Social Work

Social Work is one of the most dynamic, versatile and rewarding professions in today’s world. At Seattle University, you will gain a solid foundation in the profession’s theory, practice, skills, and values to effectively assist diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities and advocate for social change. Your courses will challenge you to apply theory and learn problem solving techniques to improve the well being of people and their ability navigate social systems. 

Program benefits:

• Fully accredited program by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) assuring national standards of preparation
• Preparation for employment and career as a generalist social worker with a nationally recognized BSW degree
• Upon graduation, an opportunity for advanced placement in Master of Social Work (MSW) programs and eventual licensure
• Being known and mentored through small class sizes and accessible professors
• Cohort-based program
• Competency-based curriculum with a range of requirements and electives
• Intensive practical training in a state-of-the -art counseling lab
• Hands on learning through a required 9-month, 450-hour field practicum in one of more than 40 community agencies with supervision by experienced social workers
• Rigorous Capstone project in which students write and present a research paper that evaluates a component of their practice
• Emphasis on working with at-risk and underserved populations and social and economic justice
• Study abroad opportunities
• Located in Seattle, a city known for its diversity and a leader in advocacy and support for people in need

As a social work major, you will work directly with social work professionals in the classroom and in the community. Our faculty  are active scholars, practitioners, and leaders in the field of social work and social work education. We are passionate about our work and your success.

Degrees offered:

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
• Minor in Social Welfare

The Seattle University difference:

We expect our graduates to make a difference in the world through ethical leadership redressing social inequities in their social work profession. Our alumni are pursuing social work careers in a range of areas including  family support, foster care and adoption, child welfare, juvenile justice, gerontology, school-based or medical social work, mental health/ clinical social work, research, advocacy and policy development. They are case managers, advocates, therapists, policy analysts, administrators, behavioral coaches, and outreach workers.  Some have gone on to volunteer with Peace Corps, Teach for America, Jesuit Volunteer Corps and Catholic Relief Services.  

Alumni Update

Amelia Kent, BSW Alumni, Published in Democracy Chronicles

Amelia Kent, BSW is currently serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Cebu City, Philippines. Amelia works with victims of sex trafficking and prostitution at an agency that does outreach, provides shelter services, job readiness programs and conducts advocacy and HIV/AIDS education in the community. Amelia is a dedicated advocate for democracy and social justice. She hopes to continue fighting for human rights and equality through direct service, and writing about her experiences from abroad in what Peace Corps calls, “The hardest job you’ll ever love.” You can read more about Amelia’s Peace Corps experience on her blog: http://amelia-philippines.blogspot.com/

The Inconvenience of Homelessness in America - Featured in Democracy Chronicles