Social Work - BS, BA
About This Degree
Social work is a professional and academic discipline involving the pursuit of social welfare, social change, and social justice.
The social work program at USU is committed to the resolution of contemporary social problems, such as poverty, racism, discrimination, and economic injustice.
USU’s social work program, which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, prepares students to enter into a wide variety of positions in public and private social service settings, which can include work in child welfare, youth services, mental health, criminal justice, aging, and health care. Students learn how to think critically in order to intervene effectively with individuals, families, groups, and communities throughout the world. They also learn to utilize advocacy and administrative skills as a means to promote social change. During their senior year, students participate in a hands-on field practicum experience. Additionally, faculty members at Utah State conduct research while maintaining open availability to students.
Students fulfilling requirements for the BSW degree will leave ready to be licensed as a social service worker (SSW) in the state of Utah.
Students receive a BS by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.
ADVISING
At a Glance
College: College of Arts & Sciences
Department: Social Work Department
USU Locations:
- Logan campus
- Statewide campuses
Learn More: Program website
Program Requirements
Career And Outcomes
Career Opportunities
Graduates who become certified can work as social workers in the following areas:
- Public welfare (administration and planning, case management, program evaluation, policy setting, public interest groups)
- Criminal justice/corrections (counseling, rehabilitation, probation, parole, youth services, victim assistance, courts)
- School social work (clinical social work, pupil personnel services, student advocacy, instruction)
- Child welfare (case management, advocacy, intervention)
- Family Services (adoption agencies, foster care organizations, etc.)
- Private Practice (or private social service agencies)
- Gerontology (advocacy/intervention, counseling, case management, programming, public policy)
- Clinical (counseling, therapy, community mental health centers, community residential homes, residential treatment centers, substance abuse treatment programs)
- Occupational (counseling, education, wellness promotion, employee assistance, organizational development, human resources, labor unions, health maintenance organizations (HMOs))
- Developmental disabilities (case management, program planning and evaluation, policy development)
- Health care (case management, counseling, program development, administration, research)
- Community organization (program and community development, advocacy, politics, education, planning, non-profits)
Job Outlook
USU Locations
LOGAN CAMPUS
*This degree is available at various USU locations.
Admission
Admission Requirements
In addition to Utah State University’s admissions requirements, the social work program has additional requirements:
- First-Year students: First-Year students admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to the social work major.
- Transfer Students: Transfer students from other institutions and students transferring from other USU majors must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 and a minimum GPA of 2.75 in social work classes.
- Students fulfilling requirements for the BSW degree will leave ready to be licensed as social service workers in the state of Utah. Information regarding admission application can be found on the department website and required prerequisites listed in the catalog.
International students have additional admissions requirements.
Program Requirements
Students in this program are required to take two semesters of practicum, in which students gain hands-on experience in a social service agency.
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Cost and Aid
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How to Apply
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