Bachelor's Degree in Social Work
This four-year Bachelor's Degree in Social Work trains students to support individuals and communities, leading to careers in social services and related fields.
About
The Bachelor's Degree in Social Work is a four-year undergraduate program in the United States designed for students interested in helping people improve their well-being. It suits those who want to work directly with individuals, families, or communities facing social challenges. Graduates often become social workers, case managers, or community service coordinators, contributing to public health, education, or social welfare organizations.
- The program focuses on understanding social systems and human behavior to provide effective support.
- It prepares students to assess needs, plan interventions, and advocate for vulnerable populations.
- Students learn ethical and legal aspects relevant to social work practice.
- The degree meets educational requirements for entry-level social work positions in many US states.
- It is suitable for students motivated by social justice and community service.
What you study
The curriculum covers foundational knowledge and practical skills over four years, gradually increasing in complexity. Early courses introduce social work principles, psychology, and sociology, while later years focus on specialized topics and fieldwork.
- Students study human behavior in social environments and social welfare policies.
- Courses include intervention methods, case management, and community organization.
- Field placements or internships provide hands-on experience in agencies or community programs.
- The program emphasizes ethical decision-making and cultural competence.
- Students often complete a capstone project or practicum in their final year.
- The balance between theory and practice prepares students for real-world social work challenges.
How to get in
Admission to a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work in the US typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. The process varies by institution but generally includes an application, transcripts, and sometimes essays or interviews.
- Applicants should demonstrate interest in social issues and community service.
- Some programs may require standardized test scores like the SAT, while others have test-optional policies.
- Strong communication skills and empathy are valued in candidates.
- Admissions committees look for academic readiness and motivation for social work.
- Deadlines and requirements differ by college or university.
Day to day
A typical academic year combines lectures, seminars, and practical experiences. Students attend classes several times a week and engage in group projects and discussions.
- Field internships are scheduled during or after academic terms to gain real-world exposure.
- Students manage assignments, readings, and presentations regularly.
- Some programs offer opportunities for part-time work or volunteering in social service settings.
- Time management is important to balance coursework and practical training.
- Workshops on professional skills and ethics are common throughout the program.
Careers this degree leads to
Graduates can work in various social service roles supporting individuals and communities. Employment is found in public agencies, non-profits, healthcare, and education.
- Common jobs include social worker, case manager, and community outreach coordinator.
- Positions often involve helping vulnerable populations such as children, elderly, or people with disabilities.
- The job market is generally steady, with demand linked to social needs and policies.
- Some roles require state licensure or certification after graduation.
- Work environments vary from offices to schools, hospitals, or community centers.
Careers after further study
These careers require a higher level of study than this degree.
Continuing your studies
After earning this degree, students may continue their studies to specialize or advance their careers. Graduate programs in social work or related fields are common next steps.
- Many pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) to qualify for clinical roles or higher responsibilities.
- Other options include degrees in counseling, public health, or nonprofit management.
- Some graduates choose to enter the workforce directly and return to studies later.
Where to study this degree (200)
Liste des 200 établissements
- Samford UniversityBirmingham
- California State University, NorthridgeNorthridge
- Saint Augustine's UniversityRaleigh
- Community College of VermontMontpelier
- Southwestern Oklahoma State UniversityWeatherford
- University of Maryland Global CampusAdelphi
- Baldwin Wallace UniversityBerea
- Graceland UniversityLamoni
- California State University, FullertonFullerton
- Indiana University BloomingtonBloomington
- University of Mount UnionAlliance
- Hampton UniversityHampton
- Grand Canyon UniversityPhoenix
- California State University Los AngelesLos Angeles
- Liberty UniversityLynchburg
- California State University, SacramentoSacramento
- Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe
- The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington
- Aurora UniversityAurora
- Walden UniversityMinneapolis
- Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus
- Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton
- The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyEdinburg
- Lehman CollegeBronx
- Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette
- Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff
- Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis
- Fresno Pacific UniversityFresno
- University of Central FloridaOrlando
- Brandman UniversityIrvine
- Troy UniversityTroy
- San Diego State UniversitySan Diego
- Texas State UniversitySan Marcos
- Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale
- Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver
- University of UtahSalt Lake City
- Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti
- University of Nevada, Las VegasLas Vegas
- Appalachian State UniversityBoone
- Salisbury UniversitySalisbury
- Northeastern Illinois UniversityChicago
- Indiana Wesleyan University-National & GlobalMarion
- Wayne State UniversityDetroit
- Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond
- Portland State UniversityPortland
- Florida International UniversityMiami
- University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro
- University of CincinnatiCincinnati
- Rhode Island CollegeProvidence
- Brigham Young University - IdahoRexburg
- Commonwealth University of PennsylvaniaBloomsburg
- University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUrbana
- Rutgers University-NewarkNewark
- University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee
- The University of Texas at AustinAustin
- Utah State UniversityLogan
- University of Nevada, RenoReno
- University of Tennessee at KnoxvilleKnoxville
- Stephen F. Austin State UniversityNacogdoches
- University of Houston - DowntownHouston
- Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick
- University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington
- University of KentuckyLexington
- University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyBaltimore
- University of MississippiOxford
- Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond
- University of South FloridaTampa
- Spring Arbor UniversitySpring Arbor
- Youngstown State UniversityYoungstown
- Oakland UniversityRochester Hills
- Florida State UniversityTallahassee
- Weber State UniversityOgden
- Tarleton State UniversityStephenville
- East Carolina UniversityGreenville
- Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins
- University of Northern IowaCedar Falls
- University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley
- Bridgewater State UniversityBridgewater
- Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green
- University of Southern MississippiHattiesburg
- University of AlabamaTuscaloosa
- University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte
- Millersville UniversityMillersville
- University of Wisconsin–MadisonMadison
- Angelo State UniversitySan Angelo
- California State University, Long BeachLong Beach
- California State University, FresnoFresno
- Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook
- George Mason UniversityFairfax
- Ramapo CollegeMahwah
- Winona State UniversityWinona
- Bowling Green State UniversityBowling Green
- Rutgers University-CamdenCamden
- Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights
- Cal Poly HumboldtArcata
- University of KansasLawrence
- Georgia State UniversityAtlanta
- University of North DakotaGrand Forks
- Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo
- Cleveland State UniversityCleveland
- California State University, ChicoChico
- Metropolitan State UniversitySaint Paul
- University of North TexasDenton
- Missouri State UniversitySpringfield
- University of Arkansas at Little RockLittle Rock
- University of LouisvilleLouisville
- Saginaw Valley State UniversityUniversity Center
- Jackson State UniversityJackson
- Southern Connecticut State UniversityNew Haven
- Boise State UniversityBoise
- University of Wisconsin–Eau ClaireEau Claire
- Ball State UniversityMuncie
- University of AkronAkron
- Minnesota State University, MankatoMankato
- Campbellsville UniversityCampbellsville
- Wichita State UniversityWichita
- University of Wisconsin–WhitewaterWhitewater
- West Chester UniversityWest Chester
- Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing
- Norfolk State UniversityNorfolk
- University of MemphisMemphis
- Loyola University ChicagoChicago
- Buffalo State UniversityBuffalo
- Our Lady of the Lake UniversitySan Antonio
- The University of Texas at El PasoEl Paso
- University of ToledoToledo
- Murray State UniversityMurray
- Minnesota State University MoorheadMoorhead
- Radford UniversityRadford
- Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids
- San Jose State UniversitySan Jose
- Heritage UniversityToppenish
- California State University, San BernardinoSan Bernardino
- Hunter CollegeNew York
- Stockton UniversityGalloway
- Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo CampusGurabo
- Morgan State UniversityBaltimore
- University of West FloridaPensacola
- Montclair State UniversityMontclair
- Northwestern State UniversityNatchitoches
- Limestone CollegeGaffney
- Florida Gulf Coast UniversityFort Myers
- Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant
- University of Nebraska at OmahaOmaha
- Temple UniversityPhiladelphia
- University of Hawaiʻi at MānoaHonolulu
- Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Carolina CampusCarolina
- University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle
- University of ArkansasFayetteville
- Minot State UniversityMinot
- Morehead State UniversityMorehead
- Utah Valley UniversityOrem
- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical UniversityTallahassee
- University of North Carolina at PembrokePembroke
- Eastern Washington UniversityCheney
- Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee
- Keuka CollegeKeuka Park
- SUNY BrockportBrockport
- Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro
- Illinois State UniversityNormal
- Jacksonville State UniversityJacksonville
- Texas Woman's UniversityDenton
- Southeastern Louisiana UniversityHammond
- York College, City University of New YorkJamaica
- University of Washington TacomaTacoma
- Winston-Salem State UniversityWinston-Salem
- Medgar Evers CollegeBrooklyn
- North Carolina Central UniversityDurham
- University of Missouri–St. LouisSaint Louis
- Central Connecticut State UniversityNew Britain
- North Carolina State UniversityRaleigh
- University of New HampshireDurham
- Western Connecticut State UniversityDanbury
- Shippensburg UniversityShippensburg
- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State UniversityGreensboro
- University of Southern IndianaEvansville
- University of Puerto Rico-Rio PiedrasSan Juan
- College of St. ScholasticaDuluth
- East Tennessee State UniversityJohnson City
- University of Nebraska at KearneyKearney
- James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg
- Elms CollegeChicopee
- Kutztown UniversityKutztown
- Prairie View A&M UniversityPrairie View
- St. Cloud State UniversitySaint Cloud
- Austin Peay State UniversityClarksville
- University of North AlabamaFlorence
- University of OklahomaNorman
- Colorado State University PuebloPueblo
- Eastern Connecticut State UniversityWillimantic
- Brigham Young University–HawaiiLaie
- Miami University-OxfordOxford
- Fayetteville State UniversityFayetteville
- Brescia UniversityOwensboro
- Adelphi UniversityGarden City
- University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia
- University of Puerto Rico-HumacaoHumacao
- Lewis Clark State CollegeLewiston
- University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham
- The University of MontanaMissoula
Frequently asked questions
What kind of jobs can I get with this degree?
Graduates typically work as social workers, case managers, or community coordinators. They support individuals and groups facing social challenges in various settings.
Is practical experience part of the program?
Yes, students complete internships or field placements to gain hands-on experience in real social work environments.
Do I need a license to work as a social worker?
In many US states, a license or certification is required to practice professionally, often obtained after completing a master's degree and supervised hours.
Can I study part-time or online?
Some universities offer part-time or online options, but practical fieldwork usually requires in-person participation.
What skills are important for this degree?
Strong communication, empathy, ethical judgment, and the ability to work with diverse populations are key skills developed during the program.
Is this degree enough to become a clinical social worker?
Typically, clinical social work requires further graduate studies like a Master of Social Work and additional licensure.
How competitive is admission to social work programs?
Admission is selective, with universities looking for candidates who show academic ability and a genuine interest in social work.
Can I switch to another field after this degree?
Yes, graduates can pursue related areas such as counseling, public health, or nonprofit management if they wish to change direction.






























