse counselor
Community outreach worker
Probation officer
Community prevention coordinator
Human services specialist
Behavioral management aide
Crisis counselor
For more info on the most common types of social work, click here.
Meet The Program Director
Dr. Stephanie Hamm, Online Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Stephanie Hamm, PhD, MSW, is a professor of Social Work and the BSSW program director. Before teaching, Dr. Hamm practiced clinical social work, primarily with women and children, for several years before transitioning to higher education. At ACU, she served as the inaugural Chief Diversity Officer and Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, working to increase diverse inclusion university-wide.
Dr. Hamm has been committed to equipping students to be ethical and effective practitioners since 2008, teaching primarily in the areas of diversity, research and policy. In 2025, Dr. Hamm began directing the online BSSW program with the aim of making social work education more equitable and accessible. She and her husband, Scott, have two amazing grown children and one perfect granddaughter!
Field Education and Practicum
In social work education, internships are called field practicum. Field practicum experience is required by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) and is considered the “signature pedagogy” in social work higher education. The intensive field practicum experience allows students to obtain licensure immediately after graduating with a social work degree. With this emphasis, students spend a significant amount of time in field practicum experiences.
Spotlight
ACU named one of America’s Top Online Colleges by Newsweek
For the fourth year in a row, Abilene Christian University has been recognized as one of America’s Top Online Colleges for 2025 by Newsweek and Statista Inc., a leading provider of statistics and industry rankings.
How Do Online Classes Work? A Closer Look at ACU Online’s Flexible Learning Experience
ACU Online offers fully online programs designed to help students – like you – and accelerate their learning to fit their lifestyle, goals and dreams.
ACU Announces Online Master of Science in Social Work
Guided by a diverse group of social work practitioners and experienced educators, the program prepares graduate students with the necessary skills and strategies to elevate their passion for social service and community engagement to new heights.
Students who complete the program can:
- become practical and ethical professionals who incorporate the best evidence in practice
- promote social justice for vulnerable persons everywhere through service and leadership
- advance social work knowledge through research and other scholarly activities
Students who complete a B.S. in Social Work will be qualified to fill various social service and nonprofit leadership roles in multiple environments, including hospitals, nonprofit organizations and education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, reports have indicated 7% growth in employment opportunities from 2023-2033.
To be considered for university admission, students must:
- Complete the online program application accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee.
- Submit official high school with a minimum 2.5 GPA and/or college transcripts with a minimum 2.0 GPA.
- Students are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores.
Students are admitted to the B.S. in Social Work upon satisfactorily meeting the following criteria:
- Have junior standing within the University (at least 60 semester hours)
- Have a GPA of 2.75 or better
- Complete the application for admission to the program
- Satisfactorily complete of SOCW 230, 245 and 250
- Submit two academic recommendations
- Sign acknowledgement of the NASW Code of Ethics and the Social Work Code of Conduct
ACU’s BSSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation. Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to fulfill its mission and goals and the Board of Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.