Southeastern Louisiana University

What you'll study

The BSW is a four-year undergraduate programme that combines liberal arts foundations with professional social work coursework and supervised field education. Core topics include human development and behaviour across the lifespan, social welfare policy and services, research methods for practice, social work practice with individuals, families and groups, community organisation and programme development, and ethics and professional issues.

• Foundations: introductory social work, sociology, psychology, human behaviour in the social environment.
• Practice courses: practice with individuals and families, group work, crisis intervention, and approaches to assessment and intervention.
• Policy and services: social welfare policy, poverty and inequality, child and family policy, and systems of care in Louisiana and the wider US.
• Research and evaluation: introductory statistics, research methods and program evaluation applied to practice questions.
• Specialist topics: courses addressing child welfare, mental health, substance misuse, gerontology, multicultural practice and trauma-informed care.
• Field education: multiple practicum placements with supervised hours in social service organisations, hospitals, schools, child welfare agencies and community programmes to develop applied skills.

Entry requirements

Admission to Southeastern Louisiana University requires a high school diploma or recognised equivalent. Entry to the BSW major typically involves meeting university admission standards plus programme-specific requirements. Applicants should expect to demonstrate preparedness through prior coursework in English and social sciences, a competitive academic record, and a personal statement outlining interest in social work.

Because the BSW includes field placements, applicants must be able to meet professional standards for practicum, which commonly include a background check, health and immunisation requirements, and the ability to complete supervised field hours. Transfer students should provide transcripts from prior postsecondary institutions and, where applicable, evidence of coursework equivalent to foundation social work classes.

Career prospects

Graduates of the BSW are prepared for entry-level professional roles in a wide range of public and non-profit settings. Typical positions include case manager, child welfare worker, community outreach coordinator, residential support worker, school-based family support staff, and roles in ageing services, corrections, and behavioural health programmes.

Many graduates use the BSW as a stepping stone to a Master of Social Work (MSW) to pursue clinical practice and independent licensure. The BSW also provides a strong foundation for careers in policy, programme administration, community organising, and further study in allied professions.

Why study at Southeastern Louisiana University

Southeastern Louisiana University offers a professionally oriented BSW with faculty who combine academic scholarship and community practice in the Gulf South region. The programme emphasises generalist practice, culturally competent services, and strong field education partnerships with local agencies, enabling students to gain supervised, real-world experience.

The Department supports student development through advising, student organisations, and connections to regional human service employers. Graduates benefit from practical training tailored to the needs of Louisiana communities and a curriculum aligned with national social work education standards to prepare for both immediate practice and graduate study.