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
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. Also, be sure to check out the full program's plan of study.