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
- Tulane UniversityNew Orleans
- United Tribes Technical CollegeBismarck
- Jefferson Community CollegeWatertown
- Wright State UniversityDayton
- Indiana University BloomingtonBloomington
- Catholic University of AmericaWashington
- Butler County Community CollegeButler
- Central Piedmont Community CollegeCharlotte
- Community College of VermontMontpelier
- Rhode Island CollegeProvidence
- Sauk Valley Community CollegeDixon
- Yavapai CollegePrescott
- Ozarks Technical Community CollegeSpringfield
- Florida State UniversityTallahassee
- John A. Logan CollegeCarterville
- California State University, NorthridgeNorthridge
- Asbury UniversityWilmore
- Garden City Community CollegeGarden City
- Indiana Wesleyan UniversityMarion
- University of Central FloridaOrlando
- University of Maryland Global CampusAdelphi
- Illinois Eastern Community CollegesOlney
- Northeast Mississippi Community CollegeBooneville
- Murray State UniversityMurray
- Thomas UniversityThomasville
- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical UniversityTallahassee
- Millersville UniversityMillersville
- University of IowaIowa City
- Southwestern Oregon Community CollegeCoos Bay
- Gateway Community and Technical CollegeFlorence
- Loma Linda UniversityLoma Linda
- Mississippi Valley State UniversityItta Bena
- Mississippi CollegeClinton
- Meridian Community CollegeMeridian
- University of Mount UnionAlliance
- University of Nebraska at OmahaOmaha
- University of CincinnatiCincinnati
- Southwestern Oklahoma State UniversityWeatherford
- Indiana University NorthwestGary
- California State University, FullertonFullerton
- Jones County Junior CollegeEllisville
- Utah State UniversityLogan
- Hampton UniversityHampton
- University of IndianapolisIndianapolis
- Indiana University South BendSouth Bend
- Walla Walla UniversityCollege Place
- Montclair State UniversityMontclair
- Bucks County Community CollegeNewtown
- New Mexico State UniversityLas Cruces
- Eastern New Mexico UniversityPortales
- Prairie State CollegeChicago Heights
- Baldwin Wallace UniversityBerea
- North Dakota State UniversityFargo
- Los Angeles Valley CollegeValley Glen
- Saint Augustine's UniversityRaleigh
- The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyEdinburg
- Samford UniversityBirmingham
- SUNY UlsterStone Ridge
- Graceland UniversityLamoni
- Indiana State UniversityTerre Haute
- University of South Carolina UpstateSpartanburg
- Walden UniversityMinneapolis
- Fordham UniversityBronx
- University of KentuckyLexington
- University of DenverDenver
- The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington
- University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles
- Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick
- Columbia UniversityNew York
- Aurora UniversityAurora
- Hunter CollegeNew York
- Simmons UniversityBoston
- New York UniversityNew York
- Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus
- Loyola University ChicagoChicago
- Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis
- University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor
- Yeshiva UniversityNew York
- Grand Canyon UniversityPhoenix
- University of Maryland, BaltimoreBaltimore
- Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond
- Arizona State University Digital ImmersionScottsdale
- Boston UniversityBoston
- Boston CollegeBoston
- University of OklahomaNorman
- Indiana Wesleyan University-National & GlobalMarion
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge
- Portland State UniversityPortland
- California State University Los AngelesLos Angeles
- Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook
- University of UtahSalt Lake City
- University of Tennessee at KnoxvilleKnoxville
- Boise State UniversityBoise
- Campbellsville UniversityCampbellsville
- University at BuffaloBuffalo
- Widener UniversityChester
- Adelphi UniversityGarden City
- Liberty UniversityLynchburg
- University of HoustonHouston
- Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver
- University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia
- California State University, Long BeachLong Beach
- Eastern Gateway Community CollegeSteubenville
- University of Illinois ChicagoChicago
- University of Nevada, RenoReno
- University of KansasLawrence
- Brandman UniversityIrvine
- Our Lady of the Lake UniversitySan Antonio
- Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe
- University of GeorgiaAthens
- Pennsylvania Western UniversityCalifornia
- University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUrbana
- University of LouisvilleLouisville
- University of ChicagoChicago
- San Jose State UniversitySan Jose
- California State University, SacramentoSacramento
- Baylor UniversityWaco
- Wayne State UniversityDetroit
- Western New Mexico UniversitySilver City
- Washington University in St LouisSaint Louis
- Salisbury UniversitySalisbury
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh
- University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia
- Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton
- Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland
- University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee
- University of AlabamaTuscaloosa
- Troy UniversityTroy
- The University of Texas at AustinAustin
- Lehman CollegeBronx
- Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill
- California Baptist UniversityRiverside
- University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle
- Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff
- Sacred Heart UniversityFairfield
- Fresno Pacific UniversityFresno
- University of New EnglandBiddeford
- University of Wisconsin–MadisonMadison
- University of ConnecticutStorrs
- Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale
- Winthrop UniversityRock Hill
- University of South FloridaTampa
- George Mason UniversityFairfax
- University of Hawaiʻi at MānoaHonolulu
- University at AlbanyAlbany
- San Diego State UniversitySan Diego
- Texas State UniversitySan Marcos
- Salem State UniversitySalem
- California State University, San BernardinoSan Bernardino
- Cleveland State UniversityCleveland
- West Chester UniversityWest Chester
- Touro CollegeNew York
- Spring Arbor UniversitySpring Arbor
- Azusa Pacific UniversityAzusa
- Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti
- University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte
- University of Arkansas at Little RockLittle Rock
- Smith CollegeNorthampton
- University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis
- University of Nevada, Las VegasLas Vegas
- Temple UniversityPhiladelphia
- University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley
- Appalachian State UniversityBoone
- Eastern Washington UniversityCheney
- Northeastern Illinois UniversityChicago
- Saint Mary's University of MinnesotaWinona
- California State University, Dominguez HillsCarson
- California State University, StanislausTurlock
- Westfield State UniversityWestfield
- University of St. Thomas - MinnesotaSaint Paul
- Southern Connecticut State UniversityNew Haven
- North Carolina State UniversityRaleigh
- Dominican UniversityRiver Forest
- Bridgewater State UniversityBridgewater
- University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles
- Florida International UniversityMiami
- University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro
- Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights
- Delaware State UniversityDover
- Long Island UniversityBrookville
- Commonwealth University of PennsylvaniaBloomsburg
- Brigham Young University - IdahoRexburg
- Ramapo CollegeMahwah
- Concord UniversityAthens
- Ohio University LancasterAthens
- Rutgers University-NewarkNewark
- Morgan State UniversityBaltimore
- Stephen F. Austin State UniversityNacogdoches
- University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyBaltimore
- University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington
- University of Houston - DowntownHouston
- South Texas CollegeMcAllen
- Barry UniversityMiami
- University of MississippiOxford
- University of New HampshireDurham
- Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond
- Saint Leo UniversitySaint Leo
- Youngstown State UniversityYoungstown
- Missouri State UniversitySpringfield
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.
































