Social Work - BS, BA

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

About This Degree

Social work is a professional and academic discipline involving the pursuit of social welfare, social change, and social justice.

The social work program at USU is committed to the resolution of contemporary social problems, such as poverty, racism, discrimination, and economic injustice.

USU’s social work program, which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, prepares students to enter into a wide variety of positions in public and private social service settings, which can include work in child welfare, youth services, mental health, criminal justice, aging, and health care. Students learn how to think critically in order to intervene effectively with individuals, families, groups, and communities throughout the world. They also learn to utilize advocacy and administrative skills as a means to promote social change. Additionally, faculty members at Utah State conduct research while maintaining open availability to students.

Upon graduation, students are prepared to be licensed as social workers. In order to certify in the state of Utah, students must show proof of graduation and pass the National Basic Social Work exam and the State of Utah Law and Ethics exam.

Students desiring additional preparation for employment in the social services may complete a dual major in sociology and social work. With the help of advisors, students who will seek positions in other special areas could include appropriately related courses.

Students receive a by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

REQUEST INFORMATION
ADVISING

At a Glance

College: College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department: Social Work Department

USU Locations:

Program Requirements

Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Graduates who become certified can work as social workers in the following areas:

  • Public welfare (administration and planning, case management, program evaluation, policy setting, public interest groups)
  • Criminal justice/corrections (counseling/therapy, rehabilitation, probation, parole, youth services, victim assistance, courts)
  • School social work (clinical social work, pupil personnel services, student advocacy, instruction)
  • Child welfare (case management, advocacy, intervention)
  • Family Services (adoption agencies, foster care organizations, etc.)
  • Private Practice (or private social service agencies)
  • Gerontology (advocacy/intervention, counseling, case management, programming, public policy)
  • Clinical (counseling, therapy, community mental health centers, community residential homes, residential treatment centers, substance abuse treatment programs)
  • Occupational (counseling, education, wellness promotion, employee assistance, organizational development, human resources, labor unions, health maintenance organizations (HMOs))
  • Developmental disabilities (case management, program planning and evaluation, policy development)
  • Health care (case management, counseling, program development, administration, research)
  • Community organization (program and community development, advocacy, politics, education, planning)

Job Outlook

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND ADVISING

Advising

We will build on your goals and experiences while working together to design an individualized semester-by-semester plan. Your personalized plan will help you see a path from where you are now on to graduation. Even if you are unsure of the major you would like to pursue, we can help with resources and ideas.

Schedule an Appointment

I am not a current USU student

I have not applied or been admitted, even if I've taken a USU Concurrent Enrollment course

I am a current USU student

I have been admitted and plan to attend, or continue attending USU

USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

STATEWIDE CAMPUSES*

*This degree is available at various USU locations.

Admission

Admission Requirements

In addition to Utah State University’s admissions requirements, the social work program has additional requirements:

  • Freshmen: New freshmen admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to the social work major.
  • Transfer Students: Transfer students from other institutions and students transferring from other USU majors must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 and a minimum GPA of 2.75 in social work classes.

International students have additional admissions requirements.

Program Requirements

Students in this program are required to take two semesters of practicum, in which students gain hands-on expeirence in a social service agency.

Take The Next Step

Visit Campus

Schedule a campus tour and come see what it's all about.

Cost and Aid

Learn about tuition, scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities.

How to Apply

Start your degree path and apply now.

You May Also Be Interested In

Psychology

Prepare for graduate school in psychology as you understand the science of human behavior and mental processes while you hone your research skills and gain experience in clinics, labs, and other hands-on settings.

BS, BA

Social Studies (Composite Teaching)

Can’t choose between teaching history, geography, psychology, sociology, economics, or political science? Become a well-rounded teacher with competitive qualifications as you learn to teach all of them in middle and high schools.

BS, BA

Social Work Loading...

Become advocates committed to the resolution of contemporary social problems. This social work minor lets you customize your coursework to fit the specialties you’re most interested in, from mental health to child welfare.

Minor

Sociology

Study a wide range of topics related to social behavior and change, including crime, social inequality, gender roles, and more, as you develop strong communication and research skills to develop new theories and inform policies, laws, and programs.

BS, BA