Bachelor of Social Work

To better serve our students we have two types of BSW program formats and admission processes.

1. Our traditional undergraduate program is for a student who is looking for an academic experience on campus and during the day. 
2. Our online program is created to offer flexibility for working adults who are looking for a non-traditional format to continue their education.  

For first-time freshmen and transfer students:

1. Submit your online application
2. Send Official High School Transcripts (College Transcripts if Applicable).
3. Send your official ACT or SAT scores

For those that would like to be considered as test optional in the admissions process, please contact your Admission Counselor. Students with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 are required to submit an ACT/SAT. You will receive an email and a phone call from your dedicated Admission Counselor. Please reach out to your counselor if you have any questions regarding the application process. We review each application on an individual basis using a holistic approach.

Declaring Social Work as a Major

Students cannot enroll in upper division Social Work courses or begin a field placement until they have completed the application (below) and been accepted into the upper division program.

Prior to official acceptance into Upper Division Status, students are expected to take the two introductory social work courses, SW 1110 (Social Work & Social Welfare) and SW 1200 (Introduction to Child Welfare) during their freshman and sophomore years. Students must receive at least a "B-" in all social work courses. Students who receive at least a “B” in all Social Work courses may be eligible for advanced standing in a Master of Social Work (MSW) program.

Complete an Application for Admission into Upper Division Status in the Social Work Major. A completed application includes:

• A cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 and a B- or better in all social work classes
• A completed Upper Division Application (information should be as of fall semester)
• A completed Personal Narrative
• Ability to demonstrate effective verbal and written communication
• Provide a copy of current academic transcript from CU Portal and spring schedule
• A completed resume reviewed and signed off by your Academic and Career Advisor
• An interview with the BSW Program Director and/or Admissions Committee if needed

Application materials are due the first Friday in February of the sophomore year. Upper Division classes will begin the fall semester of junior year and will take four semesters to complete.

Entrance requirements

• Provide an official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you attended
• If your undergraduate GPA is less than 2.5, an essay is required
• If you have less than 60 transferable undergraduate credits, an official high school transcript or proof of GED must also be submitted
  • If your high school GPA is less than 2.5, an essay is required

Admission process

• Complete an online application here: www.cuw.edu/apply (select "Online Undergraduate" option).
• Please complete a formal personal narrative following these directions.

When your application is complete, the file is forwarded to the Admission Committee for review.

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After acceptance

• An official acceptance letter will be emailed to you that will include your Student ID (F00) number
• An email from your Admission Counselor will be sent to you with next-step details
• Password information will be sent separately from the Information Technology office which will provide you access to: Canvas, your Concordia email account, and the student portal
• Schedule to meet with your Academic & Career Advisor who will review your degree plan, discuss orientation steps, the student portal, and assist with registering for classes

Please note: ACT and SAT scores are not required.

For additional information, please contact admission@cuw.edu or call 262-243-4300.

Our Social Work program at CUW is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Why is this important? Graduating from a CSWE accredited school is necessary for you to take the exam for Social Work licensing. Being a licensed social worker allows you to practice as a professional with the title of Social Worker and allows you to gain Advanced Standing in future social work graduate programs. In other words, accreditation ought to be a weighty factor when selecting a school. It is worth noting that CUW is one of only two schools in the Concordia University system with an accredited social work program.

The BSW Program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Under no circumstances, with we give credit for prior work or life experiences. This is in compliance with CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standard 3.1.5.r

States have established standards of practice for the social work profession. While at the present time, we cannot provide a particular state’s educational requirements for licensing, we can assure you that we will provide you with the contact information for the state licensing board for the state in which you are doing study.

Wisconsin Social Work licensing requirements can be found here:

• Social Worker
• Social Worker – Advanced Practice
• Social Worker – Independent
• Social Worker – Licensed Clinical
• Social Worker – Training Certificate

Interprofessional Education (IPE) at CUW provides opportunities for students enrolled in health and human services programs to learn and train together. The goal is for collaborative learning, where students build their IPE communication skills, as well as knowledge base and understanding of other health and human service specialties, in order to fully appreciate how interprofessional education and practice positively impacts and nurtures patient-centered care. Learn more about our program!

Graduates of CUW’s Social Work program are prepared to start careers in fields such as:

Direct Service & Case Management Roles

• Case Manager – Coordinate services for clients in healthcare, mental health, or social service settings
• Family Support Worker – Help families access resources and strengthen parenting skills
• Child Welfare Specialist – Work with child protective services to ensure child safety and family stability
• Foster Care Caseworker – Support foster families and children in placement
• Juvenile Services Worker – Support at-risk youth involved in the juvenile justice system

Healthcare & Mental Health Settings

• Discharge Planner – Help hospital patients transition safely to home or long-term care
• Behavioral Health Technician – Support mental health professionals in treatment facilities
• Substance Abuse Worker – Provide support and education to clients recovering from addiction
• Public Health Outreach Worker – Conduct community education and connect people to health services

Community & Nonprofit Work

• Community Outreach Coordinator – Develop programs and build partnerships for nonprofit organizations
• Program Coordinator / Assistant – Help run social service or community-based programs
• Volunteer Coordinator – Recruit, train, and manage volunteers for agencies or nonprofits
• Housing Advocate – Support individuals and families in securing stable housing

School & Youth Services

• After-School Program Coordinator – Manage youth programs focused on education, recreation, or mentoring
• College Access Advisor – Help students from disadvantaged backgrounds prepare for higher education

Justice & Corrections

• Probation or Parole Case Manager – Monitor and support individuals on probation or parole
• Victim Advocate – Provide support and resources to victims/survivors of crime
• Court Liaison / Social Services Case Aide – Help clients navigate the legal system

Administrative & Policy Roles

• Intake Specialist – Assess client eligibility and needs for services
• Policy or Advocacy – Support social justice initiatives through research and community engagement

BSW Student Material

• BSW Student Handbook
• BSW Field Manual
• NASW Code of Ethics

Other Websites

• CSWE - Council on Social Work Education
• NASW - National Association of Social Workers
• NASW - Wisconsin Chapter
• NACSW - North American Association of Christians in Social Work
• IFSW - International Federation of Social Workers
• DSPS - Department of Safety and Professional Services
• DSPS - Social Workers
• AWSB - Association of Social Work Boards