Social Work Major

Students completing the Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW) will have an understanding of the history and ethics underlying the social work profession, how to engage in a professional capacity aligned with the social work profession, to demonstrate the ability to assess and intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, and to evaluate their practice.

The BSW degree will prepare students to work with diverse populations in Micro, Mezzo, and Macro client system settings. The social work profession has over 15 different fields in social work. Individuals with a BSW degree may work in the following areas of practice in the social work profession (depending on the agency and state requirements): Community, Administrative, Political, Child and Family, Hospital, Forensic, Geriatric, Mental Health/Substance Abuse, Hospice/Oncology, School, Military, etc.

Practicum Education is the signature pedagogy of social work education, combining the theoretical and conceptual framework of the classroom with the technical skillsets of the practice setting.

Students complete 100 hours per semester in an approved practicum agency for a total 400 hours; this includes guided supervision and class debrief meetings.

Students completing the bachelor’s of science degree in social work will be required to complete 34 of the 120 credits through Charter Oak State College courses. Of the 34 credits that must be earned at Charter Oak State College 31 are directly in the social work major and three credits are in IDS 101 Cornerstone (which is required of all students regardless of their degree).

All degrees at Charter Oak State College require a student earn a minimum of 120 credits.

Major Requirements

Pre-social work students must apply for admission to the Social Work Program.  This is in addition to declaring social work as their major.

Candidates for admission to the Social Work program need to have completed or be enrolled in the following courses:    

• ENG 101: English Composition 1 
• ENG 102: English Composition 2  
• MAT 105: Statistics/PSY 216 Psych Statistics  
• SWK 101:  Introduction to Social Work/HSE 101 Intro to Human Services  
• SWK 110: History of Social Welfare   

Candidates must submit electronically:   

• An application to the BSW program.   
• An essay that speaks to the NASW Code of Ethics and how the candidate’s background/experience prepares them to be successful in the BSW program.   
• A professional resume.   

Candidates will also be required to complete a virtual interview with the Program Director or their designee – typically 15-30 minutes in length.   Candidates will be apprised in writing of the admissions decision.   

Conditional admission may be granted for students currently enrolled in required coursework.   

^ These courses can only be taken once a student is formally accepted into the BSW program and must be taken at Charter Oak.

All social work must be completed with a "B" or better. ENg 101, ENG 102, PSY 410 and MAT105/PSY215 need a grade of "C" or better..

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate with a major in Social Work will be able to:

• demonstrate proficiency to make sound judgments regarding ethical and professional behavior;
• demonstrate proficiency in understanding diversity and difference in practice;
• demonstrate proficiency in understanding anti-racism, equity, and inclusion (AEDI) in practice;
• learn about and make sound judgments regarding the advancement of human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice;
• demonstrate the ability to engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities;
• demonstrate the ability to assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities; 
• demonstrate the ability to intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities; and 
• evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.