Mar 29, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog | 2018-2019 
    
Undergraduate Catalog | 2018-2019 Previous Edition

Social Work, B.S.W.


Social work is a profession devoted to helping people function as effectively as possible within their environment, be it a context such as a family, a group, an organization such as a job, or a community.  The UNC Charlotte BSW Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the national accrediting body for social work education programs.  The BSW degree prepares students for generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.  Generalist practice relates to utilizing multiple types of interventions that would be useful for different types of social systems and client populations.  BSW graduates provide services such as assessment and intervention, counseling, crisis intervention, referral, mediation, and advocacy with diverse populations across all age groups.  BSW graduates work in a broad array of settings including:  hospitals; group homes; mental health, substance abuse, child welfare, youth and family service agencies; nursing homes; and schools.  The degree is centered in professional social work values and ethics within an increasingly global environment and is designed to affirm the human rights of diverse groups of people, especially populations-at-risk and groups which have historically been oppressed due to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, age, and ability. BSW education also provides an excellent foundation for those who wish to pursue graduate study in social work.

Admission Requirements


Freshmen

  • Minimum GPA: Declaring the Major (Lower Division): 2.0 GPA; Upper Division Admission submission period: 2.5 GPA; Early Admission submission period: 3.0 GPA
  • Pre-Major/Prerequisite Courses:  Students changing to lower division Social Work major from another major must attend Change of Major workshop.  Students entering BSW Program/Upper Division Sequence must apply and be accepted into to the BSW Program to progress to the Upper Division sequence.  The application process is competitive.  To apply during the traditional admission period, students must demonstrate that they are on track for completing the following by the time of program entrance:
    • 60 credit hours, the first four semesters of coursework on the social work advising checklist, and a grade of C or above in courses listed in bold on the Social Work advising checklist

To apply during early admission period, students must have completed all courses listed in bold on the Social Work advising checklist with a grade of C or above.  In addition, they must demonstrate that they are on track for completing the following by the time of program entrance:

  • 60 credit hours, the first four semesters of coursework on the social work advising checklist. Applicants who are not offered Early Admission will automatically be reconsidered during the Traditional Admission submission period.

Transfers

  • Minimum GPA:  Declaring the Major (Lower Division): 2.0 GPA; Upper Division Admission submission period: 2.5 GPA; Early Admission submission period: 3.0 GPA
  • Pre-Major/Prerequisite Courses: All incoming students begin as Pre-Social Work and apply to upper-division once eligible
  • Transferable Credit Hours:  24

Degree Requirements


The Major in Social Work leading to the BSW degree consists of 120 credit hours.

General Education Courses (37-41 credit hours)


For details on required courses, refer to the General Education Program .  Students majoring in Social Work should take the following courses that meet general education and major requirements:

Population Group Courses (12 credit hours)


Select four 3-hour courses examining diverse and vulnerable population groups of interest to social work.  The following courses are pre-approved as population group courses.  For a complete listing of preapproved Population Group Courses, please visit the School of Social Work website.  The courses on the list of preapproved population group courses are the only ones that can be used to meet this requirement.  All questions should be directed to the BSW Program Director.

Unrestricted Elective Courses


As needed to complete the credit hours required for graduation.

Degree Total = 120 Credit Hours