University of Mount Union

What you'll study

The BSW curriculum combines liberal arts education with profession-specific coursework to develop knowledge, values and skills for competent social work practice. Core topics include human behaviour in the social environment, social welfare policy and services, research methods for social work, ethics and diversity, and practice courses focused on interventions with individuals, families, groups and communities.

• Foundation courses – introductory social work, human behaviour and the social environment, sociology and psychology electives that underpin practice.
• Practice sequence – courses on practice methods with individuals and families, group work, community practice and crisis intervention.
• Policy and research – social welfare policy analysis, grant writing and applied research methods to inform evidence-based practice.
• Specialist topics – child and family services, mental health and substance use, gerontology, and school or medical social work depending on elective choices.
• Field education – supervised practicum placements in community agencies or institutions, where students complete a substantial number of supervised hours and a capstone integrating theory and practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically required to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Admissions decisions consider academic achievement, relevant coursework (for example, social sciences), personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Standardised tests may be optional depending on current university policy.

• Competitive high school grades or equivalent academic record.
• Recommended preparatory subjects: psychology, sociology or other social sciences, and writing-intensive courses.
• Some applicants may be interviewed or asked to submit a personal statement describing interest in social work, relevant experience and core values.
• Successful practicum placement will typically require background checks, health clearances and up-to-date immunisations as mandated by placement agencies.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BSW are prepared for entry-level social work roles in a variety of settings including child welfare, mental health organisations, hospitals, schools, corrections, and community non-profits. Typical job titles include caseworker, client advocate, community outreach worker, school support staff, and residential services worker.

Many graduates also choose to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) for clinical licensure and advanced practice; a BSW from a programme accredited by the relevant professional body can provide advanced standing in some MSW programmes. Licensure and certification requirements vary by state and employer.

Why study at University of Mount Union

Mount Union offers a small-campus environment with close faculty mentoring and an emphasis on experiential learning. The social work programme integrates liberal arts breadth with practical field placements arranged through long-standing community partnerships, giving students hands-on experience in local agencies.

Students benefit from dedicated social work faculty with practitioner backgrounds, access to campus support services, and opportunities to engage in student organisations and community service projects that reinforce professional development and ethical practice.