BASW
Rutgers School of Social Work is committed to turning passionate, dedicated students into leaders who serve society and promote social justice in policy, academic, clinical, and corporate settings. As part of a leading public research university since 1954, the School is setting standards of excellence in the helping professions. Our faculty are not only inspiring teachers; they are also researchers who are generating new knowledge in the field of social work. In addition to nationally-recognized faculty, we offer outstanding practicum learning opportunities throughout the region and the world. Rutgers School of Social Work is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Rutgers University offers a unique 4+1 Baccalaureate and Master of Social Work program in which students are able to complete their BA in Social Work and Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees in just five years Freshman and sophomore students complete general education coursework in their first two years at Rutgers, and may also select from a number of social work electives Students then move on to undergraduate social work courses in their junior and senior years After earning the BA in Social Work, students are then eligible to apply to an accelerated one-year MSW degree. Transfer students with the appropriate associate's degree or equivalent coursework may complete a 2+1 program, taking two years to earn their BA in social work followed by a one-year accelerated MSW
“Completing my undergraduate degree at the Rutgers School of Social Work provided me with a comprehensive foundation for social work practice. I was able to take electives on topics ranging from child welfare to homelessness and interpersonal violence taught by compassionate experts in the field. The support I gained from staff alongside a challenging and comprehensive education has set me up to pursue my dream of getting a Master of Social Work degree here at Rutgers!”
“Rutgers School of Social Work went above and beyond to create the foundation to ensure I’m an effective social worker. It provided me with priceless tools to enhance the well-being of myself, my family, and my community to benefit our society. The BASW program is more than a major within a university; it’s a place to call home, equipped with faculty that go above and beyond to cater to your unique needs. Being a non-traditional transfer student came with its challenges, and the School of Social Work provided resources to ensure I was successful, and I’m proud to have graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA!”
T H E B A I N S O C I A L W O R K P R O G R A M
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work is offered as a major within the School of Social Work and in partnership with the Camden College of Arts and Sciences and the New Brunswick School of Arts and Sciences This outstanding professional degree program prepares graduates for foundation-level social work practice and an accelerated one-year Master of Social Work (MSW) degree The major in social work is equivalent to a BSW or BASW and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Rutgers School of Social Work also offers a minor in social work and social justice on the Camden campus.
P R A C T I C U M L E A R N I N G
School of Social Work students have ample hands-on experience in many settings The School is affiliated with more than 900 agencies throughout the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area as well as the Southern New Jersey/Philadelphia area BASW students are required to complete 450 hours of practicum learning in one placement over two semesters Students are directly supervised by experienced social workers who have completed a special training program designed to maximize their abilities to supervise and mentor our students.
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R E P A R A T I O N
The BA in Social Work program emphasizes building solutions to social problems and strengthening individuals, families, groups, organizations, and community well-being Consistent with the mission of the School of Social Work, the goals of BA in Social Work program are to prepare students to empower individuals, families, and communities within a variety of agency and community settings in the state of New Jersey and beyond Students in the BA in Social Work degree program acquire the knowledge, skills, and values associated with the social work profession to serve various populations with a specific focus on underserved, marginalized, and oppressed groups Upon graduation, students are adept at the generalist intervention model and proficient in engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation on the micro, mezzo, and macro levels
The BA in Social Work major course requirements are listed below:
Junior Year Requir ed Courses
n Introduction to Social Work & Social Justice
n Social Welfare Policy & Services I & II
n Human Behavior in the Social Environment I & II
n Methods of Social Work Research I
n Foundations of Professional Development
*2 Social Work Electives
Senior Year Requir ed Courses
n Generalist Practice I & II
n Practicum 1 & II
n Diversity and Oppression
n Integration Seminar
*1 Social Work Elective
Social Work Electives (3 r equir ed for the major)
n Aging & Society
n Childhood Inequalities
n Child Welfare Services and Practices*
n Confronting Anti-Black Racism
n Global Social Work & Social Development
n Housing Inequality & Homelessness
n The Effects of Oppression on Minoritized Groups
n Understanding Violence: Causes, Consequences & Social Justice Change
*Required for BCWEP Interns
Social Work and Social Justice Minor
This minor offers students an understanding of the basic principles of social work, including an introduction to generalist social work principles such as the use of policy, practice, and diversity to approach clients on an individual group, and community level A discussion on social justice approaches will inform how clients from various groups (i e children, families, and organizations) can be addressed
The minor includes 6 courses (18 credits), three required courses and a choice of three electives The minor is only available to Rutgers Camden and Rutgers Atlantic Cape students at this time.
Oppor tunities for Global Education and Ser vices
Students may choose to participate in global education opportunities in order to experience and better understand other cultures, one ’ s own culture, and emerging practice models that address vulnerable populations across borders Currently, the School offers organized study abroad courses in Mexico, Romania, and Taiwan
“In any other field of study I would not have the level of promise and fulfillment as I do in the BA in Social Work program at Rutgers. The faculty and staff are truly committed to being advocates for their students. The program purposefully takes us out of our comfort zones and mobilizes us to get acclimated to leadership opportunities and the realities of social problems.”
I N S O C I A L W O R K
Students declar e the BA in Social Work major during their sophomor e year. Curr ent Rutgers students, as well as new transfer students to the University, must meet the following major r equir ements:
1. Complete approximately 55-60 credits of coursework including general education requirements and prerequisites Prospective Students may apply once they have completed at least four of the six major prerequisites listed below
Major Pr er equisites:
n Basic Psychology
n Introduction to Sociology
n Human Biology
n Statistics for Social Science or Elementary Applied Statistics
n Two liberal arts courses from the following: anthropology, art, communications/speech, history, literature, music, philosophy, political science, religion, or theater
2 Maintain a minimum 3 0 cumulative grade point average Students below a 3 0 are encouraged to seek advice from the social work admissions team, admissions@ssw rutgers edu
Rutgers University Students
Continuing Rutgers students enrolled in arts and sciences curriculum in New Brunswick or Camden may declare a social work major by visiting BASW.rutgers.edu
Transfer Students
Students transferring to Rutgers must first apply and be admitted to the University Once admission to the University has been confirmed, visit BASW rutgers edu to complete the declaration form
ADVISING AND SUPPORT IN THE MAJOR
All social work majors are assigned a faculty advisor within the School of Social Work. Advisors provide academic support in completing the major requirements and encouragement to support students' engagement with the school and the profession Students who maintain a 3 5 cumulative GPA are eligible for membership in the Phi Alpha Honors Society
Questions about declaring your major?
Email us at admissions@ssw rutgers edu or call 848-932-7520, ext 2
“There is no other major that speaks to the entire human experience like social work. I am proud to be in a major that teaches how powerful inter vention and empowerment is in any arena of life. Social work is where world changers are born!”
