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Social Work USF’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) prepares students to become generalist social work practitioners. Students learn how to help people improve their quality of life, and are able to reach their full potential through practice with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations. USF offers a 2+3 partnership with Joliet Junior College, which allows students with an two-year associate’s degree in Human Services to enroll in USF’s BSW program for two years, then gain admittance into the one-year, advanced standing Master of Social Work (MSW) program after graduating.
ACCREDITATIONS The University of St. Francis is accredited by both the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org) and the Illinois Board of Higher Education (ibhe.org). The Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (cswe.org).
Through a partnership with the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services, both BSW and MSW students may elect to take two child welfare courses that will provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary for child welfare practice in Illinois. Students may also focus their studies in the area of Forensic Social Work or Gerontology, both post-master’s programs at USF. Many students report one of the most interesting aspects of our program is interacting and learning from a diverse faculty and student body. In addition, the required classes for the BSW program are small, which ensures lively discussions in the classroom. Faculty and students get to know each other well and students benefit from a supportive environment f or learning.
Social Work
USF has given me an unforgettable experience. Faculty members have allowed me to grow both intellectually and as a person. Each professor has supported me and my goals, and was more than willing to help me achieve anything I set my mind to. I was pushed and motivated to learn, grow, and become a better person. This incredible support system has surrounded me with an incredible group of colleagues, mentors, and friends. Autumn Lee
W H AT C A N YO U D O W I T H THIS DEGREE?
G R O W T H R O U G H R E A L- W O R L D EXPERIENCE
BSW graduates work in varying areas, such as hospitals, community agencies, correctional facilities, state and federal government agencies, not-for profit companies, nursing homes, child welfare agencies, substance abuse agencies and faith-based organizations. Job options increase for students who obtain an MSW, to include fields such as school social work and private practice (with proper license). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2017, median pay for social workers was $47,980 per year, $23.07 per hour. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the social work field will grow 16% by 2026.
Students in the BSW program at the University of St. Francis are required to enroll in a field seminar course during their senior year. This course includes a field internship at a community social service agency. Internships are designed to practice the knowledge and skills that comprise the professional base of social work practice, in which students are exposed to the full range of social work practice. The Social Work Department’s field education director works individually with students in order to facilitate internships based on learning needs and interests. Both BSW and MSW students may expand their horizons by choosing to study abroad in Graz, Austria with students from USF’s nursing program.
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