Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
BSW PROGRAM MISSION
The mission of the BSW program at Loyola University Chicago is to prepare students for entrance into the social work profession as beginning level generalists in social work practice in a variety of settings.
Loyola University Chicago (LUC) is a Jesuit Catholic University dedicated to knowledge in the service of humanity. It is a comprehensive, independent urban institution of higher education and health care. In keeping with its Jesuit Catholic ethos, the University endeavors to develop in the lives of its students, faculty, and staff a spirit of inquiry for the development and application of knowledge for service to others and for living a life which is dedicated to the enrichment of the world. LUC stresses the Jesuit ideals of concern for the individual, the acquisition and development of knowledge for the betterment of others, and the pursuit of social justice. The University emphasizes respect for the person, caring for others, and action in the service of faith and justice.
The Jesuit and University mission informs and underpins the mission of the BSW program, and it complements the mission of the social work profession well. Within the University, the mission of the BSW program is to prepare students for service to others and leadership as professional social workers and as scholars of generalist social work practice. The BSW program has a long and proud tradition of educating students for generalist practice excellence. The University and the BSW program view this tradition as promoting the ideals of the Jesuit order and of the social work profession, both of which strive for the creation of a just society that cares for all people.
Overview
The curriculum requires 38 credit hours at the Generalist/Foundation level.
Required Social Work Courses
- SOWK 200: Introduction to Social Work (3 Credit Hours)
- SOWK 301: Practice Skills with Individuals and Families (3 Credit Hours)
- SOWK 302: Integrated Micro/Mezzo/Macro Theory and Practice (3 Credit Hours)
- SOWK 303: Group Work Practice in Social Work: Micro/Mezzo/Macro (3 Credit Hours)
- SOWK 305: Lifespan Development, Human Behavior, Trauma, and Theory (3 Credit Hours)
- SOWK 307: Social Work Policy and Community Intervention (3 Credit Hours)
- SOWK 330: Field I and Simulated Experience (3.5 Credit Hours)
- SOWK 340: Field II and Simulated Experience (3.5 Credit Hours)
- SOWK 350: Preparation for Practice (3 Credit Hours)
- SOWK 362: Field Seminar Foundations (1 Credit Hour)
- SOWK 370: Power, Oppression, Privilege, and Social Justice (3 Credit Hours)
- SOWK 380: Assessment of Client Concerns in Context (3 Credit Hours)
- SOWK 390: Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice (3 Credit Hours)
38 credit hours to complete the required BSW courses.
15 credit hours are required for social science courses. (PSYC 101, SOCL 101 + 9 credits of social science electives)
67 credit hours remaining of the required 120 credits are fulfilled by CORE requirements and electives.
See BSW template
Program benefits
- Prepare for a career in social services, including child welfare, community mental health, drug/alcohol rehabilitation, and developmental disabilities.
- Make professional connections and gain experience through an internship at one of more than 1,000 partner agencies.
- Graduate from an established, accredited BSW program with a 100-year history of excellence in social work education.
- With the 5-year MSW, experience increased career mobility and a wider range of job prospects.
- Take advantage of student loans, scholarships, and career assistance resources available at Loyola.
