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Social Work Degree

Bachelor of Science in Social Work (B.S.S.W.)

Prepare to become a licensed social worker through UND's top-ranked program.

UND's social work degree is flexible to meet your needs with online and on-campus course options. You'll graduate ready to serve vulnerable people and communities with a special focus on rural settings.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
1-4 years
Credit hours:
120 or less (depending on number of completed credits)
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Why earn a social work degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1


Professional Program Application Deadlines
Fall:
Mar. 15* | June 15
Spring:
Oct. 15

Admitted UND students can apply to the social work degree program after meeting admission criteria.

*priority deadline

Those who choose to become a social worker are passionate for improving the well-being of others. They work through advocacy, partnerships, research, and addressing social problems, all from a social justice perspective. 

Social workers help people overcome some of life’s most difficult challenges. Social workers may perform a variety of duties such as helping individuals and families access services, counseling clients with mental health issue or providing outreach and advocating for policy change. Clinical social workers diagnose and treat clients with mental and behavioral health concerns.

Online Social Work Degree

UND's Social Work degree is nationally recognized for numerous "firsts" in online education. In fact, we are the best online Social Work degree in North Dakota and Minnesota. Our high profile and exceptional reputation in the region makes us a great value.

Accredited Social Work Degree

UND's undergraduate program in Social Work, offering a Bachelors of Science in Social Work (B.S.S.W.) degree, has been accredited since 1974, when undergraduate accreditation first began. The Department of Social Work was re-accredited by the Council on Social Work Education( CSWE) in 2014. The department continues to update its curriculum to adhere to revised standards established by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education.

On-Campus or Online Social Work Degree

  • Complete a field internship under the supervision of a licensed field instructor.

  • Get involved with our nationally-recognized award-winning student clubs, the Student Social Work Association or Phi Alpha, the social work honor society.

  • Graduate eligible to apply to take the social work licensing exam in any state that license at the B.S.S.W. level. You'll also be eligible to apply to any Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program in the nation.

  • We provide financial support to qualified students who commit to working in an approved child welfare agency in North Dakota upon graduation.

  • UND is home to the Children and Family Services Training Center, providing research and training with a strong rural focus. The Center certifies all new child welfare workers and all North Dakota foster parents.

  • In addition to a social work major, our students often pursue minors in Gerontology or Chemical Dependency to specialize their skills.

What can you do with a social work degree?

9%

Growth rate for social workers through 2031

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

60K

Average UND graduate starting salary

UND Career Services

Social work stands apart from other social science degrees in that most states license social workers at the bachelor's level. Only those who hold formal social work degrees can call themselves social workers.

Social Work Degree Jobs

The career opportunities for social workers are endless, and may include:

  • Addiction/Chemical Dependency
  • Adoption and Foster Care
  • Advocacy, Consulting and Planning
  • Child Welfare Services
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Development Disabilities
  • Disaster Relief
  • Employee Assistance
  • Family Preservation Services
  • Gerontology
  • Homeless Family Assistance
  • Hospice and Palliative Care
  • Hospital Social Work
  • Institutional Care
  • International Social Work
  • Mental Health Clinics and Outpatient Facilities
  • Military Social Work
  • Private Practice
  • School Social Work

Social Work Degree Courses

SWK 481. Field Education I. 5 Credits.

Provides learning opportunities in generalist social work practice emphasizing the core competencies and associated behaviors. Connects the theoretical and conceptual contributions of the classroom with the practical world of the internship setting. Also can be taken with SWK 483 for a one-semester block placement in an approved human service organization. Prerequisite: Admission to field program. Corequisite: SWK 482. S/U grading. F,S,SS.

SWK 424. Generalist Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families. 3 Credits.

Generalist practice with individuals and families is an introduction to social work practice theory with an emphasis on general systems and ecological perspectives on practice. Student will develop knowledge and skills to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate social work practice with individuals and families. Prerequisite: Admission to the BSSW Program. Prerequisite or Corequisite: SWK 357. F,S,SS.

SWK 357. Human Behavior and the Social Environment II. 3 Credits.

Application of social work theory and research across the life span, with social systems theory as the conceptual framework. Theories regarding development of groups, communities and organizations. Prerequisite: Admission in the BSSW Program. F,S.

SWK 442. Social Policy. 3 Credits.

Provides knowledge of social policy, and develops critical analysis skills to advance social and economic well-being and understanding of the interaction between research, practice and policy. Prerequisite: Admission in the BSSW Program. F,S.

SWK 317. Social Work Research. 3 Credits.

Provides students with an understanding of basic qualitative and quantitative research methods. Students gain and apply skills related to the critical evaluation of research, and how to utilize research for practice. This course also provides students with foundational knowledge and skills necessary to understand and undertake practice evaluation in field placements and in entry-level practice settings. Prerequisite: Admission to the BSSW Program. Prerequisite or Corequisite: Statistics. F,S.

SWK 454. Generalist Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations. 3 Credits.

An introduction to generalist social work practice with communities and organizations within the context of evidence-based interventions grounded in social work theory. Community assessment involves synthesizing multiple sources of data and evaluating aspects of communities and organization. Students develop skills to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate communities and organizations. Prerequisite: Admission to the BSSW program. Prerequisite or Corequisite: SWK 317. F,S.

Best Online Social Work Degree

#1 EDsmart
#1 OnlineU.com
#3 Nonprofit Colleges Online
#5 Accredited Online College
#5 College Consensus
#6 Best Colleges
#9 Best Universities
#12 Online Course Report

#15 Bachelor Degree Center
#15 Social Work Degree Center

UND is regarded by many as a Top 15 online Social work degree. We consistently rank among the best for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes.

Ranking sites vary in their methodology, but are generally based on the following criterion:

  • Financial data such as net cost, loan default rate, and return on investment
  • Academic rigor including curriculum standards, accreditation status, and faculty reputation
  • Student gratification, retention rate, and support services
  • Employment rate and graduate salary

Become a Social Worker

UND's online social work degree helped Sadie Harrison achieve her goals to becoming a social worker.

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Explore More Options

Looking to connect with the college or find a similar degree?

  • College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines
  • Social Work M.S.W.
  • Find Similar Degrees
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