School of Social Work

The School of Social Work Bachelor in Social Work (BSW) program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.  The program advances the ideals of economic and social justice, through an enriched curriculum, innovative research and transformative learning. The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.

Social Work specializes in environmental forces that create, contribute to, and address problems in living.

Social workers promote social justice and social change with and on behalf of clients. Clients is used inclusively to refer to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers are sensitive to cultural and ethnic diversity and strive to end discrimination, oppression, poverty, and other forms of social injustice.

Activities may be in the form of direct practice, community organizing, supervision, consultation, administration, advocacy, social and political action, policy development and implementation, education, and research and evaluation. 

Social Work Core Values

The mission of the social work profession is rooted in the National Association of Social Workers core values. These core values, embraced by social workers throughout the profession’s history, are the foundation of social work’s unique purpose and perspective:

• service
• social justice
• dignity and worth of the person
• importance of human relationships
• integrity
• competence

Careers in Social Work

Social workers play an important role in helping people manage and overcome social and economic challenges, in addition to advocating for change in their communities. Individuals who have a strong desire to improve the lives of people they encounter on the job often find social work to be a rewarding career. Careers in Social Work include: School Counselor, Case Manager, Child Welfare Social Worker, Therapist, Behavioral Analyst, Hospital Social Worker, Professor, Politician, etc.

Bachelor in Social Work - Admission Requirements

Students may declare Social Work as a pre-major and are eligible for formal admission to the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program sophomore year.

• Completion of 201 Introduction to Social Work with a B or higher
• Grade Point Average (GPA) 2.5 or higher

Minor in Gerontology

Gerontology is the study of the biological, psychological and sociological aspects of human development and the intricacies of aging across the lifespan. The program is approved by the Association of Gerontology in Higher Education.

• Intro to Gerontology (GNT 101)
• Problems Aging (GNT 102)
• Social Gerontology (GNT 201)
• Aging & Social Policy (GNT 301)
• Transitioning to End of Life (GNT 400)
• Black Aged (GNT 402)

CW PREP

CW PREP is an innovative workforce development program. The goal of CW PREP is profoundly simple - foster an unparalleled pathway for recruiting, supporting and retaining a vibrant, dynamic child welfare workforce.  Are you eligible: Full-time enrollment in an undergraduate social work program. No less than three and no more than four regular semesters before graduation. Minimum 2.5 overall GPA and 3.0 GPA in social work courses at the time of application.  Valid drivers license.

Benefits:

• $1,300 stipend per semester,
• fully paid in-state tuition for up to four semesters 
• Career placement
• Child Welfare Training

CW SUSTAIN

CW SUSTAIN offers a unique opportunity for current employees with DCBS to advance and sustain their professional development by providing full tuition, financial assistance, and academic support to earn their graduate degree. The CW SUSTAIN program for eligible students who previously participated in Public Child Welfare Certification (offered through the CWPrep program).

Benefits:

• $600.00 academic stipend
• 100% tuition coverage
• Continuous academic support