Social Work, B.S.

Put yourself in a position to improve the quality of life of individuals and communities faced with poverty, serious illness or disability with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (B.S.S.W.). Through your coursework at Saint Louis University's School for Professional Studies, you’ll prepare for generalist social work practice in a program that integrates knowledge and skills with field experience.

After finishing your major’s prerequisites in the School for Professional Studies, where you will take your classes online, you will complete the remainder of your classes in an on-campus, eight-week format through SLU's School of Social Work. During your senior year, you will spend two to three days a week in a social service agency of your choice, supervised by an experienced social worker. High-achieving students may apply to the accelerated master’s program during their junior year of study, through which they can earn a Bachelor of Science in Social Work in four years and a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) with just one additional year of study.

The social work curriculum contains 39 credits of major courses covering topics such as human behavior and the social environment and three practice courses that address social work with individuals, families and groups, and organizations and communities. Students spend two semesters in a social service agency during their senior year, supervised by an experienced social worker. Science, math and humanities courses and electives fill out the remainder of the 120 credits required for the major.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

The program's service-learning component gives students opportunities to embody the University's Jesuit mission and apply the knowledge they gain in the classroom to serve others. In addition to volunteer work, students can explore different types of social work with guidance from seasoned professionals through partnerships with more than 250 social service agencies around the St. Louis area.

Careers

Social work graduates from Saint Louis University can look forward to careers in various settings. U.S. Labor Department projections indicate a steady demand for social work jobs in the years ahead. Most social workers specialize in an area of practice, including but not limited to:

• Clinical work
• Child welfare or family services
• Mental health
• Schools
• Policymaking and advocacy

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need. The School for Professional Studies offers numerous scholarships and awards specifically for new students.
• Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

To determine eligibility for financial assistance, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early for maximum consideration. FAFSA is available online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit the student financial services office online at https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid.

Active Military and Veterans and First Responders

Honorably discharged veterans, active-duty military members, reserve members and first responders qualify for a reduced tuition rate of $295 per credit hour for any undergraduate program offered through the School for Professional Studies.

1. Graduates will be able to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
2. Graduates will be able to engage diversity and difference in practice.
3. Graduates will be able to advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice.
4. Graduates will be able to engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
5. Graduates will be able to engage in policy practice.
6. Graduates will be able to engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
7. Graduates will be able to assess with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
8. Graduates will be able to intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
9. Graduates will be able to evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.

B.S.S.W. Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes 

Admission Requirements

• Delayed enrollment in post-secondary education
• Attends part-time for at least part of the academic year
• Works full-time (35 hours or more/week) while enrolled
• Is financially independent
• Has dependents other than a spouse
• Is a single parent
• Has other demands that make traditional education less feasible

Program Requirements 

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a minimum 2.00 GPA.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.