Curriculum
A Focus On Social Work Education
The UA School of Social Work undergraduate program offers a close-knit and diverse community of students, faculty, and staff within UA’s large, vibrant campus.
The BSW program’s curriculum builds students’ practice and professional skills and understanding of values, diversity and promotion of social and economic justice. Our rigorous academic program prepares graduates for generalist social work practice, graduate study in social work, and careers that require skills in critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and inter-professional collaboration.
Why Our BSW degree?
Our BSW graduates are prepared to assist people of all ages, from all walks of life, in a variety of settings. Students learn valuable professional skills while improving the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities. A BSW degree also provides an excellent foundation in problem-solving, communication, and inter-professional collaboration, skills which are valued by many professions and graduate degree programs. Some of the unique opportunities we offer our students include:
- Field internship in Washington, D.C or choose from more than 250 social service agencies
- A social work honor’s program
- Research experiences with faculty and graduate students
- Opportunities for service learning
- Community-engaged student organizations
Enrolling in the Program
Students begin our BSW program as pre-social work majors and spend their first two years in the program completing their core curriculum requirements. Students, however, can declare a major in social work when they are freshmen, sophomores, or juniors.
Flexible Learning Options
Many of our students enjoy the ability to earn their BSW degree through a combination of on-campus classes, distance learning and night classes. Learn about BSW degree requirements in our BSW Handbook (PDF).
BSW Distance Learning/Primarily Online Program
Through research-based curriculum, gain the knowledge you need to serve clients of all ages in health care establishments and mental health and substance abuse centers, as well as school and family settings. This primarily online degree is identical to the widely respected main campus degree, so you can trust that you will be well-equipped for your career. Learn more and apply online through the UA Online website.
Goals
Graduates of the BSW program will be able to:
- Demonstrate skills in generalist social work practice informed by the best available evidence
- Engage in culturally sensitive and culturally effective social work practice with diverse groups
- Apply social work values and ethics
- Advocate for vulnerable and oppressed populations
- Create sustainable local and global change that improves societal wellbeing
Mission
The BSW Program prepares practitioners committed to promoting social justice and improving the well-being of individuals, families, groups, and communities.
Career Opportunities With A BSW degree
Social work is one of the fastest growing careers in the U.S. and one of few professions that you can find meaning, action, diversity, and versatility. If you’re devoted to helping others and improving social conditions, find out about the many careers fields that you can apply your social work skills.
Social Welfare Minor
Students who are majoring in another UA college may declare a minor in social welfare. This minor provides students with an understanding of the social welfare system in the U.S. and abroad. Social Welfare minors may not take social work practice courses and are subject to the requirements of his or her college.
BSW Professional Program
The BSW Professional Program is for currently enrolled students majoring in social work who are ready to begin taking 400-level professional social work courses.
Who Can Apply?
Social Work majors who have earned 54 hours in core requirements (this does not include electives) with the required overall and social work GPAs. Students must seek admission to the BSW Professional Program through the School of Social Work.
When Should You Apply?
| For Admission to … | Apply by … |
|---|---|
| Fall semester | February 15 |
| Spring semester | September 15 |
NOTE: Missing the deadline may delay your admission into the program.
BSW Honors Courses
Our BSW honors courses are available to our best and brightest undergraduate students who have enrolled in or are eligible for UA Honors College. As in the social work profession, our honors courses emphasize the value of diversity and the importance of the promotion of social and economic justice.
- SW 105 Honors Introduction to Fields of Social Work Practice
- SW 205 Honors History of Social Welfare in the United States
- SW 355 Honors Oppression and Social Injustice
- SW 405 Honors Social Welfare Policy and Services
- SW 425 Honors Research for Social Work Practice
Are You Ready For A Career In Social Work?
Interested in pursuing your undergraduate degree in social work at The University of Alabama? Learn about UA’s admission requirements for new incoming freshmen, transfer students, and international students and then apply.