Skip to main content

Social WorkMajor

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? Social workers help people function the best they can in their environment and circumstance. They provide direct services to people in their homes or places of work and help people to help themselves.

Overview

What is Social Work at WVU like?

Description

If you are a compassionate individual with an interest in human diversity and a desire to help others, then a Bachelor of Social Work can help you reach your goals. Our curriculum prepares you for positions in the social work profession. We train students to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations around the country.

Social workers are advocates for social change. A victim of an assault benefits not only from therapy, but also from efforts to curb neighborhood crime. The client who is under stress because illness has devastated the family finances benefits from efforts to reform the nation’s healthcare system. Social work is more than working with people on welfare. Social workers serve their communities in powerful ways that lead to lasting changes.

Social Work program highlights:

At a Glance

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps:

Apply NowRequest InfoVirtual TourVisit WVU

Fast Facts

What makes Social Work at WVU unique?

Research and Academic Opportunities

Outside of our classes, field education is an important part of the professional social work curriculum. Lessons learned outside the classroom complement the lessons taught inside the classroom. You will build a professional identity that will serve as a foundation for ongoing growth. Community service, volunteer work and field placements provide you with meaningful opportunities to explore life as a social worker.

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Professional Organizations

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Completing a BSW degree allows for immediate access to employment opportunities in child advocacy, public relations, human resources, public health and wellness promotion, law enforcement and veterans affairs.

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Social Work major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Employers

Graduates from this major have gone to work at:

Courses

What are the courses like in Social Work at WVU?

SOWK 147:
Human Diversity

(Must be completed before applying to the major.) Covers a range of diverse populations especially those historically subjected to oppression and social and economic injustice. Addresses the causes and effects of institutionalized forms of oppression.

SOWK 300:
Social Welfare Policy and Services 1

Review of current and historical perspectives on the social welfare institution. Includes philosophical and ideological factors that influence U.S. social welfare policy and services.

SOWK 320:
Social Work Methods 1

Presents a broad range of generalist practice knowledge, values and skills. Focuses on theories and interventions with individuals, and introduces evaluation of practice effectiveness. (30-hour service learning requirement.)

SOWK 380:
Child Welfare

Introduction to issues in the field of child welfare. Includes policies, practice, protective services, family centered services, prevention, out of home placement, and in-home placement.

SOWK 401:
Social Work Practice and Human Sexuality

Focus on issues of sexuality that impact direct/micro and mezzo practice, and indirect/macro social work practice.

SOWK 491:
Professional Field Experience

(May be repeated up to a maximum of 12 hours.) Prearranged experiential learning program, to be planned, supervised, and evaluated for credit by faculty and field supervisors. Involves temporary placement with public or private enterprise for professional competence development.

Cost and Aid

How much does Social Work at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here is a way for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Social Work at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Social Work major, you must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Related Majors and Minors

What other options does WVU have?

What minors could I consider?

Related Pathways

What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

Apply Now

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission. Our online application makes the process as convenient as possible.

Apply Now

Request Information

Want to know more about Social Work at WVU? Fill out the Request Information form to receive more information about the program and life at WVU.

Request Info

Visit WVU

It's the next-best thing to being here – you can virtually tour residence halls and the WVU Morgantown Campus.

Virtual TourVisit WVU

Information for

Interested in talking to someone about WVU?

Connect with Your Admissions Counselor Contact WVU Admissions