The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) focuses on generalist social work knowledge, values, and skills that are necessary to work with disenfranchised populations in our communities. The program provides an academically challenging, socially relevant curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary for careers in social work. Graduates will be qualified for entry-level positions in service areas such as addictions, child welfare, mental health, and gerontology, and in a variety of settings, including, schools, hospitals, non-profit agencies, and juvenile detention centers.  Students will gain practical experience through two internships, which includes a two-term placement at the end of the program. The College works with agencies and organizations for field placements such as hospital systems, private non-profits, schools, substance abuse treatment facilities, and social service agencies.

Completing this degree will:

• Prepare students for the Social Work field and state professional licensure.
• Provide students with a high-quality educational experience aligned with national accreditation requirements.
• Provide students with an accredited BSW program that is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) and fits with the mission statement of Saint Joseph’s College.
• Offer eligible students an opportunity of pursuing one-year of advanced standing toward Master’s degree in Social Work.
• Prepare students to demonstrate mastery of all core competencies required by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Curriculum

The Bachelor of Social Work program integrates classroom learning and field experience. Courses are designed to build upon one another and provide opportunities for students to demonstrate mastery of each competency before moving to the next course. Students have flexibility in developing their internships by collaborating with the Field Coordinator to choose placement that match their needs and interests.

Students officially apply for continuance in the Social Work Program at the end of SW 209 - Human Behavior and the Social Environment Macro . At the point of Continuance Review, students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and they must have demonstrated a commitment to continuance in the program. Faculty review each application and interview each student to coordinate the appropriate next steps.

NOTE: 

The social work major also requires students to take PY 101 - Introduction to Psychology  and SO 201 - Principles of Sociology . 

Students must receive a B- or better in SW 330, SW 330L, SW 331, SW 332, to go on into the senior field course, SW 408 and SW 409. Students will also need a B- or better in SW 408 and SW 409 to complete the program. Students must also have a minimum 2.5 GPA in the social work major and an overall GPA of 2.5 in order to graduate.

While the CSWE establishes and maintains national standards for all social work programs, each state reserves the right to establish their own standards for licensure to practice within their state borders. It is important to research and understand the proper licensing requirements for your respective state. Social Work Licensure is a commercial site listing all state information, no guarantee on the currency of the site.

The most current information is always on the state website of the state that you wish to practice in. You are eligible to be licensed in more than one state if you choose. The examinations are developed by and processed nationally by the Association of Social Work Boards but the person who wants to be licensed contacts the state in which they want to be licensed.