Skip to main content

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Turn Your Compassion Into a Career with a Bachelor of Social Work

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? A Bachelor of Social Work from West Virginia University can help you reach your goals.

CSWE Accredited Since 1942

Both the BSW and the MSW programs are nationally accredited by the  Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Engaging Field Experiences 

Our well-established Field Education program is coordinated by a dedicated office of faculty and field instructors.

Dedicated Advising

You will benefit from individualized advising with a consistent faculty member throughout your degree program.

Impactful Research

Community-based research opportunities with School of Social Work faculty and the WVU SURE and RAP programs.
BSW graduates in caps and gowns with the program director

Social workers help people function the best they can in their environment and circumstance. They provide direct services to people in their homes, schools, workplaces, and communities and empower people to help themselves.

Social workers are advocates for social change. A victim of an assault benefits not only from therapy, but also from efforts to curb neighborhood crime. The client who is under stress because illness has devastated the family finances,  benefits from efforts to reform the nation’s healthcare system. Social work is more than working with people on welfare. Social workers serve their communities in powerful ways that lead to lasting changes.

  • Our curriculum will prepare you for positions in the social work profession. We train students to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations around the country.
  • Our faculty are active members of human service organizations throughout their communities. We seek to benefit the lives of every resident in our city and state through our research, teaching and service.
  • Outside of our classes, field education is an important part of the professional social work curriculum. Lessons learned outside the classroom complement the lessons taught inside the classroom. 
  • Community service, volunteer work and field placements (internships) provide you with meaningful opportunities to explore life as a social worker.

BSW Program Options

Subhead goes here.

On Campus Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Our on-campus Bachelor of Social Work program provides a traditional learning experience with in-person classes, access to campus facilities, and a vibrant student life.

On Campus BSW

Online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Our fully online BSW program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Students in the online program pay in-state tuition, regardless of their current state residency.

Online BSW

Admissions Process

Review these key details to understand the social work admissions process. First, declare social work as your major. After completing the required courses and service hours, apply to begin upper-level coursework. We're here to help every step of the way.

Read the Details

Resources and Opportunities

You will find many opportunities available to you as an undergraduate student in our department. Our faculty and staff encourage questions and we are committed to your success!

BSW Mission and Goals

The mission of the BSW program is to educate students to become generalist social workers grounded in the liberal arts, the person-in-environment framework, and competency-based education.

Advising for BSW Students

You will work with our B.S.W. Program Coordinator or your faculty advisor to formulate a plan of study consistent with the policies of the program, the School of Social Work, and WVU.

BSW Student Handbook (PDF)

As you begin your education for a career in social work, you may have questions or concerns. We hope this handbook will address many of them by providing general information about the School of Social Work and your degree program.

Resources and Support

Explore a wide range of resources designed to help you thrive, from academic support and career guidance to wellness services and student organizations.

Transfer and 2+2 Students

If you are thinking about transferring to the WVU BSW Program, we are ready to work with you to make your transition as smooth as possible!

Technology Requirements

To successfully complete coursework in the WVU School of Social Work programs, all students—especially those in online courses—must have specific technology skills and resources.

Testimonials Headline

Subhead goes here.

View Spotlight for Carly Costello

Carly Costello

“I am so glad I chose the route of social work! During grad school I felt empowered and just knew it was the right degree for me. My professors and peers in the social work program were inspiring and supportive. ”

View Spotlight for Lauren Verlinden

Lauren Verlinden

“Now as a therapist for children and adolescents, I have been able to fulfill my biggest dreams because of the education, staff, professors and friends through the School of Social Work at WVU.”

View Spotlight for Evelyn Tomaszewski

Evelyn Tomaszewski

“To today’s student: be creative, build transferable skills across practice areas, follow your passion and adapt to new opportunities, take time to connect with your WVU community (and beyond) to grow your expertise and to build connections. Be the change!”

Put additional info or links here.

If you are a compassionate individual with an interest in human diversity and a desire to help others, then a bachelor of social work can help you reach your goals. Our curriculum prepares students for positions in the social work profession and can provide you with the opportunity to advance in higher education. We train students to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations around the country. Completing a BSW degree allows for immediate access to employment opportunities in fields such as child advocacy, public relations, human resources, public health and wellness promotion, justice system, and services to veterans. 

Our faculty are active members of human service organizations throughout their communities. We seek to benefit the lives of every resident in our city and state through our research, teaching and service.

See BSW Alumni Stories

                                                       WVU's Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE)