Online Social Work Degree – Child Advocacy | Indiana Wesleyan University

Child Advocacy – Social Work Degree Online

Do you aspire to advocate for the welfare and well-being of children? IWU's Bachelor of Social Work online degree with child advocacy specialization can make the most of your aspirations to serve children in areas from foster care and adoption services to several other social services settings. Plus, earn your accredited online social work degree fully online in as little as 37 months!

Why Pursue My BSW Degree Online at IWU?

From a bachelor's program that lets you apply your learning to hands-on experiences in weekly field placements to offering our social work degree online fully online, IWU has aimed for the highest caliber of higher education experience for more than a century—and online education for more than a quarter century. You'll find your tuition rates are locked in, meaning no tuition hikes for the duration of your program, making this an affordable online social work degree option for aspiring child advocates.

Today, we are proud to offer the support you need to have a meaningful impact on the lives of children as an advocate for their welfare—through faculty who bring a practitioner-centered approach to your learning and curriculum aligned to industry standards and best practices. Our Christian faculty teach from the same biblical worldview valued on our campus, so that students can implement these principles in a fulfilling career.

What Will I Learn in a BSW Degree Program?

This child advocacy degree online develops the fundamentals of social work—from sociology and psychology to human behavior and more. Specialized studies in child advocacy cover victimology, youth and crime, developmental psychology, and more.

You'll gain essential skills for working with vulnerable children and families, including:

Trauma informed care for children who have experienced abuse or neglect
Case management and service coordination across multiple agencies
Child welfare policy and protective services
Family systems and intervention strategies

Graduates can pursue state licensure within the field of social work.

Learn More About the Bachelor's in Social Work Online Program

Program FAQs

IWU’s Social Work faculty bring extensive real-world and academic experience. Dr. Jessie Pablo specializes in school social work and child welfare prevention, with research focused on culturally responsive practice for immigrant populations. Dr. Jeanelle Verwayne brings expertise in school-based therapy and qualitative research focused on children and families. Dr. Michele Wells has extensive experience in addiction counseling and clinical work with both adults and adolescents. Together, faculty provide practical insights grounded in current social work practice.

If a student has a financial aid question, what is the fastest way to get assistance and how quickly can they expect a response?

Students should contact IWU’s Financial Aid Office directly by phone or email. Most inquiries receive a response within a few business days.

The program’s required field placement (internship) is the signature learning experience in social work education. Combined with coursework, it prepares students to apply theory to real-world practice, build professional skills, and gain hands-on experience in social service settings.

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of social work careers, including case manager, child welfare specialist, school support staff, community outreach coordinator, residential counselor, substance use support staff, probation or reentry support roles, victim advocate, and gerontology services. The program also prepares students for advanced standing Master of Social Work (MSW) programs, leading to clinical and leadership roles.

The social work practice sequence and practicum courses are central to student preparation, equipping students with essential skills for real-world social work practice.

Graduates typically pursue employment in social services or continue their education through an MSW program. Many also pursue social work licensure, depending on state requirements.

Students complete a 400-hour field placement in a community agency, often in a setting aligned with their career goals. Many working students are able to complete their practicum within their current workplace if it meets program requirements.

Yes. The program is fully online with asynchronous coursework. During the practicum phase, students participate in a required one-hour weekly synchronous seminar.

Core courses typically run 5–6 weeks, while practicum seminar courses run approximately 12 weeks.

Students take one course at a time in an accelerated format, allowing them to focus deeply on each subject.

Students progress independently but engage regularly with peers through discussions and collaborative learning experiences.

Courses are primarily asynchronous, with optional live sessions offered by faculty to enhance engagement.

Students should plan to spend approximately 13–20 hours per week per course.

Most students complete the program in approximately three years, depending on transfer credits and pacing.

Yes. The program offers rolling start dates throughout the year.

Students are guided through onboarding and begin working with advisors and faculty as they start their first course.

Students have access to academic advising, tutoring, faculty support, and career development resources.

Yes. Students receive mentorship through faculty who are active practitioners in the field, as well as through their field placement experience. The program also offers specialized tracks such as addictions, child advocacy, counseling, military social work, global social work, medical social work, and telehealth.

Yes. All students complete a 400-hour field placement in a community-based agency under the supervision of a qualified social worker.

Yes. Transfer credit is evaluated by admissions, and students must enter the program with a minimum number of prior credits.

No. Professional experience cannot be substituted for required coursework.

Yes. Students complete a 400-hour practicum along with a weekly seminar for supervision and professional development.

IWU’s Social Work program integrates CSWE-aligned training with a Christ-centered approach, emphasizing ethical practice, compassion, and service. Small class sizes, experienced faculty, and specialized learning tracks prepare students for both immediate employment and advanced study.

Students who are compassionate, self-motivated, and committed to serving others thrive in this program. Strong time management and a willingness to engage in self-reflection are also key.

Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized faculty support, and meaningful engagement with peers and professionals in the field.

Yes. Faith integration is woven throughout the curriculum through weekly devotionals, assignments, and discussions that connect Christian principles with social work practice. Students are encouraged to reflect on their calling and professional identity through a faith-based lens.

Program Requirements

Admission Requirements

Proof of standard high school diploma or GED certification.
Original transcripts from all previous college or university study at college or university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
A maximum of 40 hours of credit may be earned through the assessed learning process. (The Social Work Program does not grant social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience.)
Prior completion of at least 45 transferable credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university or an institution accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education is required before the student is eligible to start a bachelor core program.
During the Introduction to Social Work course an Application to the Social Work Program is introduced. The application is completed in the second social work major course and an interview is completed with the Director of the BSW Program. This is followed by a formal letter of acceptance to the program.

Admission to Field Placement Internships

After all major coursework is completed each student is required to complete a Field Placement or internship in a social service agency. This placement site is arranged by the Director of Field Education in collaboration with each student, aiming to align with the student’s professional goals and development needs. As such, each student will complete a Social Work Field Placement Application along with an updated resume and personal statement. Students will submit their field placement application to the Director of Field Education. The field placement options are discussed and a tentative plan is created for Field Placement based on the student's interest and needs.

Graduation Requirements

Completion of 120 semester hours.
Cumulative GPA of 2.5.
Completion of all major courses with a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher.
Completion of a total of 400 supervised hours of field experience.
Completion of 30 hours of general education as specified.
Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.

Licensure-Related State Restrictions

Child Advocacy – Online Social Work Degree

Child Advocacy – Social Work Degree Online

Why Pursue My BSW Degree Online at IWU?

What Will I Learn in a BSW Degree Program?

Learn More About the Bachelor's in Social Work Online Program

What Makes IWU Different?

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Tuition & Aid

What You'll Study

Courses in this Program

After Graduation

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Program FAQs

Program Requirements

Admission to Field Placement Internships

Accreditation

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