Social Work Major

Improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree at Carlow University is designed to provide you with an understanding of human nature and cultural diversity. As a student in the program, you will participate in a one-year, agency-based field placement, a corresponding classroom seminar, and at least 50 hours of volunteer service. This will equip you with the hands-on experience you need to work through upper-level coursework and graduate with real-world experience. 

The program is concentrated in social work theory and practice with a foundation of liberal arts studies. Throughout the curriculum, you will develop entry-level social work skills that can be translated into practice with individuals, families, organizations, and communities.

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A group of college students sit outside the library. Some are on laptops and some are reading books.
Professor Monique Hockman works with students, including Mary Opipery, left, (Class of ’22, biology)and Kinzie Walker (Class of ’22, biologry/perfusion) as they do redox titrations to determine the chemical composition of synthesized salt during a general chemistry II lab, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in AJ Palumbo Hall. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)
Degree:

BSW

Delivery:

On campus & online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

Social work curriculum 

view plan of study

The social work curriculum includes:

  • Introduction to social work and social welfare
  • Theories and methods of practice
  • Human behavior and the social environment
  • Communities and organizations
  • Cultural awareness
  • Social work with individuals, families and groups
  • Research methods

Upon completion of selected courses, social work majors must proceed with an application process into the upper-level social work requirements. This process must be completed prior to registering for field placement. Every social work major is required to participate in a 450-hour agency-based field placement, as well as a corresponding classroom seminar.

Additional information is available in the University’s course catalog.

Quick facts

  • Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
  • Experienced professors who continue to practice social work in their areas of expertise
  • Concentration in Healthcare Social Work, Crisis and Trauma, or Restorative Justice
  • Minors offered in Healthcare Social Work, Behavioral Health, and Crisis and Trauma
Brandi Robinson (Class of ’21, social work) and other students listen during the “social work with groups” class led by Dr. Earl Smith, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)

Alternate degree completion options

Online Degree

Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.

3-Year Degree

Finish your bachelor’s degree in three years by following a 3-year academic plan. Courses are taken across fall, spring and summer terms with summer courses completely online. When applying, indicate your interest in the 3-Year Degree option.

Career opportunities for Social work majors

Graduates find jobs as social workers, individual case managers, support group facilitators, victim advocates, child and family advocates, protective service workers, disability and aging advocates, residential case managers, and social services coordinators/administrators/directors.

Increased demand for health care and social services will continue to fuel the need for this occupation.

View the professional licensure disclosure for this program.

Sitting at a table, a hand is holding a pen over accreditation papers.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation and ensuring that social work programs meet them. CSWE administers a multistep accreditation process that involves program self-studies, site visits, and reviews. Carlow University’s next accreditation visit will be in 2028.

Resources

Admission requirements and application process

  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
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anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

Social Work faculty

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

admissions@carlow.edu
+1 (412) 578-6059

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