Online Social Work and Human Services Degrees

Applying to a Walden University social work or human services degree program is a streamlined process designed for busy working adults. Across all degree levels, you’ll work with an Enrollment Specialist who guides you through each step and answers any questions you have.

To get started, you must submit the free online application (including personal information, employment history, and academic history) and your official transcripts from previous institutions.

Below is a general breakdown of additional admission requirements by degree level: 

Bachelor’s Programs – Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), BS in Human Services

• You must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• You must also meet one of the following criteria:
  • You are 21 years of age or older.
  • You are less than 21 years of age with at least 12 quarter college credits.
  • You are an active member of the military or a veteran with documentation of service.
• No essay or SAT/ACT scores are required. 
   

Specific bachelor’s programs may have additional requirements for admission. See a full list of admission requirements.

Master’s Programs – Master of Social Work  (MSW), MS in Human Services

• You must have a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, from an accredited school.
• You must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in bachelor’s degree coursework or a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in master’s degree coursework. Conditional admission may be available for specific programs. Those seeking the MSW Advanced Standing option should refer to the master’s admission requirements for the College of Social and Behavioral Health.
• No essay or GRE scores are required. 

Specific master’s programs may have additional requirements for admission. See a full list of admission requirements.

Doctoral Programs – Doctor of Social Work (DSW), PhD in Social Work, Doctor of Human Services (DHS), PhD in Human Services

• You must provide an official transcript of a master’s degree, or higher, from a U.S. school accredited by a regional, professional/specialized, or national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education, or from an appropriately accredited non-U.S. institution.
• You must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in post-baccalaureate degree coursework.
• It’s recommended that you have three years of professional/academic experience related to the social work or human services degree program you’re applying to. 

Specific doctoral programs may have additional requirements for admission. See a full list of admission requirements.

Walden University's social work and human services degree programs are designed to be accessible, with several financial assistance pathways available to help you manage your investment. Since total costs can vary based on your specific transfer credits, chosen specialization (if applicable), and individual pace through the program, your overall tuition will be unique to your journey.

To help make your costs more manageable, Walden offers a variety of financial support options:

• Scholarships and grants: Many students take advantage of opportunities like the Believe & Achieve Scholarship^®, which can provide significant tuition savings as you progress through your program. Learn more about programs eligible for grants and scholarships.
• Federal financial aid: As an accredited institution, Walden is approved to participate in a variety of federal grant and loan programs. Our financial aid team helps students navigate federal loans and grants to help cover educational expenses (for those who apply and qualify).
• Partner  savings: Walden partners with numerous employers and organizations to provide exclusive learning opportunities and tuition reductions.
• Military benefits: Walden is deeply committed to those who serve, providing an additional 10% tuition reduction for military service members, veterans, and their spouses.¹ This may be combined with an additional institutional scholarship, if the student is eligible.
   

¹A 10% tuition reduction combined with Walden’s Believe & Achieve Scholarship is available for new students who are service members, veterans of the U.S. armed forces, or employees of the Veterans Administration who enroll in programs eligible for the Believe & Achieve Scholarship. For programs not eligible for the Walden’s Believe & Achieve Scholarship, the tuition reduction is 10% for the life of the program. This tuition reduction is also available if you are a spouse of a service member, veteran, or employee of the Veterans Administration. This tuition reduction cannot be retroactively applied. Tuition reductions are applicable to tuition only and do not apply toward books, materials, and other supplies or fees needed for a course. It may not be combined with other tuition reductions, unless specified in another offer.

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Master of Social Work (MSW), and Doctor of Social Work (DSW) programs at Walden are all accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

CSWE accreditation can help demonstrate that a program meets established social work education standards, and it may support eligibility for licensure in many states and U.S. territories, depending on your location and role.

Choosing an online degree program at Walden offers distinct advantages for working professionals, primarily centered around unmatched flexibility and the ability to maintain full-time employment.

Key benefits include:

• Learn on your own schedule: Many Walden online courses allow you to participate on a weekly basis at times that are convenient for you, within assignment deadlines..
• Gain skills you can use right away: Walden’s programs are specifically designed for adult learners, allowing you to apply what you learn in the classroom to your job the very next day.
• Choose from multiple learning formats: Available in some programs, our Tempo Learning® competency-based option provides even more control, allowing you to progress as quickly as you master the material with no weekly deadlines.
• Get plenty of support along the way: Student support is at the core of the Walden learning journey. Our dedicated Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services staff  is on hand to help you find the resources you need, when you need them.

A online program from Walden removes geographical and scheduling barriers, empowering you to earn your degree on your terms while continuing to grow professionally.

Obtaining a license to practice in the field of social work is a process that occurs at the state level, not through the university. While Walden’s BSW and MSW social work degree programs provide the necessary academic foundation to seek licensure and are designed to meet professional standards, the licensure process is governed  by individual state boards.

Below is an overview of the general path to social work licensure:

• Education: You must complete a social work degree from an appropriately accredited program. This typically means a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), like Walden’s Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work.
• State requirements: Every state has its own specific rules regarding the number of supervised clinical hours required and which examinations (such as the ASWB exam) you must pass.
• Individual responsibility: Since regulations vary significantly by state and can change over time, it is your responsibility to research and comply with the specific requirements of the state where you intend to practice.
   

Walden provides various resources and specialized staff to help you understand these requirements, but we always recommend contacting your state’s licensing board directly for the most current information.

The BS in Human Services, MS in Human Services program, Doctor of Human Services, and PhD in Human Services programs at Walden, including their specializations, are not designed to lead to professional licensure, including licensure as a professional therapist, counselor, social worker, or psychologist.

A degree in social work or human services is a powerful tool for those driven by a calling to help others, offering a path to careers that improve the well-being of individuals and communities. 

Some examples of jobs you could pursue with a social work or human services degree, depending on the degree level and other factors, include:

• Child, family, and school social worker
• Social and community service manager 
• Community and social service specialist
• Social and human service assistant 
• Healthcare social worker
• Mental health and substance abuse social worker 
• Postsecondary social work or social sciences teacher  

Many people find the value of these degrees in the opportunity to support others through service-focused roles..   In addition, employment in these occupations is projected to grow faster than average, which may support ongoing demand—though job prospects vary by role and location.The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average growth  for Social Workers and Social and Human Service Assistants.¹

¹Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Social Workers | Social and Human Service Assistants

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of a degree program.