Florida International University

What you'll study

The BSW curriculum combines general education with a core sequence of social work courses and supervised field education. Early coursework builds a foundation in human development, social welfare history and policy, and basic social work skills. Intermediate and advanced modules focus on social work practice with individuals, families and groups, community practice, research methods, and social work ethics.

• Human behavior and the social environment: lifespan development, family systems and ecological approaches.
• Social welfare policy and services: history of social services, policy analysis and advocacy.
• Social work practice courses: interviewing and assessment, case management, group work, and crisis intervention.
• Populations and practice specialisms: content addressing mental health, child welfare, gerontology, substance use, schools and healthcare settings.
• Research and evidence-informed practice: research methods, program evaluation and using evidence to inform practice.
• Field education (practicum): site-based supervised placements that integrate classroom learning with direct practice and professional development.

The programme is typically structured over four years for full-time students, with general education and prerequisite requirements in the early years and concentrated major coursework and practicum in the latter years. Students will also study cultural competence and anti-oppressive practice to prepare for the region's diverse populations.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent and meet Florida International University's general undergraduate admission standards. Typical requirements include a competitive high school GPA and completion of college-preparatory subjects, including English and social sciences. Many applicants submit a personal statement outlining their interest in social work and relevant volunteer or paid experience working with people.

Because field placements require working with vulnerable people, accepted students must be prepared to meet practicum prerequisites before placement. These commonly include background checks, immunisation or health screening requirements, and documentation such as proof of identity. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency according to the university's admissions policies.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BSW enter front-line professional roles across public, non-profit and private sectors. Common entry-level positions include case manager, child welfare worker, community outreach worker, behavioural health aide, school support staff, and advocacy or programme coordinator in social service agencies. Many employers value the BSW for direct-practice roles; however, specialised clinical practice or licensure typically requires a Master of Social Work (MSW) and additional supervised clinical hours.

Graduates often continue to postgraduate study to qualify for clinical licensure, supervisory roles or specialised fields such as clinical social work, school social work, healthcare social work and policy or research careers. The programme also provides transferable skills in assessment, communication, cultural competence and programme evaluation that are valuable in public administration, non-profit management and community organising.

Why study at Florida International University

Florida International University's BSW offers practical, practice-oriented training in a large, urban research university with strong community connections. Studying in the Miami metropolitan area gives students access to a wide range of placement opportunities across hospitals, schools, child and family services, immigrant and refugee organisations, and community health centres, enabling experience with culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

The programme is delivered by faculty with practice and research experience in social work, and emphasises applied learning through supervised field education and community-engaged projects. Students benefit from university resources such as career services, advising, student organisations related to social work, and pathways to graduate study for those pursuing advanced licensure or specialised practice.