Cost & earnings at Saint Louis University What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
Social Work graduates earn a median $32,249 Across 622 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Saint Louis University is a professionally focused undergraduate degree preparing students for direct practice with individuals, families, groups and communities, or for advanced study in social work. It suits students committed to social justice and community service who want a mix of classroom learning, applied research and supervised field placements in the St. Louis region and beyond.
The BSW curriculum combines foundation liberal-arts courses with professionally oriented social work study. Core content covers human behaviour in social environments; social welfare history and policy; methods of social work practice with individuals, families, groups and communities; research methods and programme evaluation; ethics and professional values; and diversity and cultural competence.
Students complete general education requirements alongside major coursework, and undertake supervised field placements that allow direct practice experience with community agencies, healthcare providers, schools and government bodies. The programme emphasises experiential learning, critical thinking and reflective practice consistent with professional social work standards.
Applicants should hold a recognised secondary-school qualification or equivalent. Admissions typically consider academic record (transcripts/GPA), a personal statement that outlines commitment to social work and service, and at least one letter of recommendation. Relevant volunteer or paid experience in community, health or human services strengthens an application.
For transfer applicants, previous collegiate coursework and credits are assessed for general education and major requirements. There may be a selective admission process into the upper-level professional sequence of the BSW; students normally complete prerequisite or foundation courses before advancing to practicum coursework. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements.
Graduates are prepared for entry-level professional roles across health, child and family services, schools, corrections, community development and non-profit sectors. Common roles include case worker, youth worker, care coordinator, community outreach worker and probation support officer. Many BSW graduates use the degree as a foundation for further study—most commonly a Master of Social Work (MSW)—which is required for clinical licensure and advanced practice positions.
The programme’s practicum links students with local agencies and employers in the St. Louis region, helping build professional networks and practical skills valued by employers in social services, public health, policy organisations and charitable trusts.
Saint Louis University brings a Jesuit commitment to social justice and ethical leadership to social work education. The programme is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and draws on SLU’s interdisciplinary resources in public health, nursing, law and education to provide broad-based perspectives on complex social problems.
Students benefit from strong community partnerships across the St. Louis metropolitan area, supervised field placements with diverse client populations, faculty engaged in applied research and service, and opportunities for service learning, study abroad and interdisciplinary collaboration. The department emphasises reflective practice, cultural humility and preparation for both immediate employment and graduate-level social work study.
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