Virginia Commonwealth University

What you'll study

The BSW curriculum combines liberal arts coursework with professional social work core subjects and supervised field practicum. Early semesters build foundation knowledge in human behaviour, sociology, research methods and social welfare policy. Core professional courses typically include practice with individuals and families, group work, community and organisational practice, social work research, diversity and cultural competence, ethics, and public policy analysis.

Field education is a central element: students complete supervised practicum placements in community agencies, hospitals, schools, child welfare settings or other partner organisations. These placements allow students to apply classroom learning to direct practice, case management, assessment and programme development under faculty and agency supervision.

Elective options and interdisciplinary opportunities enable specialisation in areas such as mental health, child and family services, substance misuse, ageing, healthcare social work, juvenile justice, or community organising. Coursework emphasises evidence-informed practice, critical thinking about systems of oppression, and skills in assessment, intervention and evaluation.

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet the general admission requirements of Virginia Commonwealth University and the specific expectations of the School of Social Work. Typical requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, submission of official transcripts, and a competitive academic record demonstrating readiness for university-level study.

Recommended preparatory subjects include English, psychology, sociology, social studies and life sciences. The programme may request a personal statement describing your interest in social work, and some applicants provide letters of recommendation. Prior volunteer or paid experience in human services is advantageous but not always required.

Successful applicants should demonstrate interpersonal skills, maturity, ethical awareness and a commitment to working with diverse populations. Admitted students are usually required to complete background checks, health screenings or immunisations before beginning field placements, in line with agency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the BSW enter a wide range of entry-level social work roles in public and private sectors. Common early-career positions include case manager, child welfare worker, school support staff, mental health technician, community outreach coordinator, healthcare social work assistant and probation or re-entry support roles.

Many graduates use the BSW as preparation for advanced professional training; a Bachelor of Social Work provides a pathway into Master of Social Work (MSW) programmes and, with further study and supervised experience, clinical licensure. Alumni also pursue careers in policy, advocacy, non-profit management, research support, and programme development across government agencies and community organisations.

Why study at Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University offers the BSW through a school with strong ties to Richmond's urban and regional community organisations, providing diverse placement opportunities and real-world learning. The programme is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), ensuring the curriculum meets national standards for professional social work education.

Students benefit from faculty who combine teaching with community-engaged research, practicum partnerships across health care, child welfare, schools and non-profit sectors, and university resources such as career services and student support offices. The university's urban location supports exposure to a wide range of client populations and social issues, preparing graduates for practice in varied settings.