Mission
The mission of the BSW program is to prepare graduates for generalist professional
practice and to contribute to achievement of the School of Social Work’s mission and
vision within the context of its core values.
Why a BSW?
BSW students have selected a career path that prepares them for professional practice.
Employers value the BSW degree because graduates do not require the costly and time-consuming
training of non-BSW employees. BSW graduates possess a wide range of knowledge and
skills and employ them within the values of the social work profession. Each graduate
is prepared for practice and has undergone a supervised internship in the field. Similar
to nursing and education, the BSW degree prepares students for immediate entry into
human service positions across the country. In over 30 states, BSW graduates are licensed
and completion of the BSW degree is a requirement for licensure.
What Do Social Workers Do?
Social workers provide the bulk of mental health services in the United States. BSW
graduates are employed in family service agencies, child welfare organizations, nursing
homes, hospices, substance abuse programs, aging services, criminal justice agencies,
and schools to name just a few. Their education prepares BSWs to utilize a planned
change or problem solving approach that encompasses engagement, assessment, planning,
intervention, evaluation, and follow-up. Clients may consist of individuals, families,
groups, organizations, or communities.
Activities of the BSW may include interviewing, crisis intervention, case management, advocacy, linking people with services, networking, and outreach to name a few.