University of North Florida

What you'll study

The BSW is delivered as a sequential curriculum that combines liberal arts foundations with core social work knowledge, skills and supervised field experience. Early coursework introduces human development, sociology, psychology and social work history and values to establish a theoretical base.

• Core practice courses: practice with individuals, families and groups; interventions and case management; crisis intervention and assessment methods.
• Human behaviour and the social environment: lifespan development, family systems, and the social determinants of health and wellbeing.
• Policy and services: social welfare policy and advocacy, program planning and administration, and understanding the structure of public and private service systems.
• Research and practice evaluation: basic research methods, program evaluation and using evidence to inform practice.
• Ethics and professional issues: ethics, cultural competence, diversity and anti-oppressive practice.
• Field practicum: extended supervised placements in community agencies, schools, healthcare settings or government services to apply classroom learning in real-world practice under faculty and agency supervision.

The programme emphasises strengths-based, client-centred and culturally responsive practice and typically includes opportunities for elective coursework or special topics that reflect local community needs.

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet the University of North Florida undergraduate admission standards. Typical applicants present a completed high school diploma or equivalent and a record of collegiate or preparatory coursework demonstrating readiness for university study, including writing and general education requirements. Transfer applicants must satisfy UNF transfer policies and provide transcripts from prior institutions.

Admission to the professional social work sequence is usually selective and may require a separate application. Candidates for the professional sequence should expect processes that assess suitability for practice, which can include interviews, references, a review of academic performance, and disclosure of any issues that could affect placement eligibility. Practicum placements commonly require background checks, health clearance or immunisations and professional liability requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for generalist social work roles in a wide range of settings. Common entry-level positions include case worker, community outreach worker, child welfare specialist, school support worker, hospital or behavioural health support staff, and roles within non-profit programme delivery or government services.

Many graduates use the BSW as a foundation for further training. With additional education and supervision, graduates may pursue clinical licensure through a Master of Social Work (MSW) and specialise in areas such as clinical counselling, healthcare social work, policy leadership or advanced administration. The programme’s field education and community partnerships support employability by providing practical experience and local agency contacts.

Why study at University of North Florida

The University of North Florida offers a CSWE-accredited social work curriculum delivered by faculty with applied practice experience and active community engagement. The programme emphasises hands-on learning through practicum placements with agencies across the Jacksonville metropolitan area, allowing students to work with diverse populations and service systems.

Students benefit from a campus environment that supports undergraduate learning with advising, career services and opportunities for student organisations and community service. The programme’s focus on ethical practice, cultural competence and community collaboration prepares graduates to meet regional needs while remaining ready to pursue graduate study or licensure pathways.