Northern Arizona University

What you'll study

The BSW curriculum provides a foundation in social work knowledge, values and practice skills. The programme combines classroom learning with supervised field education so students gain applied experience across practice settings.

• Human behaviour and the social environment — lifespan development, family systems and the impact of social structures on individual wellbeing.
• Social welfare policy and services — policy analysis, history of social welfare, entitlement programmes and advocacy strategies.
• Social work practice — generalist practice methods with individuals, families, groups and communities, including assessment, intervention planning and evaluation.
• Research and evaluation — basic research methods, program evaluation and application of evidence to practice.
• Populations and practice areas — courses addressing child and family welfare, mental health, substance use, ageing, and work with Indigenous and rural communities.
• Ethics and professional development — professional ethics, cultural humility, supervision and self-care for practitioners.
• Field practicum — supervised placements in community agencies, schools, healthcare settings or social service organisations, integrated throughout the upper-division sequence.

Entry requirements

Admission to Northern Arizona University requires a high school diploma or equivalent and meeting the university's general undergraduate admission criteria. Admission to the BSW major typically involves an additional application to the School of Social Work.

• Strong preparation in high school coursework, especially writing and social sciences, is recommended.
• Competitive applicants usually present a solid cumulative GPA and satisfactory academic progress; programmes commonly expect a minimum GPA threshold for major admission and for continuation into practicum courses.
• Applicants may need to submit a personal statement or statement of purpose describing commitment to social work values and relevant experience.
• Letters of recommendation and a résumé outlining volunteer or paid experience in human services can strengthen an application.
• Because field placements require work with vulnerable populations, admitted students must comply with health and safety requirements which can include background checks, immunisations and other screenings as required by placement agencies.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BSW are prepared for entry-level professional roles in a wide range of settings and are also well positioned to pursue graduate study in social work.

• Direct practice roles such as case manager, family support worker, school social worker (in some jurisdictions with additional certification), and mental health or substance-use support worker.
• Positions in child welfare, juvenile justice, healthcare coordination, homeless services, and community outreach organisations.
• Opportunities in programme coordination, advocacy, policy support and non-profit administration.
• Many BSW graduates choose to continue to an MSW to qualify for clinical licensure (such as LCSW or equivalent) and advanced practice, leadership and specialised roles.

Why study at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University offers a BSW grounded in community-engaged practice with particular strengths in serving rural and Native American populations. The programme integrates classroom instruction with substantial field education through partnerships across Arizona.

• Field placement network: students have access to practicum opportunities in urban, rural and tribal settings, giving experience with diverse client populations and service systems.
• Faculty expertise: instructors bring applied experience in areas such as child welfare, behavioural health, substance-use treatment and community development.
• Support services: advising, career services and writing resources help students meet academic and professional goals and prepare competitive applications for advanced study or employment.
• Community focus: the curriculum emphasises culturally responsive practice, social justice and work with underserved communities common to the region.