Social worker meeting with children
Undergraduate

Social Work

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The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)*, and is dedicated to preparing social work students for further education and employment.  Because of the program’s multidisciplinary approach, Assumption University Social Work graduates go on to a variety of careers in public and private social work agencies. The Social Work program prepares baccalaureate-level students for generalist practice and utilizes a holistic approach and person-in-environment (the family, community, organizations, and broad social systems) framework that simultaneously focuses on strategies and guidelines for ethical practice, advocacy skills, and respect for human dignity.

The program has a strong field placement component, with students completing a 100-hour internship during their junior year and a 400-hour field placement during their senior year. BSW students at Assumption have an opportunity to complete a Master’s in Social Work with 30 plus credits with study at the Advanced Standing level.

* Assumption University is applying to acquire the baccalaureate and master’s social work programs from Anna Maria College and seek formal accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA). Applicant status indicates that Assumption University submitted an application to be reviewed for initial accreditation within 1-year. An applicant program has not yet been reviewed by the BOA nor verified to be compliant with the accreditation standards. Students admitted to the programs in the fall (or later) of the academic year in which the program is granted candidacy status (anticipated Fall 2026) will be retroactively recognized as graduates from a CSWE-BOA accredited program as long as the program attains initial accreditation. Acquisition is a 1-year process and applying does not guarantee that a program will eventually attain initial accreditation. Accreditation applies to all program options, including physical locations and delivery methods. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program. Review CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs for periodic accreditation status updates. For more information about social work accreditation, contact CSWE’s Department of Social Work Accreditation.

Program Information

  • General Requirements

    In addition to the specific courses required by this program, students must complete the general degree requirements as detailed below.

    Students must earn a C+ or better in the following courses to graduate with a degree in Social Work.

    SWK 145 Introduction to Social Work

    SWK 242 Introduction to Social Welfare as a Social Institution

    SWK 307 Issues of Diversity and Oppression

    SWK 342 Social Welfare Policies

    SWK 344 Introduction to Generalist Practice

    SWK 345 Social Work Practice and Ethics

    SWK 348 Growth and Behavior and Social Environment

    SWK 401 Research Methods in Social Work

    SWK 443 Practice with Individuals

    SWK 445 Field Work and Seminar I

    SWK 446 Field Work and Seminar II

    SWK 448 Practice with Families and Groups

    SWK 449 Practice with Communities and Organizations

    SWK 450 Community Simulation

    SWK 454 Senior Seminar

  • Consistent with the mission of Assumption University and EPAS (2015) requirements for the Council on Social Work Education, the Social Work Program’s mission is to prepare baccalaureate-level students for professional generalist practice and lifelong professional and personal learning. Stemming from the vision of the Sisters of Saint Anne and professional social work tradition, the Program seeks to develop graduates who are skilled advocates and agents of social change who, through ethical practice, look to strengthen the opportunities, resources, and capacities of individuals and society.

    Social Work Program Goals and Outcomes

    Within the liberal arts tradition and following the Mission of Assumption University and the Bachelor of Social Work Program, the Program aims to:

    • Contribute to the fulfillment of the goals of Assumption University, including the provision of a liberal arts foundation, spiritual development, sense of community, and a holistic education
    • Prepare students for employment in entry level generalist social work practice and graduate level education
    • Prepare students for informed community participation through responsible citizenship, advocacy for social justice, an ability to influence social policy, and compassion for the oppressed in society
    • Provide a foundation for students’ professional futures, emphasizing continuous self-study, learning, and flexibility
    • Provide students with instruction, practical experiences, and opportunities to develop the knowledge, values and skills and master the core competencies needed for effective, evidence-based, ethical social work practice

  • Social Work majors are eligible to take the Licensed Social Work examination (LSW) in Massachusetts immediately after graduation with their BSW degree.

    Upon completion of a graduate program in social work (MSW) students become eligible to take their Licensure Certified Social Work examination (LCSW) in Massachusetts.

    And, upon completion of two years of practice under a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) they become eligible to take their LICSW examination in the state of Massachusetts. Some states have a different tier of licensing than Massachusetts however students are free to move to another state after completion of their degree in social work.

  • What Are the Benefits of Advanced Standing?

    When you graduate with a BSW degree it gives you the added benefit of being eligible for Advanced Standing within an MSW program. Advanced standing saves you time and money and puts you closer to your goal of becoming a master’s level social worker and beginning your career in this rewarding profession.  The Advanced Standing one-year option is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which is important when it comes time for licensure.

    Who Qualifies for Advanced Standing?

    BSW recipients generally qualify for advanced standing in an MSW program if they meet the following requirements:

    • A bachelor’s degree in social work from a program accredited by CSWE that has been earned within the university’s given timeframe (typically 5-7 years).
    • Meet your university’s minimum undergraduate GPA requirements – this varies by college but is generally a 3.0 or higher.
    • Positive evaluations from your undergraduate field experience – specifics vary by college.

    Some colleges require that you participate in a personal interview.

  • Consistent with the mission of Assumption University and EPAS (2022) requirements for the Council on Social Work Education, the Assumption Univserity Bachelor of Social Work Program’s Mission is: 

    The mission of the BSW program is to prepare baccalaureate-level students for professional generalist practice and lifelong professional and personal learning, responsive to local, national, and global perspectives. Stemming from the professional social work tradition, the program seeks to develop graduates who respect human diversity, are skilled advocates and agents of social change, and are committed to advancing social, racial, economic, and environmental justice and human rights. Through ethical practice, scientific inquiry, and a person-in-environment framework, graduates will strengthen the opportunities, resources, and capacities of individuals, families, and communities to pursue human and community well-being.

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