B.S.W. in Social Work
Relieve suffering, affect social change and empower people and organizations to overcome obstacles and lead productive lives
The Bachelor of Social Work at Ole Miss prepares students to integrate the knowledge, values and skills of the social work profession for competent practice in settings with individuals, families, groups, organizations, institutions and communities.
Key Benefits
Experienced faculty empower Bachelor of Social Work students to use theoretical frameworks supported by empirical evidence to understand individual development and behavior across the life span and the interactions among individuals. Students will learn to analyze, formulate and influence social policies, as well as evaluate research studies, apply results to practice and evaluate their own practice interventions.
Graduate Outcomes
The job outlook is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016-2026, much faster than average. Social workers are needed in a variety of educational, health care, government agency, community and private practice settings. In a 2016 employment survey, 89 percent of the program's graduates found employment within six months of graduation.
Experiences Offered
Every Bachelor of Social Work student at the University of Mississippi completes an internship based on their professional interest in a variety of settings, including departments of human services, mental health, public health, corrections and youth services, youth courts, medical and psychiatric hospital and rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and schools. Low student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 allows for more individual attention.
B.S.W. in Social Work Faculty
The social work faculty at UM is diverse in terms of educational background and work experience. Prior to joining the faculty, instructors worked in such areas as public welfare, child welfare, mental health, gerontology and marital and family counseling.
Course Requirements
Specific requirements for the major include SW 201 OR 315, 216 OR 316, 321, 322, 330, 335, 340, 417, 436, 437, 438, 450, 495, and 496.
Admissions Requirements
Students may declare a major in social work without formal application to the program. They will be considered pre-majors. Students declaring a major prior to formal admission to the program will be assigned an academic advisor in the social work department. At the initial advising meeting, students will complete the social work contract, review the NASW Code of Ethics, and review the policy for progression through the program. After successful completion of certain programs, the student makes formal application to the department for admission to the program.
Student Organizations
The Student Social Work Organization for undergraduate students is a volunteer group through which students can develop a support network of peers; develop skills in organization, leadership, and volunteerism; and provide social work visibility in the Oxford-University community. Members are encouraged to perform 20 hours of volunteer service each year.