Social Work, B.S.W.: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

Social Work Degree Options:

Program Type: Undergraduate (Hybrid option available now; fully online option coming soon)

If you feel energized and motivated by the thought of empowering others and positively impacting the lives of diverse populations, then this profession is for you! Social work is the largest and arguably the most important social services profession in the U.S. Social workers are committed to promoting positive change at the individual and societal levels, guided by the NASW Code of Ethics.

Professional opportunities are too numerous to list, and may include mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, social work in schools, corrections, police departments, hospitals, child welfare, shelters, long-term care facilities and hospice. In addition to providing direct service, social workers are involved in community advocacy, program development, research and policy development.

The NKU BSW program hosts phenomenal students, wonderfully energetic alumni, and top-notch faculty. Our faculty care about your success, and we can’t wait for you to join us!

Graduates of this program can pursue career paths in many areas, including but not limited to:

Advocacy
Case management
Child welfare
Community organizations (shelters, food pantries, and so many other options)
Corrections, police social work, and forensics
Hospice
Hospitals
Long-term care facilities
Program and policy development
School systems
Substance abuse treatment

We offer two micro-credential options for our undergraduate students: forensic social work and gerontology: dynamics of aging. In addition, we offer a variety of social work electives, including options in forensic social work; aging and mental health; compassion, empathy, and forgiveness; substance abuse and misuse; and many other options that align with your passions.

Download Program Flyer

Program Contacts

Jessica Averitt Taylor, PhD, MSW

Professor
BSW Program Director
bsw@nku.edu

Study Abroad Planning Trip in Oaxaca, Mexico

Meet the Team

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Social Work program at Northern Kentucky University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

CSWE Program Assessment Data

BSW to MSW Pathway

BSW graduates with an overall 3.0 GPA and 3.5 GPA in social work courses are eligible to apply to the advanced standing Master of Social Work (MSW) program. This advanced standing program allows students to earn an MSW in as little as 12 months.

Find Your Passions & Build Your Future

Chemistry student working on equipment inside lab.

In this program, you will:

Explore the ethical standards of social work, including the NASW Code of Ethics, and how these ethical standards impact professional practice situations
Learn about policy and advocacy, and how social workers empower positive change for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
Become familiar with human rights and professional standards of practice, and apply a global perspective to theoretical frameworks
Critically evaluate the distribution of power and privilege in society in order to promote social, racial, economic, and environmental justice by reducing inequities and ensuring dignity and respect for all (CSWE, 2022 EPAS)
Explore social work research and learn about how ethical research informs professional social work practice
Learn how to engage, practice, intervene, and evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (CSWE, 2022 EPAS)
Examine the biological, psychological, and sociological variables that influence human behavior and development

Keep exploring! Visit the school website.