B.S.W. students have selected a career path that prepares them for professional practice. B.S.W. graduates possess a wide range of knowledge and skills and employ them within the values of the social work profession. Each graduate has been prepared for practice and has undergone a supervised internship in the field. Similar to nursing and education, the B.S.W. degree prepares students for immediate entry into human service positions across the country. In over 30 states, B.S.W. graduates are licensed and completion of the B.S.W. degree is a requirement for licensure.
Social workers provide the bulk of mental health services in the United States.
B.S.W. graduates are employed in family service agencies, child welfare organizations, nursing homes, hospices, substance abuse programs, aging services, criminal justice agencies, and schools to name just a few. Their education prepares B.S.W.s to utilize a planned change or problem solving approach that encompasses engagement, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, and follow-up. Clients may consist of individuals, families, groups, organizations, or communities. Activities of the B.S.W. may include interviewing, crisis intervention, case management, advocacy, linking people with services, networking, and outreach to name a few.