B.S. in Social Work
As the ultimate “helping profession,” Social Work combines interactive classroom study with hands-on Field Education Internships. We have a commitment to improve, strengthen, enhance, and empower. The Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Expand Your Impact in
Social Work
The Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree completion prepares graduates for professional practice today and preparation for graduate level education. This program combines strong classroom curriculum with additional required field education experience. Graduates of the Social Work program are employed in the following fields of practice: mental health, school social work, child welfare, criminal justice system, substance use, health care, aging, and others. Graduates are employed in non-profit and government organizations.
Degree Type: Bachelor of Science
Total Credits: 120
Outcome: Eligibility for Social Work Licensure
Outcome: Eligible for Advanced Standing into MSW programs, generally taking 1 year as a full-time student
Format: On-campus with hands-on Field Education Internship experience
Program
Overview
West Liberty University’s Social Work program prepares students to be compassionate, ethical professionals dedicated to strengthening individuals, families, and communities. Grounded in generalist social work practice, the program emphasizes human rights, social justice, and hands‑on learning to equip graduates for meaningful careers serving diverse populations across a wide range of settings.
Who This
Program Is For
Future Professional BSW level Social Workers
Students interested in direct practice in a Social Work setting. Students are planning on seeking employment and licensure immediately after graduation. There is some consideration for graduation education in the future. BSW level licensure eligible.
Aspiring Advanced Professional Careers including Administrators, Clinicians, and Researchers
Those planning to pursue graduate study in Social Work or related fields. Students may create a pathway for immediate graduate education. BSW graduates are eligible to apply for Advanced Standing in MSW programs, often completed in one year as a full-time student.
Career Expanders
Individuals looking to broaden their opportunities beyond an original career plan or major. These students may not be fully ready to change majors but are able to explore career and educational opportunities. The Social Work program offers minors in social work as well as Addiction Studies. These minors are open to enrolled students at West Liberty University.
What
You’ll Learn
Graduates of the BSW program gain the knowledge, values, and skills, professional judgment, abilities needed for licensure and to advance into graduate level practice.
Social Work Program Learning Outcomes: 2022 CSWE Competencies
In preparing students to meet the primary objective of gaining the competency needed for beginning social work practice, the formal curriculum is designed to support generalist Social Work education. The curriculum includes learning opportunities to develop the knowledge, values, and skills of a generalist social worker. The student who completes the baccalaureate program is prepared to the profession as a generalist who is able to apply the concepts and principles of Social Work practice working with individuals, families, small groups, communities and organizations. Therefore, the program produces reflective practitioners who:
- Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
- Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice- Social workers understand that every person regardless of position in society has fundamental human rights.
- Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice Social workers understand how racism and oppression shape human experiences and how these two constructs influence practice at the individual, family, group, organizational, and community levels and in policy and research.
- Engage In Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice Social workers understand quantitative and qualitative research methods and their respective roles in advancing a science of social work and in evaluating their practice
- Engage in Policy Practice Social workers understand that human rights and social justice, as well as social welfare and services, are mediated by policy and its implementation at the federal, state, and local levels.
- Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities Social workers understand that engagement is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities Social workers understand that assessment is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities Social workers understand that intervention is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities Social workers understand that evaluation is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Curriculum
Overview
The curriculum balances foundational social work courses, general education, a strong liberal arts foundation, and the Field Education Internship in order to prepare students in gaining the knowledge, values, and skills for generalist Social Work practice.
Program Structure
- General Education & Prerequisites: 57 credits
- Required Junior/Senior Coursework: 48 credits
- Completed during junior and senior years
- Includes course work in practice, human behavior, ethics, advocacy and social justice, history and policy, research, practice with individuals, families, groups, community, and organizations. This includes 12 credit of program electives
- Required Field Education Internship: 11 credits (490 hours)
Required Prerequisites Include:
- SWK 200- Introduction to Social Problems
- SWK 201- Ethnicity, Diversity, and Cultural Awareness
- Psych 101- Intro to Psychology
- Soc. 150- Basic Concepts of Sociology
- Fin. 131-Financial Literacy
- His 302- WV and the Appalachian History
A minimum grade of C in prerequisite courses and a cumulative GPA of 2.50 are required for admission into the professional phase of the program.
Career &
Outcomes
Graduates of the B.S. in Social Work are prepared for a wide range of professional pathways and fields of practice, including:
- Licensed Social Work practice
- Professional practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Graduate study in Social Work or related disciplines
- Advanced Standing graduate admissions for MSW programs
This degree provides the academic preparation and professional foundation employers seek for advanced and emerging roles within professional social work practice.
Admission
Requirements
Admission to the Social Work program requires an application and review, ensuring students are academically prepared for the rigor of a professional degree program. Students must meet the general admission requirements for West Liberty University and complete the Social Work program application, which is located in the Student Handbook. Students are encouraged to submit letters of interest to the faculty advisor at the end of the sophomore year. Faculty members review submitted information which includes GPA, completed coursework, and motivation for the professional preparation and career goals.
Requirements:
- Admission to West Liberty University
- Completion of the Social Work program application
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Completion (or in progress) of required prerequisite coursework
Qualified applicants are reviewed and ranked by the Social Work program faculty, with selection based on academic performance and readiness for continuation in the junior sequence.
Application Deadline: Ongoing admission to the program. Pre-requisites must be completed prior to entering the “junior/3rd year” sequence
Advisors are available to help students plan prerequisites and prepare strong applications.
Cost, Aid &
Affordability
West Liberty University is committed to delivering a high-quality professional education that remains accessible and affordable.
Students may be eligible for:
- Federal and state financial aid
- Institutional scholarships
- Program-specific or need-based assistance
- Discipline-specific grants, leading to employment with possible $15,000 of support
Financial aid counselors and academic advisors work closely with students to help them understand costs, explore funding options, and plan for their educational investment.
Steps to
Enrollment
Step 1: Apply to West Liberty University
Step 2: Declare your Social Work major
Step 3: Review the advising guide and prepare for enrollment
Admissions counselors and program advisors are here to support you at every step.
Become A
Hilltopper
West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.