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 120, of which 72 units are in the major, including 45 units in required upper division courses in social work; 6 units of prerequisite courses; 6 units of elective courses in social work; and 15 units of free electives. Consult with an advisor for the specific number of units required in all areas of the degree including GE and free electives.

For Major Specific Admissions Criteria go to http://www.calstatela.edu/admissions/major-specific-criteria

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 3700 , SW 3010 , SW 3710 , SW 3720 , SW 4740 , SW 4750 , SW 4780 , SW 3820 , SW 4951  AND SW 4952 . 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

• Upper division status is required for all social work courses.
• Admission to the SW Major is a prerequisite for SW 3010 , SW 3700  , and SW 3700 .
• SW 3711 is prerequisite to SW 3712 .
• Admission to the SW Major and SW 3700  are prerequisites to SW 3720 .
• Admission to the SW Major, SW 3700  and SW 3720  are prerequisites to SW 4740  , and SW 4750 .
• SW 3700 , SW 3010 , SW 3711 , SW 3712 , and SW 3720  plus 90 units or more are prerequisites to SW 4951 .
• Admission to the SW Major and SW 4951  are prerequisites to SW 4952 .
• SW 4951  and SW 4952  must be taken in the last two semesters of the BASW program.