Program Overview
The University of Cincinnati's Bachelor of Social Work program prepares students for entry-level generalist social work practice, equipping them with the skills to work with individuals, families, and communities in various settings. Through a combination of classroom instruction, field experience, and research, students gain practical knowledge and experience in social work practice. Upon completion, graduates are eligible for licensure in Ohio and can pursue advanced studies in social work.
Program Outline
The program prepares students for entry-level, generalist social work practice, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to work with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations in various settings. The program emphasizes the development of core competencies for generalist social work practice as defined by the Council on Social Work Education. Students will gain practical experience through a year-long, two-days-per-week field placement in a local social service agency, supervised by a professional social worker. Upon completion, graduates are eligible for licensure as a social worker in Ohio after passing the licensing exam.
Teaching:
The program utilizes a combination of classroom instruction, field experience, and research. Students will engage in service learning opportunities in the community, participate in seminars connecting theory to practice, and complete a two-term research sequence involving basic research methods and a research project in their field agency.
Careers:
Social workers work with individuals across the lifespan in both the public and private social service sectors. They assist people facing challenges such as homelessness, domestic violence, addiction, foster care, and child neglect and abuse. Some social workers advocate for the community, working on policy and program development in government agencies. Common employment settings for social workers include:
- Mental health clinics
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Corrections agencies
- Nursing homes
- Community development-based organizations
- Residential treatment centers
- Child welfare agencies
- Private practice
Other:
The School of Social Work at UC has affiliations with over 200 social service agencies in the greater Cincinnati area, providing a wide range of options for field learning.
