Bachelor of Social Work
Turn your passion for helping others into a career. In Rowan’s BSW program, you’ll learn how to support individuals, families and communities through advocacy, equity and care.
Why choose Rowan' social work program?
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program at Rowan University prepares you to work with people and communities, tackling issues like access to care, mental health support, family relationships and social justice. You’ll learn how to analyze human behavior, navigate complex systems and apply ethical decision-making, all while gaining real-world experience through field placements with local organizations.
You’ll graduate with the qualifications to step into entry-level positions in healthcare, education, government agencies and community-based centers. The BSW also offers an affordable, efficient path toward graduate school. Our social work majors are eligible for advanced standing in Master of Social Work (MSW) programs, including Rowan’s own MSW degree, which can reduce the time and cost of earning professional licensure. In every direction, Rowan’s BSW program builds on your compassion and equips you with the critical thinking and practical skills that define the social work profession.
Key Considerations
Thinking about a future career in social work? Review the BSW program’s details—completion time, credits, cost and deadlines—to take your first steps at Rowan.
Quick Facts
Months To Complete
Credits
Fall Entry Term
Spring Entry Term
Summer Entry Term
Studying Social Work at Rowan
Learn more about Rowan University’s social work degree program. This section outlines curriculum highlights, experiential opportunities, tuition details and the information you’ll need to start your application.
What You'll Learn
Rowan’s Bachelor of Social Work degree is a 120-credit program. It builds your knowledge of the field step by step, beginning with foundational courses in psychology and government processes. Core classes introduce you to social work itself, covering human behavior, social welfare, ethics and sociology. As you advance through the program, you’ll take practice-based and research courses that deepen your skills in policy and assessment. Students who earn a B or higher in these courses may apply them toward Advanced Standing in Rowan’s MSW program or another accredited graduate degree in social work.
You can also customize your social work degree through electives that allow you to focus on the individuals and issues you care about most. Options include courses on families, disabilities, minority groups, child development, death and bereavement, child protection and global health, among others. This flexibility lets you shape the curriculum to match your goals.
Social Work Key Courses
- Advanced Human Behavior in the Social Environment
- Applied Ethics in Human Services
- Introduction to Human Behavior in the Social Environment
- Introduction to Social Work
- Introduction to Sociology
- Sociology of Social Welfare
Note: The course information above is not official and is subject to change. For an official list of available courses, please review the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
Accreditation
This program is currently pending accreditation by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE accreditation assures recipients of social work services and students, faculty and staff of social work education programs that the program has a clearly defined mission and objectives that are achievable and consistent with expectations of social work practice.
Students who enter programs in Pre-Candidacy or Candidacy statuses will be recognized as having graduated from a CSWE-accredited program once the program attains Initial Accreditation. The Candidacy Process is typically a three-year process, and there is no guarantee that a program in Candidacy will attain Initial Accreditation.
How You'll Learn
Every social work major at Rowan completes 450 hours of practicum experience at community organizations, interacting with clients under the supervision of licensed professionals. These placements give you opportunities to apply classroom lessons to practical situations, like supporting families or helping individuals access resources. Alongside this work, the Seminar courses provide space to reflect on your field placement, learn from other students and strengthen your professional identity.
Admission Requirements
Admission to Rowan’s BSW program is your next step toward a career in service and advocacy. Submit your application by gathering the following materials.
- First-year application through one of three platforms:
- Application fee of $65
- Official high school transcript(s)
- Letter(s) of recommendation/teacher evaluations
- Personal essay
After completing your application, a representative from Rowan’s Office of Admissions will confirm your application status and notify you of any missing information. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program.
Note: Rowan University is test-optional. You may submit your SAT or ACT scores, but you won’t be penalized if you choose not to.
Need assistance with your application? Our Office of Admissions team is here to support you—email admissions@rowan.edu to reach out.
Tuition and Aid
Rowan University is committed to affordability and access, and we offer scholarships, grants, financial aid and other resources that help you pursue a career of impact.
Learn more about tuition, scholarships and financial aid.
I want to do more than just be in a classroom. I want to be active in the community as a whole and see how I can help firsthand.
Sydney R. Middlesex County, NJ
I feel how dedicated, motivated and passionate professors are about their classes. With my major, I want to be an advocate for mental health.
Tara L. Burlington County, NJ
Careers and Outcomes
Rowan’s Bachelor of Social Work degree program prepares you for entry-level roles in a variety of settings, including schools, government agencies, healthcare and nonprofit organizations. In these positions, social workers advocate for children and families, connect people with vital resources, strengthen communities through direct service and policy work and more. This program also serves as a pathway to a Master of Social Work degree, which opens doors to licensure, clinical practice and leadership positions.
Upcoming virtual information sessions and events
Attend a virtual information session to discover how Rowan’s BSW program prepares you for a fulfilling career. You’ll meet faculty who bring years of professional practice into the classroom and learn how the curriculum blends knowledge with real-world experience. Bring your questions and take the next step toward our social work major!
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Related programs
Want to learn about other Rowan degrees related to social work? Keep exploring!
Ready to learn more about Rowan?
Take the first step toward becoming a social worker
The world needs social workers who care deeply and act boldly. Rowan University’s Bachelor of Social Work degree program gives you the skills, knowledge and field experience to do just that. Begin your journey of impact with us.