The Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Social Work (BSW) prepares students for generalist practice in a variety of settings. It also prepares students for graduate school. Students who have a BSW from an accredited program are generally eligible for advanced standing in master of social work (MSW) programs. This means that after earning a BSW, a student may achieve an MSW in one additional calendar year.
The mission of Social Work Program is to prepare bachelor level social workers to utilize the knowledge, skills, and values of the social work profession in order to enhance the lives of individuals, families, groups, and communities and to promote social and economic justice locally, nationally, and globally.
To that end, the Social Work Program aims to prepare students for:
- Generalist practice at all levels of the social environment and across the lifespan
- Utilization of the professional self which includes adherence to the Code of Ethics, professional demeanor, effective communication skills, self-awareness, and self-care
- Critical examination of and contribution to research, policies, and practices
- Living and working in a diverse environment
- Promoting human rights and social justice
- Graduate education
- Licensure