Social Work
Social Work Degree
Be an advocate with a degree in Social Work
OFFERED AS:
Major, Minor
FORMAT:
In-Person
CREDITS REQUIRED:
Major (120), Minor (18)
Ready to make a difference? Kutztown University’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program prepares you to support individuals, families, and communities while building a meaningful career in mental health, social services, and advocacy. With a strong focus on professional development, supportive faculty, and real-world preparation, you’ll graduate ready to create positive change.
Why Choose Kutztown University for a Social Work Degree
Choosing the social work degree at Kutztown University means joining a program with a strong reputation for student support and professional preparation. The Bachelor of Social Work fosters a welcoming environment where faculty are deeply invested in your success, and students develop confidence, leadership, and a strong foundation for long-term success in the social work field.
Here’s why students choose Kutztown for their BSW degree:
- Learn in a nationally accredited Council on Social Work Education program
- Develop a strengths perspective through a generalist curriculum
- Receive support from dedicated faculty and advisors
- Benefit from an affordable, career-focused education
- Join a close-knit social work community
Kutztown University felt like home. I knew that I belonged in the field of Social Work the second I met with my advisor.
Karianne Opalach, '25Social Work Degree Highlights
Kutztown University’s Bachelor of Social Work transforms students into career-ready professionals through strong academic preparation and hands-on learning. You’ll develop critical thinking, communication, and ethical decision-making skills while gaining real-world experience that prepares you to succeed in the field.
Social Work Majors:
- Train in nationally accredited Council on Social Work Education program standards
- Connect with faculty mentors and advisors from day one
- Gain early agency experience in Social Work 200
- Complete a 400-hour field internship
- Develop a professional capstone portfolio
- Build career-ready skills with the Case Management minor
- Can accelerate their path to their MSW degree
- Join a Social Work Living Learning Community
Student Learning Outcomes
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Social Work (BSW)
Students upon completion of a Bachelor of Social Work will be able to:
1. demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
2. diversity and difference in practice.
3. advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
4. engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
5. engage in policy practice.
6. engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities.
7. assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities.
8. intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities.
9. evaluate practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities.
Social Work Degree Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I apply to the Bachelor of Social Work program?
To become a social work major at Kutztown, submit the admissions application. To complete your application, you’ll submit official high school transcripts and, if transferring from another institution, transcripts from any colleges or universities you’ve previously attended.
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What can I do with a Bachelor of Social Work?
A BSW degree prepares you for a wide range of careers helping individuals, families, and communities. The field of social work is projected to grow faster than the average for most occupations over the next decade, creating strong demand for trained professionals in human services, mental health, and community support. The following are common job titles and their average annual salaries according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Child Welfare Specialist: $50,572
- Case Manager: $47,858
- Mental Health Technician: $41,167
- Social Services Coordinator: $63,175
- Substance Abuse Counselor: $53,105
- School or Community Support Staff: $43,171
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Can I add a minor to my Social Work Degree?
Yes. Students in Kutztown University’s Bachelor of Social Work program can add a minor to strengthen their career preparation and expand their focus areas.
The Case Management minor is designed to complement the social work major and build practical skills in coordinating services, supporting clients, and navigating human service systems. A key benefit is that the Case Management minor can be completed within the 120-credit social work degree, meaning no additional credits are required.
Students may also choose other minors to match their career goals, including:
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Can I earn a Master of Social Work Degree at Kutztown University?
Yes. Kutztown University offers an accelerated pathway to earn your Master of Social Work. Qualified Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students can begin working toward their master’s degree during their senior year. Students who meet the required GPA criteria can complete their Master of Social Work (MSW) in just one additional year, saving time and reducing overall tuition costs.
This accelerated pathway provides a seamless transition into graduate study and helps students advance more quickly into specialized and higher-level social work careers.