Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Become a social worker and strengthen your community.
At Roberts, our BSW program will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to begin your social work career. Our generalist approach prepares graduates to work in a variety of jobs. Those who are interested in making a positive difference in their community and creating social change should consider social work for a fulfilling career path. Students have the flexibility to complete the program in as few as 15-17 months (part-time or full-time) taking one or two 8-week classes (evenings) fully online, in-person, or through a combination of both formats.
Connect With Us
Do you have questions you need answered about the program and the admissions process? Schedule an appointment below or call or text your Adult & Graduate Enrollment Representative, Laurie Couch, at 585.454.9262.
Start Terms
- May 1, 2023
Online or in person - June 26, 2023
Online or in person - August 28, 2023
Online or in person
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Program Details
COURSE LENGTH
8-week semesters
PROGRAM DURATION
15-17 months
CLASS SIZE
Under 20 students
PROGRAM CREDITS
48 credits
FORMAT
Online (synchronous and asynchronous) or Hybrid
Full time or Part time
Program Highlights
Life-changing Hands-on Learning Experiences in and out of the classroom
Individualized Advising by supportive faculty and staff to keep you on track
Incorporates a unique and less expensive way to earn liberal arts credits with credit for life experience
Career Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the social work profession will grow at a rate of 13 percent from 2019 to 2029. That's much faster than the growth rate of the job market as a whole. A BSW degree is the only human service degree that is accredited by a national accrediting body (the Council on Social Work Education- CSWE). Additionally, only the social work profession licenses or certifies practitioners at the bachelor’s level. a
Social workers with a BSW degree work with groups, community organizations, and policymakers to improve programs, services, policies, and social conditions. They work in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, schools, child welfare, and human service agencies, hospitals, settlement houses, and community development corporations.
Social workers can help solve and cope with issues in an individual’s everyday life. Social workers also treat mental, emotional, or behavioral issues that are diagnosed. These workers are able to understand and meet people socially, emotionally, and physically to view a person in their whole environment.
This profession is for individuals with a strong desire to help and improve the lives of others. Social workers provide counseling to families, groups, and other individuals. Additionally, social workers can help people obtain needed resources and services as a way to develop programs and work to meet their needs. Addressing problems such as child abuse, mental illness, poverty, substance abuse, discrimination, and many others are just a few areas where social workers can help others.
Students working towards a Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) at Roberts Wesleyan University can find ample fieldwork and faculty mentorship opportunities. These prepare students to begin their careers in the rewarding and growing field of social work. Graduates with a BSW will be prepared to work in many different fields including:
Field Placements
- Brockport Central school district
- Big Brother Big Sister of Greater Rochester
- Department of Corrections
- Highland Hospital
- Salvation Army
- University of Rochester Medical Center
- Hillside Family Agencies
Careers
- Case Managers
- Advocates
- Mediators
- Brokers
- Change Agents
- Group Home Worker
- Residential Counselor
- Program Coordinators
- Caseworker
- Activity Director
Graduate School
- Roberts Wesleyan University (11-month Advanced Standing MSW Program)
- Greater Rochester Collaborative MSW
- University at Buffalo
- Syracuse University
- University of Albany
Sources cited: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social Workers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm (visited March 08, 2021).
Frequently Asked Questions
A BSW degree qualifies you for any jobs requiring a human service degree. Graduates are often found working in a variety of human service jobs. Job titles include the following:
- Mental Health Assistant
- Group Home Worker
- Residential Counselor
- Program Coordinators
- Caseworker
- Activity Director
Many of our graduates continue their education and pursue their Masters in Social Work (MSW)
A bachelor’ in social work is considered a four year degree. Our degree completion program allows students with prior college credit and life experience to earn their degree in as little as 15-17 months.