The Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work enables students to explore and develop values, knowledge and generalist skills essential to the practice of social work in a multiethnic environment. The goals of the program include: providing continuing education for persons already employed in the field of social work or related human services; preparing students for professional entry-level positions in social work; and preparing students for further study in graduate schools of social work or related human services.

The total number of units required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work is 180 units, of which 86-87 units are in the major. Consult with an advisor for the specific number of units required in all areas of the degree including GE and free electives.

Required Advisement

All students in the Social Work major must see an academic adviser during their first quarter in the program. During this initial advisement, a summary of the program curriculum and School of Social work regulations will be reviewed.

All social work students are also required to meet with an adviser one quarter prior to beginning their fieldwork, to determine eligibility for field education. Finally, students must meet with an adviser two quarters before graduation to complete a graduation check.

Students who earn less than the minimum required grade for social work courses must meet with an academic adviser from the School of Social Work to prepare a revised academic plan to assure satisfactory progress.

School of Social Work Regulations

Students in the Social Work major must earn grades of C or higher in the following social work courses: SW 370 , SW 372 , SW 301 , SW 474 , SW 475 , SW 478 , SW 482 . To meet the requirements of continuing satisfactory performance, students must also receive a passing grade (credit) for the Field Internship (SW 495 ) and a grade of C or better in their Integrative Seminar (SW 496). Students who are placed on academic probation are not permitted to enroll in a social work course until an academic adviser from the School of Social Work approves a revised academic plan. The plan will provide students with guidelines to support their academic success.

Students are required to complete a criminal clearance check, prior to entering a field placement. Some field agencies will not accept students who cannot pass the criminal background clearance. Please note that difficulty or the inability to place a student in a required field practicum may delay or prevent the completion of the BASW degree.

Sequence Requirements

• The WPE must be passed prior to taking SW 301 
• SW 370  is a prerequisite to all required social work courses except SW 301 , SW 391 , and SW 476 
• Prerequisites to Field Education (SW 495) include: Passing the WPE; completion of SW 301 , SW 370 , SW 371A , SW 371 B , and SW 372 
• SW 372  is a prerequisite to the advanced social work practice courses (SW 474 , SW 475 , and SW 482 )
• Students must take SW 495  and SW 496  concurrently.
• Field Education (SW 495 , SW 496 ) must be taken in the last three quarters of the BASW Program