About this Program
The Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) program is a professional program that prepares students for immediate entry into generalist social work practice in a variety of human service settings. The curriculum has a special focus on social justice and services to American Indians and their communities. Graduates are prepared to work with a variety of different groups in a culturally responsive manner.
Initially admitted as pre-social work, BSW students complete a secondary application to enroll in upper-level courses. Much of the BSW program can be completed in a hybrid format. Students must be on campus for a portion of their social work courses and to satisfy their liberal education requirements.
The BSW Program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE).
- Prepares graduates for practice in a variety of human service settings such as schools, mental health, tribal and county agencies, child welfare, healthcare, and community organizing
- Student-centered with diverse faculty, staff, and students
- Commitment to culturally responsive practice
- Bachelor of Social Work graduates can complete a Master of Social Work degree in one calendar year
- Emphasis on working with American Indian communities
- Dynamic practicum experiences
Acquired Skills
- Communication, problem-solving, empathy, cultural responsiveness, and collaboration/teamwork
- Understanding of the importance of developing socially just service delivery systems
Career Possibilities
Entry Level:
- Adoption Counselor
- Child Protection Services
- Crisis Intervention
- Hospice Coordinator
- Mental Health Social Worker
- Rehabilitation Counselor
- School Social Worker
- Services to Aging Populations
- Social and Community Service Manager
- Victim Advocate
- Youth Program Coordinator
Advanced Degree:
- Clinical Therapist/Mental Health Clinician
- Executive Director
- Psychiatric Social Worker
- Veterans Affairs Social Worker
Admissions and Scholarships
Students are eligible for a Child Welfare Scholarship.
Students in CEHSP are eligible for more than 100 scholarships each academic year typically totaling $370,000 annually. For more information on scholarship opportunities, visit the CEHSP scholarship webpage.
Student Clubs
Requirements
Students enter UMD as a Pre-Social Work major. A competitive application process begins each February to select approximately 50 students who will enter the upper-level social work course sequencing for the fall semester.
Faculty Highlights
- Outstanding, dynamic, and dedicated diverse faculty
- Experience serving culturally and socially diverse populations in clinical, community, and policy-based settings
- Actively involved in the community and conduct research with agency partners
- Recipients of campus and college awards for outstanding teaching, advising, and service
- Facilitate student-centered learning in the classroom and in community field agency settings