Bachelor’s Degree (BSW) in Social Work

The Social Work Program develops students into competent professionals and community leaders equipped to address the myriad issues facing local communities and society today. The primary aim of the program is to prepare social work generalists with the knowledge and skills required for practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations, with particular focus given to urban living and multicultural populations. Learning is extended outside of the classroom to real-world settings, in preparation for work with various populations (youth, older adults, returning citizens, etc.) and areas of practice (child welfare, education, behavioral health, etc). Opportunities include research opportunities, service-learning experiences, social justice initiatives, and other outreach activities. The learning experience is facilitated by a close-knit environment, with faculty, each with a varied set of knowledge, skills, and experience, who serve as both instructors and mentors. The curriculum emphasizes an appreciation for diversity, ethics, and social justice. The curriculum features a senior practicum experience that allows students to demonstrate their ability to apply classroom learning to work with individuals, families, groups, and communities in agency settings.

 The program is accredited at the undergraduate level by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE, add contact information). Logo

The program is accredited at the undergraduate level by the Council on Social Work Education.

Accreditation agency Accreditation expiration date (year)
Social Work Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 2029

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Curriculum and Requirements

Program of Study

Students must complete 120 credit hours to earn the bachelor’s degree in social work, including 51 credits of mandatory professional foundation coursework in the areas below:

  • Critical Thinking in Social Work
  • Social Welfare Policy and Services
  • Human Behavior and the Social Environment
  • Social Work Practice
  • Social Work Research and Statistics
  • Social Work Field Practicum
  • Specialized practice courses

Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes

Please click here to download the document.

Expected Educational Outcomes
The Social Work Program prepares its graduates for generalist social work practice at the BSW level through mastery of the Council on Social Work Education’s core competencies listed below. Students are expected to demonstrate entry-level skills in nine core competencies:

Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior

Competency 2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice

Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice

Competency 4: Engage In Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice

Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice

Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Student Organizations and Activities

The Social Work Association is a student-led organization designed to foster professional development and positive change among students. Student participation in professional social work events is encouraged, including advocacy projects that educate others about the profession or provide service to the community. The association plans and executes various community service events throughout the year. The election of organizational officers is held annually.

The National Social Work Honor Society, Phi Alpha, aims to foster closer bonds and promote standards of excellence in scholarship and achievement among social work students. The organization emphasizes humanitarian goals and ideals. At UDC, the Nu Kappa chapter of the National Honor Society for Social Work aims to carry out the mission through excellence in service to school and community. The Nu Kappa chapter inducts eligible members annually.

Contact info:

Dr. Lamont D. Simmons, Program Director
E: lamont.simmons@udc.edu | T: 202.274.5194 | F: 202.274.5589

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