Social Work Degree
Bachelor's Degree Program
As a social work major, help people by looking at the challenges of their lives and environment and then working to bring about change using their strengths. The social work department works with and advocates for individuals, families, and communities to bring about empowerment and change wherever it is needed.
Student Learning Outcomes
All Council on Social Work Education accredited programs measure and report student learning outcomes. BVU's social work program data is available for review. View the assessment data
Take Me To
Why should I earn a social work degree?
Be In Demand
Demand for social workers is high with employment projected to grow 16 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Solve Problems
Specialize in helping people through direct interaction and finding resources. Social workers also bring about change through developing policy, administering programs, and researching social issues.
Build Up
A bachelor’s degree in social work is a great foundation for further master’s or doctoral work in the field.
What I Can Do With a Social Work Degree
- Child welfare services
- Mental health and substance abuse services
- Working with people with disabilities
- Criminal justice system
- On Campus
- Online
On Campus
Storm Lake
Why earn a social work degree at BVU?
- You’ll complete an internship with a social service agency your freshman or sophomore year. Through this three-week experience, you’ll likely learn what branch of social work you want to pursue upon graduation.
- On top of that, you’ll take part in a full-time internship in your senior year which prepares you for graduate school or the workforce.
Make An Impact
Students not only make a difference through service-based learning trips during A Week of Offsite Learning (AWOL) each year, but they also make a difference in their own community. Members of the Student Association of Social Work opened Jane’s Closet, a resource for foster parents and children, on campus.
Internships and Jobs of Social Work Majors
- Cherokee Mental Health Institute
- Buena Vista Juvenile Probation
- Children’s Square USA
- AIDS Project of Central Iowa
- Lutheran Services in Iowa
Join a Welcoming Community.
Share Remarkable Experiences.
SUSAN LETSCH
Studying social work at BVU allowed Susan the opportunity to make a direct impact on the lives of people. As president of the Student Association of Social Workers, Susan helped distribute shoes and cold weather gear to needy families and has traveled to places like St. Louis to volunteer in the community. She also honed her skills as an intern at the National Association of Social Work.
Online
Learn Completely Online
Earn your degree at your convenience with our easy-to-access, fully online curriculum. With one click, you can view assignments and grades, set up appointments with specialized tutors around the clock, access the student lounge, engage in group discussions, or contact professors. Get the BVU experience on your schedule, wherever you are.
Connect Through a Community College
Start at an Iowa community college and finish fully online with BVU. More than 10 community colleges in the state have partnered with BVU so that you can earn your bachelor's degree 100 percent online.
Social Work Courses
On Campus: Meet Your Academic Recruitment Specialist
Financial Aid & Scholarships
We’ll help you figure out your options for financial assistance and possible scholarships.
Learn MoreSocial Work Faculty
Our instructors are committed to helping you build the future of Iowa and beyond.
See Our FacultyTransfer Your Credits
Do you have previously earned credits or an associate degree? BVU accepts most — if not all — of your credits so you don’t have to retake courses.
View Course EquivalenciesEarn a Master’s Degree Faster with Our Accelerated Program
With BVU's Plus One program, you can earn your teaching English as a second language or organizational leadership master's within one year of graduating with your bachelor’s degree.
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