Bachelor of Social Work

The bachelor of social work (BSW) program at Salem State prepares you to be a catalyst for social change, founded in the values of social justice, inclusion, diversity, and cultural humility. You’ll receive a thorough background in the theories of social work, research skills, and learn how social policies impact individuals, families, organizations, and communities. A senior year internship will provide an opportunity to learn to apply these skills in the field, preparing you for a career in social work.

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Program Requirements

A Flexible Career with Real Impact

Social Work building with fall tree leaves in front of it.

Social work provides an incredible variety of opportunities to make a difference, from working with individuals and families, to state or  national policy advocacy. Social workers work with many different populations in a diversity of settings. These settings can include mental health agencies, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, senior centers, hospital, child welfare, community organizations, and government agencies. 

A Social Justice Focus

Salem State’s BSW program takes a social justice focus to critically examine systems of oppression and discrimination and their impact on individuals. 

The Salem State BSW: What You’ll Learn

  • Policy: how state, local and national policies impact individuals, families, organizations, and communities
  • Practice: principles of engaging and working with individuals, families, groups,  organizations, and communities
  • Research: the steps to designing, implementing, and presenting research projects 
  • Specialized Knowledge: electives in substance use disorders, suicidality, trauma, and forensics

Real-World Experience to Prepare You for a Meaningful Career

Seniors in the BSW program complete 16 hours of fieldwork in both fall and spring semesters, interning at schools, early intervention programs, senior centers, nursing homes, child welfare agencies, hospitals, courts, afterschool programs, police departments, and others based on their career interests. 

Salem State uses long-standing relationships with area agencies to find meaningful fieldwork placements for social work students. They’ll put their classroom experience to work, try out an area of focus to see how it fits their interests, and gain great references and experience to launch their professional lives.

Transfer-Friendly, Flexible Program Options

Both day and evening courses are offered each semester, allowing working students to pursue their degrees. Salem State has a number of agreements with area community colleges to ensure a smooth transfer process. Social work students come from a variety of work and life experiences, enriching the classroom environment.

Get in Touch

Thinking about applying? Visit undergraduate admissions to learn more, or contact program coordinator Rebecca Mirick to learn more about the BSW program.

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