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Social Work B.S.

Work with individuals, families, groups to advance justice and equity for all in clinical and community settings.
a social worker talks to a child and parent in an office

About this Program

Social workers engage clients, organizations, and society to promote social justice, well-being, and respect for humankind.

  • Be part of our commitment to equitable and inclusive practices, studying in a program that values human diversity and the dignity and worth of humankind.
  • Jumpstart your experience with extensive practicum field placements in human services settings that give experience in translating theory to practice.
  • The program prepares graduates for competent and effective generalist professional practice by developing the requisite social work knowledge, values, and skills for practice and graduate study.
  • Get a small school feel at a dynamic R1 research university through personalized academic and career advising; the opportunity to work closely with internationally recognized faculty, including on research projects; and with a cohort that takes many of its classes together.
  • The B.S. in Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Graduates are exceptionally prepared for professional careers in clinical practice, schools, healthcare systems, supportive housing, government services, substance abuse treatment, services for older adults, and everywhere else social workers are needed. B.S. in Social Work graduates qualify for the accelerated Advanced Standing M.S.W. in Social Work.

Program Information

Degree Type

Major

Outcome

B.S.

Modality

In-person

College or School

Career Path

student teacher reads the cat in the hat to three preschool age children

School of Education

Syracuse University’s School of Education advances the future of teaching and learning through inclusive and antiracist practice, integration of digital technology, and experiential learning rooted in campus and community partnerships.By fostering a welcoming learning community that supports distinct potential, the school mentors and nurtures the next generation of impactful and innovative educators, scholars and leaders.With immersive training that begins in the first year and unique research and creative opportunities that range from field experiences to live educational simulations to engaging internships, School of Education graduates are equipped to inspire generations.
Explore the School

Curriculum

Coursework emphasizes generalist-level practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Students engage in learning centered around human behavior; advocacy; social, economic, and environmental justice; diversity; and policy studies.

Our core mission centers around our shared commitment to enhance human thriving via:

  • Advocating for social, economic, and environmental justice and challenging social inequities.
  • Encouraging self-awareness.
  • Embodying the practices of cultural competence and cultural humility.

Students take extensive coursework across the social sciences to gain a holistic understanding of the human condition. The curriculum incorporates instruction in professional foundation areas with carefully chosen behavioral and natural sciences taken within the College of Arts and Sciences.

The culmination of the program requires a 500-hour practicum in a human services agency that gives students supervision, work experience, leadership, and training in a theory-to-practice model.

Extracurricular Opportunities

Discover the Roots of Social Work in New York City

Immersion Trip

Spend three days in the New York City area for the Barbara Richman Mirken New York City Social Work Immersion Trip, sponsored by the Barbara Richman Mirken Seminar Endowed Fund. The trip offers students the opportunity to experience both historical and contemporary sites that bring to life the role of social work in the urban environment of Manhattan.

Experience the World

Study Abroad

Take part in short-term trips or semester programs around the world. Syracuse University Abroad consistently ranks among the highest-quality study abroad programs in the country and has six Centers in other countries. School of Education students are eligible for exclusive funding to support study abroad experiences.

a group of students and faculty at the Roman Colosseum during a study abroad trip to Italy
Student Organization

Social Workers United (SWU)

Social Workers United aims to connect graduate and undergraduate students with faculty and staff to better serve the school, students, and community. SWU programming focus on social justice, advocacy, and civic engagement. The organization provides an information network that will connect students with various opportunities within the university, the School of Social Work, and the broader community.

presenter at a social work professional development workshop

Learn more about this program

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