Bachelor of Social Work

Hours: 60 On-Campus Online

About

The Bachelor of Social Work program at Fort Hays State University provides students with the knowledge and skills to become generalist social work practitioners. This means graduates will be prepared to work with individuals, groups, communities, and organizations across diverse settings to address various social issues and promote well-being.

Through coursework and hands-on experiences, FHSU students learn topics that prepare them for the challenges and rewards of generalist social work practice. Our program aims to cultivate ethical and culturally competent social workers who advocate for and serve vulnerable populations.

Why pursue a Bachelor of Social Work at Fort Hays State University?

Unlike social work education programs focused solely on academics, our Bachelor of Social Work program prepares students for a professional degree. Graduates gain the practical skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the field. Well over 90% of our BSW students secure employment in the field. FHSU’s Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. It ensures that students receive an undergraduate-level education that upholds the highest standards.

Who is this program for?

The Bachelor of Social Work program is open to many individuals. Our education is committed to inclusivity and excellence, attracting a diverse audience. Bachelor of Social Work is a perfect fit for students interested in:

Child welfare
Case management
Criminal Justice
Mental health
Disability services
Healthcare

Learning Outcomes

The demand for adept social workers who can address complex societal challenges has never been greater. Fort Hays State University’s Bachelor of Social Work aims to develop diverse, valuable skills in students. Through the curriculum, students gain expertise in several areas that enable the following skills:

Generalist Practice Proficiency

Graduates demonstrate adeptness in generalist, professional social work practice. They apply strengths, systems, and ecological approaches to engage with diverse clients, individuals, and communities. With skills in human behavior and social environment analysis, they navigate varied settings.

Cultural Competence

The program cultivates cultural competence, enabling professionals to engage with diverse populations. Graduates demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by the rural and urban poor, elderly, developmentally challenged, mentally ill, chemically addicted, and various minority groups.

Continuing Education and Research Engagement

Our BSW program instills a commitment to continuous professional development, emphasizing lifelong learning. Graduates are well prepared for immediate practice. Moreover, they have all the academic foundation for future graduate education in social work.

Real-World Applications

One of the cornerstones of the Bachelor of Social Work program at Fort Hays State University program is the social work practicum, which we consider the "signature pedagogy" of social work education. The practicum is the capstone experience, where students effectively showcase their ability to apply social work competencies and behaviors in real-world settings.

During the spring semester of their senior year, students engage in an intensive practicum

experience, dedicating approximately 24 hours per week to hands-on learning in various social service agencies. The expertise spans 400 hours, providing students ample opportunities to interact with diverse populations and gain real-life experience.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Staying ahead of the curve is crucial for aspiring social workers since the sector constantly changes. For this reason, FHSU steadily integrates the latest advancements and trends into our curriculum. The program strongly emphasizes leveraging technology to provide advanced services, aligning with the growing demand for behavioral services. Students at FHSU engage in practical experiences, including using simulation programs with avatars and enhancing their skills in a virtual environment.

Hands-on Activities

The field practicum of 400 hours offered during the spring semester is an invaluable opportunity for students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. It will enable us to gain practical insights into the dynamic challenges of social work. Additionally, FHSU offers research opportunities such as participation in national conferences. These avenues strongly enhance students' understanding of social issues and contribute to their growth as advocates for human flourishing.

What You’ll Learn:

Preparation to work with individuals, groups, and communities
Ethical decision-making skills for social work
Essential skills for effective practice
Up-to-date trends in social work
Application of knowledge to address various personal and social issues

How You’ll Learn:

Engage in practical experiences with peers and avatars
Experience hands-on insights into social work
Utilize technology for advanced services
Participate in research opportunities
Leverage simulation programs for real-world scenarios

Courses

Throughout the Bachelor of Social Work program, FHSU’s dedicated faculty strives to prepare students for social work, addressing critical areas such as mental health, child welfare, and social services. The coursework explores the complexities of working with diverse populations, emphasizing the role of social workers in promoting the well-being of all members of society. Below are a few of the courses in the Bachelor of Social Work:

SOCW 468: Field Practicum

A field experience that provides social work majors with supervised learning experiences within selected social welfare agencies. A capstone seminar accompanies this practicum, enabling students to integrate and apply classroom learning in a field setting. An ethnocultural practice perspective is emphasized. The field practicum preparatory course, Introduction to the Practicum, is taken the semester immediately preceding the practicum. Four hundred (400) hours of field practicum experience are required.

SOCW 380: Generalist Practice: Foundations of Practice

As the first of five generalist practice courses, this foundation course provides entry-level theory, knowledge, research, values, and skills for social work practice. Self-awareness, critical thinking, problem-solving, professional relationships, and ethics are explored. This course focuses on the organizing frameworks of social work practice, including (but not limited to) systems theory, the strengths perspective, and the generalist practice model. An ethnocultural perspective focusing on western Kansas urban/rural regions is emphasized. With instructor approval, the student will complete fifty (50) hours of nonpaid service in a community agency of the student's choice. The course culminates with the student application for advancement into the BSW program.

SOCW 260: Introduction to Social Work

Introduction to the social service delivery systems in the United States, with an emphasis on the social work profession: its mission, philosophy, ethics, values, diverse fields, and ethnocultural perspectives. Observations of social service agencies and guest speakers provide a career orientation to the social work profession.

Discover the full Bachelor of Social Work course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

With increasing recognition of the importance of mental health, community well-being, and social justice, there are plenty of opportunities for graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work program. The coursework prepares students for a broad spectrum of lucrative and fulfilling careers.

Substance Abuse Counselor

Individuals can pursue a fulfilling career as a Substance Abuse Counselor with the degree. In this role, graduates play a crucial part in guiding and supporting individuals grappling with substance abuse disorders. They use their knowledge and skills to facilitate recovery, contributing significantly to rehabilitation.

Crisis Intervention

Social workers provide immediate support and resources to individuals and families in emergency situations, such as domestic violence or homelessness. Crisis intervention is goal-oriented and focuses on the "here and now" to assist the client in developing coping strategies and action plans to address the crisis and prevent future occurrences.

Child Welfare Specialist

Child welfare social workers ensure children's safety and well-being by investigating abuse or neglect, providing support to families, and coordinating foster care or adoption services. They work to create stable, nurturing environments for children and advocate for their best interests in legal and social service systems.

Bachelor’s Level Case Manager

Upon graduation, alums are well-prepared for the bachelor's level case manager role. They work closely with individuals and families; they assess needs, coordinate services, and advocate for access to resources and support systems. Their ethical and culturally competent approach empowers clients, helping them achieve their goals and enhance their overall quality of life.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,961.90* (on-campus) or $3,859.95* (online)* per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($197.46/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (257.33/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related Programs

While the Bachelor of Social Work program aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to prosper as generalist social workers, numerous related programs can further specialize their expertise. There are plenty of options within and outside the Department of Social Work to enhance your skill set and career prospects. Consider exploring:

FAQ

What classes do Bachelor of Social Work students take?

The coursework covers a wide array of topics essential for social work practice. It covers critical areas like mental health, child welfare, and social services.

What can I do with a Bachelor of Social Work?

Social work is a degree that allows wide and diverse employment opportunities. The program allows students to pursue several career paths, including a case manager, substance abuse counselor, or child welfare specialist. Essentially, wherever people help others, social workers can be found employed there.

What is a Bachelor of Social Work?

The BSW program at FHSU is a professional degree that prepares students to become generalist social work practitioners capable of working across diverse settings to address social issues and promote well-being.

Are there other skills that the program encourages students to have?

In the human service field, being bilingual is indeed a significant asset.

Is social work a liberal arts degree?

While social work encompasses aspects of liberal arts education, it focuses on professional training, providing practical skills and knowledge needed for the field. Therefore, it can be seen as a blend of liberal arts education and professional preparation.

Information about the Department of Social Work

The Social Work Department at FHSU offers programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to address complex social issues. Whether advocating for individuals, families, or communities, you’ll gain the expertise to evaluate and solve real-world problems with empathy and professionalism.

As one of the fastest-growing careers in the U.S., social work offers dynamic opportunities to make a difference. Our programs provide you with a deep understanding of human behavior, development, and the social systems that influence lives. Through hands-on learning experiences, such as internships and service projects, you will graduate ready to take on diverse roles in a profession dedicated to improving the well-being of others.

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