Social Work, BSW
Our curriculum prepares you for positions in the social work profession. We train students to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations around the country.
Social workers are advocates for social change. A victim of an assault benefits not only from therapy, but also from efforts to curb neighborhood crime. The client who is under stress because illness has devastated the family finances benefits from efforts to reform the nation’s healthcare system. Social work is more than working with people on welfare. Social workers serve their communities in powerful ways that lead to lasting changes.
The Bachelor of Social Work is offered as an on-campus program, as well as an online program.
Your Degree Plan
Human Diversity
SOWK 147
Covers a range of diverse populations especially those historically subjected to oppression and social and economic injustice. Addresses the causes and effects of institutionalized forms of oppression.
Social Welfare Policy and Services 1
SOWK 300
Review of current and historical perspectives on the social welfare institution. Includes philosophical and ideological factors that influence U.S. social welfare policy and services.
Social Work Methods 1
SOWK 320
Presents a broad range of generalist practice knowledge, values and skills. Focuses on theories and interventions with individuals, and introduces evaluation of practice effectiveness. (30-hour service learning requirement.)
Interprofessional Social Justice Practice
SOWK 345
This course focuses on the theory and practice of interprofessional practice with special attention given to issues of diversity, anti-racism, equity, and inclusion. Students will learn how to communicate effectively with other professionals in various social work settings using anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices.
Wellness and Resilience
SOWK 370
Presents a personalized set of strategies and skills for self-care and resilience to optimize academic and collegiate experiences, including field placements, and future career in the helping professions.
Social Work Professional Field Experience
SOWK 491
Prearranged experiential learning program, to be planned, supervised, and evaluated for credit by faculty and field supervisors. Involves temporary placement with public or private enterprise for professional competence development.
Honors
Expand your curiosity and enhance your curriculum through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations and Honors in Action.
The WVU Difference
What sets this program apart?
- Accredited by Council on Social Work Education.
- Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Program offers tuition waivers and stipends for students training to enter the child welfare workforce.
- Experiential and field-based learning opportunities coordinated by a dedicated office of faculty and field instructors.
- Hands-on, skill based courses taught by faculty who are professionally licensed and have decades of practical experience.
- Community-based research opportunities with School of Social Work faculty and the WVU undergraduate SURE and RAP programs.
- Individualized advising with a consistent faculty member throughout your degree program.
- Start local with BSW 2+2 transfer programs.
- Earn academic credit through Eberly internship courses.
- 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
- Academic Enrichment Program offers funding for activities that complement, extend, and enhance your academic experience.
Learn by Doing
Get involved outside the classroom.
Outside of our classes, field education is an important part of the professional social work curriculum. Lessons learned outside the classroom complement the lessons taught inside the classroom. You will build a professional identity that will serve as a foundation for ongoing growth. Community service, volunteer work and field placements (internships) provide you with meaningful opportunities to explore life as a social worker.
Careers and Outcomes
How does this degree prepare students for a career?
Social and Community Service Managers
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $78,240
Possible Job Titles: Child Welfare Services Director, Social Services Director, Transitional Care Director, Vocational Rehabilitation Administrator
Compliance Managers
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $136,550
Possible Job Titles: Compliance Director, Compliance Manager, Environmental Manager, Environmental Program Manager
Social Science Research Assistants
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $58,040
Possible Job Titles: Graduate Research Assistant, Research Assistant, Research Associate, Social Research Assistant
Marriage and Family Therapists
Has a Bright Outlook
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $63,780
Possible Job Titles: Clinical Therapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), Outpatient Therapist
Mental Health Counselors
Has a Bright Outlook
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $59,190
Possible Job Titles: Clinician, Counselor, Mental Health Specialist, Mental Health Therapist
Healthcare Social Workers
Has a Bright Outlook
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $68,090
Possible Job Titles: Clinical Social Worker, Hospice Social Worker, Medical Social Worker, Social Worker
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Has a Bright Outlook
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $60,060
Possible Job Titles: Case Manager, Mental Health Therapist, Social Worker Therapist
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Median Salary: $64,520
Possible Job Titles: Correctional Counselor, Juvenile Probation Officer, Parole Officer (PO), Probation Officer
Social and Human Service Assistants
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $45,120
Possible Job Titles: Advocate, Clinical Assistant, Social Work Associate, Social Worker Assistant
Where our graduates work
- Child advocacy
- Public relations
- Human resources
- Public health and wellness promotion
- Veterans affairs
- Mental health therapist
- Substance abuse counselor
- Licensed clinician
- Case manager
- Probation officer
- Criminal justice system
- Hospital social worker
- Community organizer
- Foster care and adoption
- Nonprofit manager
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Social Work major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.
Tuition and Aid
How much does Social Work at WVU cost? And how can you save?
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.
Ways to Save
Beyond scholarships, here are other ways to reduce your cost of attending WVU.
Financial Aid
The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Social Work, BSW is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
Start at Another WVU Campus
You can start your career with WVU at another campus and transfer to WVU Morgantown.
Transfer Articulation Agreements
To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.
Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.
Request Info
Want to know more about Social Work at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.
Visit
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