Bachelor of Social Work Degree


Bachelor of social work - group of social workers discussing together in chairs

The Opportunity to Serve

Social workers help people in their everyday lives, providing services to individuals, families, and communities. With a social work degree, you will identify and serve clients who need help with a wide range of challenges, including poverty, addiction, mental health issues or family welfare issues.

A social worker’s duties might include:

  • Researching, referring or advocating for community resources such as food stamps, childcare or healthcare that improve a client’s well-being
  • Working with clients to assess their situation, needs, strengths and support networks
  • Responding to family crisis situations such as family violence, child abuse or neglect
  • Helping clients through major life changes or challenges, such as unemployment or illness
  • Addressing social justice issues in daily work and through policy advocacy
  • Maintaining case records and files

What jobs can I get with a Bachelor of Social Work?

Social workers use their skills in a wide range of settings, including schools, refugee resettlement agencies, hospitals, mental health centers, and individual and family service agencies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the social work field is expecting an overall 9% growth rate from 2021 to 2031.

Social Work Career Paths - Veterans Affairs, Community Corrections, Substance Abuse Treatment, Local and State Government, Health Care, Education, Child and Family Services, Disability or Gerontological Services, Mental/Behavioral Health Care, Refugee Resettlement Services

Is the Bachelor of Social Work right for me?

KU’s Bachelor of Social Work degree is designed for undergraduate students seeking upper-level social work courses to complete their degree. Many program graduates continue with their studies to earn a Master of Social Work in one more year and advance their career in either clinical or macro practice.

Questions?

Alyson Germinder
  • Academic Success Coach

How is the Bachelor of Social Work program structured?

The Bachelor of Social Work degree program at KU requires 120 total hours of coursework, including a senior year practicum placement. Senior BSW students spend a minimum of 416 clock hours (10 credit hours) in practicum with social work agencies and settings that include public health clinics, court services, child welfare agencies and community development projects. This two-semester, hands-on process provides students with outstanding professional knowledge and real-world experience upon graduation.

Bachelor of Social Work 120 credit hours including 12 hours of practicum - 51 social welfare credit hours (including SW 220), includes 10 practicum credit hours (416 clock hours), 37 general education credit hours, 32 elective credit hours
Why a KU social work degree?

Flexible

  • Afternoon and evening courses
  • Advanced standing master’s degree option
  • Transfer your courses to complete your degree

Quality

  • Credentialed, experienced faculty
  • CSWE Accreditation
  • KU's School of Social Welfare is the oldest school of social welfare in the state and the only one to offer degree preparation from undergraduate through doctoral degrees in social work
  • KU is one of 38 public university members of the prestigious Association of American Universities, a group of America's leading research universities

Useful

  • Strong relationships with regional social work employers
  • Cutting-edge research informing BSW instruction
  • Education that prepares you for a real-world career

Request Social Work Bachelor's Degree Information

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