Findings from an Evaluation of a Distance BSW Program

Over the past two decades, the number of online and distance social work programs has grown rapidly. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted interest in online options from both students and instructors. As programs grow, it is important to recognize the need for retention strategies, especially for students with marginalized identities. The goal of this study was to identify strengths and areas for growth in an online BSW program designed to meet the needs of students living in rural and Tribal communities. To that end, we conducted a cross-sectional survey with current students. Based on their responses, we have identified several recommendations for similar programs, such as: offering employment-based practice; extensive onboarding and practicum support; prioritizing goodness-of-fit when recruiting and retaining program instructors; and supporting students in their pursuit of further education.