Why Major in Social Work?
If you’re passionate about helping people and creating positive change, social work may be the right path for you. A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) prepares you for a meaningful career where you can support individuals, families, groups, and communities through life’s challenges. Social workers can be found in many settings, including schools, hospitals, mental health centers, child welfare agencies, community centers, nursing homes, and more. Students who complete the BSW are prepared for entry-level professional roles and may be eligible for advanced standing, allowing you to complete a Master of Social Work (MSW) in just one year, reducing both the time and financial investment required to earn a graduate degree. A BSW can help you grow into a confident, compassionate professional prepared to competently serve and support others.
“Eastern’s BSW Faculty and my peers helped me grow and become prepared for the workforce. All the learning from the curriculum came together and helped me connect the dots. Now I am ready to be the change, be the voice, be the advocate, and be the social worker I need to be to best serve my clients.”
Why Choose Eastern’s Program?
- Integration of Christian faith and social work practice: With a BSW from Eastern University, students learn the importance of integrating a Christian worldview with the knowledge, values, and skills of the social work profession.
- High quality, innovative teaching and mentoring: Supported by caring faculty and a comprehensive curriculum, students are prepared to step into the social work profession.
- Small class sizes: Through small classes, students are encouraged to think deeply and critically about the problems, strengths, and challenges faced by individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Accreditation: The BSW program has been continuously accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1974 (the earliest year available).
- Social Work Internships: At Eastern, BSW students complete two internships under the supervision of professional social workers while continuing their coursework. A wide range of internship opportunities are available across the greater Philadelphia area, providing students with valuable practice experience.
- Student Social Work Association (SSWA): The SSWA focuses on building community among social work students while offering formal and informal activities, student learning, and service opportunities.
- MSW advanced standing: When a student completes the BSW program with a B average, they can be admitted to an MSW, advanced standing program. Advanced standing allows for completion of the MSW in one year.
BSW Mission
Rooted in Christian values, the BSW program equips students with the knowledge and skills to serve vulnerable populations with compassion and mercy while upholding integrity and cultural humility. Committed to justice and belonging, we prepare graduates to advocate, promote human dignity, and foster community well-being. Guided by faith and service, our program integrates evidence and strengths-based practices to advance the core values of social work in an interconnected world.
Admission to the (BSW) Social Work program
BSW students, who have declared the social work major, can apply for admission to the Social Work Program, a process required by CSWE, the social work accrediting body, in the spring of the Sophomore year (fall of the junior year for transfer students). Students will be contacted by the Social Work Department to begin the process of completing an application, resume, essays, recommendations, and interview. Following admission into the professional phase of the Social Work Program, students will begin 3 semesters of internships. BSW students gain the knowledge, values, and skills necessary for beginning, strengths-based social work practice and a commitment to diversity, equity, and belonging.
Graduate in 3 Years!
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State Authorizations
Please check the State Authorizations page to determine if Eastern University’s program fulfills your state credentialing requirements. Students who seek similar credentialing in states other than Pennsylvania are advised to contact the appropriate credentialing agency within their home state to seek information and additional guidance about credentialing in your state of residence. Additional state or local requirements may exist for placements or practica in this state. Out-of-state student placements/practica cannot be guaranteed by the program or the College of Health and Sciences. Students are responsible for following all state and local requirements and regulations for their placement/practica coursework.