Help Others With a Social Work Degree

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree at Carlow University is designed to provide you with an understanding of human nature 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 100 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.

Our program is nationally accredited!

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 Fall 2019.

BSW Program Highlights

  • Offered on the main Oakland campus
  • Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
  • Concentrations in Behavioral Health Service Coordination and in Crisis and Trauma
  • Value prop

Ready to take the next step? Request more information to receive personalized information on how you can fulfill your educational goals.

 

 

Where Our Graduates Go

This is a small sample of where Carlow's social work graduates have continued their careers:
  • Pittsburgh Mercy Health Systems
  • Allegheny County Children Youth and Families
  • Children, Youth and Family (CYF)
  • Bethlehem Haven
  • Excela Health Care

Notable Courses


SW 204 Theories and Methods of Practice

Designed to introduce students to theoretical and practical knowledge that will become a foundation for the entry-level professional. Topics covered include social work values, assessment, confidentiality, and contemporary theories in social work as they relate to practice with client systems. Basic psychopathology is reviewed in relation to current methods used in treatment. Students will gain an understanding of the theories behind various methods and techniques and continue to build upon them as lifelong learning takes place. In addition, skill-building sessions are included as a key component of the course in order for students to experience the learning process from both the knowledge and practice levels.

SW 216 Communities and Organizations in Praxis

This course explores human behavior in groups, organizations, and communities to achieve a theoretical, conceptual, and practical understanding of the workings of the macro social environment. An ecosystems perspective is combined with sociology and group psychology theories that promote a working knowledge of the operation and interrelatedness of macro systems and human behavior. Primary consideration is given to concepts of empowerment, diversity, populations-at-risk, and the promotion of social and economic justice at the local, national, and global levels.

SW 303 Social welfare policy

The historical, economic, social, and political facets of policies are examined from the social work practitioner perspective. Policies as society's response to human social problems will be analyzed and discussed for their immediate and long-range implications. Special attention will be given to governmental entities and non-profit organizations that address social problems through service provisions. Each student will analyze in-depth one social welfare policy.

For a more detailed curriculum, please visit the course catalog section of our website, or request more information to talk to an admissions representative.