Bachelor of Arts in Social Work

The BA in Social Work is a two year (four semesters) cohorted program designed for full-time study. Students are admitted during the fall semester only. As a cohort group, students typically begin and end the program at the same time. Students are expected to complete their BASW degree in two years. Prior to entering the program, students are expected to have completed all General University requirements pertaining to the admission of undergraduate students. Students must have completed all SF State Lower Division General Education requirements (or equivalent) and have junior standing (60 units or more) at San Francisco State University. Students must have an all college total GPA of 2.0 or higher at the time of application. Students must also complete and pass the four required prerequisites with a grade of C- or higher prior to admission into the BASW Program: Introductory-level course in Human Biology (BIOL 100 or equivalent; lab not required for Social Work program) Macro Economics (ECON 102 or ECON 305 or equivalent) Introductory Psychology (PSY 200 or equivalent), and Introductory Sociology (SOC 105 or equivalent) The School of Social Work strongly recommends that students complete ENG 214 (Second Year written composition-English) or equivalent prior to entering the BASW program. Program Learning Outcomes and Core Competencies The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) curriculum gives students a solid grounding in generalist social work practice through mastery of the core competencies developed by the Council on Social Work Education’s Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (2008). Upon completion of the degree, students are prepared for a broad range of early career professional social work positions. After completing all general education requirements and prerequisites, students are admitted as upper division students with junior standing. Students are admitted in the fall semester only, and are cohorted to meet all social work requirements during their junior and senior years. It takes four semesters or two years of full-time study during the academic year to complete the BASW Program. Career Outlook Students who complete the baccalaureate social work major are prepared for graduate study in accredited schools of social work and social welfare; professional or graduate training in related fields such as law, public administration, public health, and psychology; and for early-level professional positions in both public and private social welfare and social service agencies. Examples of these agencies include local departments of social services; hospitals; youth care facilities; community-based treatment agencies; community mental health facilities; child care programs; services for the aged; drug and alcohol treatment programs; family service agencies; and community, neighborhood, and advocacy organizations. The major provides students with an opportunity to apply social science theories and social work knowledge and skills in a comprehensive fieldwork placement during their senior year.