Why Major in Social Work?
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Eastern University educates students to become knowledgeable, ethical, and skilled generalist social work practitioners. We are committed to teaching students to become compassionate agents of God’s mercy and justice in meeting common human needs, with particular attention to people who are vulnerable, living in poverty, and who are oppressed.
The profession of social work helps people in a variety of ways. There are many opportunities to make a difference providing case management, counseling, advocacy/community engagement, or program development in settings such as behavioral health, child welfare, court systems, drug & alcohol, housing services, human trafficking coalitions, mental health, nursing/rehab facilities, refugee resettlement, school systems, and shelters.
“Eastern’s BSW Faculty and my peers helped me grow and become prepared for the workforce. All the learning from the curriculum came together and helped me connect the dots. Now I am ready to be the change, be the voice, be the advocate, and be the social worker I need to be to best serve my clients.”
Why Choose Eastern’s Program?
- Integration of Christian faith and social work practice: With a BSW from Eastern University, students learn the importance of integrating a Christian worldview with the knowledge, values, and skills of social work profession.
- High quality, innovative teaching and mentoring: Through caring faculty and rigorous curriculum, students are fully prepared for the next steps in the social work field.
- Small class sizes: Through small classes students are given the opportunity to think deeply and critically about the problems, strengths, and challenges facing individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Accreditation: The BSW program has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1974 (the earliest year available).
- Social Work Internships: At Eastern, BSW students complete two internships under the supervision of professional social workers while enrolled in social work courses. Internships are available at agencies to choose from, throughout the greater Philadelphia area, giving students first-hand practice experience.
- Student Social Work Association (SSWA): The SSWA focuses on building community among social work students while offering formal and informal activities, student learning, and service opportunities.
- MSW advanced standing: When a student completes the BSW program with a B average, they can be admitted to an MSW, advanced standing program. Advanced standing allows for completion of the MSW in one year.
Admission to the (BSW) Social Work program
BSW students, who have declared the social work major, can apply for admission to the Social Work Program, a process required by CSWE, the social work accrediting body, in the spring of the Sophomore year (fall of the junior year for transfer students). Students will be contacted by the Social Work Department to begin the process of completing an application, resume, essays, recommendations, and interview. Following admission into the professional phase of the Social Work Program, students will begin 3 semesters of internships. BSW students gain the knowledge, values, and skills necessary for beginning, strengths-based social work practice and a commitment to diversity, equity, and belonging.
Graduate in 3 Years!
Graduate in 3 years, lighten your course load, or easily double major with Eastern University FastPass.
State Authorizations
Please check the State Authorizations page to determine if Eastern University’s program fulfills your state credentialing requirements. Students who seek similar credentialing in states other than Pennsylvania are advised to contact the appropriate credentialing agency within their home state to seek information and additional guidance about credentialing in your state of residence. Additional state or local requirements may exist for field placements or practica in this state. Out-of-state student placements/practica cannot be guaranteed by the program or the College of Health and Sciences. Students are responsible for following all state and local requirements and regulations for their field placement/practica coursework.