The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Shippensburg University prepares you for a variety of careers in the field as well as further study. Our program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and helps you develop social work knowledge, skills and values.
The mission of the Shippensburg University BSW program is to provide comprehensive preparation for competent entry-level social work practice and/or graduate study. This program includes:
- A curriculum grounded in the generalist approach
- A special emphasis on the respect for diversity and human rights
- Involvement and leadership in the practice community from the local to the global level
Upon graduating from the program, following steps to register with the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists, and Licensed Professional Counselors, and passing the accompanying Association of Social Work Boards exam, students can earn the Licensed Bachelor of Social Work credential in PA.
Employers in the region regularly recruit and hire our graduates because of our program’s excellent reputation. Alumni of our program help others through their careers in these areas and more:
- Child welfare
- Health care
- Programs for older adults
- Behavioral health
- Mental health
- Substance use
- Educational settings
- Business and industry
- Community organizing
- Public policy
- Program development
Many students use their degree as a springboard to graduate school for a Master of Social Work program which can lead to additional career opportunities that include providing clinical mental health services or serving as agency administrators.
Our department has several unique affiliations that provide great opportunities:
- Shippensburg Community Resource Coalition (SCRC) - This is a community-university partnership social services agency. Ship is the only institution in Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education that operates a social service agency to provide services to the community and learning opportunities for students.
Accreditation and Student Resources
The Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work programs offered by the Ship’s Social Work and Gerontology Department are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Course work for Social Work, BSW
The program requires 120 credits including the university's general education curriculum and 20 credits in free electives. For full course descriptions, please visit the undergraduate catalog.