Program Overview

Program Overview

The Social Work program at Xavier University is a four-year undergraduate program grounded in the liberal arts, granting students a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. The program has been accredited continuously for over 35 years by the Council on Social Work Education.

Program Description

Social work is about more than just helping individuals; it's about transforming communities. The undergraduate social work program at Xavier University prepares students for this vital role. The program prepares students to become skilled, compassionate, and ethical professionals ready to empower individuals, families, and communities. Students gain the knowledge and practical experience to address complex social issues, advocate for vulnerable populations, and foster positive change.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes a range of courses, such as:

• Survey of Society in Social Work (SOCW 167)
• Intro to Gender & Diversity (SOCW 206)
• Child Welfare and Development (SOCW 299)
• Values, Poverty, and Society (SOCW 315)
• Practice I: Individuals (SOCW 392)
• Social Policy (SOCW 316)
• Communications Skills Seminar (SOCW 320)
• Upper Level Diversity Course (SOCW)
• Practice II: Groups and Families (SOCW 393)
• Research Methodology (SOCW 352)
• Practice III: Communication and Org (SOCW 394)
• Social Work Field Instruction (SOCW 417)
• Social Work Seminar (SOCW 419)
• Religion, Ethics, and Professional Practice (SOCW 404)
• Research Paper (SOCW 424)

Outcomes

98% of Xavier students, including those in the social work major, are employed, volunteering, or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation (Class of 2023). Alumni employers include:

• American Red Cross
• Catholic Charities
• Cincinnati Children's Hospital
• Cincinnati Public Schools
• Child Focus
• Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA)
• Dress for Success Cincinnati
• Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services
• Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless
• GirlForward
• Hamilton County Jobs and Family Services
• Jesuit Volunteer Corps
• Lighthouse Youth Services
• Talbert House

Sample Courses

• Survey of Society Social Work (SOCW 167): An introduction to the profession of social work and social welfare.
• Intro to Gender & Diversity (SOCW 206): A critical framework for analyzing and exploring social diversity.
• Child Welfare and Development (SOCW 299): Knowledge of human development in the social environment.
• Values, Poverty, and Society (SOCW 315): Basic knowledge and understanding of social welfare and its services.

Clubs

• Student Social Work Organization (SSWO): Founded in 2007, SSWO holds events and participates in activities like the Violence Awareness Panel and Take Back the Night.
• Phi Alpha: Xavier's chapter of the National Social Work Honor Society, founded in 2011.
• Alternative Breaks: A program that works on site with local, national, and international organizations focused on social justice issues.

Related Programs

Related Majors

• BA in Gender & Diversity Studies
• BA in Political Science
• BA in Sociology
• BS in Psychology
• BS in Health Administration
• BA in Philosophy, Politics, and the Public

Related Minors

• Gender & Diversity Studies
• Peace Studies
• Languages
• Theology
• Criminal Justice
• Psychology
• Population Health

Related Graduate Programs

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• School Counseling

Program Features

• Hands-on learning experiences through required field placements in diverse settings.
• Field education with dedicated faculty.
• Areas of expertise/scholarship include gender and diversity studies, child abuse, eating disorders, addictions, domestic and sexual abuse, ethics, gerontology, and spirituality.
• Purpose-driven social work with a curriculum that integrates faith, social justice, and academic rigor.
• Accredited excellence with a program fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Alumni Making an Impact

• Chloe Roberts: Owner and Licensed Independent Social Worker.
• Jessica Factor, MSSA, LISW-S: Medical Social Worker at Centers for Dialysis Care, Author.
• Kesha Williams, PhD, MSW, LSW, LCDCIII, CA-CYFSW: President and CEO of Cool Comforts Co.

FAQ

• What jobs can you get with a degree in social work?
  • Clinical Social Worker
  • School Social Worker
  • Child and Family Social Worker
  • Medical Social Worker
  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Case Manager
  • Social and Community Services Manager
  • Gerontology Social Worker
  • Military Social Worker
  • Adoption Social Worker
• What is the licensure process for social workers?
  • The specific licensure requirements vary by state, but generally, you'll need a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
• Is Xavier’s social work major accredited?
  • Yes, Xavier University’s BSW is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
• Does Xavier offer an honors program for social work majors?
  • The University Scholars Honors Program offers incoming students a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree.