Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Social workers make a fundamental difference in society through education, advocacy, case management, and clinical work.
The Bachelor of Social Work prepares graduates to use interventions with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities in a variety of settings. Our goal is to produce graduates who respond to emerging practice challenges and are able to work in partnership with agencies and organizations.
Our curriculum provides essential elements and measurable practice behaviors to assure that you achieve competency benchmarks. You must demonstrate mastery of the competencies through the successful completion of the Social Work Exit Exam during your final semester in the program.
All entering students will be placed into the pre-major designation (PSOW). Seniors need to meet a threshold academic performance measured by a 2.5 cumulative GPA and recommendations by Social Work faculty before becoming a major.
Key Elements of the Social Work Program:
- Experiential learning opportunities
- Volunteer hours accumulated throughout the program
- Field Placement (internship) during final semester
- Graduates are eligible for Advanced Standing in accredited MSW programs (eliminating the foundation year)
- Graduates are eligible for licensure
- Graduates are qualified to work in multiple settings
A Major Discussion with Social Work
Watch Natalie Rhodes (LU Marketing Manager) and Dr. Ginger Gummelt (Chair, Department of Sociology, Social Work, Criminal Justice & Anthropology) and Ms. Lori Wright (Social Work Program Director & Field Director) as they discuss the LU Social Work program and the opportunities available to their students!
Want to minor in Social Work?
The minor in social work is specifically designed for students enrolled in related majors seeking insight into human development. When paired with many majors, the social work minor can prepare you for a variety of helping professions as well as graduate study.