![Female student speaks to class](https://www.pnw.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/SocialWork_1440x775-e1581977279690-1440x600.jpg)
Bachelor's Degree in Social Work
Bachelor of Arts
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Social Work Degree Program Overview
The field of social work is growing. Purdue University Northwest’s Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program combines a competency-based curriculum with internship opportunities in the field. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to obtain licensure as a Licensed Bachelor of Social Work (LBSW), apply to graduate school or pursue employment as a generalist social worker.
Department of Behavioral Sciences
Accredited by CSWE, the organization that ensures excellence in social work education, our program positions you for meaningful work in a rewarding field.
PNW graduates have a high success rate and a robust regional network. Our faculty maintains strong relationships with the community, including 40 local agencies that host internships for Social Work majors.
The mission of the program is to prepare competent, professional and ethical generalist social workers who are committed to anti-oppressive social work practice by advocating for social, economic and environmental justice for all vulnerable populations.
Social Work Degree Program Highlights
This is an applied, license-eligible, professional degree program. Faculty share real-world social work experience, model ethical behavior and engage in service alongside their students.
You’ll have of opportunities to learn and engage with the community through practicums, field trips, service learning and student clubs.
![PNW Lion Statue with a brick wall in the background](https://www.pnw.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/PNW-Lion-Statues-064_fa9d46e2b9d452b16b8adb5372738360.jpg)
![Two students pose in commencement regalia in front of the Nils Building](https://www.pnw.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2022-PNW-Commencement-278_0e7a4b505220966995cbadfa3a183c81-181x181.jpg)
Social Work Degree Program Outcomes
The Social Work program has an outstanding reputation in the community. Each facet of the degree builds the knowledge, values, skills, and cognitive and affective processes that comprise the nine social work competencies. Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to work as a generalist, apply for licensure or pursue graduate study.
Social Work Degree Program Career Paths
Graduates of PNW’s Social Work program go on to pursue:
- Employment in social services at schools, non-profits, and governmental agencies
- Graduate school
- Licensure as an LCSW
Social Work Degree Program Beyond the Classroom
We encourage you to get involved in activities like:
- Social Work Club
- Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Workers
- National Association of Social Workers
Social Work Degree Program Employers
Graduates of this program are employed in organizations and agencies like:
- Housing Opportunities, Inc.
- Porter-Starke Services
- Franciscan Health
Social Work Degree Program Scholarships
In addition to the scholarships available to all PNW applicants, students seeking a social work major may also apply for program-specific scholarship awards, such as:
- Michael and Geraldine Macenski Behavioral Scholarship
Social Work Degree Program Accreditation
Our Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
CSWE accreditation ensures that our program meets or exceeds peer-reviewed quality standards and has sufficient resources to meet its goals. It also provides reasonable assurance that our graduates are ready to practice in the field.
Social Work Degree Program Licensure
Our program fulfills the educational requirements for a license as a bachelor’s degree social worker as required by the State of Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IC 25-23.6-5-1.5). Social work license requirements differ from state-to-state, students should contact their home state’s licensing board for additional information regarding licensure requirements.
Meet the Faculty
![Students stand with Senator David Vinzant from District 3 during LEAD Day.](https://www.pnw.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_2543-1.jpg)
Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work at PNW
Purdue University Northwest’s social work degree program is designed to provide you with skills that are transferable to different settings, population groups and problem areas.
To see how a bachelor’s degree in social work from PNW opens doors, from nonprofits to health care, take the next step today!