Social Work Major

Our program is rooted in the University's mercy mission, which emphasizes compassion, justice and service. We prepare students for a career, empowering them to become advocates for change, addressing social injustices and supporting vulnerable populations. With over 40 years of accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education, our program meets the highest national standards for undergraduate social work education.

Sociology is an academic discipline that studies social structures, relationships and institutions on a broad scale. Social work applies these sociological insights in real-world settings to provide direct support and services to individuals and communities. While sociologists analyze trends and systems, social workers use that knowledge to create positive change through direct practice, policy development and advocacy.

If your goal is to engage in hands-on support, intervention and advocacy, a social work degree is the best fit. While psychology and sociology can lead to careers that involve research or indirect involvement, social work emphasizes direct client interaction, whether through case management, therapy (with advanced licensing) or community outreach.

Our social work students complete 660 hours of fieldwork in schools, health care facilities, family centers, community organizations and government agencies during their third and fourth year. As part of our professional program, these experiences provide practical skills, networking opportunities and a strong foundation for immediate entry into the field or graduate studies.

Many social workers become licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), allowing them to provide therapy and counseling services. Clinical social workers address both the psychological and social determinants of mental health, offering therapy while also connecting clients to essential resources like housing, employment, or health care.

Human services degrees focus broadly on providing support and resources in various community settings, but they don't always require licensure or clinical training. Counseling degrees specialize in therapeutic techniques but don't necessarily include the advocacy and policy aspects that social work covers. Social work is unique in its blend of counseling, case management, social justice, and systemic change efforts.

Social work is all about human connection, and at Salve, you'll experience that firsthand. Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention, close mentorship from experienced faculty and meaningful discussions that go beyond textbook learning. You won't just be another student in a lecture hall - you'll be part of a supportive community that values your growth, success and leadership development.

If you're passionate about helping others, committed to social justice and eager to make a hands-on difference in people’s lives, a social work degree could be the perfect fit. It prepares you for a career dedicated to empowering individuals and improving communities, blending theory with real-world impact.

Our program goes beyond the classroom with faculty mentorship, career support and a strong alumni network that helps you navigate internships, licensure and job placement. Additionally, our commitment to service learning and social justice means you are actively engaged in meaningful projects that make a real impact in the community.

Advanced standing allows qualified students with a bachelor's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program to complete their Master of Social Work in a shorter timeframe by building on their foundational knowledge and field experience. Social work majors who maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit positive recommendations from faculty are eligible for admission to the University of Saint Joseph's 31-credit advanced standing program, which can be completed in one year on a full-time basis or two years on a part-time basis.