The Indiana University School of Social Work offers two degree programs at IU East, a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree and an Associate of Science degree in Human Services.
Surveys repeatedly list Social Work as one of the most needed professions in the coming years. Employment demands for social workers are increasing and pay scales are rising.
Social workers promote social and economic justice and are involved with people of many cultures and ethnic backgrounds. They are prepared to work with people to identify and resolve problems related to their personal or social circumstances. This can take place in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, youth centers, mental health or substance abuse facilities, just to name a few. They can work with individuals or groups, often with the cooperation of several social service agencies, to accomplish this goal. Social workers are always advocates for children or adults who are victims of abuse. They also work with community leaders and organizations to develop policies that contribute to building and strengthening the social resources of our society.
This four-year degree program prepares you for entry-level generalist practice. It develops competence to exercise judgment and skill for intervention in practice with individuals, small groups, organizations, and communities. The B.S.W. equips you to work with people who are encountering problems related to personal or social circumstances. In addition, if you are receiving the B.S.W. degree and are admitted to the M.S.W. program, you may be given advanced standing in that program.
Following a minimum of two postgraduate years of supervised social work practice experience, Bachelor of Social Work graduates of Indiana University are eligible to apply for licensure by the State of Indiana. Upon receipt of a complete application and a passing score on a standardized examination, the Indiana State Health Professions Bureau designated the B.S.W. graduate a Licensed Social Worker (L.S.W.).
Students in the B.S.W. Program must complete all sophomore and junior social work courses and achieve senior standing before enrolling in the senior social work courses.
