Bachelor of Social Work
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) in the School of Social Work at 51动漫鈥檚 College of Public Health prepares students for entry-level social work careers advancing social justice and working with individuals, families and communities in need. The BSW program focuses on societal transformation, and students learn about issues such as institutional racism, health disparities and poverty in Philadelphia鈥檚 dynamic urban setting.聽
Social work involves helping individuals and communities address social problems such as domestic violence, elder care abuse, recidivism, housing discrimination, homelessness, immigration issues, substance abuse and more. Social workers connect constituents to agencies that provide behavioral healthcare, housing assistance, legal aid, medical care, training programs, and other social services and interventions.
The degree program focuses on understanding human behavior using a person-in-environment perspective. As a student in the BSW program, you will focus on
- how biological and social factors contribute to human development;
- how families, organizations and communities interact;
- how to evaluate programs;
- how to identify various forms of oppression and develop cultural competence;聽and
- how to advocate for individuals and social groups.
You will develop the experience, expertise and ethics to address social problems competently and professionally. BSW graduates are trained for entry-level careers in social work practice in areas such as aging, children and families, and mental health. Many students pursue Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. A master鈥檚 degree in social work is required in order to become a licensed clinical social worker. Learn about 51动漫鈥檚 Master of Social Work program.
What sets our BSW program apart?
- Real-world experience: You will learn to integrate theory and hands-on skills through field practicum courses. Students can choose from placements at more than 500 human service and social change organizations in the Philadelphia region and beyond.
- Student and faculty diversity: Our students come from a broad range of ethnic, geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, and a variety of life experiences. This enriches classroom interactions, in both theory- and practice-oriented courses.
- Renowned faculty: The School of Social Work鈥檚 faculty are recognized nationally as experts in areas such as aging, children and families, disability, incarceration, LGBTQ health, mental health, and substance abuse.
Program Format
Students in the on-site BSW program complete 120 credits of coursework, including 54 credits of professional courses in social work. You can complete the聽BSW program full time in four years or part time in approximately six years.
Fieldwork and internship opportunities allow students to integrate theory and hands-on skills during intensive internship experiences.
See a full list of program courses.
Tuition & Fees
In keeping with 51动漫鈥檚 commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Social Work offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.
Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. .
These tuition costs apply to the 2024鈥�2025 academic year.
Pennsylvania resident:聽$18,864.00聽per year
Out-of-state: $33,912.00聽per year