McDaniel College

What you'll study

The BSW curriculum combines liberal arts courses with core social work subjects and supervised practicum experiences. You will study human development and behaviour across the lifespan, social welfare policy and services, research methods and practice evaluation, and the ethical and legal foundations of social work. Practice courses focus on direct intervention with individuals and families, group work, and community and organisational practice.

• Core subjects: Introduction to Social Work, Human Behaviour in the Social Environment, Social Welfare Policy and Services, Social Work Research Methods, Ethics and Professional Practice.
• Practice courses: Practice with Individuals and Families, Group Practice, Community Organising and Macro Practice, Crisis Intervention, Mental Health Practice.
• Applied learning: Multiple supervised field placements/practicums with increasing responsibility that take place in local agencies, schools, healthcare settings and community organisations.
• Capstone and electives: A senior capstone integrates theory, research and practice; electives allow focus on topics such as child welfare, substance misuse, aging, or policy and advocacy.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent with a broad liberal arts preparation. Admissions typically consider academic performance, a personal statement that demonstrates commitment to social justice and helping professions, and one or more references. Some programmes may invite applicants to an interview or require a brief writing sample. Applicants who have completed relevant volunteer or paid experience in human services are often viewed favourably.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for entry-level social work roles in a variety of settings. Typical first positions include child and family services, school-based support roles, community outreach and advocacy, case management in healthcare or mental health agencies, and services for older adults. Many graduates work for non-profit organisations, government social services departments, hospitals and schools.

For clinical licensure or advanced practice (for example to become a licensed clinical social worker), graduates usually pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW). The BSW also provides a strong foundation for careers in policy, programme administration, research assistantships and further study in related fields.

Why study at McDaniel College

McDaniel offers a small-college environment that emphasises close faculty mentorship and hands-on learning. The college’s liberal arts framework helps students develop critical thinking and communication skills that complement practice-focused social work training. Strong community links in the Baltimore–Washington region provide a wide range of practicum placements across social service agencies, schools and healthcare providers.

Students benefit from faculty with both academic and practitioner backgrounds, individualized advising for field placement and career planning, and opportunities to combine study abroad or interdisciplinary electives with the major. These elements support students aiming for immediate entry into professional social work or preparation for graduate study.