Social Work, B.S.W.

On-Campus

Program Available

Bachelor's

Program Type

Total Credits

120

Affordability

Private School Education At State School Prices

Why Social Work?

Park University’s social work degree prepares you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals, families, and communities as they navigate life’s challenges. The accredited Bachelor of Social Work program combines classroom learning with hands-on field experience, equipping students with real-world skills. The curriculum emphasizes the strengths perspective and ecological systems theory, helping students understand and support diverse populations effectively. Graduates are well-prepared for licensure, employment in various social service settings, or advanced graduate studies.

What You’ll Learn

  • The social work degree explores the history, values, and ethics of the social work profession, along with its interdisciplinary roots in psychology, sociology, law, and more. Early coursework emphasizes service learning and introduces you to generalist practice competencies used in diverse community settings.
  • Throughout your social work education, you’ll study how cultural, biological, psychological, and social factors influence human development across the lifespan. Courses help you understand the impact of diversity, identity, and systemic oppression, preparing you to promote equity and justice in social work practice.
  • In the Park University’s Bachelor of Social Work program, you’ll examine the evolution and structure of social welfare policies in the U.S. and how these policies affect individuals and communities. You’ll also learn strategies to advocate for policy changes that better meet human needs and support social justice.
  • Through field placements and classroom instruction, you’ll gain real-world experience working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. You’ll practice applying core social work competencies, ethical decision-making, and culturally responsive interventions.
  • A Bachelor of Social Work degree enables you to design and conduct ethical research that informs and strengthens social work practice. Capstone projects and advanced seminars prepare you to transition into the profession with a strong foundation in ethical reasoning, reflective practice, and leadership.

Loading…

Tuition & Fees

Park University offers a transparent and student-focused approach to tuition and financial aid. Our tuition structure is designed to be competitive and manageable, and our financial aid counselors are available to guide you through every step of the process. From understanding your cost breakdown to exploring funding options, we ensure that financial planning is clear, personalized, and aligned with your educational journey.

Explore Tuition

Admission Requirements

Ready to take the next step in your education? Park University welcomes applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent who meet our undergraduate admission standards. Bachelor’s degrees require 120 credit hours, including coursework tailored to your major and core academic skills. To graduate, you’ll need to maintain a 2.0 GPA in your major and complete at least 30 credit hours at Park to meet the residency requirements, 15 of which must be earned in the major core. Whether you’re starting fresh or transferring in, we’re here to help you build a strong foundation for your future.

Visit Admissions Policies and Procedures to learn more about admission requirements at Park University.

Apply Now

Social Work Career & Future Opportunities

Case Management

A social work case manager helps clients navigate complex social service systems by assessing their needs, developing care plans, and connecting them to appropriate resources such as housing, healthcare, or counseling. They also monitor progress, advocate for client rights, and adjust services as needed to ensure adequate support and improved well-being.

Children and Family Services

A children and family services social worker supports the safety and well-being of children by assessing family situations, intervening in cases of abuse or neglect, and helping families access needed services. They work to strengthen family functioning, facilitate foster care or adoption when necessary, and advocate for policies that protect vulnerable children.

Adult and Elderly Services

An adult and elderly services social worker assists older adults and vulnerable adults in maintaining their independence, safety, and quality of life by connecting them with healthcare, housing, and social services. They also advocate for clients’ rights, assess for potential caregiver abuse or neglect, and help navigate complex systems like Medicare, long-term care, and end-of-life planning.

Substance Recovery

A substance recovery social worker helps individuals struggling with addiction by providing counseling, developing treatment plans, and connecting them to rehabilitation programs and community resources. They support clients through recovery by addressing underlying issues such as mental health, trauma, and family dynamics, while promoting long-term sobriety and stability.

Mental and Behavioral Health Services

A mental and behavioral health social worker supports individuals facing mental health challenges by providing supportive counseling, crisis intervention, and case management services. They work as part of a healthcare team to develop treatment plans, promote emotional well-being, and connect clients to therapy, psychiatric care, and community resources.

1 /

*General salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education and opportunities for employment that are outside of Park University’s Control. The labor market and average salary range can be explored further at the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

FAQs: Social Work Degree, B.S.W.

Graduates of Park’s BSW program are prepared for entry-level roles in mental health services, child welfare, substance abuse counseling, community outreach, and social service agencies. The degree also lays the foundation for advanced study in clinical social work, public policy, or social justice advocacy, making it a versatile launchpad for a career in human services.

Yes. The BSW program includes supervised field education in approved social service settings, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. These placements help students develop core competencies in client engagement, case management, and ethical practice, essential for becoming a licensed social worker.

Park University partners with a range of community organizations to provide students with hands-on experience through service learning and field placements. These opportunities allow students to build networks with social work professionals, apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts, and gain exposure to different areas of social work practice before graduation.

Park’s Bachelor of Social Work degree emphasizes advocacy, equity, and ethical practice through courses focused on systemic inequality, policy analysis, and community engagement. Students learn to address the needs of vulnerable populations while promoting inclusive solutions across mental health, housing, education, and social service sectors.

Related programs

Ready To Take The Next Step?

Class Start Dates: Term Dates

Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Park University is a private, non-profit, institution of higher learning since 1875.