Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

The Bachelor of Social Work will prepare students for a professional practice that promotes individual, family, and community well-being, and social and economic justice. Graduates will be prepared to work as social work generalists and to take the required licensing exam to work as a licensed social worker.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, social workers are employed in a variety of settings including hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, child welfare and human service agencies, or in private practice. In addition, the employment of social workers is projected to grow 12 percent through 2024, with increased demand in healthcare and social services.

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Social Work Curriculum

The Bachelor of Social Work degree requires 120 total credit hours, with 51 in general education and 69 in social work. The expected length of time for students to complete the program is four years, or eight semesters. The last two semesters of the program will require students to participate in a practicum experience which will allow them to engage in a real world setting to further develop their knowledge and practical skills to be effective social workers. These practicum experiences will take place at various Central Illinois non-profit, human service organizations and hospitals with whom Methodist College already has developed strong partnerships. View the current Bachelor of Social Work curriculum.

Bachelor of Social Work Accreditation 

The Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has granted Initial Accreditation through 2024 to the Methodist College Bachelor of Social Work degree program.

Licensure

Students who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree in the state of Illinois can practice in a variety of positions without licensure. There are two levels of licensure in Illinois: licensed social worker (LSW) and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).  Licensing information is available from the Association of Social Work Boards and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Additional Resources

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Catalog and Handbooks

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