Social Work

Academics

Social Work

Why Choose TWU's BSW Program

Service-Learning Experience

Hands-on learning through 400-hour field practicums and service-learning opportunities locally and beyond.

Affordable Tuition

One of the most cost-effective BSW programs available in the country.

Transfer Friendly

Start your BSW major immediately with transferable credits and prepare for licensure wherever you plan to practice.

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Bachelor of Social Work

The structure of the BSW is moving to a fully online format starting January 2027! Courses will be offered one course at a time for five weeks at a time, running concurrently with one fifteen-week course. Student social workers may complete the TWU BSW degree in 16 consecutive months of full-time study.

With our fully online BSW learning options, TWU’s BSW program provides versatility and an opportunity for knowledge acquisition through intriguing coursework and hands-on experiences to prepare student social workers for various meaningful career paths in areas such as case management, child welfare (child protection, foster care, and adoptions), addictions counseling, school social work, and many more areas of practice. Graduates of the TWU BSW program are well-prepared to pursue graduate degrees to continue their education, ideally the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, where advanced standing options expedite the degree completion pursuit to one year of fulltime study. Regardless of which path students choose to take, our BSW program empowers students to make a positive impact on the world!

Social Work

The Tennessee Wesleyan Bachelor of Social Work Program provides the foundation for students to become empathic, competent generalist social work practitioners who adhere to the values and ethics promoted by the profession of social work. Students will cultivate a sense of responsibility to improve the lives of fellow humans, respecting their dignity, diversity, and right to self-determination, while advancing social, restorative, and economic justice on local and global levels. Through study of the person-in-environment framework, scientific inquiry, and mentoring, students are prepared to think critically, listen actively, and cultivate a desire for lifelong learning. Students examine their values and beliefs, grow in self-awareness, and maintain a balance between a subjective/objective view of the people they serve, while developing unconditional positive regard for them.

Admission Requirements
Prospective External Students

Prospective external students who are interested in majoring in social work should consult with a social work advisor as early as possible ([email protected]). Prospective external students who desire to major in social work at the time of their university application should apply to and receive acceptance to the University and the program simultaneously.

Prospective external students must submit a completed application for admission to Tennessee Wesleyan University and the BSW Program simultaneously, when possible. They should also submit official transcripts from all prior colleges and universities attended.

Applicants with less than a cumulative 2.2 undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale may be considered on a conditional basis. Students are expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.2 while in the social work program at TWU.

Prospective Internal Students

Prospective internal students will complete the BSW Program application online. The BSW Program coursework is offered in an accelerated, fully online*, asynchronous, 16-month year-round format.

*Prospective external and internal students must submit a specific application to the BSW program. The electronic application may be accessed via (1) the student’s Tennessee Wesleyan University portal or (2) by receiving a link from the Office of Admissions.
a. Complete the required self-assessment form.
b. Write and submit a 300-500-word essay addressing the prompts provided
within the application.
c. Applicants whose application packet requires further review or discussion will be invited to participate in an interview with the BSW Admissions Committee (via video conferencing online or by telephone).

The Tennessee Wesleyan University BSW Program maintains continuous accreditation through the COUNCIL ON SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION (CSWE). In addition to the CSWE, the TWU BSW program is affiliated with many other social work associations including the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the North American Association of Christians in Social Work (NACSW), and the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW).

TWU BSW-AS4b – rev-81525

  • SWK 232: Introduction to Social Work (4 s.h.)
  • SWK 301: Social Work Orientation (0 s.h.)
  • SWK 304: Diversity and Social Work Practice (4 s.h.)
  • SWK 335: Social Policy (4 s.h.)
  • SWK 350: Human Behavior and the Social Environment I (4 s.h.)
  • SWK 352: Human Behavior and the Social Environment II (4 s.h.)
  • SWK 370: Social Work Research Methods (4 s.h.)
  • SWK 400: Social Work Writing and Documentation (4 s.h.)
  • SWK 437: Foundations of Generalist Social Work Practice (4 s.h.)
  • SWK 438: Mezzo Practice with Families and Groups (4 s.h.)
  • SWK 440: Macro Practice in Communities and Organizations (4 s.h.)
  • SWK 450: Field Education Preparation (3rd semester) (0 s.h.)
  • SWK 484: Field Practicum and Seminar (4th semester) (12 s.h.)
  • SWK 485: Social Work Competency Evaluation (0 s.h.)

These courses are NOT required to complete the social work major, but are available to interested student social workers

Students may choose any two courses from the following:

  • SWK 322: School Social Work (4 s.h.)
  • SWK 362: Substance Use Disorders (4 s.h.)
  • SWK 473: Foundations in Child Welfare (4 s.h.)
  • SWK 474: Concepts Child Welfare (4 s.h.)

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
    for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
    defend the rights of the poor and needy.

(Proverbs 31:8-9)

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