The School of Social Work offers two professional programs, one at the undergraduate level, one at the masters level, as well as a PhD program. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Welfare (BASW) program prepares students for entry-level generalist practice. The Master of Social Work (MSW) graduate professional programs, which have full-time, part-time evening, and part-time online options, prepare students for advanced practice within a field of specialization (Clinical Practice, Administration and Policy Practice and Community-Centered Integrative Practice). Both the BASW and MSW programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
The School of Social Work seeks individuals interested in tackling complex social problems, building skills to help individuals, families, and communities, and are committed to becoming social change agents. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Welfare (BASW) serves as an excellent foundation for aspiring leaders, helpers, innovators, community organizers, and social service professionals, giving students skills to work with clients individually, with groups and families, or on a macro policy level. The School supports students to develop skills and values that prepare them for successful careers as social workers. Program emphasizes social justice and supports students to develop a critical lens on human behavior and social systems. Students develop skills as change agents as they gain real-world experience through service learning and practicum placements and rigorous classroom education on social work practice and theory.
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: prerequisite courses in psychology and sociology; SOC WF 200; introduction to statistics; world language; and social science coursework in subjects such as American ethnic studies; disability studies; public health; communication; economics; political science; human biology; human development; American government; diversity studies; law, societies, and justice; and gender, women, and sexuality studies.
Admission Requirements
Admission occurs once a year for autumn quarter. Applications open by February 1st and are due by April 15th. Applicants must meet the following prerequisite requirements by the end of summer quarter before starting the program in autumn quarter:
One introductory course in sociology and one introductory course in psychology. Minimum 2.0 grade in each course. See School's website for approved courses.
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA
Completed online application found on the School's website
Admission is capacity constrained, and applications are holistically evaluated based on the following criteria:
Academic preparation
Reasoned interest in the field
Relevant experience
Diverse contributions
Application forms and a detailed description of the social welfare major are available at the School's website. A student may discuss the program by contacting the Social Work Office of Admissions, (206) 543-5676, uwsocialwork@uw.edu.
Continuation Policy
All students must make satisfactory academic progress in the major. Failure to do so results in major-level academic notification, major-level warning, and major-level alerts, which can lead to dismissal from the major and being precluded from subsequently declaring the major in a future quarter. 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
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