Social work practitioners are committed to the enhancement of individual, family and group problem-solving capacities and the creation of a more nurturing, just and humane social environment.
The undergraduate curriculum leads to a BSW. Juniors and seniors majoring in social work focus on social work courses in social policy and services, human behavior in the social environment, social work practice, research and field instruction in community agencies. In addition, majors take elective courses in related areas.
Students interested in completing the Bachelor of Social Work program in Tucson are encouraged to complete a MyPath2ASU program. The Tucson location option is only available to transfer students. For admission requirements, students should see https://socialwork.asu.edu/programs/bsw/social-work.
At A Glance
Social Work, BSW
- Offered by: Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
- Location: Downtown, West, ASU@Tucson
- First Required Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
- Math Intensity: General
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
Find and apply for relevant scholarships.
WUE eligible program
Undergraduate students from western states who enroll in this
program are eligible for a discounted tuition rate.
Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Career outlook
The program prepares students to be generalist social work practitioners, focusing on advocacy, referrals, case management and problem-solving functions with individuals, groups, families, organizations and the community.
Employment in social work is expected to increase commensurately with the needs of a growing and diverse population.
Social workers are employed in public and private agencies dealing with a wide variety of social issues, including:
- adoption and teen pregnancy
- aging
- child abuse and foster care
- corrections and delinquency
- disability
- discrimination
- domestic violence and family dysfunction
- health and mental health
- homelessness and poverty
- substance abuse
Social work skills such as problem-solving, resource utilization, counseling, group work and community organization are also useful for positions with industry in employee relations and mediation.
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors | 23.2% | |
| Social Workers, All Other | 8.3% | $61,980 |
| Counselors, All Other | 14.3% | $43,370 |
| Social Science Research Assistants | 4.3% | $46,000 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | 23.4% | $48,790 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 20.1% | $54,870 |
| Mental Health Counselors | 23.1% | |
| Social and Community Service Managers | 18% | $64,100 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 14.2% | $44,380 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 19.3% | $43,250 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation