Bachelor of Science in Social Work

A bachelor's degree in social work from Saint Louis University gives students the skills to improve the quality of life for individuals or communities facing difficulties such as poverty, serious illness or disability. Social workers seek to help individuals, families, groups and communities address life challenges. SLU’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work prepares students for generalist social work practice integrating knowledge and skills with field experience. For students interested in a global education, SLU offers a wide variety of study abroad programs, including the option to attend Saint Louis University-Madrid. Students majoring in social work at SLU can also enroll in a two-week experiential course in Belize, Ghana, Ireland, Cuba or India, which features concentrated study, lectures, and interactions with the people of the respective countries. From strong service-learning components, students embody the University’s Jesuit mission by using the knowledge they gain in the classroom to serve others. In addition to volunteer work, students can explore different types of social work with guidance from seasoned professionals through partnerships with more than 250 social service agencies around the St. Louis area. Graduates will be able to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior. Graduates will be able to advance human rights and social, racial, economic and environmental justice. Graduates will be able to engage anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice. Graduates will be able to engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice. Graduates will be able to engage in policy practice. Graduates will be able to assess individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Graduates will be able to evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.Graduates will be able to intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.  SLU’s social work program brings together like-minded, empathetic and justice-oriented people. The faculty cares about students and creates classroom spaces to hold critical conversations about the issues present in local and national communities. 

Career Path 

Graduate career path includes Case Manager, Child Welfare Specialist, Family Support Worker, Substance Abuse Counselor Assistant, Mental Health Support Worker, School Social Work Assistant, Residential Care Worker, Crisis Intervention Specialist, Social Services Program Assistant, Public Health Program Assistant, Probation Officer Assistant, Community Outreach Coordinator, Housing Support Specialist, Policy Support Analyst (Social Services Focus), Juvenile Justice Caseworker, Victim Advocate,NGO Program Coordinator (Community/Development Focus), Advocacy Specialist (Social Justice/Equality), Human Rights Program Assistant, International Development Support Officer, Community Development Specialist, Humanitarian Aid Program Assistant, Youth Development Officer, Research Assistant (Social Work/Policy),Social Justice Campaign Coordinator, Community Education Instructor.