Social Work (B.S.W.)

Make A Difference

We’re here to help you help others. Seton Hill University’s Social Work (B.S.W.) Program puts a strong emphasis on direct practice, and features a 100% job/graduate school placement rate. A degree in social work from Seton Hill will prepare you to make a difference in the world.

Why Earn a Degree in Social Work from Seton Hill University?

Social work students at Seton Hill graduate with knowledge of individual, group and family practice and experience working with organizations and communities. At Seton Hill, you'll prepare for a career helping others through:

Individual, group, and family counseling.
The ability to add an area of specialization to your degree.
Interaction with our partner organizations, such as the Blackburn Center, Westmoreland County Children's Bureau, Adelphoi Village & Wesley Family Services.
Hands-on work in the community.
Participation in Seton Hill clubs and organizations specific to the social work major, including Project H.O.P.E. and Phi Alpha National Honor Society.
The benefits of our Apple Distinguished School, which includes an Apple laptop for all full-time freshmen.
The integration of Seton Hill's liberal arts curriculum with instruction and practical skills unique to the social work profession.

Add a Specialization to Your B.S.W. in Social Work

To earn a B.S.W. with a specialization, you would take all courses required for the B.S.W. plus additional courses specific to the area of specialization. Seton Hill University social work majors have the opportunity to specialize in four growing career fields.

Behavioral Health & Addictions prepares you for direct practice work with individuals across the life span addressing mental health, addictions and co-occurring disorders.
Forensic Social Work prepares you for careers in youth and adult criminal justice, and in legal advocacy for youth and families.
Medical Social Work prepares you for careers in hospitals, hospice, health care and nursing homes.
School Social Work allows you to serve as a link between school, home and community to help students succeed.

Advanced Standing for Graduate Study

Seton Hill’s Social Work Program prepares students for careers and graduate-level study. Our accreditation status allows students graduating with a Bachelor of Social Work degree to receive advanced standing toward a master’s program in social work. This means that after completion of the Social Work Program at Seton Hill, you may be able to complete a master’s degree in as little as three semesters!

Field Experience

Earn real-world experience while earning your degree. Students in Seton Hill's Social Work (B.S.W.) Program:

Enjoy placements that are associated with their area/s of specialization and interest.
Experience 500 hours of faculty-directed social work field learning in a local human service organization.
Perform 60 hours of service learning to integrate theory and practice in social work professional practice courses.
Complete independent research.

Career Opportunities

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for social workers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2033. The median annual pay for social workers in 2024 was $61,330. Social work students at Seton Hill graduate prepared for jobs in the social work field, including positions as counselors, caseworkers and managers, community organizers and mental health educators. Seton Hill University's nationally recognized Career & Professional Development Center will work with you, beginning in your freshman year, to help guide and prepare you for your profession. From resumé building and interview techniques, to internships and professional networking events, the Center provides lifetime services to Seton Hill University students and alumni.

Accreditation

The Seton Hill Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education's (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA). As part of this accreditation, Seton Hill University measures and reports student learning outcomes in the Social Work Program. Click here to download the Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes PDF Document.

Graduates of the Seton Hill University Social Work program (B.S.W.) are eligible for professional licensure in Pennsylvania upon passage of the applicable Association of Social Works Board (ASWB) Examination. Licensure requirements vary by state, as some states have educational requirements apart from graduating from an accredited program or University. Therefore, students seeking licensure in states other than Pennsylvania are strongly encouraged to contact the state's licensure entity of the state(s) of their choice to confirm all licensure and certification requirements.

Want to know more?

Request Information

Ready to Take Your Next Step Forward?

You can apply online for free any time. If you haven't been to visit us yet, please schedule a time to come up to the Hill. You just may see your future from here.

Plan Your Visit Request Information Apply Online