The School of Social Work offers two professional programs, one at the undergraduate level and one at the graduate level, as well as a PhD program. The Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare (BASW) program prepares students for entry-level generalist practice. The graduate professional program prepares students for advanced practice within a field of specialization; students earn a Master of Social Work degree. Both the BASW and MSW programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
The School of Social Work (nationally ranked #3) is seeking individuals who are interested in becoming social change agents in order to tackle complex social problems facing our society. We offer a professional degree with "hands on" training in the field designed to fully prepare you for a job and/or graduate school. Our Honors Program provides students with research opportunities guided by faculty mentors. Join a major with a focus on social justice that has one of the most diverse student cohorts on campus. Demand is increasing for social workers, especially those with expertise in healthcare, children and family services, addiction counseling, eldercare, and community advocacy.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Social Welfare
Recommended Preparation
Suggested First- and Second-Year College Courses: SOC WF 200; prerequisites in psychology and sociology; statistics; also, courses in American ethnic studies, disability studies; public health; communication; economics; political science; human biology; human development; American government; diversity studies; law, society, and justice; and gender, women, and sexuality studies.
Admission Requirements
Approximately 40 juniors are admitted each year. Admission, for autumn quarter only, is competitive and completion of requirements listed below does not guarantee acceptance. The application deadline is April 15. Applicants must meet the following criteria by the time they begin classes in the program:
Minimum 65 credits completed
One course in sociology and one course in psychology - both completed before beginning the program. Minimum 2.0 grade in each. See website for approved courses.
Recommended: introductory statistics course
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA
Paid or volunteer social service experience
Completed application
Application forms and a detailed description of the social welfare major are available at the School's website. A student may discuss the program in person by contacting the Social Work Office of Admissions, (206) 543-5676, sswinfo@uw.edu. Students accepted to the major complete a change-of-college form and transfer their academic file to the School's Student Services Office. Students not accepted may contact the Director of Admissions to discuss alternatives to the social welfare major, or the appeal process.
Continuation Policy
All students must make satisfactory academic progress in the major and meet outlined standards of professional behavior. Failure to do so may result in probation or referral to the student review committee, either of which could lead to dismissal from the major. For the complete continuation policy, contact the departmental adviser or refer to the department website.
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Social Welfare
Credential Overview
The School of Social Work (nationally ranked #3) is seeking individuals who are interested in becoming social change agents in order to tackle complex social problems facing our society. We offer a professional degree with "hands on" training in the field designed to fully prepare you for a job and/or graduate school. Our Honors Program provides students with research opportunities guided by faculty mentors. Join a major with a focus on social justice that has one of the most diverse student cohorts on campus. Demand is increasing for social workers, especially those with expertise in healthcare, children and family services, addiction counseling, eldercare, and community advocacy.
Completion Requirements
General Education Requirements
Basic Skills
English Composition (C): 5 credits (minimum 2.0 grade)
Additional Writing: 10 credits
Reasoning (RSN): 4 or 5 credits
Foreign Language: 0-15 credits, depending on placement or high school background
Diversity (DIV): 5 credits. Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.
Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: The BASW program produces beginning-level social work practitioners and is accredited by the Council on Social Works Education. Students become generalist social work professionals able to work with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations in enhancing the health, well being, and empowerment of disadvantaged communities across the lifespan. Graduates may pursue social work practice jobs, or graduate education in social work, or a range of other fields (e.g., law, medicine, public policy, international development). Students receive an interdisciplinary liberal arts education, drawing on a range of social science courses which prepare them to promote human welfare and deal with complex social problems. Students are involved in both academic coursework (gaining intellectual knowledge and critical thinking skills) and a field placement experience ("lived" or "on the ground" experience).
The following outcomes define the BASW program:
Preparation of entry-level baccalaureate social workers for generalist practice in a multicultural context.
Education and training of generalist social workers who are informed, engaged, and responsive practitioners, able to understand and take action in enhancing human welfare and in promoting social and economic justice.
Education of students within the context of an interdisciplinary liberal arts education, to foster a comparative and critical examination of social welfare and social work through the study of its history, policies, research, and practice interventions.
Preparation for graduate education.
In addition, the School of Social Work houses a number of centers and projects. For more information on these research activities, see department website.
Honors Options Available: With College Honors (Completion of Honors Core Curriculum and Departmental Honors). With Honors (Completion of Departmental Honors requirements in the major). See adviser for requirements.
Research, Internships, and Service Learning: Contact the adviser for information.
Department Scholarships: A limited number of financial-aid opportunities are available to students. Applicants are urged to apply for assistance through the Office of Student Financial Aid by February 15. Completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for consideration for any departmental funding. Inquiries may be directed to the chair of the scholarship committee, School of Social Work.
Student Organizations/Associations: Organization of Student Social Workers (OSSW)
The School of Social Work offers a Master of Social Work degree with three options: a two-year full-time program; a one-year advanced-standing program for qualified students with a degree in social work/social welfare from a Council on Social Work Education accredited undergraduate program; and a three-year part-time extended degree program.
All program options prepare students for advanced professional practice with a culturally diverse range of at-risk populations in publicly funded social services. The curriculum encompasses two distinct but interconnected areas: the beginning content or professional foundation, and opportunities for advanced content in areas of policy, services, and methods.
The professional foundation provides instruction in the basic knowledge and skills required for effective, generalist social work practice, as well as socialization to the profession, its value orientation, ethics, and history.
The advanced curriculum provides in-depth knowledge and skills needed for advanced practice in the social work profession. The advanced curriculum is being revised. Check the School's website, socialwork.uw.edu for current information.
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Master Of Social Work
Master Of Social Work (Administrative And Policy Practice)
Master Of Social Work (Administrative And Policy Practice) (advanced standing)
Master Of Social Work (advanced standing)
Master of Social Work (Clinical Social Work)
Master of Social Work (Clinical Social Work) (advanced standing)
Master of Social Work (Clinical Social Work) (advanced standing) (fee-based)
Master of Social Work (Clinical Social Work) (fee-based)
Master Of Social Work (Community-Centered Integrative Practice)
Master Of Social Work (Community-Centered Integrative Practice) (advanced standing)
Admission Requirements
Different credentials in this program have different admission requirements. See additional admission requirements below for credential-specific information.
Master Of Social Work
Completion Requirements
Minimum 48 credits (advanced standing); 75 credits (day and extended degree programs), as follows:
Completion of required professional foundation and advanced curriculum credits and demonstrated competence in both academic and field practicum work.
Human Biology Requirements: BIOL 100, BIOL 101-, BIOL 118, BIOL 161, NUTR 300, or GENOME 261 (or equivalent), or SSW Continuing Education course "Human Biology" taken within 10 years of admission to the MSW program. Students must complete the requirement prior to beginning the advanced curriculum (including practicum). Credit may not be applied to the MSW degree. Courses in nutrition, psychobiology of women, and biology of aging also fulfill this requirement.
Basic Statistics Requirement: An introductory course in statistics (any discipline) is a prerequisite for SOC W 505/SOC W 506.
Professional Foundation Curriculum or Bridge Curriculum (Credit total varies by credential): See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
Advanced Curriculum (9-12 credits depending on credential): Policy/services and methods coursework specific to the chosen credential/field of practice. See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
Advanced Practicum (17 credits): SOC W 525, aligns with the student's policy/services course and with the student's primary intervention method area.
MSW Electives (9-12 credits depending on credential): SOC W 500- and/or 600-level Coursework, course list maintained by the program.
Master Of Social Work (Administrative And Policy Practice)
Completion Requirements
Minimum 48 credits (advanced standing); 75 credits (day and extended degree programs), as follows:
Completion of required professional foundation and advanced curriculum credits and demonstrated competence in both academic and field practicum work.
Human Biology Requirements: BIOL 100, BIOL 101-, BIOL 118, BIOL 161, NUTR 300, or GENOME 261 (or equivalent), or SSW Continuing Education course "Human Biology" taken within 10 years of admission to the MSW program. Students must complete the requirement prior to beginning the advanced curriculum (including practicum). Credit may not be applied to the MSW degree. Courses in nutrition, psychobiology of women, and biology of aging also fulfill this requirement.
Basic Statistics Requirement: An introductory course in statistics (any discipline) is a prerequisite for SOC W 505/SOC W 506.
Professional Foundation Curriculum or Bridge Curriculum (Credit total varies by credential): See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
Advanced Curriculum (9-12 credits depending on credential): Policy/services and methods coursework specific to the chosen credential/field of practice. See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
Advanced Practicum (17 credits): SOC W 525, aligns with the student's policy/services course and with the student's primary intervention method area.
MSW Electives (9-12 credits depending on credential): SOC W 500- and/or 600-level Coursework, course list maintained by the program.
Completion Requirements
Total credits: 75
Generalist core courses: SOC W 500, 501, 504, 505, 506 or 574, 510, 511, 512, 513
Generalist practicum (10 credits): SOC W 524
Specialized core courses: SOC W 550, 560, 551 or 561, 598
Specializes practicum (17 credits): SOC W 525
Electives (9 credits): course list maintained by unit
Master Of Social Work (Administrative And Policy Practice) (advanced standing)
Completion Requirements
Minimum 48 credits (advanced standing); 75 credits (day and extended degree programs), as follows:
Completion of required professional foundation and advanced curriculum credits and demonstrated competence in both academic and field practicum work.
Human Biology Requirements: BIOL 100, BIOL 101-, BIOL 118, BIOL 161, NUTR 300, or GENOME 261 (or equivalent), or SSW Continuing Education course "Human Biology" taken within 10 years of admission to the MSW program. Students must complete the requirement prior to beginning the advanced curriculum (including practicum). Credit may not be applied to the MSW degree. Courses in nutrition, psychobiology of women, and biology of aging also fulfill this requirement.
Basic Statistics Requirement: An introductory course in statistics (any discipline) is a prerequisite for SOC W 505/SOC W 506.
Professional Foundation Curriculum or Bridge Curriculum (Credit total varies by credential): See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
Advanced Curriculum (9-12 credits depending on credential): Policy/services and methods coursework specific to the chosen credential/field of practice. See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
Advanced Practicum (17 credits): SOC W 525, aligns with the student's policy/services course and with the student's primary intervention method area.
MSW Electives (9-12 credits depending on credential): SOC W 500- and/or 600-level Coursework, course list maintained by the program.
Completion Requirements
Total credits: 48
Advanced standing summer bridge courses: SOC W 507, 522, 523
Specialized core courses: SOC W 550, 560, 551 or 561, 598
Practicum (17 credits): SOC W 525
Electives (6 credits): course list maintained by unit
Minimum 48 credits (advanced standing); 75 credits (day and extended degree programs), as follows:
Completion of required professional foundation and advanced curriculum credits and demonstrated competence in both academic and field practicum work.
Human Biology Requirements: BIOL 100, BIOL 101-, BIOL 118, BIOL 161, NUTR 300, or GENOME 261 (or equivalent), or SSW Continuing Education course "Human Biology" taken within 10 years of admission to the MSW program. Students must complete the requirement prior to beginning the advanced curriculum (including practicum). Credit may not be applied to the MSW degree. Courses in nutrition, psychobiology of women, and biology of aging also fulfill this requirement.
Basic Statistics Requirement: An introductory course in statistics (any discipline) is a prerequisite for SOC W 505/SOC W 506.
Professional Foundation Curriculum or Bridge Curriculum (Credit total varies by credential): See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
Advanced Curriculum (9-12 credits depending on credential): Policy/services and methods coursework specific to the chosen credential/field of practice. See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
Advanced Practicum (17 credits): SOC W 525, aligns with the student's policy/services course and with the student's primary intervention method area.
MSW Electives (9-12 credits depending on credential): SOC W 500- and/or 600-level Coursework, course list maintained by the program.
Minimum 48 credits (advanced standing); 75 credits (day and extended degree programs), as follows:
Completion of required professional foundation and advanced curriculum credits and demonstrated competence in both academic and field practicum work.
Human Biology Requirements: BIOL 100, BIOL 101-, BIOL 118, BIOL 161, NUTR 300, or GENOME 261 (or equivalent), or SSW Continuing Education course "Human Biology" taken within 10 years of admission to the MSW program. Students must complete the requirement prior to beginning the advanced curriculum (including practicum). Credit may not be applied to the MSW degree. Courses in nutrition, psychobiology of women, and biology of aging also fulfill this requirement.
Basic Statistics Requirement: An introductory course in statistics (any discipline) is a prerequisite for SOC W 505/SOC W 506.
Professional Foundation Curriculum or Bridge Curriculum (Credit total varies by credential): See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
Advanced Curriculum (9-12 credits depending on credential): Policy/services and methods coursework specific to the chosen credential/field of practice. See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
Advanced Practicum (17 credits): SOC W 525, aligns with the student's policy/services course and with the student's primary intervention method area.
MSW Electives (9-12 credits depending on credential): SOC W 500- and/or 600-level Coursework, course list maintained by the program.
Master of Social Work (Clinical Social Work) (advanced standing)
Completion Requirements
Minimum 48 credits (advanced standing); 75 credits (day and extended degree programs), as follows:
Completion of required professional foundation and advanced curriculum credits and demonstrated competence in both academic and field practicum work.
Human Biology Requirements: BIOL 100, BIOL 101-, BIOL 118, BIOL 161, NUTR 300, or GENOME 261 (or equivalent), or SSW Continuing Education course "Human Biology" taken within 10 years of admission to the MSW program. Students must complete the requirement prior to beginning the advanced curriculum (including practicum). Credit may not be applied to the MSW degree. Courses in nutrition, psychobiology of women, and biology of aging also fulfill this requirement.
Basic Statistics Requirement: An introductory course in statistics (any discipline) is a prerequisite for SOC W 505/SOC W 506.
Professional Foundation Curriculum or Bridge Curriculum (Credit total varies by credential): See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
Advanced Curriculum (9-12 credits depending on credential): Policy/services and methods coursework specific to the chosen credential/field of practice. See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
Advanced Practicum (17 credits): SOC W 525, aligns with the student's policy/services course and with the student's primary intervention method area.
MSW Electives (9-12 credits depending on credential): SOC W 500- and/or 600-level Coursework, course list maintained by the program.
Master of Social Work (Clinical Social Work) (advanced standing) (fee-based)
Completion Requirements
Minimum 48 credits (advanced standing); 75 credits (day and extended degree programs), as follows:
Completion of required professional foundation and advanced curriculum credits and demonstrated competence in both academic and field practicum work.
Human Biology Requirements: BIOL 100, BIOL 101-, BIOL 118, BIOL 161, NUTR 300, or GENOME 261 (or equivalent), or SSW Continuing Education course "Human Biology" taken within 10 years of admission to the MSW program. Students must complete the requirement prior to beginning the advanced curriculum (including practicum). Credit may not be applied to the MSW degree. Courses in nutrition, psychobiology of women, and biology of aging also fulfill this requirement.
Basic Statistics Requirement: An introductory course in statistics (any discipline) is a prerequisite for SOC W 505/SOC W 506.
Professional Foundation Curriculum or Bridge Curriculum (Credit total varies by credential): See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
Advanced Curriculum (9-12 credits depending on credential): Policy/services and methods coursework specific to the chosen credential/field of practice. See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
Advanced Practicum (17 credits): SOC W 525, aligns with the student's policy/services course and with the student's primary intervention method area.
MSW Electives (9-12 credits depending on credential): SOC W 500- and/or 600-level Coursework, course list maintained by the program.
Master of Social Work (Clinical Social Work) (fee-based)
Completion Requirements
Minimum 48 credits (advanced standing); 75 credits (day and extended degree programs), as follows:
Completion of required professional foundation and advanced curriculum credits and demonstrated competence in both academic and field practicum work.
Human Biology Requirements: BIOL 100, BIOL 101-, BIOL 118, BIOL 161, NUTR 300, or GENOME 261 (or equivalent), or SSW Continuing Education course "Human Biology" taken within 10 years of admission to the MSW program. Students must complete the requirement prior to beginning the advanced curriculum (including practicum). Credit may not be applied to the MSW degree. Courses in nutrition, psychobiology of women, and biology of aging also fulfill this requirement.
Basic Statistics Requirement: An introductory course in statistics (any discipline) is a prerequisite for SOC W 505/SOC W 506.
Professional Foundation Curriculum or Bridge Curriculum (Credit total varies by credential): See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
Advanced Curriculum (9-12 credits depending on credential): Policy/services and methods coursework specific to the chosen credential/field of practice. See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
Advanced Practicum (17 credits): SOC W 525, aligns with the student's policy/services course and with the student's primary intervention method area.
MSW Electives (9-12 credits depending on credential): SOC W 500- and/or 600-level Coursework, course list maintained by the program.
Master Of Social Work (Community-Centered Integrative Practice)
Completion Requirements
Minimum 48 credits (advanced standing); 75 credits (day and extended degree programs), as follows:
Completion of required professional foundation and advanced curriculum credits and demonstrated competence in both academic and field practicum work.
Human Biology Requirements: BIOL 100, BIOL 101-, BIOL 118, BIOL 161, NUTR 300, or GENOME 261 (or equivalent), or SSW Continuing Education course "Human Biology" taken within 10 years of admission to the MSW program. Students must complete the requirement prior to beginning the advanced curriculum (including practicum). Credit may not be applied to the MSW degree. Courses in nutrition, psychobiology of women, and biology of aging also fulfill this requirement.
Basic Statistics Requirement: An introductory course in statistics (any discipline) is a prerequisite for SOC W 505/SOC W 506.
Professional Foundation Curriculum or Bridge Curriculum (Credit total varies by credential): See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
Advanced Curriculum (9-12 credits depending on credential): Policy/services and methods coursework specific to the chosen credential/field of practice. See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
Advanced Practicum (17 credits): SOC W 525, aligns with the student's policy/services course and with the student's primary intervention method area.
MSW Electives (9-12 credits depending on credential): SOC W 500- and/or 600-level Coursework, course list maintained by the program.
Completion Requirements
Total credits: 75
Generalist core courses: SOC W 500, 501, 504, 505, 506 or 574, 510, 511, 512, 513
Generalist practicum (10 credits): SOC 524
Specialized core courses: SOC W 527, 534, 569, 598
Specialized practicum (17 credits) SOC W 525
Electives (9 credits): course list maintained by unit
Master Of Social Work (Community-Centered Integrative Practice) (advanced standing)
Completion Requirements
Minimum 48 credits (advanced standing); 75 credits (day and extended degree programs), as follows:
Completion of required professional foundation and advanced curriculum credits and demonstrated competence in both academic and field practicum work.
Human Biology Requirements: BIOL 100, BIOL 101-, BIOL 118, BIOL 161, NUTR 300, or GENOME 261 (or equivalent), or SSW Continuing Education course "Human Biology" taken within 10 years of admission to the MSW program. Students must complete the requirement prior to beginning the advanced curriculum (including practicum). Credit may not be applied to the MSW degree. Courses in nutrition, psychobiology of women, and biology of aging also fulfill this requirement.
Basic Statistics Requirement: An introductory course in statistics (any discipline) is a prerequisite for SOC W 505/SOC W 506.
Professional Foundation Curriculum or Bridge Curriculum (Credit total varies by credential): See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
Advanced Curriculum (9-12 credits depending on credential): Policy/services and methods coursework specific to the chosen credential/field of practice. See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
Advanced Practicum (17 credits): SOC W 525, aligns with the student's policy/services course and with the student's primary intervention method area.
MSW Electives (9-12 credits depending on credential): SOC W 500- and/or 600-level Coursework, course list maintained by the program.
Completion Requirements
Total credits: 48
Advanced standing summer bridge courses: SOC W 507, 522, 523
Specialized core courses: SOC W 527, 534, 569, 598
Practicum (17 credits) SOC W 525
Electives (6 credits): course list maintained by unit