Earn your BA in Social Work
A BA in Social Work prepares you for a helping career with purpose and the skills to work at many different levels — individuals, families, organizations, and communities. A social work degree opens doors to jobs in mental health agencies, crisis centers, schools, child and family services, hospitals, governmental agencies, neighborhood and community centers, substance use disorder programs, correctional facilities, and so many more. Your BA degree in social work will prepare you to be a helping professional who can:
- listen to clients, help assess needs, and connect clients with resources;
- help build new programs to meet client and community needs;
- engage in social justice efforts to help empower marginalized groups.
Your BA in Social Work also prepares you for advanced standing graduate study in social work.
Visit the Pre-Requisites section below to view the criteria to enroll in the professional core social work courses.
After all criteria is met, you must submit a signed Professional Social Work Agreement form to affirm your intent and agreement to continue into the professional core social work courses. This form asks you to share your professional goals/interests and also includes an affirmation of expectations in the professional coursework, which will explain the evaluation of Core Competencies, and academic and professional behavior expectations.
More information available on the Undergraduate Admissions page.
Hear from our students
Olivia Van Fosson-Roelfs
Social work course requirements
Prerequisites
You can register for the professional core social work courses when you've successfully completed the following three prerequisite courses with a C or above:
- SSW1022 Social Justice and Social Welfare in the U.S. or approved Intro to Social Work course - 3 semester hours
- PSY:1001 Elementary Psychology or transfer equivalent - 3 semester hours.
- SOC:1010 Introduction to Sociology or transfer equivalent - 3 semester hours.
You also need to meet these requirements:
- 2.0 GPA minimum overall
- Completion of 45 semester hours or more
- Submits a signed Professional Social Work Agreement form (signed after criteria is met).
Major requirements
Professional core social work courses
- SSW:3840 Human Behavior in the Social Environment - 4 semester hours
- SSW:3841 Fundamentals of Social Work Practice - 3 semester hours
- SSW:3842 Interpersonal Skills Laboratory - 2 semster hours
- SSW:3844 Introduction to Social Work Research - 4 semester hours
- SSW:3845 Social Work Processes - 4 semester hours
- SSW:3847 Discrimination, Oppression, and Diversity - 3 semster hours
- SSW:4189 BA Generalist Practicum Seminar - 1 semester hour
- SSW:4193 BA Generalist Practicum - 8 semester hours
- SSW:4843 Social Welfare Policy and Practice - 3 semester hours
The following courses are required to graduate with BA in Social Work. They can be taken prior or after starting the professional core courses.
Electives
- 12 semester hours of electives (6 semester hours in SSW; the remaining 6 semester hours in SSW or in another approved discipline)
Required course
- POLI:1100 Intro to American Politics or transfer equivalent - 3 semester hours
You will also need to submit a signed Professional Social Work Agreement form (signed after criteria is met).
Program planning
We ask you to spend the first 45-60 semester hours completing general education, world language requirements and the criteria to enroll in the professional core social work courses. The professional core social work courses are very structured, sequenced and start in fall semester; typically, of your junior year.
The professional core social work courses can be completed in 2 years (start as a junior) or in 1 year (start as a senior) over 3 semesters–fall, spring, and summer.
Questions? Contact ssw-admissions@uiowa.edu.
BA Information Sessions
We encourage prospective applicants to attend a BA in Social Work info session to learn more about the program requirements and criteria to be eligible to enroll in the professional core social work courses.
Create your academic path
You'll find degree overviews, requirements, course lists, academic plans, and more to help you plan your education and explore your possibilities.
Current course list
The MyUI Schedule displays registered courses for a particular session and is available to enrolled students. The list view includes course instructors, time and location, and features to drop courses or change sections.
CSWE assessment of learning outcomes
The University of Iowa BA Program has been continuously accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1974. Graduation from a CSWE-accredited program is required for a social work license at the bachelor's and master's levels.
Accreditation Standard 5.0: Assessment 5.0.1(a)
The program has a systematic plan for ongoing assessment of student achievement of the nine social work competencies (and any additional competencies added by the program) of generalist practice for baccalaureate social work programs and of generalist and specialized practice for master’s social work programs. The program assesses each competency, using at least two instruments, at least one of which is based in real or simulated demonstration of student achievement in field education. The instruments, the expected level of achievement for each instrument, and the expected level of achievement for each competency are determined by the program. Student competence must be assessed by program faculty or field personnel. The program posts its assessment plan and summary outcomes publicly on its webpage using Form AS B5.0.1(d). The findings are updated every two years, at minimum.
BA frequently asked questions
Where is the program offered?
The BA in Social Work program is only offered on the main University of Iowa campus in Iowa City. We do not have an online BA in Social Work option at this time.
Do you offer an online BA program?
We do not offer an online BA in Social Work program. The professional core social work courses are offered in classrooms on campus in Iowa City.
Do I need to apply separately to the BA in Social Work program?
Students can declare a social work major or transfer in as a social work major at the time of admission to the UI, or at any point after admission.
A social work major student must meet the criteria to enroll in the professional core social work courses.
What criteria is to be completed to enroll in the professional core social work courses?
To enroll in the professional core social work courses, you must have successfully completed the following courses with a C or above:
- SSW1022 Social Justice and Social Welfare in the U.S. or approved Intro to Social Work course
- PSY1001 or transfer equivalent
- SOC1010 or transfer equivalent
And meet these requirements:
- 2.0 GPA minimum overall
- Completion of 45 semester hours or more
- Submits a signed Professional Social Work Agreement form (signed after criteria is met).
When you have completed the above requirements, you will submit a signed Professional Social Work Agreement form. In it, you are asked to share your professional goals/interests, and also includes an affirmation of expectations in the professional coursework, which will explain the evaluation of Core Competencies and academic and professional behavior expectations.
Questions? Please contact ssw-admissions@uiowa.edu.
What are the professional core social work courses?
- SSW:3840 Human Behavior in the Social Environment (4 semester hours)
- SSW:3841 Fundamentals of Social Work Practice (3 semester hours)
- SSW:3842 Interpersonal Skills Laboratory (2 semester hours)
- SSW:3844 Introduction to Social Work Research (4 semester hours)
- SSW:3845 Social Work Processes (4 semester hours)
- SSW:3847 Discrimination Oppression and Diversity (3 semester hours)
- SSW:4189 BA Generalist Practicum Seminar (1 semester hour)
- SSW:4193 BA Generalist Practicum (8-11 semester hours)
- SSW:4843 Social Welfare Policy and Practice (3 semester hours)
When do I begin the professional core social work courses?
A student must meet all of the criteria before enrolling in the professional core social work courses. These courses are taken in a structured sequence and start in the fall semester.
The professional core social work courses can be completed in:
- 2 years – starting your junior year (~60 semester hours); or
- 1 year (3 semesters – fall, spring, and summer) – starting your senior year (~90+ semester hours).
What other courses are required for the social work major?
- POLI:1100 Intro to American Politics or – 3 semester hours (or transfer equivalent)
The social work major also requires students to complete 12 semester hours of electives. A minimum of 6 semester hours of electives in SSW; the remaining 6 semester hours in SSW or in another approved discipline.
I’m interested in a career as a therapist or a mental health specialist, what are the benefits to earning a BA in Social Work?
According to NAMI, clinical social workers are trained to evaluate a person’s mental health and use therapeutic techniques based on specific training programs. A master’s degree in social work (MSW) and licensure are required.
Earning your BA in Social Work prepares you for graduate studies. With a BA in Social Work, you can earn your MSW at UI in 36 s.h. Saving you time and tuition.
An MSW provides greater flexibility (and better pay) for future employment options.
View our Social Work Jobs posting webpage to see current employment opportunities.
Which certificates are available?
Two certificates are housed in the School of Social Work:
- Certificate in Critical Cultural Competence
- Certificate in Resilience and Trauma-Informed Perspectives
Students who are working on a minor or a certificate may apply up to 6 semester hours toward their social work major elective requirement.
The University of Iowa offers other certificates that you can weave into your study plan.
What GPA must be maintained to graduate with the BA in Social Work major?
Students must maintain a 2.0 in the major to graduate with the BA in Social Work major.
Is the program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)?
Yes, the University of Iowa BA in Social Work program has been continually accredited since 1974.
What is the structure of the BA Generalist Practicum?
Students complete 400 hours of Generalist Practicum in their final year. Students work with their practicum supervisor to create their learning plan and set their schedule.
Have questions? Reach out to one of our Practicum Education contacts.
How many hours will I be in practicum?
The BA Generalist Practicum is 400 hours.
If BA Generalist Practicum is completed in:
- Spring semester (16 weeks), plan to spend approximately 27 hours per week to complete.
- Fall and spring semesters (32 weeks), plan to spend approximately 13 hours per week to complete;
- Summer session (12 weeks), plan to spend approximately 34 hours per week to complete.
Have questions? Reach out to one of our practicum education contacts.
What assistance is available to find a practicum site?
There are a variety of resources to assist you, including the Practicum Education Director and Practicum Administrator program coordinators.
All students will get access to a database to search for agencies in your region that are seeking or have previously had a BA practicum student. The Practicum Education Director will conduct information sessions regarding the planning process.
How do I prepare to be in practicum, take courses and work at the same time?
Planning ahead is important. We recommend communicating with your work supervisor/employer early to establish expectations and begin conversations about future work schedules. A flexible work schedule is ideal.
Are opportunities available for students currently enrolled in the professional core social work courses?
Visit Awards and Scholarships to view scholarships and other funding opportunities for students currently enrolled in the professional core social work courses.
Why social work?
The following information is shared by our national professional organization, the National Association of Social Workers. If you want to learn more about social work as a career, please visit their informative website.
“The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic and complex needs of all people, with a particular focus on those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty."
Social work is different from other professions because we focus both on the person and their environment. Social workers deal with the external factors that impact a person’s situation and outlook. And we create opportunities for assessment and intervention, to help clients and communities cope effective with their reality and change that reality when necessary. Social workers help clients deal not only with how they feel about a situation but also with what they can do about it.
In thousands of ways, social workers help people of every age and background, all across the country. The most well-known aspect of the social work profession is providing direct services or therapy directly to clients. We help guide people to critical resources and counsel them on life-changing decisions. We also advocate for change to improve social conditions and strengthen the social net.”
We invite you to visit our website for more information.
Can transfer students enter the BA in Social Work program?
Transfer students must also meet all of the criteria before enrolling in the professional core social work courses.
The professional core social work courses can be completed in:
- 2 years – starting your junior year (~60 semester hours); or
- 1 year (3 semesters – fall, spring and summer) – starting your senior year (~90+ semester hours).
What times during the day would the classes take place?
The professional core social work courses take place during daytime and evening hours; students must be able to do a combination of both.
For more information
Alison Oliver, MSW
You can also reach us by emailing ssw-admissions@uiowa.edu or calling 319-335-1250.