Bachelor of Social Work Program

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree is a professional degree which prepares graduates for generalist professional practice and/or the opportunity to be admitted to a Master of Social Work (MSW) program with advanced standing within appropriate advanced standing GPA guidelines. The AU baccalaureate program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education through the year 2027.

The foundation curriculum consists of 12 core competencies that are required in every BSW program:

  1. Values and Ethics
  2. Professionalism
  3. Diversity and Differences
  4. Human Rights and Social Economic Justice
  5. Human Behavior and the Social Environment
  6. Social Welfare Policy and Services
  7. Social Work Practice
  8. Research
  9. Critical Thinking
  10. Contextualization
  11. Global World View
  12. Christian Perspective

Throughout the curriculum, the program integrates concepts of professional ethics and values, critical thinking, sensitivity to diversity, oppression, social and economic justice, and populations-at-risk. Field education is an integral component of the program.

Although students may declare themselves as social work majors in their freshman or sophomore year, they must apply for acceptance into the social work program. Application is made at the beginning of the Spring semester of the sophomore year, with formal acceptance into the program at the end of that same semester. Applications are available from the student's advisor.

BSW students are able to receive a Child Welfare Certificate after completion of the requirements.  Requirements include completing SOWK 410 Children and Families at Risk, SOWK 440 Assessment and Treatment of Victims of Violence, they would also complete an elective course relevant to child welfare practice.  Students must complete their 400 hour internship in a Department of Human Services Child Welfare area such as Child Protective Services or Foster Care.  Students interested in the Child Welfare Certificate should consult with their advisor and BSW Program Director to outline their plan in order to assure needed requirement completion. 

Past experience strengthens all BSW student applications. However, following Council on Social Work Education requirements, no academic credit can be given for life experience.