Social Work, BSW

Play video: Isabella Moniz | Social Work at Westfield State University

Make a Difference in the Lives of Others

Improve the lives of the people in your community with a social work degree. Our respected Bachelor of Social Work program helps you gain a better understanding of theories of human behavior and the social environment. You’ll develop values, ethics, and critical-thinking skills as you advise, counsel, and connect people in need with resources that can help. The Bachelor of Social Work program includes both classroom work and practicum (internship) experience. Learn about social welfare policy and planning, human behavior, and the social environment as you develop valuable research skills.

Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the Bachelor of Social Work program at Westfield State University prepares you to practice generalist social work at the entry level, as well as for graduate education in social work. Once you graduate, you are eligible to sit for the state licensure exam (LSW) and may be eligible for advanced standing in any graduate social work program in the U.S.

Program Highlights

  • On campus, hybrid, or remote synchronous learning
  • Hands-on learning through community-based internships
  • Supportive, collaborative, student centered community
  • BSW graduates may be eligible to earn MSW degrees in less than a year

Choose to Make a Lasting Impact in the Lives of Others with a Social Work Degree

Become a competent professional in a rewarding field.

Use Your Knowledge to Help Change Lives

  • student studying

    Respected and affordable.

    Westfield State University is ranked as one of the top ten New England region schools for a Bachelor of Social Work. You’ll graduate from a respected program that thoroughly prepares you for success as a social worker. Additionally, our program is also ranked among the top ten most affordable programs in the nation—a great value that pays off.

  • A student seated at a graduation ceremony wears a graduation cap decorated with flowers and the letters BSW.

    95% of graduates find a job or pursue graduate studies within three months 

    Graduates of our Bachelor of Social Work program are in demand. When you get your social work degree from Westfield State University, you’ll have the educational background and practicum experience you need to work with children, youth, and families, as well as individuals living with addiction and mental health issues. Many of our graduates advance their education in our MSW program.

  • Two students conversing with someone seated at a table.

    150+ Community partners offering practicum internships

    Bring academic knowledge to life with a practicum internship. Choose from a wide variety of opportunities, including child welfare, medical, educational, criminal justice, mental health, addiction, and other settings. You’ll learn generalist and advanced clinical practice from our trusted community partners.

Program Details

Program Mission

The mission of the social work program is to prepare bachelor-level students to practice generalist social work at the entry level and to be prepared for graduate education in social work. This mission specifically includes helping students to develop:  

  • A sense of social responsibility;  

  • An appreciation for the significance of the diverse nature of the world;   

  • Knowledge regarding the impact of oppression in the world;  

  • An understanding of the key roles that social work values and ethics, knowledge and skills play in practice;

  • A respect for the changing nature of the social work knowledge base. 

This mission translates into a challenging curriculum founded on a liberal arts base that is focused around: (1) generalist social work practice, (2) social welfare policy and planning, (3) human behavior and the social environment, (4) research, and (5) practicum. Throughout this curriculum, the issues of diversity, culturally competent practice, promotion of social and economic justice, practice with populations at risk, the values and ethics of social work, and the changing knowledge base for social work practice are integrated. Further, students’ preparation for practice in this complex changing world is accomplished through the development and promotion of students’ critical thinking skills to enhance evidence-informed practice. 

Program Vision

The Westfield State University BSW Program strives to be the premier public undergraduate social work program in the Northeast Region. We will achieve this through our commitment to academic excellence, to innovative and student-centered approaches to learning, and our dedication to upholding the values and ethics of social work education.  

Learning Outcomes

The goals of the Social Work Program at WSU were developed to reflect the program’s mission and the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards of the Council on Social Work Education. These goals are defined and specified through the Program Competencies that students are expected to develop. The competencies are presented after the goals and each competency is followed by specific Practice Behaviors that each student will develop, resulting in a demonstration of the competency. 

Goal #1: Students will develop an understanding of the field of social work. 

Goal #2: Students will develop critical thinking skills. 

Goal #3: Students will be able to practice social work within the parameters developed in the Social Work Code of Ethics. 

Goal #4: Students will develop knowledge needed to assess problems that impact client systems of various sizes. 

Goal #5: Students will develop knowledge and skills to practice social work from a generalist perspective. 

The accomplishment of these goals will be demonstrated by the achievement of the following 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. 

Westfield State University offered a BSW program that met my needs in a holistic manner. The group of eclectic, personable professors and variety of classes provides a learning experience like no other. Thanks to the uniquely designed curriculum and experiences from the social work program, I felt well prepared entering the field with the proper tools and skill sets to further my career.

-Rose Blomgren L.C.S.W., BSW, '15 

What Can You Do with a Degree in Social Work?

You’ll have the knowledge and experience to work with a variety of populations, including children, older persons, and people living with substance use and mental health issues, and in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, and healthcare settings. Serve your community as a:

  • Administrator 
  • Case manager
  • Child protective worker
  • Clinical therapist
  • Community organizer
  • Counselor 
  • Human resources professional
  • Medical social worker
  • School social worker
  • Victim advocate
Student looking at the camera smiling

Ready to learn more?

Course Requirements

Admission into the Social Work major:

Students formally apply for admission into the Social Work program during the end of the 2nd year, with 3rd year transfer students applying when admitted. Prior to submitting their application, students are required to complete 60 hours of human service activity. This experience is designed to give students an opportunity to engage in face-to-face helping activities that will allow the student to determine if s/he is well suited for a career in Social Work. Students should be enrolled in SOCW 0103, SOCW 0204, SOCW 0241, and SOCW 0340.

Requirements for Social Work Majors - 65-69 Credits

Foundation courses - 19 Credits:

Major courses - 48 Credits*:

Retention in the Social Work program:

To remain in the major, a student will have to receive at least a “C” in all major and foundation courses, retain at least a 2.5 grade point average in all required major and foundation courses, and retain an overall GPA of 2.5. A student who does not meet these standards will not be permitted to enroll in the fourth-year field practicum.

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

Get Big School Features with Small School Advantages

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • 87%

    of students receive financial aid

  • 700+

    internship opportunities

  • Study abroad

    in 35+ countries

Experienced Faculty Support Your Goals

Caring and dedicated faculty are here to support you throughout your educational experience. You’ll get individualized attention from educators who have field experience as well as classroom knowledge and community connections.

A professor presents coursework while standing at a podium in a classroom setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).     

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university.   

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. 

Learn more about our student support services here.

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Social Work, BSW