Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work (Online Degree-Completion) (BSW)

Why Elms for your Social Work degree?

• Lecture courses 100% online
• Gain 400 hours of in-person internship experience.
• Complete your bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work in 3 years.
• Study social work from a variety of perspectives and disciplines.
• Succeed in grad school — approximately 90% of our students earn advanced standing in MSW programs.
• Join a prestigious program — Elms College created the first bachelor’s degree program for social work in western Massachusetts in 1954.

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Changing Lives Through Social Work

Social work majors at Elms College dedicate themselves to helping others. It’s that simple.

For more than 70 years, Elms has equipped students to become leaders in social work. With the oldest accredited undergraduate program of its kind in Western Massachusetts, we know what skills and competencies you need to become a force of change in your community.

Social work at Elms is an interdisciplinary field. Majors study everything from behavioral science and psychology to mental health and public policy. By analyzing human behavior through different lenses, you will gain a deeper understanding of the factors that influence life in modern society. Your classes will help you develop a versatile array of skills that empower you to counsel individuals, families, and communities.

Internships, Professionalization, and Licensure

As a social work major, you will complete 400 hours of service at an internship. Having the time you need to immerse yourself in the field and complete a capstone project will not only help you perfect your skills, but also set you apart on the job market.

After completing your degree, you will be eligible to take the Massachusetts exam to become a licensed social worker. The majority of our graduates secure jobs in social work upon — or before — graduation. Many of our graduates choose to continue their education and complete a master’s degree.

Students who are committed to pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree are encouraged to apply to our MSW program, which offers two areas of specialization: Clinical/Primary Care (Medical) Social Work and Macro Social Work Practice.

Micro- and Macro-Level Social Work

Social work majors typically choose to focus on micro- or macro-level social work:

Micro-level social work encompasses working with individuals and families. By helping people achieve their goals and overcome challenges, you improve the well-being of society, one person — or family — at a time.

Macro-level social work includes designing and implementing community-focused programs at the local, state, or national levels. If you are interested in research and advocacy, this type of social work enables you to enact change on a larger scale.

Social workers make a difference in a wide range of fields, including:

• Medicine and public health
• Substance abuse prevention
• Legislative advocacy
• Mental health
• Child welfare
• Education

Kimberly Quinonez, ’23

“They made me feel as if I belonged. I never belonged to a school that made me feel I was a part of something. When I went to Elms I fit right in. I never had that feeling before,” she said. “My life transformed in so many ways, I learned to set goals, study skills, time management skills. Elms has grown me into a mature adult. I have a new compassion for the human race that I never had before.”

Read Kimberly’s story here:

Department Contact Info

Maureen Holland
Social Work Program Director and Chair, Social Sciences Division
Email: hollandm@elms.edu

Curriculum