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School of Social Work

Social Work

23 Social Work/Speech and Hearing Sciences Building
206-543-5676
Website
Faculty Website
sswinfo@uw.edu

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.

 Undergraduate Program


Social Work

23 Social Work/Speech and Hearing Sciences Building
206-543-5676
sswadmis@uw.edu

 Program of Study: Major: Social Welfare


Program 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.

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:

  1. Minimum 65 credits completed
  2. 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.
  3. Recommended: introductory statistics course
  4. Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA
  5. Paid or volunteer social service experience
  6. 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

  1. English Composition (C): 5 credits (minimum 2.0 grade)
  2. Additional Writing: 10 credits
  3. Reasoning (RSN): 4 or 5 credits
  4. Foreign Language: 0-15 credits, depending on placement or high school background
  5. Diversity (DIV): 5 credits. Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.

Areas of Inquiry

  1. Arts and Humanities (A&H): 20 credits
  2. Social Sciences (SSc): 20 credits
  3. Natural Sciences (NSc): 20 credits
  4. Additional Areas of Inquiry: 15 credits

Major Requirements

67 credits

  1. Core Courses (2.0 minimum grade required in each course): SOC WF 200; SOC WF 310; SOC WF 311; SOC WF 312; SOC WF 315; SOC WF 320; SOC WF 390; SOC WF 402; SOC WF 404; SOC WF 405; SOC WF 410, SOC WF 415; SOC WF 460 or SOC WF 442 or SOC WF 443; SOC WF 465; and SOC WF 435
  2. 2.00 cumulative UW GPA
  3. 2.50 cumulative GPA in SOC WF required courses
Additional Information

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

  • 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:

    1. Preparation of entry-level baccalaureate social workers for generalist practice in a multicultural context.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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)

 Graduate Programs


Social Work

023 Social Work/Speech and Hearing Sciences Building
206-543-5676
sswinfo@uw.edu

 Program of Study: Doctor Of Philosophy (Social Welfare)


This program of study leads to the following credential:
  • Doctor Of Philosophy (Social Welfare)
Admission Requirements

Contact department for requirements.

 Doctor Of Philosophy (Social Welfare)


Completion Requirements

Contact department for requirements.

 Program of Study: Master Of Social Work


Program Overview

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:

  1. Completion of required professional foundation and advanced curriculum credits and demonstrated competence in both academic and field practicum work.
  2. 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.
  3. Basic Statistics Requirement: An introductory course in statistics (any discipline) is a prerequisite for SOC W 505/SOC W 506.
  4. Professional Foundation Curriculum or Bridge Curriculum (Credit total varies by credential): See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
  5. 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.
  6. Advanced Practicum (17 credits): SOC W 525, aligns with the student's policy/services course and with the student's primary intervention method area.
  7. 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:

  1. Completion of required professional foundation and advanced curriculum credits and demonstrated competence in both academic and field practicum work.
  2. 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.
  3. Basic Statistics Requirement: An introductory course in statistics (any discipline) is a prerequisite for SOC W 505/SOC W 506.
  4. Professional Foundation Curriculum or Bridge Curriculum (Credit total varies by credential): See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
  5. 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.
  6. Advanced Practicum (17 credits): SOC W 525, aligns with the student's policy/services course and with the student's primary intervention method area.
  7. 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) (advanced standing)


Completion Requirements

Minimum 48 credits (advanced standing); 75 credits (day and extended degree programs), as follows:

  1. Completion of required professional foundation and advanced curriculum credits and demonstrated competence in both academic and field practicum work.
  2. 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.
  3. Basic Statistics Requirement: An introductory course in statistics (any discipline) is a prerequisite for SOC W 505/SOC W 506.
  4. Professional Foundation Curriculum or Bridge Curriculum (Credit total varies by credential): See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
  5. 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.
  6. Advanced Practicum (17 credits): SOC W 525, aligns with the student's policy/services course and with the student's primary intervention method area.
  7. 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 (advanced standing)


Completion Requirements

Minimum 48 credits (advanced standing); 75 credits (day and extended degree programs), as follows:

  1. Completion of required professional foundation and advanced curriculum credits and demonstrated competence in both academic and field practicum work.
  2. 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.
  3. Basic Statistics Requirement: An introductory course in statistics (any discipline) is a prerequisite for SOC W 505/SOC W 506.
  4. Professional Foundation Curriculum or Bridge Curriculum (Credit total varies by credential): See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
  5. 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.
  6. Advanced Practicum (17 credits): SOC W 525, aligns with the student's policy/services course and with the student's primary intervention method area.
  7. 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)


Completion Requirements

Minimum 48 credits (advanced standing); 75 credits (day and extended degree programs), as follows:

  1. Completion of required professional foundation and advanced curriculum credits and demonstrated competence in both academic and field practicum work.
  2. 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.
  3. Basic Statistics Requirement: An introductory course in statistics (any discipline) is a prerequisite for SOC W 505/SOC W 506.
  4. Professional Foundation Curriculum or Bridge Curriculum (Credit total varies by credential): See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
  5. 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.
  6. Advanced Practicum (17 credits): SOC W 525, aligns with the student's policy/services course and with the student's primary intervention method area.
  7. 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:

  1. Completion of required professional foundation and advanced curriculum credits and demonstrated competence in both academic and field practicum work.
  2. 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.
  3. Basic Statistics Requirement: An introductory course in statistics (any discipline) is a prerequisite for SOC W 505/SOC W 506.
  4. Professional Foundation Curriculum or Bridge Curriculum (Credit total varies by credential): See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
  5. 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.
  6. Advanced Practicum (17 credits): SOC W 525, aligns with the student's policy/services course and with the student's primary intervention method area.
  7. 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:

  1. Completion of required professional foundation and advanced curriculum credits and demonstrated competence in both academic and field practicum work.
  2. 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.
  3. Basic Statistics Requirement: An introductory course in statistics (any discipline) is a prerequisite for SOC W 505/SOC W 506.
  4. Professional Foundation Curriculum or Bridge Curriculum (Credit total varies by credential): See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
  5. 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.
  6. Advanced Practicum (17 credits): SOC W 525, aligns with the student's policy/services course and with the student's primary intervention method area.
  7. 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:

  1. Completion of required professional foundation and advanced curriculum credits and demonstrated competence in both academic and field practicum work.
  2. 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.
  3. Basic Statistics Requirement: An introductory course in statistics (any discipline) is a prerequisite for SOC W 505/SOC W 506.
  4. Professional Foundation Curriculum or Bridge Curriculum (Credit total varies by credential): See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
  5. 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.
  6. Advanced Practicum (17 credits): SOC W 525, aligns with the student's policy/services course and with the student's primary intervention method area.
  7. 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:

  1. Completion of required professional foundation and advanced curriculum credits and demonstrated competence in both academic and field practicum work.
  2. 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.
  3. Basic Statistics Requirement: An introductory course in statistics (any discipline) is a prerequisite for SOC W 505/SOC W 506.
  4. Professional Foundation Curriculum or Bridge Curriculum (Credit total varies by credential): See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
  5. 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.
  6. Advanced Practicum (17 credits): SOC W 525, aligns with the student's policy/services course and with the student's primary intervention method area.
  7. 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) (advanced standing)


Completion Requirements

Minimum 48 credits (advanced standing); 75 credits (day and extended degree programs), as follows:

  1. Completion of required professional foundation and advanced curriculum credits and demonstrated competence in both academic and field practicum work.
  2. 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.
  3. Basic Statistics Requirement: An introductory course in statistics (any discipline) is a prerequisite for SOC W 505/SOC W 506.
  4. Professional Foundation Curriculum or Bridge Curriculum (Credit total varies by credential): See additional requirements below for credential-specific courses.
  5. 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.
  6. Advanced Practicum (17 credits): SOC W 525, aligns with the student's policy/services course and with the student's primary intervention method area.
  7. MSW Electives (9-12 credits depending on credential): SOC W 500- and/or 600-level Coursework, course list maintained by the program.