Bachelor of Social Work: CSWE-Accredited, MSW Advanced-Standing Eligible
Earn a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work, the degree recognized for advanced standing in MSW programs, with 15 quarter hours of supervised field education and practitioner faculty who have worked in the communities you will serve.
- CSWE Accredited
- 15 QH Supervised Field Education
- MSW Advanced-Standing Eligible
- On-Campus or Online
Request More Information
Program at a Glance
What You'll Learn
- Practice ethically and professionally as a social worker
- Engage diversity and advance human rights and justice
- Apply research-informed, evidence-based practice
- Engage in policy and advocacy
- Assess and intervene with individuals, groups, and communities
- Qualify for MSW advanced standing through CSWE accreditation
Full Course List
Next start: September 21, 2026 — seats filling fast.
Admissions Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent (no application fee)
- Online application at nl.edu
- A two-step admission process, including the gateway course
- A criminal background check before field placement
- An advisor explains field education and the MSW pathway
National Louis cracked me out of my shell. It has helped me connect with new people and encouraged me to stay motivated with the academic and social side of myself.
The national standard in social work education, recognized by employers, licensing boards, and MSW programs nationwide.
A CSWE-accredited BSW qualifies you for advanced standing, cutting the Master of Social Work from two years to one.
Three terms and 15 hours of supervised field education in real agencies, with real clients, under licensed social workers.
Where Will Your Degree Take You?
NLU BSW graduates enter the profession with a CSWE-accredited credential recognized by employers, licensing boards, and graduate programs nationwide. The degree opens two paths: immediate employment in child welfare, mental health, healthcare, and community services, and accelerated graduate school through MSW advanced standing.
Social workers earn a median salary of $61,330 with about 74,000 openings a year and 6 percent growth (BLS, May 2024), driven by an aging population and rising mental health demand. Chicago’s extensive social services ecosystem offers strong field placement and career access.
How to Apply in 3 Simple Steps
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Request Information
Submit the form above. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day.
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Connect With an Advisor
Your advisor explains the two-step social work admission process, field education placement, and the MSW advanced-standing pathway.
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Apply and Start Classes
Submit your application at nl.edu with no application fee. Next start: September 21, 2026. Your advisor guides you through every step.
Take the First Step
No commitment required. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to map your path into social work and toward your MSW.
Take the First Step- CSWE Accredited
- 15 QH Supervised Field Education
- MSW Advanced-Standing Eligible
- On-Campus or Online
*Salary and openings: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social Workers (SOC 21-1021), May 2024.
**Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). MSW advanced standing availability varies by program.
***Curriculum and field education: SmartCatalog, National Louis University, Social Work BSW (nl.smartcatalogiq.com, current catalog).