Salisbury University

What you'll study

The BSW curriculum at Salisbury University combines liberal arts foundations with profession‑specific coursework and structured field education. Early study typically covers general education and introductory social work concepts, followed by progressive courses in human behaviour, social welfare policy, research methods and applied practice.

• Foundation courses: Introduction to social work, ethics and professional responsibilities, human development across the lifespan, and sociological and psychological perspectives on human behaviour.
• Practice courses: Direct practice with individuals and families, group work, community and organisational practice, and case management approaches for diverse client populations.
• Policy and research: Social welfare policy analysis, programme evaluation, and social work research methods that emphasise evidence‑informed practice.
• Specialised topics: Courses addressing child and family welfare, mental health, substance use, gerontology, and cultural competence in social work practice.
• Field education: Supervised practicum placements with community agencies and partner organisations on the Eastern Shore and beyond. Placements provide real‑world experience integrating classroom learning with professional practice under faculty and agency supervision.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent and submit a standard university application. Admission to the social work major may be selective; progression into upper‑level professional courses typically requires successful completion of foundation prerequisites and departmental approval.

• Typical academic preparation includes coursework in English, social sciences (psychology, sociology), and mathematics or statistics.
• Colleges usually expect a competitive secondary school record; specific GPA thresholds and course prerequisites are set by the department and may be confirmed at the time of application.
• Additional application elements often include a personal statement explaining motivation for social work, letters of recommendation, and documentation of any relevant volunteer or work experience.
• Because field placements involve work with vulnerable populations, students should be prepared for background checks, health screening requirements (such as immunisations), and adherence to professional conduct standards.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BSW from Salisbury University are prepared for entry‑level positions in a variety of social service settings and are also well placed to continue to a Master of Social Work (MSW) for clinical specialisation or advanced practice.

• Common entry‑level roles: caseworker, child welfare worker, community outreach coordinator, residential support staff, and programme specialist in non‑profit agencies.
• Health and human services settings: hospital or medical social services, ageing services, mental health agencies and substance misuse programmes (many of which may require additional training or licensure for clinical roles).
• Education and juvenile services: school support roles, youth services and probation or reentry programmes.
• Further study: many BSW graduates pursue MSW degrees to qualify for clinical licensure, advanced practice, supervision, or leadership roles within public and private organisations.

Why study at Salisbury University

Salisbury University offers a social work programme rooted in applied learning and community engagement. The department maintains partnerships with local social service agencies across Maryland's Eastern Shore, giving students access to diverse field placements and hands‑on professional experience.

• Accreditation and quality: The curriculum follows professional standards for social work education, preparing students for responsible generalist practice and for graduate study.
• Small classes and faculty mentorship: Students benefit from accessible faculty who are active practitioners and researchers, and from class sizes that support discussion and individualized feedback.
• Field placement network: Extensive local partnerships allow students to apply classroom learning in community agencies, hospitals, schools and non‑profit organisations.
• Student support and extracurriculars: Career services, community engagement initiatives, student social work organisations and opportunities for volunteerism help build professional skills and networks.