Home / Academics / Find a Program / Bachelor's Degree in Social Work (BSW) Program / Frequently Asked Questions | Ursuline - Liberal Arts College in OH
The estimated annual salary of our bachelor’s in social work graduates is $61,330, well above the national average of $49,500 (source: bls.gov). This field is expected to grow faster than average from 2023 to 2033.
A Social Work Program orientation will be held in August. That orientation will consist of several emails followed by a virtual orientation meeting. You'll begin to receive email messages about the orientation in mid-August before your first social work class. If you start your social work courses in the Spring semester, you’ll have an opportunity to meet with faculty early on in the semester to review the program and get your questions answered.
In the last two semesters of the Social Work Program, you’ll be enrolled in SW 411 in the fall and SW 412 in the spring. These classes include a typical social work class and your practicum hours. The practicum hours will include your working in an agency setting for 16-20 hours a week from the first week of September through April 30 for a total of 480 hours. These hours typically occur during normal business hours. Social work program faculty will work with you to coordinate the practicum based on your interests and needs.
In the summer before your last year of the Program, you’ll take two social work classes and be required to participate in a two-day Immersion Program. The Immersion program occurs on a Thursday and Friday in July. These two summer courses are the last two courses you’ll need before you enter practicum and the Immersion Program will help prepare you for practicum.
Whether you pursue your degree fully online or as a traditional four-year student, Ursuline provides many resources that can help you stay on track. In addition to meeting with faculty, you also have access to the following supports:
• Librarian who is skilled in social work databases and resources
• Personal Counseling
• Writing Center
• Literacy Specialist
• Academic coaching
• Career coaching and resume writing
• Disability services
Our alumni work in these occupations:
• Social and Human Service Assistants
• Healthcare Social Workers
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
• Medical and Health Services Managers
• Postsecondary Teachers
• Managers, other
• Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in general education coursework and an average of 2.50 in courses designated as part of the Social Work major.
• Evidence the necessary academic, technical, and professional behaviors as these are defined and assessed in the Technical and Professional Standards of the Social Work Program in the Student Handbook.
• Submit two letters of recommendation supporting your abilities, motivation and suitability for the social work profession.
• Individuals completing these letters of recommendation cannot be a family relation. Ideal candidates could include former employers/supervisors, faculty outside of the social work program, professionals in the community, and people you have worked with on volunteer or community projects.
• Complete the formal application to the Social Work Program including a separate Practicum Application.
• Interview with the Program Director or a faculty designated by the program director.
