Social Work |
Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) |
Social workers help people cope with everyday problems. They may provide services such as advocacy, crisis response, and connecting clients with resources. Social Workers address societal ills by understanding and addressing problems in functioning that can occur with people, systems, as well as with the interactions between systems and people. Social workers are taught how to assess, identify, intervene, and evaluate problems and solutions. Social workers engage with individuals, families, and communities to affect positive social change and promote conditions that boost social and economic well-being. The program encourages students to have an appreciation of diversity as a strength and competence when working with populations regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, orientation, identity, level of ability, and numerous other expressions of diversity.
The MSW provides the opportunity to serve others beyond the BSW level. All social workers are passionate with regards to social justice. With the MSW degree, social workers can carry that passion to the classroom through teaching, as well as, positions in school social work, the mental health community, and positions with the criminal justice field.
Social Work Online Degree Program
The Social Work degree program is available online. Online programs have the same content and curriculum as traditional on-campus programs. All coursework, including lectures, assignments, and exams, is available through the Canvas online learning system.
Online programs are asynchronous, which means there are no specific times you must be online. Professors and other instructors are available during virtual “office hours” for discussion. The programs are designed to allow you to focus on two courses in eight-week terms.
As an online student, you may be eligible to transfer credits from other accredited colleges. Learn more about our online program admission requirements.
Why study at Limestone?
At the heart of one’s choice to study social work is a deep desire to help others. At Limestone University, our desire is to help you. Our low faculty-student ratio allows for personalized support from a team of experienced Social Work professionals and academics. And as the largest Social Work program in South Carolina, Limestone University offers multiple ways to earn your degree. Evening and online students benefit from convenient eight-week terms offered six times per year. Students may complete their BSW Degree from Limestone University by taking courses entirely online, in classrooms, or any combination of both.
Related Occupations
The Social Work profession has over 50 fields in which the degree can be utilized including healthcare, services to families and children, anti-poverty programs, public health, domestic violence counselor, school social worker, nursing home social worker, hospice social worker, substance abuse counselor, and mental health worker to name a few. According to the US Bureau of Labor & Statistics, employment for social workers is projected to add 109,700 jobs nationally -- a 16% growth rate— which is more than double the 7-percent employment growth projected for all occupations from 2016 to 2026. Other occupations include:
- School Social Worker
- Hospital Social Worker
- Nursing Home Social Worker
- Addictions Counselor
- Mental Health Counselor
Mission Statement
The mission of the Limestone University Bachelor of Social Work Program is to prepare students utilizing a liberal arts education for generalist social work practice by incorporating social work values, ethics, critical thinking, and evidenced-based skills to improve quality of life (at the individual, local, and global level) and promote positive social change, particularly for vulnerable individuals and groups who are often survivors of social and/or economic injustice. We furthermore require that students demonstrate a commitment to service, a belief in the dignity and worth of all people, and a genuine respect for diversity. We emphasize the importance of valuing human rights and human relationships from a person-in-environment perspective. Students who successfully complete our program will be competent as beginning social work professionals as well as adequately prepared for further professional development at the graduate level of study.
The Goals of the program are:
- To prepare traditional and nontraditional students for employment as beginning generalist social workers and to prepare them for graduate study.
- To provide access to a diverse range of students who for economic, social, or geographical reasons would not be able to pursue a social work education elsewhere.
- To prepare graduates who are aware of their responsibility to continue their professional growth and development by providing up-to-date content about evidence-based social work practice
- To integrate throughout the curriculum the values and ethics that guide professional social workers in their practice with special emphasis on social and economic justice.
Accreditation and Licensing
The Bachelor of Social Work Program at Limestone University prepares students for beginning generalist practice as a professional social worker. The course content in our BSW curriculum is approved by the South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners, and the program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Our educational requirements allow students to be eligible to take the LBSW licensure exam in South Carolina and other states. Students outside of South Carolina should verify the requirements for licensure in their state.
Fast Facts
- According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the need for social work will increase over the next 10 years.
- Limestone University has one of the largest and most successful social work programs in the nation.
- In order to be licensed as a social worker in the state of South Carolina, one must have a degree from a CSWE accredited institution. Our BSW Program is CSWE accredited.
- Social Workers respect the worth of all people regardless of age, income, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, or level of physical or mental ability.
- If you already have a BSW from a CSWE Accredited college or university you are eligible for advanced standing (fast track, twelve months) for the MSW.
Explore Experiental Major Map
Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at Limestone. Each student’s experience is unique so please keep in mind the activities outlined in this map are suggestions and can be tailored to you! Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.
Related Faculty
Social Work Facebook PageCourse Requirements
Requirement Notes
- Limestone's required Competency & General Education courses
- A total of 120 credit hours
- EN100 & MA114 (if needed) (4-6 credits)
- Required courses (see list below)* (48 credits)
- Required Biology course (BI101 or 114) (4 credits)
All field placements must be completed in less than 6 months. (No exceptions.)
**Note: The number of elective credit hours may vary depending on prerequisites and course choices.*Note: It is strongly recommended that Social Work courses are taken in sequence with appropriate prerequisites. It is also recommended that two Social Work Electives be included in the student's academic program.
Students are required by the Social Work Department to earn a minimum of a "C" grade in all required major courses and an overall grade point average of 2.50 or better in the major.
This major requires 1 AWE course (3 credit hours).
Field Placements
Field placements (SW 420 A & B) are a required part of a BSW degree. Students must complete a 400 clock-hour internship under the supervision of a qualified social worker at an appropriate institution. Prior to starting fieldwork, students must:
Complete all required coursework. Apply for graduation Complete the Field Application during the semester preceding the anticipated field placement
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