Undergraduate Degrees

The BSW program accommodates the traditional four-year student, as well as transfer students, and individuals returning to school later in life to pursue undergraduate social work education. Our BSW students learn the skills needed to work with vulnerable individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities within human service agencies.

A student may declare "social work" as a major field upon entering Widener University, or at any time prior to the junior year (students are formally considered for admission to the BSW program in their junior year). At that time, the Director of the Baccalaureate Social Work Program meets with the student to discuss the course of study appropriate for a social work major and to assign the student a faculty advisor.

Next, a social work faculty member is assigned to advise the student in planning a course of study and to provide assistance with other academic concerns and/or with personal issues.

To be considered for admission to the BSW program, a student must have:

• Completed at least 60 credits.
• Completed or enrolled in SW 320.
• Achieved a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Achieved a GPA of 2.5 or higher in social work courses.
• Earned no lower than a grade of "C" in any social work course.
• Demonstrated competency in oral and written expression of the English language.

All social work majors must submit an application for admission to the BSW program no later than the fall semester of the junior year to be eligible to earn the BSW degree. Transfer students may request an extension to submit their candidacy application until the spring of their junior year.

The application procedure requires students to meet with their advisors to discuss their qualifications for admission. Students applying to the BSW program will submit a personal statement describing their interest in the social work profession, their professional goals, and a self-evaluation describing personal qualities that would contribute to successful practice in social work.

The BSW Program Committee reviews and makes the final disposition on applications.

Our BSW program, educating social workers since 1975, is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.