Bachelor of Social Work

Major in making a difference

A degree in social work at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh empowers you to begin a career in changing your world for the better. Discover a challenging profession, and an exciting, rewarding, and stimulating career in a field that is always changing.

The Bachelor of Social Work program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). 

The vision of this Department reflects a central belief that its curriculum be guided by the principle of doing what is right and just. We teach students to willingly accept the professional responsibility to act as the “heart and conscience” of the profession, and to advocate on behalf of those who suffer discrimination and oppression. The Department’s mission and goals stem from this vision.

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is dedicated to educating and preparing students to demonstrate ethically guided, evidence informed, generalist practice social work knowledge, with a focus on the recognition of oppression and application of critical thinking, social justice values, and wellness in the environment on both a local and global context.

BSW Goals:

  • Prepare graduates for entry-level employment in generalist social work practice positions.
  • Graduate competent (based on CSWE Foundation Competencies and Practice Behaviors) BSW level social work professionals.
  • Prepare students to practice the principles and values of the social work profession and its dedication to social justice, social and natural environments, and a commitment to advance wellness and sustainability.
  • Prepare students for entry into graduate school and stimulate engagement in regional professional development activities.
  • Prepare students from a empowerment perspective to practice inclusivity, respect, and equality to diverse, disadvantaged populations and advocate for human rights, social and economic justice.
  • Prepare students for state and national examination for certification as entry-level social workers.

 

To learn more, view our latest BSW Competency Outcomes

Explore

Curriculum

Field Studies

Advising

Resources

Curriculum

Undergraduate Social Work curriculum is designed to prepare students for a variety of roles in social work across many industries including government, education, non-profit and the private sector.

Students will receive solid foundation of general education courses as well as social science and humanities courses through their Social Work Gateway phase of courses. 

After the foundation of the Social Work Gateway courses, students formally apply to the BSW program. Upon acceptance, students will be able to access upper level and field study placement. 

Years I & II - Social Work Gateway Courses

Social Work

Social Work 167: Introduction to Social Work

Human Development (Choose One)

Social Work 220, Ed Found 235, Nursing 200, Psych 391

Interpersonal Skills (Choose One)

Soc Work 298, Comm 213, Comm 214

Additional BSW requirements (Take in first 90 credits)

Political Science (Choose One)

Poli Sci 105, Poli Sci 106

Statistics (Choose One)

Math 189, Math 109, Math 201, Math 301, Psych 203, Soc 281, CJ 281

History (Choose One)

Hist 201, Hist 202, Hist 326, Hist 361, Hist 363, Hist 368, Hist 385

English

WRT 288

Year III - Formal Admission to BSW Program

Fall Semester 

305 Social Work Ethics in a Diverse Society

376 Engagement and Assessment in Social Work Practice

377 Generalist Practice I Interviewing Lab

Approved 300-level Social Justice course

Spring Semester

Application for Admission to Field Practicum

310 Teamwork and Interprofessional Practice in Social Work

340 Research in Social Services OR Psych 275 OR Crim Jus 343

378 Interventions and Evidence Based Practice with Individuals and Families

379 Interventions and Evidence Based Practice in Macro Practice Settings

Year IV - Formal Admission to Field Practicum

Fall Semester 

401 Applied Generalist Practice I

410 Generalist Practice with Groups

Spring Semester

451 Applied Generalist Practice II

468 Social Welfare Policy OR Poli Sci 321

Field Studies

The Bachelor of Social Work program offers field placements as part of Social Work education. The placements give students the opportunity to develop skills under the supervision of an experienced social worker.

Near completion of the 300-level courses, the student submits a formal application for admission to the Field Practicum. The application materials are to be completed online by the announced due date, which is usually in the middle of the spring semester. Only those who are formally admitted will be permitted to enroll in the 400-level courses.

BSW Field Coordinator

Audra Eggum
Swart 226
egguma@uwosh.edu

Advising

Successful students seek out advice and support throughout their educational journey. Students with an interest in Social Work are encouraged to meet with Social Work adviser Colleen Hansen to talk about Social Work careers, what it’s like to be a student in the department, and educational plans.

Additional help in selecting courses, building a class schedule and planning for future semesters can be found at the Undergraduate Advising Resource Center (UARC).

Social Work Advising

Colleen Hansen
Swart 236
(920) 424-7179 / hansenc@uwosh.edu

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN OSHKOSH
Social Work Department

(920) 424-1419
socialwork@uwosh.edu
Swart Hall, Room 115