CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

The Bachelors in Social Work is a four‑year undergraduate programme that blends liberal arts foundations with professional social work coursework and a significant field practicum. Core topics emphasise person‑in‑environment perspectives, social welfare policy, human behaviour across the lifespan, research methods, and practice methods for individuals, families and groups.

• Foundations: introductory social work, ethics and professional identity, social justice and anti‑oppressive practice.
• Human behaviour and development: theories of development, family dynamics and multicultural considerations.
• Policy and services: social welfare policy analysis, programme development, community organisation and advocacy.
• Practice methods: assessment and intervention skills for individuals, families, groups and communities, including crisis intervention and brief treatment models.
• Research and evaluation: basic statistics, qualitative methods and programme evaluation relevant to practice.
• Field education: supervised practicum placements in community agencies, hospitals, schools, child welfare or correctional settings — typically completed in junior and/or senior year and constituting several hundred hours of direct fieldwork.
• Electives and concentrations: options commonly include mental health, substance use, ageing, child and family services, public health, immigrant and refugee services, and community organising.

Entry requirements

Admission to a CUNY BSW typically requires a high school diploma or recognised equivalent and completion of university general education requirements. Applicants should demonstrate academic readiness and a commitment to social work values.

• High school transcripts showing a competitive GPA; individual CUNY colleges vary in minimum GPA expectations.
• Evidence of coursework in English and social or behavioural sciences is often recommended.
• A personal statement or statement of purpose describing interest in social work and relevant experience; some programmes request a resume and references.
• Non‑traditional applicants or transfers may be asked for college transcripts, a record of relevant volunteer/work experience, and placement interviews.
• International applicants must meet CUNY’s general admission criteria and provide proof of English language proficiency where required.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BSW enter the workforce in frontline and support roles across public, non‑profit and health sectors. The degree provides practical skills for immediate employment and a pathway to graduate study and professional licensure.

• Common entry‑level roles: case manager, community outreach worker, family support worker, school support staff, crisis intervention worker and residential counsellor.
• Employment settings: child welfare agencies, community health centres, hospitals, public schools, probation and re‑entry programmes, shelters and non‑profit organisations.
• Further professional development: many BSW graduates pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) to become clinical social workers, attain state licensure, or specialise in clinical practice, policy analysis, administration or research.
• Transferable skills: assessment, communication, advocacy, programme planning and evaluation, which are also valued in public administration, community organising and advocacy organisations.

Why study at CUNY (The City University of New York)

CUNY offers BSW programmes across several campuses, giving students access to diverse urban field placements throughout New York City and close partnerships with municipal agencies and community organisations. The university’s urban location means students gain experience with a wide range of client populations and complex practice environments.

• Practical field learning: strong relationships with hospitals, schools, child welfare and community agencies provide robust practicum opportunities.
• Diverse learning community: CUNY’s student body reflects the city’s demographic diversity, preparing graduates to work effectively with multicultural populations.
• Affordability and access: CUNY’s public mission emphasises access and support for first‑generation and working students, with advising and resources geared to professional development.
• Continuing pathways: established bridges to CUNY MSW programmes and local employers facilitate career progression and licensure preparation.
• Faculty and practitioner expertise: instruction is typically delivered by faculty with both academic credentials and substantial field experience in urban social work practice.