Social Work, B.S.

The Bachelor of Science in Social Work prepares generalist social workers who, guided by a person in environment framework, professional knowledge, ethics, standards and  cultural humility, use evidence informed research and practices to improve individual functioning, strengthen families and create equitable communities and policies that advance human rights, social and economic justice, and local and global peace.

Social Work is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States and includes diverse and varied fields of practice. Social work students prepare for careers in child welfare, community development, criminal justice, crisis management and disaster relief, elder services, health and mental health, immigrant and refugee services, school social work and many other fields. The University of Saint Joseph Social Work graduates hold leadership positions throughout the profession.

Social Work majors enjoy small classes and caring faculty who offer personal attention, academic advising and guidance in career development. Students gain professional experience while they complete two separate yearlong field placements. Many students qualify to enter graduate school with advanced standing and complete their master’s degree in Social Work in one year rather than the usual two. More than 90% of the University of Saint Joseph Social Work graduates go on to earn their M.S.W. degree.

The baccalaureate Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

The Social Work Program does not grant Social Work course credit for life experience or previous work experience.

The department’s goals are to advance:

1. The understanding of the interrelationships among people and their environments, including the experiences of oppression and liberation
2. Culturally humility and conscious use of self, in generalist social work practice that partners with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities to improve well being
3. Efforts to eliminate prejudice and discrimination, including discrimination based on age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, immigration status, political ideology, race, religion, sex and sexual orientation
4. Policies and programs that promote universal human rights, fundamental freedoms, and social and economic opportunities for all persons
5. Scientific inquiry with the purpose of further developing and correctly applying professional knowledge
6. Opportunities for undergraduate and graduate education, life-long learning and professional development and the adoption of ethical and professional behaviors among social workers
7. Diversity, community relations, and the use of educational assessment strategies through the University of Saint Joseph