Social Work

Social Work

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Bachelor of Social Work

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Enhance human well-being and respond to the complex needs of people—particularly those who are vulnerable, marginalized, or living in poverty—by focusing on systems within the context of their environment.

02

Equips you for careers across diverse settings such as schools, hospitals, courts, government agencies, nonprofits, and private practice, with opportunities in child welfare, mental health, substance use services, aging, and community development.

03

Develop highly sought-after skills in communication, critical thinking, empathy, assessment, and advocacy, which are valuable across many professions and enrich personal relationships.

04

Inspire lasting personal and professional fulfillment through reflective practice, resilience-building, and meaningful service that advances social justice and community well-being.

05

Learn from award winning faculty who are renowned for their research and teaching.

Core
Skills

  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Assessment
  • Advocacy
  • Ethics

Sample
Jobs

  • Hospital Case Manager/Health Navigator
  • Child Protection, Foster Care, or Adoption Case Manager
  • Mental Health/Substance Use Health Technician
  • Eligibility/Benefits Specialist
  • Community Outreach Worker/Program Coordinator

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Healthcare
  • Child, Family, & School Services
  • Mental Health & Substance Use Services
  • Government Agencies
  • Community & Non-Profit Organizations

Brag
Points

  • Maintains CSWE accreditation while delivering traditional, face-to-face instruction with a strong emphasis on experiential learning that prepares you for high employment outcomes in a field the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects will grow.
  • Part of the Mississippi Academic Pathways Collaborative, which provides scholarships via Title IV-E funds for up to two semesters for social work students who commit to complete 450-hour internship with Mississippi Dept. of Child Protective Services.
  • Demonstrate strong licensure exam success, as our social work students, on average, meet or surpass national pass rate benchmarks.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

As a social work major, you'll be required to complete experiential learning in the introduction to social work course through community service. You will also complete a supervised 450-hour field practicum at a local agency during your final semester. 

Social Work

2025-2026 Major Map

Bachelor of Social Work

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

Gain introductory knowledge of a range of topics to help students grasp basic verbal, written, and critical thinking skills.

2nd Year

Complete required courses in other fields of study and begin courses in the major core, including introduction to social work, professional development in social work and social work and policy.

3rd Year

Continue completing required courses in other fields, as well as advancing through the major core content in human behavior in the social environment, child welfare, research, and practice with individuals/groups/communities. Further, you can also select an elective on topics such as trauma informed practice, resilience, healthcare, schools, substance use, and family violence.

4th Year

Complete courses in the major, including senior seminar, to prepare for the culminating practicum semester, which requires a full-time placement for one semester in a supervised agency setting. 

 

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

Complete hands-on learning assignments in the general education courses. 

2nd Year

Volunteer with your community through the Introduction to Social Work course. Learn from guest speakers in the field in the introduction to social work course, as well as other major core social work courses. Attend informal talks and discussions featuring faculty and students to learn about faculty research projects.

3rd Year

Continue community engagement beyond the introductory course as you advance in the program. Learn from guest speakers in other major core social work courses. Attend lectures and learn about faculty research projects.

4th Year

Complete senior seminar and secure your full-time placement with the Field Practicum Coordinator in a supervised agency for the completion of 450-hour field practicum.

Connect with Community

1st Year

Join the Association of Student Social Workers, and get to know your fellow majors. This group also does several community-based events and projects.

2nd Year

Volunteer with your community through the Introduction to Social Work course. Attend informal talks and discussions featuring faculty and students. Get to know the award-winning faculty in the department. Continue your affiliation with the ASSW.

3rd Year

Continue community engagement beyond the introductory course as you advance in the program. Participate in additional activities with the ASSW that highlight the ASSW's efforts to help the community. Consider taking on leadership responsibilities of the ASSW. Attend informal talks and discussions featuring faculty and students. Get to know the award-winning faculty in the department. 

 

4th Year

Secure your full-time placement with the Field Practicum Coordinator in a supervised agency for the completion of 450-hour field practicum. Continue to participate ASSW's efforts to help the community and build relationships with faculty.

Explore the World

1st Year

Experience all that MSU has to offer through courses in departments, social groups and clubs.

2nd Year

Learn about systems within the context of their environment and the impact of policy at the micro, mezzo and macro levels in the United States and abroad in the introductory course in social work. 

3rd Year

Consider taking a study abroad course through the College of Arts and Sciences or the Honors program.

4th Year

Engage international research and global news to understand their impact on social work policy.

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Join groups and clubs that will help build your passion in social work and build your resume. Consider joining the Association of Student Social Workers.

2nd Year

Explore opportunities to volunteer or engage with the community to help inform your thoughts on the practicum placement. Consider joining the Association of Student Social Workers.

3rd Year

Explore opportunities to volunteer or engage with the community to help inform your thoughts on the practicum placement. Consider joining the Association of Student Social Workers.

4th Year

Complete the senior seminar and secure your full-time placement with the Field Practicum Coordinator in a supervised agency for the completion of 450-hour field practicum. Apply to take the licensure exam at the undergraduate level. Apply for jobs and have strong letters of recommendation to secure either the job or the educational experience for your next step post-graduation.

 

Alumni
Success

Most Social Work students go on to earn an MSW degree and become licensed social workers. Our students have fulfilling careers in schools, hospitals, community centers, family service agencies, advocacy organizations, government, military bases, transitional living programs, and more.  

Student
Testimonial

"Through studying Social Work, I’ve learned about advocacy, ethics, and service and had many opportunities for hands-on learning. The Social Work program at MSU has prepared me both academically and professionally while encouraging compassion, leadership, and meaningful engagement with individuals, families, and communities." 

Learn More

BSW in Social Work degree requirementsApply to MSU