
College of Education and Human Services
Social Work (BSW)
Bachelor’s Degree offered in On-campus and Blended formats.
*On-campus format may require some online classes for degree completion.
Do you want to make a difference? Become a Social Worker!
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Ë¿¹ÏAPP University prepares students for ethical, entry-level professional practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Rooted in social justice, cultural responsiveness, and advocacy, the program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to support people in diverse and changing social environments.
The Social Work (BSW) program blends classroom learning with extensive hands-on experience. Graduates are prepared to enter the human services workforce or pursue graduate study in social work.Â
Why Study Social Work at Ë¿¹ÏAPP?

Ë¿¹ÏAPP’s Social Work program emphasizes small class sizes, individualized mentoring, and real-world application. Courses are taught by experienced social work professionals who bring practical insight from the field into the classroom.
The program is fully accredited by the through February 2029, ensuring that curriculum and field education meet national professional standards. This accreditation is essential for licensure eligibility and advanced standing in graduate social work programs.
What Is Social Work?
Social work is a profession devoted to helping individuals and communities function at their best within their environments. Social workers support people by:
- Understanding how clients experience personal and social challenges
- Using strengths-based and evidence-informed approaches
- Advocating for social justice and systemic change
- Connecting individuals and families with resources and services
- Working directly with clients or at the policy and community level
The BSW program prepares students for both direct practice and broader community-focused roles.
Curriculum Overview
The Bachelor of Social Work requires 59 total credit hours, including 56 credit hours of required coursework and 3 credit hours of upper-level social work electives.
Core Social Work Coursework (56 Credit Hours)
Students complete coursework in:
- Introduction to Social Work and social service observation
- Human diversity, intercultural communication, and social justice
- Social welfare policy and services
- Human behavior in the social environment
- Social work practice with individuals, families, and groups
- Social work research methods
- Service learning and community engagement
This coursework builds progressively from foundational concepts to advanced practice skills.
Field Education & Experiential Learning
Field education is a cornerstone of the Social Work (BSW) program.
Students graduate with 510 hours of field experience. A majority of this field experience comes from a 400-hour final semester practicum, paired with a seminar course, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world social work settings. Students work directly with individuals and communities under the supervision of qualified professionals.
Additional experiential learning includes:
- Service-learning projects
- Agency observation experiences
- Community involvement through the Social Work Student Alliance
Preparation for Licensure & Graduate Study
Graduates of the Social Work (BSW) program are prepared for:
- Generalist, entry-level social work practice
- Eligibility to pursue social work licensure where available or required
- Advanced standing admission in CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) programs
Alumni who continue to graduate study report being well prepared for MSW coursework and professional expectations.
Careers in Social Work
Graduates of the Social Work (BSW) program pursue careers in a wide range of human service settings, including:
- Child abuse and neglect services
- School and youth services
- Family and community support organizations
- Probation and parole services
- Counseling and behavioral health support
- Nonprofit and advocacy organizations
Career paths vary based on licensure, graduate education, and professional interests.
Social Welfare Minor
Ë¿¹ÏAPP University also offers a minor in Social Welfare, which requires 21 credit hours. The minor provides foundational knowledge in social justice, diversity, and social welfare policy and complements a variety of majors.
Admissions & Program Progression
Students complete general education and introductory coursework before applying for secondary admission into the Social Work program. Academic advisors work closely with students to guide program progression, field placement preparation, and career planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) through February 2029.
Yes. Graduates are eligible for advanced standing in CSWE-accredited MSW programs, which may reduce the time and coursework required at the graduate level.