Bachelor of Social Work
Hours: 60 On-Campus Online
About
The Bachelor of Social Work at Fort Hays State University gives students the essential knowledge and skills to become proficient generalist social work practitioners. Graduates are equipped to work with individuals, groups, communities, and organizations in a variety of settings, addressing social challenges and promoting overall well-being. Through a blend of academic coursework and practical experience, students develop the capabilities necessary to navigate the complexities of social work practice. The program strongly emphasizes ethical standards and cultural competence, preparing graduates to advocate for and serve vulnerable populations with commitment and professionalism.
Why pursue a Bachelor of Social Work at Fort Hays State University?
The Bachelor of Social Work program prepares students for professional practice by equipping them with practical skills and comprehensive knowledge essential for success in the field. More than 90% of graduates secure employment in social work shortly after completing the program. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the program adheres to rigorous standards, ensuring students receive a high-quality undergraduate education.
Who is this program for?
This program welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds. Committed to inclusivity and academic excellence, it attracts students with diverse experiences and perspectives. It is particularly well-suited for those interested in:
- Child welfare
- Case management
- Criminal justice
- Mental health
- Disability services
- Healthcare
Real-World Applications
A cornerstone of the Bachelor of Social Work program is the practicum, widely recognized as the “signature pedagogy” of social work education. This capstone experience allows students to apply core competencies and professional skills in real-world settings.
In the spring semester of their senior year, students complete an intensive 400-hour practicum, committing approximately 24 hours per week to hands-on learning in a variety of social service agencies. This experience offers rich opportunities to work with diverse populations and develop practical skills essential for professional growth.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Staying current with industry advancements is essential for aspiring social workers in today’s rapidly evolving field. Fort Hays State University incorporates the latest trends and innovations into the curriculum to prepare graduates for modern practice. The program emphasizes the use of technology in delivering advanced behavioral health services, responding to growing demand in this area. Students gain hands-on experience through simulation programs with avatars and develop skills in immersive virtual learning environments.
Hands-on Activities
The 400-hour field practicum, held during the spring semester, provides students with invaluable hands-on experience, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world social work settings. This practical training deepens their understanding of the complex challenges faced in the profession. In addition, FHSU offers research opportunities, including participation in national conferences, which further expand students’ knowledge of social issues and support their development as effective advocates for human well-being.
What You’ll Learn:
- Preparation to work with individuals, groups, and communities
- Ethical decision-making skills for social work
- Essential skills for effective practice
- Up-to-date trends in social work
- Application of knowledge to address various personal and social issues
How You’ll Learn:
- Engage in practical experiences with peers and avatars
- Experience hands-on insights into social work
- Utilize technology for advanced services
- Participate in research opportunities
- Leverage simulation programs for real-world scenarios
Dedicated faculty equip students to address key areas such as mental health, child welfare, and social services. The curriculum examines the complexities of working with diverse populations and highlights the social worker’s role in fostering community well-being. The program includes several core courses, such as:
SOCW 468: Field Practicum
A field experience that provides social work majors with supervised learning experiences within selected social welfare agencies. A capstone seminar accompanies this practicum, enabling students to integrate and apply classroom learning in a field setting. An ethnocultural practice perspective is emphasized. The field practicum preparatory course, Introduction to the Practicum, is taken in the semester immediately preceding the practicum. Four hundred (400) hours of field practicum experience are required.
SOCW 380: Generalist Practice: Foundations of Practice
As the first of five generalist practice courses, this foundation course provides entry-level theory, knowledge, research, values, and skills for social work practice. Self-awareness, critical thinking, problem-solving, professional relationships, and ethics are explored. This course focuses on the organizing frameworks of social work practice, including (but not limited to) systems theory, the strengths perspective, and the generalist practice model. An ethnocultural perspective focusing on Western Kansas urban/rural regions is emphasized. With instructor approval, the student will complete fifty (50) hours of nonpaid service in a community agency of the student's choice. The course culminates with the student's application for advancement into the BSW program.
SOCW 260: Introduction to Social Work
Introduction to the social service delivery systems in the United States, emphasizing the social work profession: its mission, philosophy, ethics, values, diverse fields, and ethnocultural perspectives. Observations of social service agencies and guest speakers provide a career orientation to the social work profession.
Discover the full Bachelor of Social Work course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
With an increasing focus on mental health, community well-being, and social justice, graduates pursue diverse and meaningful career opportunities. The curriculum prepares students for impactful roles across various sectors within the social work field.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance abuse counselors support individuals struggling with substance use disorders, guiding them through recovery and contributing to rehabilitation efforts. Graduates are well-prepared for these rewarding roles.
Crisis Intervention
Social workers provide immediate support and resources to individuals and families experiencing emergencies such as domestic violence or homelessness. This goal-oriented approach assists clients in developing coping strategies and action plans to resolve the crisis and minimize future risks.
Child Welfare Specialist
Child welfare specialists protect children by investigating abuse or neglect, supporting families, and coordinating foster care or adoption services. They work to create stable, nurturing environments and advocate for children’s best interests within legal and social service systems.
Bachelor’s Level Case Manager
Case managers assess client needs, coordinate services, and advocate for resource access. Graduates are prepared to empower individuals and families through ethical and culturally competent support, helping them achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,055.95* (on-campus) or $3,975.75* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
The Bachelor of Social Work program builds a strong foundation in generalist practice and offers students opportunities to specialize through related programs. Students can expand their expertise and broaden their career prospects by exploring options within and beyond the Department of Social Work.
- Master of Social Work
- Minor in Sociology
- Minor in Criminal Justice
- Minor in Psychology
- Master of Professional Studies (Social Entrepreneurship)
The coursework covers a wide array of topics essential for social work practice. It covers critical areas like mental health, child welfare, and social services.
Social work is a degree that offers diverse employment opportunities. The program enables students to pursue several career paths, including a case manager, substance abuse counselor, or child welfare specialist. Essentially, wherever people help others, social workers can be found employed there.
The BSW program at FHSU is a professional degree that prepares students to become generalist social work practitioners capable of working across diverse settings to address social issues and promote well-being.
In the human service field, being bilingual is indeed a significant asset.
While social work encompasses aspects of liberal arts education, it focuses on professional training, providing practical skills and knowledge needed for the field. Therefore, it can be seen as a blend of liberal arts education and professional preparation.
Information about the Department of Social Work
The Department of Social Work at FHSU offers programs designed to prepare students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to address complex social challenges. Whether advocating for individuals, families, or communities, students develop the expertise to assess and resolve real-world issues with compassion, critical thinking, and professionalism.
As one of the fastest-growing fields in the United States, social work provides dynamic career opportunities for those committed to making a meaningful impact. The department’s programs offer a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, development, and the broader social systems that shape people’s lives. Through hands-on learning experiences, including internships and service projects, students graduate fully equipped to pursue diverse roles within a profession dedicated to enhancing the well-being of others.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Social Work Club: Provides students with social connections, professional networking, and experiential learning opportunities that reflect the core values of the social work profession—service, social justice, integrity, and competence. The club organizes events, fundraising activities, and community engagement projects, all while helping students build meaningful connections as they prepare for careers in social work.
- Phi Alpha Honor Society: A national honor society for social work students that promotes academic excellence and upholds the humanitarian values of the profession. Open to students who have demonstrated strong academic achievement, this society offers opportunities to deepen professional engagement, foster leadership, and connect with peers who share a commitment to advancing social justice and service.
The Social Work program at Fort Hays State University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In accordance with CSWE's accreditation standards, the program does not award academic credit for life experience or prior work experience.
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- On-Campus
- Online
