University of Southern Indiana

What you'll study

The BSW curriculum combines liberal arts foundations with professional social work knowledge, skills and values. Early semesters emphasise general education and foundational courses such as introduction to social work, human behaviour in the social environment, and social welfare policy. Core professional courses cover practice methods, diversity and cultural competence, research methods, and ethics.

Students move from conceptual and evidence-based coursework to applied practice through supervised field education. Field practicum placements in agencies — such as child and family services, schools, hospitals, mental health agencies and community organisations — provide hands-on experience in assessment, intervention, advocacy and case management. Typical modules and topics include:

• Foundations of Social Work Practice
• Human Growth and Development across the lifespan
• Social Welfare Policy and Services
• Clinical and Community Practice Methods
• Social Work Research and Evaluation
• Practice with Groups, Families and Communities
• Ethics, diversity and cultural competency
• Capstone field practicum and seminar

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a high school diploma or equivalent to start the BSW as first‑year students; transfer applicants must meet the University of Southern Indiana's transfer admission criteria and submit transcripts from previous institutions. Entry to upper‑division professional social work courses may be selective and can require completion of specified prerequisite courses (for example, English composition, introductory psychology or sociology), a minimum cumulative GPA, a personal statement and an interview or faculty review.

Because field placements are central to the programme, students should be prepared to meet additional requirements before placement, such as background checks, immunisation records and liability insurance. International students and those with prior criminal history should consult the School of Social Work about potential placement implications.

Career prospects

Graduates of the BSW enter a range of entry‑level social service roles. Typical employers include child welfare and family services, schools, healthcare systems, community and mental health agencies, substance misuse programmes and criminal justice organisations. Job titles commonly held by BSW graduates include case manager, youth worker, school support worker, family services specialist and community outreach coordinator.

Many students use the BSW as preparation for graduate social work study (MSW), which is required for clinical licensure in most jurisdictions. The BSW also provides the generalist practice competencies needed for full‑time employment in human services and can shorten the timeline for advanced standing in some MSW programmes.

Why study at University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana offers a BSW built around community‑centred learning and strong local agency partnerships that support diverse field placement opportunities across the region. Faculty are experienced practitioners who integrate applied expertise and research into coursework and mentor students through practicum development and career preparation.

The programme is aligned with national social work education standards and emphasises hands‑on learning, small class sizes and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Students benefit from on‑campus student organisations, service‑learning projects and networks with regional employers that help transition graduates into professional social work roles or further graduate study.