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 | Social Research Methods | 4 |
| SW303 | Human Behavior and Social Environment 1 | 3 |
| SW305 | Social Welfare Policies, Programs & Issues | 3 |
| SW307 | Methods in Social Work 1:Individuals & Families | 3 |
| SW331 | Race, Class and Gender | 4 |
| SW403 | 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 |
The Bachelor of Social Work Program
supports students having a strong liberal
arts foundation and encourages double
majors. The program has developed a
course plan for students who want to double
major in either criminal justice, psychology,
or sociology. Students interested in
pursuing a double major in other disciplines
are encouraged to talk with program faculty.
Another viable option is to minor in a
liberal arts discipline. In particular, students
who are bilingual in Spanish and English
are encouraged to minor in Spanish to
develop expertise in writing professional
communication in Spanish.
Students who want to pursue a Master
of Social Work should consider taking
MATH119 Elementary Statistics because
most master’s programs in New Jersey
require successful completion of a statistics
course. To date, some students prefer taking
a statistics course after completing their
junior year courses, which include a formal
course in research methods and other
courses that involve analyzing research.