About the Bachelors of Social Work Program

The B.S.W. degree prepares students to work as generalist social workers in a variety of settings with individuals, families, groups, communities, or organizations.

General Information

Program Type: Major

Degrees: Bachelors of Social Work (BSW)

Area of Study: Social Work

Program Locations: Oxford, Tupelo, Desoto

School: School of Applied Sciences

Required Credit Hours: Minimum of 120 credit hours.

Required courses: SW 201 OR 315, 216 OR 316, 321, 322, 330, 335, 340, 417, 436, 437, 438, 450, 495, and 496.

Our Mission

The mission of the BSW program is to educate and prepare professional social workers who are knowledgeable and impactful agents of change.

We integrate academic study and professional training in ways that foster the knowledge, skills, and values to:

• Serve and engage vulnerable populations in local communities and beyond
• Engage in evidence-based practice informed by research, client perspective & expertise
• Promote social and economic justice with an appreciation of diversity
• Improve community health and well-being.

Educational Goals

1. Prepare generalist social workers that are able to integrate the knowledge, values and skills of the social work profession for competent practice in settings with individuals, families, groups, organizations, institutions, and communities.
2. Acculturate students to the profession of social work through the study of its history, purposes, and philosophy.
3. Prepare students to practice ethically with diverse populations and systems of all sizes, to alleviate poverty and oppression and to provide social and economic justice for all citizens.
4. Provide students with content about social contexts of social work practice, the changing nature of those contexts, the behavior found in systems, and the dynamics of change.
5. Prepare students who will demonstrate a commitment to continue life-long learning and professional growth, which may include graduate education in social work and other disciplines.

Core Competencies

1. Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
2. Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
3. Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
4. Engage In Practice-informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
5. Engage in Policy Practice
6. Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
7. Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
8. Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
9. Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Career Paths in Social Work

Mental Health:

• Mental health counseling
• Addictions treatment
• Case management

Child Welfare:

• Child protective services
• Family support services
• Adoption services

Healthcare:

• Medical social work
• Geriatric social work
• Clinical coordination and discharge planning

Community Agencies:

• Departments of health and human services
• Community mental health agencies
• Aging services

Administration:

• Clinical supervisors
• Department directors
• Government administrators

Justice Systems:

• Domestic violence prevention and treatment
• Restorative justice
• Forensic social work

Get Involved!

• SSWO

The Student Social Work Organization (SSWO) is for BSW students. For information regarding this organization, please contact Dr. Na Youn Lee, faculty advisor, at nlee2@olemiss.edu

• Empowerment Committee

The Empowerment Committee is a University of Mississippi Department of Social Work social justice organization committed to the empowerment of all people, with particular attention and dedication to our most vulnerable community members. For information regarding this organization, please contact Amy Fisher, Chair of the Committee, at afisher@olemiss.edu

• Relevant Student Groups:

• MPride and Allies programs at the University of Mississippi:
  • https://mpride.olemiss.edu/student-organizations/  
• SASI (Students Against Social Injustices):
  • https://olemiss.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/sasi
• BSU (Black Student Union):
  • https://bsu.olemiss.edu/
• LASO (Latin American Student Organization):
  • https://www.facebook.com/LASOolemiss/?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE
• International Student Organizations:
  • https://international.olemiss.edu/student-organizations/
• Find more student groups here:
  • The Forum
• Opportunities with Campus Departments:
  • Center for Inclusion and Cross Cultural Engagement– contact the Center for opportunities such as being a member of the Inclusion Team (iTeam) and being a mentor
  • Division of Diversity and Community Engagement– contact the Division for more information about such opportunities for involvement as being a voter ambassador or area coordinator (e.g., arts, food insecurity), Andrew Goodman Foundation, and more!
  • Sarah Isom Center for Women and Gender Studies—click here for information on how to get involved