The social work program offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). The BSW is the only nation-wide accredited bachelor's degree in the helping professions. It is recognized by the Council on Social Work Education and the National Association of Social Workers as the only professional social work degree and as such it is in demand by employers. Additionally, the BSW allows the opportunity for students to qualify for advanced standing in Master of Social Work graduate programs. Because of the BSW field internship requirement of 480 hours, the student receives extensive practical experience. Upon graduation some student loans can be forgiven up to 100% for professional social work employment in a child and family service agency.

Becoming a professional social worker will teach you how to be a positive change agent by using your creativity to solve problems, your knowledge to understand others, your compassion to care for people, and your courage to confront injustices in society.

Program’s Student Learning Objectives:
1.     Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice.
2.     Practice within the values and ethics of the social work profession.
3.     Demonstrate the professional use of self.
4.     Demonstrate an understanding of and respect for the positive value of diversity.
5.     Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination.
6.     Understand the strategies of change that advance social and economic justice.
7.     Understand the history of the social work profession including its current state.
8.     Apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work to practice with systems of all sizes.
9.     Use theoretical frameworks; and apply knowledge of the bio-psychosocial spiritual variables that affect the individual development and behavior in the environment (i.e., families, groups, organizations, and communities).
10.   Analyze the impact of social policies on client systems, workers, and agencies.
11.   Demonstrate the ability to research a topic, apply evaluation methods, evaluate research findings, and demonstrate an understanding of how to conduct a research study.
12.   Apply research findings to practice, and under supervision, evaluate one’s own practice interventions and those of other relevant systems.
13.   Use oral communication skills effectively.
14.   Use written communication skills effectively.
15.   Use supervision appropriate to generalist practice.
16.   Function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems, and under supervision, seek necessary organizational change.