Slippery Rock University

What you'll study

The BSW curriculum at Slippery Rock University provides a foundation in human behaviour, social welfare policy, social work practice and research methods, with an emphasis on ethical, culturally competent, strengths-based generalist practice. Coursework integrates theory and practice across multiple levels of intervention — individuals, families, groups and communities — and culminates in supervised field practicum placements.

• Core subjects: Introduction to Social Work, Human Behaviour and the Social Environment, Social Welfare Policy and Services, Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families, Social Work Practice with Groups and Communities, Research Methods for Social Work.
• Skills and methods: Assessment and intervention planning, case management, interviewing and counselling techniques, crisis intervention, collaborative practice and programme evaluation.
• Field education: Multiple practicum placements in community agencies, schools, health-care settings and social service organisations that provide progressive, supervised hands-on experience; placements emphasise professional ethics, documentation and interprofessional teamwork.
• Electives and special topics: Courses addressing substance use, child welfare, gerontology, mental health, forensic social work, diversity and inclusion, and community organising.

Entry requirements

Admission to Slippery Rock University generally requires a high school diploma or equivalent and successful completion of the university's undergraduate admission process. Entry to the social work major may require a separate application to the department once basic university requirements are met.

• High school completion or equivalent and meeting Slippery Rock University general admission criteria.
• Completion of introductory coursework (for example, introductory social work or principles of sociology/psychology) is encouraged prior to applying to the major.
• Typical departmental expectation includes a competitive cumulative GPA; many applicants present a GPA in the mid-range, and minimum thresholds may apply for admission to practicum courses.
• Field placement prerequisites: clearances and documentation often required by partner agencies, such as criminal background checks, child abuse clearances, immunisation records and TB screening; some placements may also require drug screening or specific training (for example, confidentiality and mandated reporting).
• Personal statement or interview may be requested to assess commitment to social work values and readiness for practicum experiences.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BSW from Slippery Rock University enter a range of entry-level social service roles and are prepared to pursue graduate education. The degree qualifies students for generalist practice positions and provides a solid foundation for advanced study leading to clinical licensure.

• Common entry-level roles: case manager, family support worker, child welfare worker, school support staff, community outreach coordinator, mental health technician, substance use support worker and residential programme staff.
• Settings: public child and family services, behavioural health agencies, schools, hospitals, community and nonprofit organisations, corrections and re-entry programmes, and ageing services.
• Further study and licensure: many BSW graduates progress to Master of Social Work (MSW) programmes to specialise in clinical social work, school social work or administration and to pursue professional licensure and higher-level clinical roles.

Why study at Slippery Rock University

Slippery Rock University offers a BSW grounded in applied learning, with small class sizes that foster close interaction with faculty who have professional and research experience in social work practice. The programme's emphasis on supervised field education and partnerships with regional agencies gives students a range of practicum options and direct exposure to community needs.

• Experienced faculty with active practice links to social service organisations in the region.
• Structured field practicum placements that connect classroom theory to real-world practice and build professional networks.
• Support services including academic advising, career counselling and assistance with placement logistics and licensure information.
• A campus environment that encourages community engagement, student organisations related to social work and opportunities for service learning, advocacy and interprofessional collaboration.