Bachelor in Social Work (BSW)
About the BSW
The Saint Elizabeth University (SEU) Bachelor of Social Work Program prepares students
who want to serve their communities. Courses prepare students for opportunities in
generalist social work practice. Generalist social workers help individuals and families
access services and reach their full potential. Equally important, generalist social workers
advocate for social justice by using interpersonal and analytical skills so they can be
effective change agents.
Courses include hands-on activities so students can apply what they are learning to real-life
situations. During their senior year, students have a rigorous internship two days per week
at an approved social service agency. This experience provides a strong background so
graduates are well prepared for seeking employment.
Because the program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE),
graduates are eligible to apply for Advanced Standing to a CSWE-accredited Master of
Social Work program. With Advanced Standing, students can complete their master’s
degree in one year rather than the traditional two years of study.
Program Benefits
- Faculty members are licensed social workers.
- Students receive intensive mentorship from specially trained social work supervisors at
their internships and from program faculty.
- Students have options for pursuing a double major or taking one or two minors.
- Students have opportunities to present their work at conferences hosted by SEU and by
the consortium of undergraduate New Jersey social work programs.
Admission Requirements
The specific requirements for acceptance
into the Bachelor of Social Work Program
are:
- A cumulative grade point average of 2.0
- At least a C in PSY100, SOC101, and
SOC207 or equivalent from another
institution
- Demonstration of a commitment to social work values
Degree Requirements (40 credits)
Required Courses (40 credits)
| SW301/SOC301 | Social Research Methods | 4 |
| SW303 | Human Behavior and Social Environment 1 | 3 |
| SW305/SOC305 | Social Welfare Policies, Programs & Issues | 3 |
| SW307/SOC307 | Methods in Social Work 1:Individuals & Families | 3 |
| SW331/SOC331 | Race, Class and Gender | 4 |
| SW403/PSY403/SOC403 | Human Behavior and Social Environment 2 | 4 |
| SW407 | Social Work Methods 2: Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities | 4 |
| SW489 | Field Experience I | 6 |
| SW491 | Field Experience II | 6 |
Note: Students may substitute PSY230 and PSY230L for their research methods course, especially when minoring or double-majoring in Psychology.
The Bachelor of Social Work Program supports students having a strong liberal arts foundation and encourages double majors. The program has developed course plans for students who want to double major in Criminal Justice, Psychology, or Sociology. Students interested in pursuing a double major in other disciplines are encouraged to talk with program faculty to develop a plan.
Transfer credits from other institutions or consortium courses for major requirements will be considered for equivalency on a case-by-case basis, reviewed by the program chairperson.
Students who plan to pursue a Master of Social Work should consider taking MATH119 Elementary Statistics, as many master’s programs in New Jersey require successful completion of a statistics course in addition to a research course.