Eastern Washington University

What you'll study

The BSW curriculum combines classroom study and supervised field education to develop knowledge, values and practice skills for generalist social work. Early coursework introduces social welfare history and policy, human behaviour in the social environment, diversity and anti-oppressive practice, and introductory practice skills.

• Core practice courses: foundation courses in intervention with individuals and families, group work, and community and organisational practice.
• Policy and research: social welfare policy analysis, policy practice, and social work research methods and statistics to support evidence-informed practice.
• Human behaviour and development: lifespan development, trauma-informed perspectives and the impact of social determinants on wellbeing.
• Ethics and law: professional ethics, legal issues in social work, confidentiality and professional responsibility.
• Field education: sequential practicum placements in community agencies, schools, healthcare settings or government services, supervised by agency and faculty field instructors.
• Capstone/Senior seminar: integration of theory and practice through a culminating project and advanced practicum experience.

The programme is typically structured with general education and introductory social work courses in the first two years, followed by major-specific coursework and intensive field placements in the junior and senior years. Elective options often allow focus on areas such as child and family services, mental health, substance use, or community organising.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally require a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of university general admission requirements. Prospective students should demonstrate academic readiness through a competitive high-school GPA and submission of transcripts. Coursework in English, social sciences (for example sociology or psychology) and statistics is strongly recommended.

• Major application: many students enter through a pre-social work sequence and apply for acceptance to the professional sequence; admission to the major is typically subject to a departmental review of grades and a statement of purpose.
• Transfer students: transfer applicants must provide transcripts from previous institutions and may need to meet specific course equivalency requirements.
• Professional suitability: because of practicum placements, accepted students must satisfy background checks, health and immunisation requirements and may be required to demonstrate professional conduct as part of placement approval.
• English language: non-native English speakers must meet the university's English proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BSW are prepared for entry-level professional roles in a range of public and private settings. Common positions include caseworker, child welfare specialist, school or community outreach worker, mental health case manager, and support roles in non-profit organisations.

• Work in county human services, child and family agencies, and juvenile services.
• Roles in schools, community mental health centres, hospitals and substance-use treatment programmes.
• Positions in community development, advocacy, and programme coordination within non-profit organisations.
• Many BSW graduates pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) to qualify for clinical licensure and advanced practice; the BSW also provides a foundation for related graduate study or public service careers.

Why study at Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University offers a BSW programme emphasising hands-on learning through regionally based field placements across urban and rural communities in Eastern Washington. The programme is taught by faculty with direct practice experience and strong links to local agencies, which supports relevant practicum opportunities.

• Field placement network: partnerships with county agencies, schools, healthcare providers and non-profits provide varied practicum settings and local labour-market connections.
• Student support: small class sizes, academic advising and faculty mentorship help students integrate theory with practice and prepare for licensure pathways or graduate study.
• Community focus: emphasis on culturally responsive practice and serving diverse rural and urban populations in the Inland Northwest.
• Pathways: the curriculum prepares students for immediate entry-level practice and provides a solid academic foundation for MSW programmes for those seeking clinical or advanced roles.