University of Hawaii

What you'll study

The BSW curriculum combines foundational social science knowledge with professional social work practice. Core study areas include human behaviour in the social environment, lifespan development, social welfare policy and services, research methods for social work, and practice courses that progress from engagement to intervention and evaluation.

Students also develop cultural competence through coursework that addresses Indigenous, Pacific Islander and Asian American communities, anti-oppressive practice, and working with multicultural populations. A major component is the field practicum sequence, in which students complete supervised placements in community agencies, schools, health services or child welfare settings to apply classroom learning to real-world practice.

• Human Behaviour and the Social Environment
• Social Welfare Policy and Services
• Assessment, Intervention and Case Management
• Research Methods and Program Evaluation
• Ethics and Professional Practice
• Cultural Competence and Community Engagement
• Field Practicum / Supervised Practice

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school qualification or equivalent. Typical admissions requirements include a completed application to the University of Hawaiʻi campus offering the BSW, academic transcripts, and a personal statement describing interests in social work and relevant experience.

Programs commonly request one or more references (from teachers, employers or community supervisors) and may require completion of certain prerequisite coursework such as introductory sociology, psychology or English composition. Because field placements are integral to the degree, successful candidates must be able to meet practicum site requirements, which can include background checks, health screenings or immunisation records.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for entry-level professional roles across public and non-profit sectors as well as healthcare and education. Common career paths include case manager, child welfare worker, community outreach coordinator, school support worker, mental health support worker and substance-use services assistant.

Many BSW graduates also choose to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) to qualify for clinical licensure and advanced practice roles. The degree provides a solid foundation for careers in policy, program development, advocacy and community organising, particularly within settings that serve Indigenous, Pacific and multicultural populations.

Why study at University of Hawaii

The University of Hawaiʻi offers a social work education shaped by its Pacific Island context and long-standing community partnerships across the islands. Students benefit from faculty who undertake applied research in areas such as Indigenous and Pacific social welfare, rural and island services, and culturally grounded practice approaches.

Field placements across diverse urban and rural settings provide hands-on experience with local agencies, schools and health services, while campus resources support student development through advising, practicum coordination and access to community networks. For those interested in working with Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, the programme emphasises culturally responsive practice and community engagement relevant to the region.