Study Human Behavior and Help Improve the Well-Being of Others
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Grand Canyon University teaches you the skills to help improve the well-being of individuals, families and communities while working with diverse groups of people in a variety of settings. Created by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the diverse set of courses are designed to increase the understanding of human behavior.
Locations
Transfer Credits
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements
- 16+ years old
- High School Graduate
- 3.0+ Unweighted GPA
- ACT: 19
- SAT: 1000*
Or 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
Pursue Your BSW Degree From GCU
In GCU's Bachelor of Social Work, you can explore how the response of individuals to differing variables plays a major role in a social worker's approach to practice. As you go through the program, you will have the opportunity to develop skills in cultural competency and advocacy while allowing you the chance to gain a deeper self-awareness through the lens of a Christian worldview.
Flexible Learning Formats to Fit Your Lifestyle
This bachelor's program is offered online and on campus so you can choose the best learning environment for you and your schedule. Whether you select the campus or online BSW program, you will complete in-person, supervised field experiences in a professional setting.
Earn a Bachelor of Social Work Degree Online
With online programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral level, GCU's mission is to provide a quality education while giving you the flexibility you need to get ahead in today's complex world. As an online BSW student at GCU, you have access to our digital learning platform, knowledgeable faculty members, networking opportunities with peers in the program, the online library and more.
Pursue Your BSW on Campus
The Bachelor of Social Work at GCU is also available as an on-campus degree for those who prefer a more traditional college experience. You will attend classes at GCU's Phoenix campus and have access to campus events, academic and career services, learning resources, spiritual life and much more.
Skills You Will Be Taught to Apply
In the BSW degree online and on-campus courses, you will be taught how to examine human behavior in the social environment by critically analyzing biopsychosocial development from conception through late adulthood using an integrative, multidimensional perspective. Classes offer opportunities to learn, practice and reflect on skills throughout the entire intake, assessment, treatment, evaluation and termination process. The coursework is designed to help graduates make an impact on families and individuals.
Bachelor of Social Work Degree Coursework
As a student in this program, you will take insight from your academic and field experiences to construct a final project and presentation highlighting your knowledge of the following competencies:
The Bachelor of Social Work program culminates in a capstone project that integrates previous learning and provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
This undergraduate social work degree program will teach you the following core competencies in the social work field:
- How diversity, advocacy and social justice exist in social work practice
- Ethical professional behavior as it relates to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) code of ethics
- Scientific inquiry and the research process in social work
- Trauma-informed care
- Complexities of leadership and management in social work
- The social work helping process
- Case management
Career Paths for Bachelor of Social Work Degree Holders
This program can prepare graduates to become a social worker. You may also choose to further your education and obtain your Master of Social Work. Graduates may go on to work in:
Additionally, social workers can expect faster than average job growth in their field over the next decade. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an estimated 53,800 new jobs are expected to open for social workers from 2022 to 2032.1
CSWE Accreditation
This BSW program adheres to the social work standards and competencies established by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). GCU's Bachelor of Social Work program is fully accredited by the CSWE. The BSW program was fully accredited in February 2024 and will be up for reaccreditation in February 2032. This accreditation status allows for all BSW students who successfully complete their BSW at GCU to apply for licensure at the BSW level and to apply to an MSW graduate program with Advanced Standing.
Bachelor of Social Work Degree Program FAQs
If you are interested in pursuing a BSW degree, we invite you to learn more by reading through our answers to these commonly asked questions.
Course List
Credit Summary
General Education34-40 Credits
Open Elective Credits8-14 Credits
Major72 Credits
Degree Requirements120 Credits
Core Courses
SWK-170
4 Total Credits
Introduction to Social Welfare
SWK-280
4 Total Credits
Social Service Delivery Systems
SWK-285
4 Total Credits
Foundations of Social Work Practice
SWK-330
4 Total Credits
Diversity, Advocacy, and Social Justice in Social Work
SWK-290
4 Total Credits
Human Biology and Social Work Practice
SWK-350
4 Total Credits
Social Work Ethics and Decision-Making
SWK-355
4 Total Credits
Social Welfare Policy and Services
SWK-360
4 Total Credits
Human Behavior in the Social Environment I
SWK-430
4 Total Credits
Methods of Research in Social Work
SWK-420
4 Total Credits
Trauma-Informed Care
SWK-370
4 Total Credits
Human Behavior in the Social Environment II
SWK-450
4 Total Credits
Program Management and Leadership in Social Work
SWK-455
4 Total Credits
Generalist Social Work Practice I: Working with Individuals and Systems
SWK-465
4 Total Credits
Case Management
SWK-470
4 Total Credits
Field Instruction I
SWK-460
4 Total Credits
Generalist Social Work Practice II: Groups, Communities, and Organizations
SWK-480
4 Total Credits
Field Instruction II
SWK-490
4 Total Credits
Social Work Capstone
Make a Difference in Your Community
If your dream is to make a difference in people's lives, consider a career in social work. Learn more about the on-campus and online Bachelor of Social Work degree program at GCU by completing the form on this page.