NY State Program Code: 04171
HEGIS Code: 2104.00
CIP Code: 44.0701
The undergraduate social work program leads to a Bachelor of Social Work degree (B.S.W.), preparing students for generalist social work practice in the complex and varied social welfare and human services fields. Grounded in a rich and vigorous education in the liberal arts and sciences, the curriculum provides graduates with the professional knowledge, values, and skills needed to begin careers in social work. The curriculum emphasizes a generalist orientation, enabling graduates to practice their profession in a variety of areas. It also serves as preparation for master’s degree education for those graduates who wish to specialize further.
Though freshmen and sophomores may declare social work as their major, the social work program actually begins in the junior year, building on General Education and additional distribution requirements in the arts and sciences. Freshmen and sophomores considering the social work major are invited to discuss their career objectives with the director of the undergraduate program. All students considering the major are welcome to participate in the ongoing activities of the Undergraduate Social Welfare Council. In addition to special projects, speakers, and social events, a peer support program is conducted by students and faculty. In the spring semester of the sophomore year, with the advice of the program director and faculty adviser, students apply to and are considered for admission to the social work major.