Browse Leading Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Programs Near Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa, Oklahoma, is at the heart of a region increasingly focused on social equity, mental health advocacy, and access to community services. As the demand for social workers grows across both urban and rural parts of the state, earning a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree near Tulsa offers an opportunity to begin a meaningful and impactful career in public service.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for social workers is projected to grow by 7% through 2032. In Oklahoma, recent investments in behavioral health infrastructure and rural service delivery have made social work one of the state's most in-demand fields. For students drawn to advocacy, social justice, and direct client support, accredited BSW programs in Tulsa provide a strong, career foundation.
2026 Top Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Programs Near Tulsa, Oklahoma
Oral Roberts University
Tulsa, OK - Private 4-year - oru.edu
Bachelor's - Baccalaureate of Social Work
Campus Based - Visit Website
Oral Roberts University's campus-based Bachelor of Social Work provides a comprehensive educational experience blending academic excellence with spiritual development. The CSWE-accredited program equips students with essential social work skills through rigorous coursework in practice methods, research techniques, and human behavior analysis. Students engage in a substantial field practicum, gaining hands-on experience in community settings. The curriculum emphasizes Whole Person Education, integrating Christian perspectives with liberal arts foundations. Prospective students should be prepared to submit ACT or SAT scores for admission. The program prepares graduates for diverse careers in social services, community development, and professional practice, with strong support through financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
- Residential program
- Accredited by CSWE
- Focuses on Whole Person Education
- Includes field practicum
- Christian worldview integration
- Prepares for diverse careers
- Financial aid available
- Liberal arts foundation
- 50-hour academic core
- Spirit-empowered leadership focus
Bachelor's - Baccalaureate of Social Work
Online Learning - Visit Website
Oral Roberts University's online Bachelor of Social Work offers a flexible, high-quality virtual learning environment designed for aspiring social work professionals. This CSWE-accredited program delivers comprehensive training through interactive digital platforms, featuring live video lectures and real-time faculty engagement. Students receive a robust curriculum covering social work practice, research methodologies, and human behavior, complemented by a structured field practicum experience. The program maintains its distinctive Whole Person Education approach, integrating spiritual growth with academic rigor. Distance learners benefit from comprehensive digital resources, spirit-empowered leadership training, and preparation for generalist social work practice. ACT or SAT scores are typically required for admission.
- Virtual program flexibility
- CSWE accredited curriculum
- Whole Person Education focus
- Financial aid available
- Christian worldview integration
- 50-hour core courses
- Field practicum included
- Prepares for generalist practice
- Spirit-empowered leadership
- Liberal arts foundation
East Central University
Ada, OK - Public 4-Year - ecok.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Campus Based - Visit Website
East Central University's Bachelor of Social Work program offers a comprehensive educational pathway for aspiring social work professionals, strategically designed to cultivate competent practitioners. Students engage in a curriculum emphasizing generalist practice, with particular attention to rural community dynamics and social justice principles. The program, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1984, demands academic rigor with a minimum 2.25 GPA for admission. Prospective students should prepare for an ACT or SAT entrance exam, and can benefit from various scholarship opportunities. The program uniquely prepares graduates to address complex social challenges through evidence-based interventions and a holistic understanding of human behavior and community systems.
- Accredited by CSWE.
- Affordable program.
- Generalist practice focus.
- Rural community emphasis.
- Minimum 2.25 GPA required.
- Admission in fall/spring.
- Scholarships available.
- On-campus program.
- Focus on social justice.
- Prepares for diverse contexts.
Why Tulsa Is a Smart Starting Point for Social Work Education
Tulsa combines the professional opportunities of a mid-sized city with the community-focused ethos of a smaller town. The area is home to a wide array of nonprofit organizations, tribal health systems, public school districts, and behavioral health providers, many of which serve as fieldwork partners for local BSW programs.
Tulsa's cost of living remains lower than the national average, making the city an accessible place to pursue higher education. Additionally, Oklahoma's focus on increasing access to mental health and social services, supported by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, ensures that graduates of social work degree programs are stepping into a field with clear demand and public support.
What Tulsa BSW Programs Typically Include
BSW programs prepare students for entry level positions in social work and set the stage for graduate-level study. While curricula vary by institution, most programs near Tulsa include:
- Core Social Work Courses: These include foundational classes in human behavior across the lifespan, ethical decision making, social welfare policy, research methods, and diversity and inclusion. Courses emphasize evidence-based practice and the values of cultural humility, social justice, and client empowerment.
- Field Education: Students complete 400–500 hours of supervised practice in local agencies. This experiential component provides critical exposure to professional environments and allows students to apply classroom theory in real world settings such as schools, nonprofits, and healthcare organizations.
Generalist Practice Training: BSW programs equip students with a broad skill set for working with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Emphasis is placed on assessment, communication, intervention planning, and advocacy strategies suitable for diverse populations. - Licensure Readiness: Curricula are aligned with Oklahoma's licensing requirements for bachelor's-level social workers (LSW or equivalent), ensuring graduates are academically prepared to pursue licensure and meet entry-level standards in the profession.
Some programs also offer specialized electives in areas such as rural social work, substance use, and Native American communities.
Gaining Practical Social Work Experience Across Tulsa
Field education is central to every BSW curriculum. It bridges classroom knowledge with hands-on practice and helps students develop the professional skills needed for a successful social work career. In a city like Tulsa where local agencies are deeply embedded in communities, field placements often become powerful learning laboratories for cultural competence, ethical decision-making, and systems navigation.
Tulsa offers a robust selection of placement options that reflect the diverse needs of its communities:
- Behavioral Health Centers: Provide services in addiction, trauma, and crisis stabilization
- Public School Districts: Offer early intervention, counseling, and family engagement programming
- Housing and Homelessness Services: Deliver support in transitional shelters and permanent housing programs
- Healthcare Systems: Partner with case managers, discharge planners, and patient advocates
- Tribal and Culturally Specific Organizations: Serve Indigenous populations with culturally grounded care models
These placements give students real world experience and the opportunity to build professional networks in the Tulsa area.
How Tulsa Helps Bridge Social Work Gaps in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has long faced challenges in healthcare access, mental health outcomes, and rural service delivery. In response, both state and local agencies have ramped up investments in social services. Tulsa, as a regional hub, plays a vital role in delivering behavioral health, family welfare, and community support.
BSW graduates are especially valued in entry-level roles such as:
- Case Managers: Supporting clients in housing, healthcare, or justice system navigation
- Child Welfare Specialists: Investigating reports of abuse and providing family stabilization services
- Community Outreach Workers: Connecting underserved populations to vital resources
- Residential Program Staff: Providing direct care in group homes, shelters, or youth facilities
Graduates often go on to earn a graduate MSW degree, and many remain in the region to continue addressing social challenges within their own communities.
Making a BSW in Tulsa Financially Accessible
Pursuing a BSW near Tulsa can be a cost effective option compared to programs in larger cities. Many students qualify for:
- State and Federal Grants: Based on financial need or academic performance
- Tribal Scholarships: For eligible Native American students
- Work-Study Programs: On-campus or community employment
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): For those entering qualifying nonprofit or public sector jobs after graduation
Because the BSW is often a stepping stone to graduate study, minimizing undergraduate debt can be a key strategic advantage.
Where a Tulsa BSW Can Take You Professionally
Oklahoma's workforce data points to strong demand for trained social workers, especially in child welfare, substance use recovery, and rural outreach. In Tulsa and surrounding areas, BSW graduates are needed in schools, hospitals, nonprofit agencies, and correctional systems.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for social workers in Oklahoma varies by specialty, with healthcare and clinical roles offering the highest earning potential. Many positions are eligible for advancement with experience or further education.
| Role | Entry-Level Setting | Typical Advancement Path |
| Case Manager | Nonprofit or Behavioral Health Center | MSW > LCSW |
| Child Welfare Specialist | State Agency | Supervisor > Program Manager |
| Outreach Coordinator | Community Organization | Director of Community Services |
| Residential Program Staff | Group Home or Youth Shelter | Clinician or Facility Director |
Finding the Best Fitting BSW Program in the Tulsa Area
When comparing programs, prospective students should consider more than just tuition costs. Important factors include:
- Accreditation: CSWE accreditation ensures the program meets national standards
- Field Education: Availability of placements in a student's area of interest
- Class Size and Cohort Model: Opportunities for connection and peer support
- Transfer Pathways: For students beginning at a community college
- Support Services: Academic advising, career counseling, and tutoring resources
Visiting campuses, talking to current students, and reviewing course offerings can provide insight into the best personal and professional fit. For those committed to creating lasting change in their communities, a BSW program in Tulsa offers more than just a degree; it offers a purposeful start to a career rooted in service, connection, and the unique needs of Oklahomans.
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Social Workers
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Oklahoma Department of Human Services
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
