BSW Instructor Orientation

School of Social Work

B.S.W. Program Overview

Putting your course into context

Upon graduation, VCU B.S.W. students enter the field ready to practice as generalist social workers. Our program combines hands-on experience with individuals, families, and communities while cultivating a theoretical understanding of the interpersonal relationships and larger systems that shape our lives. 

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
  2. Advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice
  3. Engage anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice
  4. Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
  5. Engage in policy practice
  6. Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
  7. Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
  8. Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
  9. Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities

The competencies above are defined by the accrediting body of B.S.W and M.S.W. programs nationwide, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Our self-administered program assessment is grounded in the CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). Read more about the 2022 EPAS here.

Program Goals

  1. To provide an integrated curriculum based on the knowledge, skills, ethics and values essential for beginning generalist social work practice.
  2. To offer an educational experience that facilitates the critical analysis of social work knowledge and practice.
  3. To provide classroom and field instruction experiences designed to promote culturally sensitive practice with diverse and oppressed groups.
  4. To provide an environment that encourages lifelong learning and prepares students for professional growth and development.

Student requirements: Curriculum and field experience

B.S.W. students are introduced to the social work profession through our foundational program coursework, SLWK 201 and 230. After completing these courses, along with the university general education and ancillary requirements, students apply to advance into the Professional Practice Curriculum (300- and 400-level). There, they complete coursework on our core content areas: public policy, human behavior, research, and social work practice. 

Finally, in their senior year, students take their learning beyond the classroom and into the field, completing a total of 400 hours (about two days per week for two consecutive semesters) at a community agency placement. By putting social work principles into action in real social service settings, our program earns its rare place as a Bachelor's program offering a practitioner’s degree – students graduate with experience, ready to practice as generalist social workers.

View the entire B.S.W. curriculum, detailed requirements and a sample plan of study in the Major Map and the VCU Bulletin.

Visit our student-facing website for more highlights of our program, facts and figures, and historical context of the VCU School of Social Work: Bachelor of Social Work.