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

On Campus

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Why earn a social work degree at BVU?

  • Join student organizations like the Student Association of Social Workers and Students Against a Violent Environment
     
  • Attend Legislative Day for Social Workers in Des Moines to develop advocacy skills and other social work conferences that enhance knowledge and skills

Past Internships for Social Work Students

  • Cherokee Mental Health Institute
  • Buena Vista Juvenile Probation
  • Children’s Square USA

Job Placements of Social Work Graduates

  • AIDS Project of Central Iowa, program coordinator
  • School social worker
  • Lutheran Services in Iowa, behavioral health intervention social worker
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Join a Welcoming Community.
Share Remarkable Experiences.

SUSAN LETSCH

Susan loves studying social work at BVU because she gets to make a direct impact on the lives of people. As president of the Student Association of Social Workers, Susan has helped distribute shoes and cold weather gear to needy families and has traveled to places like St. Louis to volunteer in the community. This spring, Susan has an internship at the National Association of Social Work and hopes to continue doing policy work in her future social work career.

Social Work Courses

  • Major in Social Work (69 Credit Hours)

    Required support work

    • ECON 205 Principles of Microeconomics
    • PSCN 110 Introduction to American Government
    • PSYC 100 General Psychology or PSYC 102 The Science of Psychology
    • SCWK 100 Modern Social Problems or SOCI 101 Introduction to Sociology

    3 courses from

    • BIOL 104 Cancer & Aging
    • BIOL 106 The Brain
    • BIOL 107 Human Genetics
    • BIOL 108 Human Reproduction and Development
    • BIOL 109 Ecology
    • BIOL 110 Infectious Diseases or BIOL 120 Life Science with a Human Focus

    Required courses

    • SCWK 200 Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare
    • SCWK 211 Field Observation
    • SCWK 235 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
    • SCWK 255 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II
    • SCWK 350 Social Welfare Programs and Policies
    • SCWK 351 Group Work with Older Adults
    • SCWK 352 Child and Family Welfare
    • SCWK 355 Intersectionality: Oppression, Privilege, and Justice
    • SCWK 380 Methods of Social Research I
    • SCWK 381 Methods of Social Research II
    • SCWK 390 Social Work Practice I
    • SCWK 402 Practicum Readiness
    • SCWK 410 Social Work Practice II
    • SCWK 440 Field Practicum
    • SCWK 441 Field Practicum
    • SCWK 442 Field Practicum
    • SCWK 443 Senior Seminar

    Recommended courses

    • PSYC 239 Abnormal Psychology
    • PSYC 389 Introduction to Counseling
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Financial Aid & Scholarships

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

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Social Work Faculty

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

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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.

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Earn a Master’s Degree Faster with Our Accelerated Program

With BVU's Plus One program, you can earn your special education, 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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