major in social work
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work
B.S.W. in Social Work Program Overview
If you have a passion for helping others and want to positively impact the world, then the Social Work Bachelor’s Degree program may be what you’re looking for. With a mission to educate and train generalist social workers, this program offers a holistic approach to entry-level practice. The emphasis on understanding the shared human experience shows that this degree goes beyond just training students for a job – it’s a calling to create a better world for everyone.
Department:
Department of Behavioral Sciences
Department chair name:
Lisa Beene
B.S., M.S.S.W., A.C.S.W.
Program Coordinator:
Dr. Nadine McNeal
Learning at FHU
Why study social work at FHU?
Are you looking for a transformative experience that will equip you to change the world for the better? Look no further than Freed-Hardeman University’s Social Work Bachelor’s Degree program! This program is about recognizing the value and worth of every person and empowering them to live their best possible lives. With an emphasis on promoting health, well-being and equity across various domains, from mental health to spirituality, FHU’s Social Work program is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to make a real difference in their community.
Program Highlights:
- Build a meaningful career helping people in need
- Promote equity and justice in your community
- Discover and cultivate your passion for social work
- Use your knowledge and talents to create positive change
- Join a supportive network of faculty and peers who share your drive for service
- Comprehensive understanding of complex social issues
Bridge Program Overview
The Behavioral Sciences Bridge program is designed to prepare undergraduate students for pursuit of a graduate degree in behavioral sciences, and especially relevant to students who desire to pursue a clinical mental health counseling degree. Students who complete the Behavioral Sciences Bridge program will complete 13 hours of graduate-level coursework in place of elective requirements within their B.S. or B.S.W. degree in behavioral sciences. Students who complete the Behavioral Sciences Bridge program within their degree at FHU who are subsequently accepted into the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at FHU will be allowed to count these same graduate courses towards the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program. (The courses will be subject to the time limits and all other policies of the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree.)
Social Work Bachelor’s Degree Four-Year Plans
If you’re considering a career in social work, you’re making a choice that can lead to a lifetime of meaningful service. Freed-Hardeman University’s four-year Social Work Bachelor’s Degree program is designed to prepare you for just that. With extensive field experiences and coursework that emphasizes values-based practice, you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
2024-2025 4-Year Plan(s)
2023-2024 4-Year Plan(s)
2022-2023 4-Year Plan(s)
2021-2022 4-Year Plan(s)
Careers for Social Work Majors
Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work is a noble pursuit that opens doors to numerous fulfilling career opportunities. The Social Work Program at Freed-Hardeman University aims to instill in students the skills, values and knowledge required to become competent and compassionate social workers. By emphasizing a holistic approach to social work, students learn how to integrate cognitive and affective processes into their practice, preparing them for a wide range of professional roles. In the end, those with a degree in social work can look forward to a satisfying career improving the lives of others and making a positive impact on society.
- Family Services Worker
- Child Welfare Professional
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Mental Health Therapist
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- Hospice Care Specialist
- School Social Worker
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Major in Social Work Degree Requirements
With courses focusing on theoretical knowledge and practical experience, social work majors will engage in field education, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in various settings. Our faculty members are dedicated to supporting our student’s academic and personal growth. We prioritize global perspectives and cultural awareness, ensuring our graduates are prepared to impact diverse communities positively.
I. Liberal Arts Core Requirements - (34-35 hours)
Listed in this catalog under Academics: Liberal Arts Core
Limit III. C. 1. History to HIS 221 American History I or HIS 222 American History II
II. Major Requirements - 61 hours
| SWK 150 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
| PSY 210 | General Psychology | 3 |
| POL 231 | American Government | 3 |
| SOC 241 | General Sociology | 3 |
| SWK 250 | Foundations of Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SWK 251 | HBSE I: Childhood & Adolescence | 3 |
| SWK 252 | HBSE II: Adulthood & Aging | 3 |
| SWK 260 | Careers in Social Work | 1 |
| SWK 265 | Professional Communication in Social Work Practice (W) | 3 |
| SWK 351 | Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWK 352 | Social Work Practice(s) with Groups, Organizations, and Communities | 3 |
| SWK 361 | Social Welfare Policies & Services I (W) | 3 |
| SWK 362 | Social Welfare Policies & Services II | 3 |
| SWK 405 | Methods of Social & Behavioral Research I | 3 |
| SWK 406 | Methods of Social & Behavioral Research II (W) | 3 |
| SOC 445 | Ethnic Cultures | 3 |
| SWK 450 | Intervention with Populations at Risk | 3 |
| SWK 454 | Seminar in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SWK 497 | Senior Social Work Practicum | 9 |
III. Electives (including additional Bible) - 30-31 hours
Recommended Courses
| FAM 305 | Childhood Disorders | 3 |
| PSY 218 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 408 | Family and Individual Counseling | 3 |
| SWK 330 | Crisis Intervention | 3 |
| SWK 341 | Child Welfare I | 3 |
Meet Our Behavioral Sciences Faculty
Lisa Beene, B.S., M.S.S.W., A.C.S.W
Chair, Department of Behavioral Sciences
Nadine McNeal, L.M.S.W., D.B.H.
Social Work Program Director, Assistant Professor
Frequently Asked Questions About a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at FHU
Below are answers to questions prospective students often have when considering a major in Social Work. If you have additional questions or need more information, please contact [email protected] and they will happily answer questions and provide additional details about our program.
What are some of the best jobs for someone with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW) can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in various settings such as non-profits, government agencies, schools, hospitals and more. Here are some of the best jobs for someone with a BSW:
- Social Worker: A BSW is often required to become a licensed social worker. Social workers assist and support individuals, families and groups in need.
- Case Manager: Case managers work with individuals or families to connect them with necessary resources, such as healthcare, housing and employment.
- Child Welfare Specialist: Child welfare specialists work with children and families to ensure their safety and well-being, often in the context of foster care and adoption.
- Mental Health Counselor: Mental health counselors provide counseling services to individuals and groups struggling with mental health issues.
- Community Organizer: Community organizers work with community members to identify needs and advocate for community change.
- Probation Officer: Probation officers work with individuals who have been released from prison or jail to ensure they comply with the terms of their release and get the support they need to become stable and productive members of society.
- Non-profit Administrator: Non-profit administrators manage the day-to-day operations of non-profit organizations, including fundraising, program development and volunteer management.
A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work provides graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to positively impact their communities and help people in need. Graduates can pursue various fulfilling careers in social work and related fields that offer the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
What are the benefits of a Social Work Bachelor's Degree?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW) provides graduates with broad skills and knowledge that can lead to diverse and rewarding career opportunities. Here are some of the benefits of earning a BSW:
- Helping Others: Social work is a helping profession, and a degree in social work provides graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
- Versatile Career Opportunities: A BSW degree opens various career opportunities in multiple settings, such as non-profits, government agencies, schools, hospitals, etc. Graduates can pursue different fulfilling careers in social work and related fields.
- Personal Growth: Social work education focuses on personal growth and self-reflection. Students learn about themselves and how to use their experiences to help others.
- Advocacy Skills: Social workers often advocate for social justice and human rights. At FHU, our BSW program prepares graduates to understand social policies and systems and support community change.
- Interdisciplinary Education: Social work education integrates knowledge from various disciplines such as psychology, sociology, economics, and political science. This multidisciplinary approach provides students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for diverse career opportunities.
- Professional Development: A BSW is a stepping stone to advanced degrees in social work or related fields, providing graduates with opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
A BSW provides graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to positively impact their communities and improve the lives of others. The versatility and interdisciplinary nature of social work education offer many career opportunities and personal and professional growth opportunities.
How do the core values of FHU affect the social work program?
Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) has a set of core values that guide its mission and purpose. These core values, including Christian faith, academic excellence, personal growth, and service to others, strongly influence the social work program at FHU.
The Christian faith is integral to the university’s identity and mission. The social work program at FHU emphasizes the importance of ethical and moral principles in social work practice. Students are encouraged to integrate their faith into their work as social workers and to provide compassionate care to those in need, consistent with Christian teachings.
Academic excellence is another core value of FHU reflected in the social work program. The program aims to provide students with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that will prepare them for successful careers in social work. The program includes rigorous coursework, field education experiences and opportunities for professional development.
Personal growth is a critical component of the social work program at FHU. Students are encouraged to reflect on their experiences and values as they prepare to enter the social work profession. The program promotes self-awareness, critical thinking, and ongoing learning as essential to effective social work practice.
Finally, service to others is a central principle of the social work program at FHU. The program encourages students to use their skills and knowledge to positively impact their communities and serve those in need. The program emphasizes the importance of social justice and advocacy, consistent with the university’s mission to prepare students to be servant-leaders in their communities.
The core values of FHU strongly influence the social work program and help to prepare graduates to become ethical, compassionate and effective social workers who make a positive difference in the lives of others.
What is unique about majoring in social work at FHU?
Majoring in Social Work at Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) offers a unique combination of academic excellence, Christian faith, and practical experience that prepares students for successful careers in social work. Here are some things that make the Social Work program at FHU unique:
- Integration of Christian Faith: FHU is a Christian university, and the Social Work program at FHU emphasizes the integration of Christian faith and values into social work practice. Students learn about ethical principles, social justice, and compassion for others, consistent with Christian teachings.
- Field Education Opportunities: The Social Work program at FHU provides students with opportunities to gain practical experience working in social service agencies and other settings. Through field education experiences, students develop assessment, intervention, and advocacy skills while receiving supervision from experienced social work professionals.
- Small Class Sizes: FHU is a small university, and the Social Work program features small class sizes. This allows for personalized attention and support from faculty members committed to student success.
- Focus on Personal Growth: The Social Work program at FHU emphasizes personal growth and self-reflection as essential components of effective social work practice. Students must reflect on their experiences, values and biases as they prepare to work with diverse populations.
- Preparation for Licensure: The Social Work program at FHU is designed to prepare students for licensure as social workers. Graduates are eligible to take the licensing exam at the Bachelor’s level and can pursue advanced degrees in social work or related fields.
Majoring in Social Work at FHU offers a unique combination of academic rigor, Christian faith and practical experience that prepares students for successful careers in social work and related fields.
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