What You Can Do with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Social work is more than just a career—it's a calling to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. If you're passionate about helping others and creating positive changes in your community, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) could be the perfect foundation for your future. This comprehensive degree opens doors to diverse roles in behavioral health and healthcare, health and human services, aging services, child and family welfare, criminal justice and substance abuse counseling.

Building Your Foundation in Social Work

A BSW program provides students with essential skills across multiple social work domains, preparing them to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The curriculum typically includes coursework in behavioral sciences, counseling and communication skills, addictions, case management, crisis intervention and much more. This generalist foundation ensures graduates are well-equipped to handle the diverse challenges they'll encounter in human and social services settings.

Entry-Level Career Opportunities

With your BSW in hand, you'll qualify for numerous entry-level generalist social work roles that allow you to start making a difference immediately. Popular positions include Case Manager, Mental Health Assistant, Child Welfare Specialist, Probation Officer, Community Outreach Worker or Policy Advocate. These roles often involve direct service to youth and families, connecting clients with essential resources, and providing support during challenging times.

As a social worker, you may find yourself working in child protective services, helping families navigate challenging situations while ensuring the safety and well-being of children. In behavioral health settings, you could support individuals struggling with mental health challenges or substance abuse issues. Community outreach positions allow you to connect with underserved populations and help bridge gaps in social services.

The Power of Practical Experience

One of the most valuable aspects of social work education is fieldwork, which provides hands-on experience in real-world settings. Students complete field placements in health and human services departments, community agencies and policy organizations, giving them practical skills that complement their classroom learning. This experiential component helps students understand the day-to-day realities of social work practice and builds confidence for their future careers.

Your Educational Journey Continues

While a BSW opens many doors, it also serves as an excellent stepping stone toward advanced education. Many social workers choose to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, which is required to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and opens opportunities in clinical services, supervision and management.

The educational ladder in social work extends even further, with doctoral degrees (DSW or PhD) preparing professionals for high-level roles in research, policy development, academia, and systems leadership. This clear pathway allows you to continue growing professionally throughout your career.

Start Your Journey at Herzing University

At Herzing, we understand that flexibility is crucial for today's students. That's why we've designed our BSW program to accommodate your busy schedule while providing the comprehensive education you need to succeed. Our curriculum covers all essential competencies for diverse social work settings, ensuring you graduate ready to make an impact.

Your journey in social work begins with a single step. Take that step and discover how a BSW can help you become the advocate and change-maker you're meant to be. We also offer a pathway to continue your education with our MSW program, allowing you to advance your career without interruption.

Whether you're drawn to working with children and family, supporting individuals in healthcare settings or advocating for vulnerable, marginalized, and disadvantaged individuals and communities, BSW provides the foundation you need to turn your passion for helping others into a meaningful and rewarding career.