UG
SCWK 2010: Introduction to Social Work
3 credits
An introductory systems approach to the professional and ethical knowledge, value, and skill base necessary for understanding generalist social work and the American social welfare system.
Undergraduate
Social Work, B.S.W.
Learn to provide much-needed social services and support for individuals, families, and communities.
About the Bachelor Degree in Social Work
Human dignity and social justice are the watch-words for social workers. Wherever there are people, social workers are present. UM's Bachelor Degree of Social Work prepares students to step into the exciting career of Social Work with all of the needed tools to help transform lives.
Social work majors can expect a dynamic and engaging college experience focused on developing a strong foundation in human services. Through a blend of coursework and internships, students majoring in social work can expect hands-on learning opportunities and a supportive community dedicated to honing the skills needed for compassionate and impactful social work practice.
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Program Information
Degree
B.S.W. in Social Work
Emphases
N/A
Required Credit Hours
120
Program Type
Major
School
Duration
4 Years
Explore Everything Social Work Has to Offer
Social Work isn’t just a bachelor’s degree. Students get hands on experience through Social Work internships and can choose Social Work as a minor.
Students accepted to the Bachelor of Social Work program, enter as pre-majors.
- As a pre-major in the Bachelor of Social Work program, you’ll start with foundational courses that build essential knowledge and skills for social work practice.
By completing the required coursework and meeting the program’s application criteria, you’ll be prepared to apply for full admission, allowing you to move into advanced, specialized studies in social work.
If you're interested in applying to the University of Mississippi as a BSW pre-major, you can apply through our application portal.
The BSW Internship
The final semester in the B.S. Social Work degree includes a student internship comprised of the following courses:
- SW 495: Social Work Internship (9 hours)
- SW 496: Internship Seminar (3 hours)
The Internship carries a Z or pass-fail grade; the seminar carries a letter grade.
After collaboration among students, agency staff, and faculty, assignment of the grade is the responsibility of Field Education Director and/or the Field Liaison.
Internship is for social work majors only
Internship settings, throughout Mississippi and Shelby County in Tennessee, are chosen based upon the setting’s compatibility with the mission, goals, and objectives of the Department of Social Work.
- The setting must provide an educationally directed field experience, directed by qualified field instructors who will facilitate the student’s learning according to the student-university-agency learning contract.
Key points to remember about the Internship:
- All other degree requirements, including GPA of 2.0 must be met prior to beginning Internship.
- The Field Education Director will arrange for the placement; students DO NOT initiate their own placements.
- Internship is a thirteen-week, 40 hour per week experience, excluding the hours spent in the Internship Seminar, for a total of 480 hours.
- Internships may be completed in any approved setting in Mississippi or in Shelby County in Tennessee, with consideration for the professional interests and geographic needs of the student.
- Oxford has VERY FEW placement opportunities. Priority for Oxford area is given to physically challenged students, non-traditional students with children, and other local residents.
- Having a lease in Oxford is not reason to merit a placement in Oxford.
- Malpractice insurance and automobile liability insurance are required (if auto is to be used in Internship). Malpractice insurance is available through National Association of Social Workers, but students must become members of the organization to be eligible to acquire the malpractice insurance. Acquiring insurance is explained, in SW 450 Fields of Social Work, prior to the Internship.
How do I arrange an Internship?
- Apply for NASW membership no later than second semester of the junior year. (Applications are available in the Department of Social Work in Longstreet 211).
- First semester of the senior year, complete application for degree.
- Semester prior to Internship while enrolled in SW 450 Fields of Social Work, file request for field of practice and preferred geographic location, submit application for malpractice insurance and pay a $50.00 Internship Lab fee (effective spring 2010).
- Students enrolled in the SW 450 Fields of Social Work course will receive a pass/fail grade of “Z”/”F”.
- Toward end of semester prior to Internship, the Field Education Director will arrange for a pre-placement visit with the agency.
- Students are required to arrange an interview with the Field Instructor of the Internship assigned by the Field Education Director. This must be completed prior to the semester the students plan to enter Internship.
- Students will make all arrangements about relocation, living, paying of tuition, etc.
Process and Procedures for students during Internship – The Internship usually proceeds as follows:
- Pre-placement visit by the Field Education Director and signing of contract
- Agency orientation during the first two weeks (varies from agency to agency)
- Agency staff will model agency activity and procedures
- Student will gradually enter into agency activity
- Regular conferences with agency field instructor (1 hour per week required)
- Two evaluation conferences with field liaison
- Student will submit weekly written reports to field liaison
- Complete all written assignments as described in Internship Manual
- Periodic (40 hours) integrative seminars on campus
- Final evaluation of students and grading
The Social Work Minor is for students interested in learning about the helping professions, even if they aren't planning to be social workers themselves! This program will teach you the "whys" and "hows" of helping others:
- Understanding the "why": You'll learn the history, values, and different ways social workers think about helping people.
- Building your "how-to" toolbox: You'll develop skills to work with people from all walks of life and with different needs.
- Doing the right thing: You'll learn the ethical guidelines that social workers follow to ensure they're helping people in the best way possible.
By completing the Social Work Minor, you'll gain valuable skills for working with others and making a positive difference in your community!
Course Requirements for the Minor in Social Work
Students must complete a total of 18 hours, earning a minimum of “C” in each course. Total number of hours for minor/(courses): 18 hours (3 required courses, 6 courses total.
| College | School of Applied Sciences |
| Program | Bachelors of Social Work |
| Program Licensure Outcomes | The Bachelors of Social Work program at The University of Mississippi is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Individuals must meet state regulations, determined by occupational settings, for the state in which they wish to practice. Compliance with state regulatory requirements is mandatory, and the only avenue towards legal practice. |
| Program Regulated by every state licensure / certification board | This program meets the educational requirements for licensure in the state of Mississippi. We have not determined if the program curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the other US states, territories or the District of Columbia. |
| College Program Contact | socialwork@olemiss.edu |
| More information | All 50 states and the District of Columbia require that a social worker sitting for a licensing exam be a graduate of a CSWE-accredited program. Contact information for individual state licensing boards can be found on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) website at www.aswb.org or through an internet search for a licensing board for a particular state. |
| Date of Last Revision | 2/8/2022 |
What Courses Will You Take to Earn a Bachelor of Social Work?
Here are some of the courses you'll take to earn your Social Work degree.
UG
SCWK 3211: Human Behav and the Soc Environment I
3 credits
First of two courses that utilize biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives to examine human growth and development across the life span. Covers conception through adolescence. Considers the impact of families, groups, organizations, and communities upon development and behavior.
UG
SCWK 3350: Social Work Practice I
3 credits
First in a sequence of four social work practice courses. An introduction to oral and written communication theories and skills utilized in establishing relationships, data gathering, and conducting assessments essential for generalist social work intervention with diverse individual, family, group, organizational, and community systems. Attention to ethical practice.
What does Social Work look like in the job market?
50K
Median income for Housing Specialists in 2022.
60K
Median income for Advocacy Managers in 2022.
388K
Jobs for Substance Abuse Counselors in 2022.
728K
Jobs for Social Workers in 2022.
Sequoia Burdette
Why did you choose UM?
See Sequoia ’s Answer
Graham Gustafson
Why did you choose your major?
See Graham ’s AnswerBachelor of Social Work Jobs
- Habilitation Specialist
- Case Manager
- Program Specialist
- Child Welfare Specialist
- Activities Director
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Social Worker
- Behavioral Health Professional
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Next Steps
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