Social Work
Overview
The undergraduate social work program focuses on the knowledge, values and skills needed for social work practice and prepares generalist social workers for many types of practice. Students have the opportunity to explore their specific interests through electives and field placement settings. Graduates of the BSW program will also be well prepared to continue their education and earn a graduate degree in social work.
The primary professional purpose of social work is to promote social functioning and enhance social development at all system levels. In practice, social workers:
- Act as a facilitator of change with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
- Promote improvement in social conditions
- Serve as an advocate for people who are subject to discrimination or social or economic injustice
- Provide individuals access to needed resources and services
In addition to completing on-campus coursework, our students engage in field work in local social service agencies in several courses. This culminates in the senior field placement (SOCW 482 and 483), which requires a minimum of 400 hours of supervised social work practice in a local agency over two consecutive semesters.
What can I do with a degree in social work?
The bachelor’s degree in social work qualifies graduates for practice in entry-level positions in a wide range of social service settings. Career options include but are not limited to:
- Child welfare
- Family service
- Mental health
- Health agencies
Since our program is CSWE accredited, graduates are qualified to take the licensed social worker (LSW) examination. In addition, many graduate social work programs offer advanced standing to qualified students with a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Accreditation
The social work program at SIUE is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Faculty
View current social work faculty.