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School of Social Work
College of Health and Human Sciences

Bachelor of Social Work

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What is a Social Work major?

If you share our vision to advance social, environmental, and economic justice and promote equity in our local and global communities, a Bachelor of Social Work major is right for you. The Bachelor of Social Work Program will enable you to become an agent of change for individuals, families, and communities.

Social work practitioners focus both on the person and their environment in many essential areas, such as:

  • medical/public health,
  • mental health,
  • school social work,
  • supporting individuals and communities experiencing adversity.

The Social Work Student Experience

Hear from social work student Kamila Perez Nievez about what it’s like to study social work at Colorado State University!

Audio-Described Version of “Why Study Social Work at Colorado State University?”

Undergraduate Social Work Study

You will master the six foundation generalist social work practice roles in our BSW program. We help you develop your dedication to ethical standards, sensitivity to human differences and cultural competence, social and economic justice especially as it applies to vulnerable populations, and research affirmed practice.

Advocate

You will champion the rights of others with the goal of empowering the communities you serve.

Broker

You will help connect people the resources they need.

Community Change Agent

You will affect change from individual to institutional levels to ensure systems are equitable and effective.

Counselor

You will empower people to improve social functioning to deal with adversity.

Mediator

You will thoughtfully intervene in disputes to find compromise, reconcile differences, and reach resolutions.

Researcher

You will conduct research on how to improve services and interventions to enhance the field of social work.

Paths to Consider

Addictions Counseling Concentration

The Addictions Counseling Concentration prepares you to become a certified addictions counselor in the state of Colorado. You will gain specialized knowledge and skills for working in addiction settings or with clients with addiction. Real-world experience with addictions counseling is a part of your internship.

  • Coursework for Certified Addictions Counselor—CAC Level 1 credential in the state of Colorado
  • Includes substance abuse field placement internship
  • Field placement counts towards required 1,000 hours for CAC Level 1

Advanced Standing MSW Program

After earning your Bachelor of Social Work, you can apply for your Master of Social Work in our Advanced Standing MSW program. With a BSW, you can go on to earn your MSW in just one year.

The advanced generalist MSW program will prepare you to address a wide range of challenges with ease, and, your skillset will flexibly align with numerous career paths after graduation.

Social Work Major Classes

Major in Social Work

Major in Social Work, Addictions Counseling Concentration

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CSWE Accreditation

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  • 100% of BSW students complete an internship through field education resulting in 400 hours of experience in preparation for a career
  • Increasing Demand The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates demand for social workers to grow by nearly 10% before 2030, outpacing many other professions.
  • 93% of BSW students secured plans related to their degree. 43% were employed and 50% went to grad school

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

Student Organizations and Involvement

As a Social Work major, you can join groups like the Committee for Social Justice, Queer Umbrella, the Student Association of Social Workers, and more.

Study Abroad

Study social work in Costa Rica or India to learn more about social work in international contexts and broaden your skillset.

Field Education - Internships

“Field education” refers to what is commonly known as internships. Explore future career goals through this vital component of your social work degree program.

Resources Prospective and Current Students

Visit Us

Learn what it’s like to be a social work major at CSU by joining us for an informational session on campus.

Paying for College

There are several scholarships available specifically for School of Social Work majors, all you have to do is fill out the general CSU scholarship application. Search the College scholarship database to see the full list.

Advising and Support

We support you every step of the way through your experience at CSU. Connect with our Academic Success and Graduate Coordinators

Careers

Wondering what you can do with a BSW degree? View more career opportunities for social work graduates on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics site.

Making an Impact School of Social Work News

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