Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is a prestigious, nationally accredited program that provides students with the tools to make a difference in the lives of individuals, families, groups, and communities. The program focuses on social work courses in social policy and services, human behavior in the social environment, social work practice, research, and practicum instruction in community agencies.

Program Description

The curriculum for this undergraduate program leads to a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Students focus on social work courses in social policy and services, human behavior in the social environment, social work practice, research, and practicum instruction in community agencies. In addition, majors take elective courses in related areas.

Format Options

This program is also offered via ASU Sync, specifically for students with transfer credit or those who already hold an associate degree. ASU Sync enables students to attend live classes remotely via Zoom. Classes are designed to foster active collaboration and discussion in real-time with faculty and peers.

At a Glance

• College/school: Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
• Location: Downtown Phoenix, West Valley, ASU Sync, ASU at Tucson, or Online
• Second language requirement: No
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
• First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
• Math intensity: General

Curriculum

View 2025 - 2026 curriculum. View curriculum archives.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated Program Options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Additional requirements: The ASU Sync option is available only to transfer students or those with an associate degree. Students on F-1 or J-1 immigration status visas are not allowed to complete courses via Sync.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Change of Major Requirements

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required to change majors to this program.

Attend Online

ASU Online offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• Plan, implement, and evaluate evidence-based interventions.
• Apply professional case management intervention skills when working with individuals, families, groups, and communities.
• Advocate for advanced human rights, and social and economic justice.

Global Opportunities

When participating in a study abroad program, students examine social work through an international lens as it relates to community-building, service organizations, support for disenfranchised people, and human rights advocacy.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared to be generalist social work practitioners who focus on advocacy, referrals, case management, and problem-solving functions with individuals, groups, families, organizations, and the community. Employment in social work is expected to increase commensurately with the needs of a growing and diverse population. Social workers are employed in public and private agencies and deal with a wide variety of social issues, including:

• adoption and teen pregnancy
• aging
• child abuse and foster care
• corrections and delinquency
• disability
• discrimination
• domestic violence and family dysfunction
• health and mental health
• homelessness and poverty
• substance abuse

Professional Licensure

ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state.