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Major Related Resources School of Social Work Resources Career Resource Library | Description of MajorThe Indiana University School of Social Work baccalaureate program (B.S.W.) prepares students for entry level generalist social work practice. The curriculum combines study of liberal arts with professional social work foundation content. It develops a student's knowledge of challenges facing people related to personal or social circumstances and prepares the graduate for direct practice. Students complete two supervised field practica, working more than 400 hours in social service organizations. The degree requires completion of 122 credit hours, of which 52 credit hours are in the major.Skills & Knowledge Developed in this Field of StudyStudents develop competence in exercising judgment and practice skills for intervention with individuals, small groups, organizations, and communities. Using a strength-based approach, they learn to assist people as they strive to overcome barriers to realizing their full potential and becoming empowered in their community. Social workers have a very strong value base emphasizing social and economic justice and inclusion of diverse populations in mainstreatm institutions.Minors and Second Majors that Expand Career Options with this MajorNo minor is required. However, some students find that completing a minor in psychology, sociology, criminal justice, Spanish, African American studies, human development/family studies, or political science may be helpful related to their specific career directions.Career OptionsCareers Specific to the Bachelor's DegreeB.S.W. graduates are prepared to work effectively with individuals, families, small groups, communities, and organizations in a variety of settings. Graduates are employed in both public and private agencies. They provide a variety of services to individuals, families, and groups, and are often involved in organization planning and management. They frequently begin their careers in the position of case manager.Other Career Possibilities with a Bachelor's DegreeB.S.W. graduates may also find employment as probation officers, nursing home activities coordinators, community organizers, live-in counselors in residential treatment facilities, and in other human service occupations requiring communication and problem-solving skills.Careers that Normally Require a Graduate DegreeA master’s degree in social work (M.S.W.) is generally required in order to provide therapeutic services to individuals, families, or groups in a clinical setting such as a mental health center or a family services agency, or in private practice. A person with an M.S.W. may also work in administrative and supervisory positions in agencies. Students with a B.S.W. degree are frequently able to enter advanced standing M.S.W. programs that allow students to learn the advanced degree more quickly.Employment OpportunitiesJob OutlookSocial work has been identified as a profession of continued growth, though availability of jobs may be constrained in particular communities. Fields of practice experiencing growth include gerontology, addictions, child welfare, and developmental disabilities.Salary InformationStarting salaries for B.S.W.'s vary according to the community, but generally range from $22,000-$25,000 in Indiana. M.S.W. starting salaries are usually above $25,000.Potential Career GrowthWith an M.S.W., social workers can move into supervisory and management positions and can become executive directors of human services agencies.Placement Statistics for IU Graduates with this MajorNot available.High School PreparationIn addition to meeting the general requirements for admission to Indiana University, we recommend that students do volunteer work in community agencies to test their interest in working in particular setttings.Special OpportunitiesMany future social workers find that the high point of their education comes as they apply classroom theory to real-life situations during their fieldwork experience. In their junior and senior years, students work as closely supervised interns in their areas of interest. The School of Social Work helps to place students with social service organizations throughout Indiana, including community action programs, child welfare agencies, public schools, nursing homes, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and services for the homeless. These internships provide invaluable learning opportunities and service to the community. We encourage students to collaborate with faculty in community-based research projects, both as independent study and as part of their ongoing course work. Students in our program work with faculty who are at the forefront of research in the field. The coordinator of the B.S.W. Program is also the co-director of the Institute for Family and Social Responsibility. This is a collaborative project with the School of Public and Environmental Affairs that serves state policy makers by pulling together university resources for analyzing social policy. In addition to policy research, other research studies include welfare reform, political participation of students, child welfare and effectiveness of diversity programs. The school provides students with a computer site. Students use technology-based resources in many of their courses.Noted AlumniNot Available | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
