Social Work
Bachelor of Social Work
Earn a degree in Social Work
MAKE A DIFFERENCE, BUILD A FUTURE, BECOME A CHANGE-MAKER
OFFERED AS:
BSW Major, BSW Minor
FORMAT:
In-Person
CREDITS REQUIRED:
BSW Major (120), BSW Minor (18)
Turn your passion for helping others into a rewarding career. Kutztown University’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program empowers you to make a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Explore your interests in mental health, social services, and advocacy while gaining the knowledge and hands-on experience to turn your passion into action. With supportive faculty and opportunities for professional growth, you’ll be ready to make an impact and help create a better future.
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.
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, '25Here’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
Social 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 will 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
- Complete a 400-hour field internship
- Develop a professional capstone portfolio
- Earn the Case Management minor without adding additional credits
- Can accelerate their path to their MSW degree
- Join a Social Work Living Learning Community
Bachelor of Social Work Accreditation
Kutztown University's Social Work programs meet the Council on Social Work Education's (CSWE) rigorous accreditation standards.
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Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Competencies
Social work competence is the ability to effectively apply social work knowledge, values, and skills in a purposeful, intentional, and professional way to promote the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
The CSWE provides a comprehensive guide to its accreditation standards for Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, and Doctor of Social Work programs.CSWE 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
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 youth, adults, families, and communities. Popular professional fields include:
- Substance abuse treatment
- Community mental health
- Healthcare
- Hospice and geriatric care
- Advocacy and policy change
- Counseling and therapy
- Case management
- Child and family welfare
To learn more about these fields, please contact the BSW program director, Dr. Yasoda Sharma, at sharma@kutztown.edu.
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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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Which majors pair well with a minor in Social Work?
A social work minor complements majors across the health professions, education, psychology, criminal justice, business, and public service fields, providing students with valuable skills in advocacy, communication, cultural competence, and community engagement.Kutztown majors that pair well with a minor in social work:- Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Education
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
- Biology
- Business Administration
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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 (MSW). Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students who meet the required admissions criteria can enter the MSW program with advanced standing, 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.