University of Memphis

What you'll study

The BSW curriculum provides a mix of foundational theory, practice skills and supervised field experience. Early modules typically introduce social welfare history and policy, human behaviour in the social environment, ethics and professional practice, and basic methods for working with diverse individuals and families.

• Foundations of Social Work: professional roles, helping relationship, ethical decision-making.
• Human Development and Behaviour: lifespan development, family systems and ecological perspectives.
• Social Welfare Policy and Services: policy analysis, history of welfare systems, advocacy strategies.
• Research and Practice Evaluation: basic research methods, programme evaluation and use of evidence in practice.
• Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups: interviewing, assessment, case planning and group facilitation skills.
• Specialist Topics: courses covering child welfare, substance use, mental health, crisis intervention, gerontology and community organisation.
• Field Practicum: substantial, supervised placements in community agencies, healthcare settings, schools or government programmes where students apply classroom learning to real-world practice.

The programme emphasises culturally competent, strengths-based practice and integrates coursework with at least one semester of extensive field placement. Electives and community-engaged projects allow students to focus on areas such as child and family services, school social work preparation, or community organising.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of Memphis undergraduate programme requires a completed high-school diploma (or equivalent) and meeting the university's general undergraduate entry standards. Admission to the School of Social Work may include additional requirements specific to the BSW sequence.

• Successful completion of secondary education with academic preparation in English and social or behavioural sciences is recommended.
• Applicants are typically required to meet the university's GPA and transcript review criteria; transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and may need to satisfy prerequisite coursework.
• Some programme processes ask for a personal statement, résumé, references and/or an interview to assess suitability for professional social work practice.
• Because the BSW includes supervised field placements, students must meet agency requirements such as background checks, immunisation documentation and any site-specific clearances prior to placement.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BSW are prepared for entry-level social work roles in a wide variety of public and private settings. Typical early-career positions include case manager, family support worker, community outreach coordinator, school support staff, and roles in child welfare, homeless services, and non-profit programme delivery.

Many students use the BSW as a professional qualification for direct practice, while others progress to postgraduate study. Graduates who pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) may specialise further and move toward clinical licensure (such as the Licensed Clinical Social Worker pathway), leadership roles, or specialised clinical practice in settings like mental health, healthcare and advanced community services.

Why study at University of Memphis

The University of Memphis offers a BSW programme rooted in an urban context with strong community partnerships across the Memphis metropolitan area. The School of Social Work maintains relationships with local hospitals, schools, child welfare agencies and non-profit organisations that provide diverse and substantive practicum placements.

• Applied learning: emphasis on supervised field education and community-engaged projects that connect classroom theory with local practice.
• Community connections: access to a broad network of placement sites in a city with substantial social service activity, allowing exposure to a range of client populations and systems.
• Faculty and resources: faculty with practice and research experience in urban social issues, policy and clinical practice, supported by university career services and academic advising.
• Pathways to graduate study: the programme prepares students for MSW study and professional licensure routes, while also readying graduates for immediate entry-level roles in social service agencies.

Taken together, the University of Memphis BSW provides a practical, community-focused education for students committed to social justice, direct practice and service in diverse urban settings.