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.

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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

On Campus

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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
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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

Online
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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.

Des Moines Area Community College 

Indian Hills Community College

Iowa Central Community College

Iowa Lakes Community College 

Iowa Western Community College

Marshalltown Community College

North Iowa Area Community College

Southeastern Community College 

Southwestern Community College

Western Iowa Tech Community College

Social Work Courses

  • Major in Social Work (69 Credit Hours)
  • Minor in Social Work (Minimum 18 Credit Hours)

On Campus: Meet Your Academic Recruitment Specialist

Alyssa Burns
Alyssa Burns
Academic Recruitment Specialist: School of Liberal Arts
Meet Alyssa

Financial Aid & Scholarships

We’ll help you figure out your options for financial assistance and possible scholarships.

Learn More

Social Work Faculty

Our instructors are committed to helping you build the future of Iowa and beyond.

See Our Faculty

Transfer 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 Equivalencies

Earn 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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Find Your Program

Explore your future potential through our wide selection of outstanding undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

View All Programs

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Explore a Social Work Degree

Find out more about earning a bachelor's in psychology and social science with BVU.

 
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