Bachelor of Arts Social Work

Turn your passion for helping others into a meaningful career by pursuing St. Scholastica’s accredited Bachelor of Arts in Social Work degree. Grounded in research and real-world practice, our program prepares you to make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

Pursue Your Career in Social Work

Are you driven to make a real difference in people’s lives? At The College of St. Scholastica, we share your passion for creating positive change. Our Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program is designed to transform your desire into a fulfilling career. Grounded in the core values of service, social justice, and integrity, our program aligns with the profession’s principles while honoring our Benedictine tradition.

Social work is a rapidly growing field with immense potential for impact. Our undergraduate social work program prepares you for immediate practice and provides a strong foundation for advanced studies. In fact, students with a bachelor’s degree in social work can complete our Master of Social Work program in just one year. Start your journey toward a rewarding social work career today.

What sets our Social Work program apart?

Our inspiring faculty, hands-on learning opportunities, and supportive community foster an environment where you can succeed. Additionally, our commitment to cutting-edge practice ensures you’ll graduate with a comprehensive understanding of social issues, empowering you to make a meaningful impact. You’ll also receive support to prepare for licensing through your state’s board of social work. Immerse yourself and embark on a path where your passion for social change can flourish.

On-campus Undergraduate Program

Bachelor’s Degree Online Program

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Portrait of Jay ParsonsJay Parsons
Admissions Counselor
651-403-8625
jparsons@css.edu

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Making an Impact

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“Entering my cohort, I made long-term friends I can rely on and the instructors are absolutely amazing, understanding, and realistic.”

Kristin Walton

Degree Details

Tuition

St. Scholastica understands that financial aid directly impacts student success — increasing the overall value of a college degree. We are committed to making a St. Scholastica education affordable for you.

On-campus Undergraduate Program

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Bachelor’s Degree Online Program

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Fees

Additional program fees may apply for some courses and practicum experiences.

Curriculum

Visit our Catalog to view the program, course and degree requirements, and learning outcomes. Be sure to create your course plan in consultation with your advisor.

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Internships

St. Scholastica’s BA in Social Work is a professional degree that requires one comprehensive professional practicum (minimum of 450 hours).

Practicum Placement: Applying Your Skills in a Professional Setting

Through our program’s practicum, you’ll participate in a professionally supervised, agency-based experience in one primary setting. As a student, you’ll engage in direct client and community-based practice, with opportunities to demonstrate and utilize core social work competencies. This integrated, active learning experience helps strengthen community partnerships, increase accessibility, and lets you apply your skills to real-world contexts that matter to the community you serve.

During your practicum, you’ll enroll in concurrent, practice-focused coursework, including a seminar experience that supports reflection, learning integration, and professional development. Within the first weeks of your practicum, you’ll also develop a comprehensive learning plan, including evaluation criteria.

Through your assignment, you’ll have the opportunity to build skills in:

  • Client system assessment
  • Professional documentation and communication
  • Community resource development
  • Policy-informed practice
  • Ethical decision-making
Learning Outcomes

Practicum learning outcomes are grounded in the nine core competencies outlined by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which are:

  • Professional identity
  • Ethical responsibility
  • Critical thinking
  • Diversity and difference in practice
  • Advancing human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice
  • Research-informed practice
  • Person-in-environment
  • Policy practice
  • Leadership and service

Other Experiential Learning Opportunities

As a student in the Social Work program, you’ll also have opportunities to engage in co-curricular and experiential learning. These experiences include participation in the Social Work Club, program-related grants, and hands-on activities that enhance your academic and professional journey.

Career Outlook

You’re passionate about helping others and there’s a growing demand for individuals like you. Organizations and communities across diverse settings are actively seeking dedicated professionals to make a difference and improve the well-being of those in need.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the social work profession is expected to grow at a faster-than-average rate of 6% through 2034, with increased growth for medical and integrated healthcare social workers.

With a BA in Social Work, you can work in a variety of settings, including nonprofits, healthcare systems, schools, mental health centers, and advocacy organizations. Many positions are rooted in local communities, allowing you to take pride in your work and make a meaningful impact close to home. That is just one reason why a number of bachelor’s-level social work jobs are ranked best by U.S. News & World Report.

Are you ready to take the next step? Apply now. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a transfer student, or returning to school to advance your career, we’re here to support your unique journey.

Accreditation

CSWE Accreditation logoSt. Scholastica’s undergraduate Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Our graduates enter most Master of Social Work programs with advanced standing.

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Admission Information

Visit our admissions page for information about transcripts, online application, international admissions, financing, and the Center for Equal Access.

Application Deadlines

On-campus Undergraduate Programs

St. Scholastica accepts applications for fall semester through the end of August. The application is free and deposits for admission are fully refundable until May 1.

Bachelor’s Degree Completion Programs

Most of our 100% online programs operate on a rolling admission basis – allowing you to apply anytime. Once your application and other necessary documents are received, we will forward them to the appropriate department for review.

Eligibility

New Student
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 for entrance into the College
  • All Social Work courses must be passed with a minimum grade of C with a 2.0 to graduate from the St. Scholastica program

Note: Meeting minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission.

Returning Students

A returning student is a student who was admitted and enrolled in a program at St. Scholastica but has been absent from the program for at least three continuous semesters, including summer. To return to the same program at St. Scholastica, a returning student must be in good academic standing and must apply for readmission to the College.

Meet Our Faculty

Experienced, Dedicated, and Distinguished Educators

Expect to be heard, to be challenged, and to be involved. St. Scholastica faculty are world-class scholars and experts in their field who invest in your success. Our values of community, respect, stewardship, hospitality, and love of learning reflect our faculty’s commitment to lifting up others and celebrating our common humanity.

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Related Programs

Explore additional programs that can further enhance your skills and broaden your impact in the social work field. Whether you’re looking to specialize in a specific area or advance your education, our related programs offer valuable opportunities for growth and career advancement.

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