Bachelor's Degree in Social Work | Learn.org

Earning a bachelor's degree in social work ensures you can have a career dedicated to helping others. You can specialize in child welfare, mental health, healthcare, or community development.

Whether you're passionate about advocating for vulnerable populations or implementing social change, a social work degree equips you with the skills and knowledge to make a difference in today's society.

What Is a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work?

A social work degree (BSW) prepares students to help people overcome challenges and improve their quality of life. This degree blends academic coursework and practical experience so that students understand human behavior, social policies, and effective intervention strategies.

The BSW curriculum covers the following topics:

• psychology
• sociology
• human behavior in the social environment
• social welfare policy
• social work practice

Students learn about the complexities of social systems and how factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, and culture impact individuals and communities. Additionally, courses in ethics and professional practice ensure that students are prepared to navigate the moral and ethical dilemmas they may encounter in their careers.

Most programs include a field practicum or internship where students work in a supervised social work setting, such as a community organization, healthcare facility, or government agency. Students can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations and develop essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, and empathy.

Overall, a bachelor's in social work provides a solid foundation for a rewarding career in various settings, including schools, hospitals, social service agencies, and non-profit organizations. It also serves as a stepping stone for advanced studies in social work and related fields.

Read more: Is a Social Work Degree Right for Me?

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work Core Curriculum

A BSW program typically includes the following core courses:

• introduction to social work: provides an overview of the social work profession, including its history, values, and ethics
• human behavior in the social environment: examines how individuals, families, and communities develop and function within social systems
• social work practice: teaches skills and techniques for effective intervention with individuals, families, and groups
• social welfare policy: explores the development and implementation of social welfare policies and their impact on various populations
• research methods in social work: covers research design, data collection, and analysis techniques relevant to social work practice
• field practicum: offers hands-on experience in a social work setting, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world situations
• diversity and social justice: focuses on issues of diversity, inequality, and social justice and how they affect social work practice
• community organization and development: teaches strategies for working with communities to identify needs, mobilize resources, and create positive change

Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work

Now that you understand what a BSW entails and what courses you'll take, let's look at how you can earn this degree.

1. Speak with an Academic Advisor

Before choosing a program, consult an academic advisor. They can help you understand the prerequisites and different program options and align your academic pursuits with your career goals. Advisors can also provide information on scholarships, internships, and other resources available to social work students.

2. Choose a Program Based on Your Goals

Research accredited colleges and universities offering BSW programs. First, decide whether you want to earn your degree on-campus or online. Many universities offer both options at affordable prices.

To make the program more affordable, you can apply for financial aid by filling out the FAFSA. The form will let you know what grants, scholarships, and loans you meet the requirements for.

3. Meet Admission Requirements

Ensure you meet the admission criteria for your chosen program. Typically, this includes a high school diploma, a competitive GPA, and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT). Some programs may also require letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and evidence of relevant extracurricular activities or volunteer work.

4. Adopt Best Practices for Studying

To get the most out of your classes, develop effective study habits. This includes regular class attendance, active participation, and consistent study schedules. Utilize resources like tutoring centers, study groups, and office hours with professors. Engaging with the material through practical experiences, such as internships and research projects, can also enhance your learning.

5. Complete Core Curriculum and Field Practicum

The final step in earning your bachelor's degree in social work is to complete the core curriculum, which includes the courses listed above. In your final year, you'll participate in a field practicum to gain hands-on experience in a real-world social work setting.

Career Opportunities for a Social Work Major

After you graduate with a bachelor's degree in social work, you have many career opportunities. Below, we've listed the best 10 that you should consider. Please note that some will require you to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) as well.

Clinical Social Worker

Clinical social workers provide therapy and counseling to individuals, families, and groups dealing with mental health issues. They also will develop treatment plans for their patients, which can involve taking medication or being a part of support groups.

This career requires you to earn a master's degree, usually a Master of Social Work. Then, you need to be licensed according to your state's requirements.

School Social Worker

If you want to help students, school social workers work in educational settings to support students' emotional, social, and academic development, addressing issues like bullying, family problems, and learning disabilities. You may be able to start with just a BSW, but according to the National Association of Social Work (NASW), you should earn an MSW first.

While in your degree programs, focus on developing strong communication skills. You'll work with not only the students but also their parents and the school's administration.

Child Welfare Social Worker

Child welfare social workers are passionate about keeping children safe. They focus on the safety and well-being of children, working in child protective services, foster care, and adoption agencies to ensure children's needs are met.

You also could apply for some positions with just a BSW, but most require a master's degree as well.

Healthcare Social Worker

Another type of social worker who works in the medical field is a healthcare social worker. They assist patients in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities with navigating the healthcare system. They can also provide emotional support and connect patients to resources.

To work as a healthcare social worker, you must earn an MSW. To be a certified social worker in health care, the NASW requires you to have master's degree

Community Social Worker

Often times, community social workers ensure that their community thrives. They work with individuals, non-profits, or companies to identify needs, mobilize resources, and advocate for social change.

A BSW will allow you to work in entry-level roles, but if you want to be a director or manager, you'll need to earn an MSW.

Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance abuse counselors provide support and treatment plans for individuals struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol. They work with clients to determine the cause of the addiction, create a plan to overcome it, and provide resources to help the client stay sober.

Each state has specific degree requirements for earning a license as a substance abuse counselor. Be sure to research your state's requirements if you choose to pursue this career.

Mental Health Counselor

Similar to clinical social workers, mental health counselors offer counseling services to individuals dealing with mental health issues. These issues can stem from anxiety, depression, addiction, or PTSD. They use traditional therapeutic techniques and connect their clients to medical resources if need be.

Most states will require you to earn a master's degree in counseling to become licensed as a mental health counselor. Research the requirements before pursuing this career.

Geriatric Social Worker

If you want to care for the elderly, you should become a geriatric social worker. You would care for patients who need access to nursing home facilities or others who need transportation services and meal plans. Usually, geriatric social workers work directly in hospitals and nursing homes to provide the best care.

This career requires a master's degree in order to become licensed. There are some MSW degrees that you can complete in tandem with a BSW degree and others that you can complete in one year.

Policy Analyst

Being a policy analyst is a career that is quite different from all of the social worker careers. Instead of working with clients and patients, policy analysts work with government agencies or think tanks.

They understand what their community's needs are in order to successfully analyze social policies and advocate for changes to improve social welfare programs.

Rehabilitation Counselor

Rehabilitation counselors help individuals with disabilities or injuries overcome all the challenges surrounding their issues. These counselors provide counseling, create plans to help patients integrate back into normal life, and be in contact with medical professionals and the patient's family to advocate for and support them.

To become a rehabilitation counselor, earn a master's degree accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

FAQs About a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work

Even though you understand what careers you can pursue with a social work degree and what it would be like to earn one, you may still have a few questions. Below, we've answered the most frequently asked questions to help you decide if this degree is right for you.

Is a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work Worth It?

A bachelor's degree in social work is worth it for those passionate about helping others and making a positive impact. It opens many career opportunities in various sectors and provides a solid foundation for advanced studies.

Is a Social Work Major Hard?

A social work major can be challenging due to the emotional and academic demands. It involves rigorous coursework, field practicums, and dealing with complex social issues, but it is also highly rewarding for those committed to making a difference.

How Much Does a Social Work Degree Cost?

A social work degree typically costs between $10,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on the institution, location, and whether it's a public or private university. Financial aid can help offset these costs.

Are There Any Free or Affordable Social Work Degree Programs?

Yes, there are free or affordable social work degree programs. Community colleges and some state universities offer lower-cost options. Make sure that the degree is accredited before applying to avoid scams.

What Skills Will I Gain in a Social Work Degree Program?

In a social work degree program, you'll gain skills in communication, empathy, critical thinking, problem-solving, advocacy, cultural competency, and understanding human behavior?ll essential for various professional roles in the field.

What Can I Do With a Social Work Degree?

With a social work degree, you can pursue careers in healthcare, become a substance abuse or mental health counselor, work in schools or as a child welfare worker, and more.