The Bachelor of Social Work Program at the University of Connecticut prepares students for both entry-level professional practice and advanced standing in graduate social work programs. Rooted in social justice and human rights, the curriculum has a generalist orientation that pays equal attention to micro, mezzo and macro practice. The program is committed to providing opportunities for students to develop ethical approaches to practice with underserved populations and communities through coursework that fosters self-reflection and critical application of theory and research, and through innovative practicum placement experiences. Graduates are prepared to contribute to individual and community well-being through the valuing of human diversity, the prevention and alleviation of structural inequities, and through advocacy for improved social policies and services.

BSW Major Course Sequence - For All cohorts

BSW Course Directory

The Child Welfare and Protection Track prepares Spanish-speaking students in the Bachelor of Social Work program with specialized knowledge and experience in child welfare and protection services to meet the needs of Connecticut’s Latino families served by the state Department of Children and Families (DCF). This partnership serves as a pipeline for students who have an interest in working for DCF after graduation.

Learn more about the Child Welfare and Protection Track.

Read about students who graduated from the BSW Spanish-speaking track.

Watch an NBC CT report about the BSW Spanish-speaking track.

There are many reasons why social work is a good choice for your future. Social work is a challenging and rewarding profession that offers state, national and international career opportunities. It is also one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States.

Social workers make a difference in the lives of others and communities. They work at the individual, group, family, organizational, community and policy levels. In generalist practice, social workers may work in settings such as schools, community centers, hospitals, mental health centers, nursing homes, shelters, libraries, after school programs, clinics, courts, criminal justice settings and child welfare. They may also work in social action organizations, advocacy organizations, political offices and community organizations. In each of these roles, social workers are advocates for human rights and social justice.

A social work degree provides a gateway to a meaningful professional career where you can positively improve the well-being of individuals and communities.

Majoring in the two-year social work program allows you to earn a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. Social work education combines specialized coursework with hands-on experience. Those who complete the program will acquire knowledge and skills working with individuals, families, groups, and communities, assisting them to access services, provide support, conduct advocacy, and promote social justice and human rights. The BSW program at UConn prepares undergraduates to become entry-level professionals working in a wide range of community-based human services organizations. Graduates may work in direct practice with individuals, families, and groups; policy and advocacy; research and education. Social workers work in an array of fields, including child welfare, mental health, substance abuse, healthcare, aging, immigration, juvenile justice, corrections, food or housing assistance programs, job training programs for low-income individuals, community organizing and entry-level policy research and advocacy. In sum, a BSW degree prepares you for generalist social work practice and the ability to apply for Advanced Standing in graduate social work education programs.

The Social Work profession has identified 9 competencies students must fulfill in order to graduate:

Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Competency 2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Competency 4: Engage In Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice
Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

As a graduate of a BSW program that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), you are eligible to apply for Advanced Standing status for Masters of Social Work (MSW) programs. Advanced Standing status allows you to complete a MSW program in one academic year plus a one-month summer session, rather than the typical two years it would take a student from another undergraduate major, like psychology, sociology, etc., to complete a MSW program.

Learn about our Advanced Standing program.

The Council on Social Work Education Commission on Accreditation has granted accreditation to the University of Connecticut Baccalaureate Social Work (BSW) program.

Students are required to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework to graduate from the University of Connecticut with an undergraduate degree. Social work majors are required to complete 52 credit hours of Social Work coursework. Students take classes in the areas of social work practice, policy, research, human behavior, social justice, and two electives in varied fields of practice, such as violence prevention and  substance abuse. In addition, all students complete two semesters of practicum education work.

The BSW program operates within a cohort model. Each year up to 25 students will be accepted into the program.

All required classes in the BSW program do not exceed 25 students.

All required classes for the BSW program are held on the Hartford Campus.

UConn sophomores can apply to the School of Social Work by completing the School of Social Work’s application and choosing Social Work as their major.

Any current junior who is interested in the program must talk with their advisor about their options.

Learn more about BSW Admissions here.

While there are no specific courses that are required to enter the program, we have prepared a list of recommended courses for those interested in the BSW Program.