B.A. in Social Work
The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (B.A.S.W.) major at Fordham University will prepare you to make a meaningful difference in people's lives as a generalist social work practitioner. Mirroring the strength of our nationally ranked M.S.W. program, our B.A.S.W. degree features a variety of learning experiences: dynamic classes, hands-on fieldwork education, and guidance and support from a faculty adviser. Our diverse community of compassionate students and faculty round out the stimulating educational environment of the Graduate School of Social Service. With our B.A.S.W. degree, you'll graduate with the skills and knowledge you'll need to promote human rights, social justice, and individual and community well-being. Classes are offered at our campuses in Manhattan and Westchester. The B.A.S.W. degree is equivalent to the Bachelor's in Social Work (B.S.W.) and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Gregory Acevedo, director of the B.A.S.W. program
212-636-6644
gacevedo@fordham.edu
CIP Code
44.0701 - Social Work.
You can use the CIP code to learn more about career paths associated with this field of study and, for international students, possible post-graduation visa extensions. Learn more about CIP codes and other information resources.
Potential applicants should contact the program director, Gregory Acevedo, Ph.D., at (212) 636-6644 or gracevedo@fordham.edu, as early as possible in their planning.
For more information
See the admissions page.
Students are expected to complete the 31 credits of the major within a two-year period, either on a full- or part-time basis. The major consists of eight required courses of three credits each, and a 450-hour, yearlong field practicum and integrative seminar of seven credits beginning in September.
Following admission, students complete the social work program in two years. Depending on their full-time or part-time status, students may take courses in addition to social work courses.
Courses Required
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOWK 2600 | Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare | 4 |
| SOWK 6005 | Contemporary Social Welfare Policy | 3 |
| SOWK 6040 | Integrating Human Rights and Justice in Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 6323 | Social Work Practice With Individuals Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| SOWK 6324 | Social Work Practice With Families and Groups Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| SOWK 6305 | Social Work Skills Lab | 3 |
| SOWK 6320 | Social Work Practice With Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SOWK 6440 | Advanced Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis | 3 |
| SOWK 6803 | Applied Social Work Research and Evaluation | 3 |
| SOWK 6901 | BASW Generalist Field Education | 7 |
The coursework is spread across four semesters. You can start your B.A.S.W. program starting in the fall or spring semester.
The first year consists of four classroom courses and faculty advising, and the second year consists of four classroom courses, the Field Practicum and Integrative Seminar, and faculty and field advising.
SOWK 2600 Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare must be taken before beginning the remaining courses in the curriculum.
Regardless of when you enter the program, you must complete the first year's four classroom courses before entering the Fieldwork Practicum.
| First Year | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (A) or Spring (B) | ||
| SOWK 6005 | Contemporary Social Welfare Policy | 3 |
| SOWK 6040 | Integrating Human Rights and Justice in Practice | 3 |
| Spring (A) or Summer (B) | ||
| SOWK 6320 | Social Work Practice With Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SOWK 6803 | Applied Social Work Research and Evaluation | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| SOWK 6305 | Social Work Skills Lab | 3 |
| SOWK 6323 | Social Work Practice With Individuals Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| SOWK 6901 | BASW Generalist Field Education | 3.5 |
| Credits | 9.5 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOWK 6324 | Social Work Practice With Families and Groups Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| SOWK 6440 | Advanced Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis | 3 |
| SOWK 6901 | BASW Generalist Field Education | 3.5 |
| Credits | 9.5 | |
| Total Credits | 31 | |
Availability
The major in social work is available at Fordham College at Rose Hill, Fordham College at Lincoln Center, and Fordham's School of Professional and Continuing Studies at Rose Hill, Lincoln Center, and Westchester. Social work major courses are offered at the Lincoln Center and Westchester campuses.
Field instruction is a critical part of the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program. All students in the second year of this major must complete a year-long Fieldwork Practicum and a seminar that integrates the knowledge learned in the classroom with your experiences in the field.
The 450-hour field instruction course consists of:
- Practicum in Generalist Social Work Practice in an agency setting: 420 hours.
- Integrative Seminar
Fieldwork Options
For the practicum, you'll work at a social service agency in close cooperation with an experienced supervisor. During your internship, you'll work with individual clients while being exposed to larger agency and systems practices and issues.
You have the choice of fulfilling your 420 on-site hours in one of three ways:
- Field education (21 hours): You'll work 21 hours, over three days per week. Placement begins in September and ends in early May.
- Field education (14 hours): You'll work 14 hours, over two days per week. Placement begins in September and ends in July.
- Employment-based field placements: Some students are able to meet their field education requirement through the social service agency where they are employed in a social work capacity.
Students are expected to be available for field during the agency's regular working hours. This requirement provides the student the opportunity to participate in such learning experiences as staff meetings and professional consultations. Students who work are asked to plan early in their educational programs to prepare for field. Students are encouraged to discuss their educational goals with their employers and request accommodations in their work schedules to be available for field.
Questions?
Contact Rachelle Kammer, Ph.D., via email at kammer@fordham.edu or by phone at 212-636-6660.