Social Work
- 120 Credits
- School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Bronx
- Westchester
Social Work Overview
Social Work is a profession for those with a strong desire to help and improve people's lives.
What do social workers do:
- Provide counseling to individuals, families and groups
- Help people obtain needed resources and services
- Develop programs and work with communities to meet peoples' needs
- Address problems related to: child abuse, mental illness, poverty, illness or disability, substance abuse, discrimination, family conflict or violence, job jeopardy and aging
Career Opportunities
According to the U.S. Dept. of Labor's Bureau Statistics, employment of social workers is expected to increase by 22 percent during the coming decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
The B.S.W. Program is career-oriented and gives students ample field work and faculty mentorship opportunities to prepare them to begin their careers in this rewarding and growing field.
Graduates with a B.S.W. are prepared to work in a variety of areas such as:
- Mental health clinics
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Substance abuse programs
- Nursing homes
- Family and children's services
- Criminal justice
- College counseling
- Employee assistance programs
- and many more
Where Our Alumni Are Today
"My experience in the Social Work program has paved the way for how I approach communicating and providing care in my advocacy work for mental health. I am working towards getting my masters degree soon so that I can become licensed and be able to do much more within the social work field." - Jasabel Ramirez, alumnus
"The foundation year in the Social Work Program at Mercy University is what prepared me and allowed me to succeed in the Graduate Program at Fordham University, where I completed my Master’s Degree with a Clinical Concentration followed by becoming licensed" - Erika Otero, LMSW, alumnus
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Program Accreditation
The Bachelor of Social Work at Mercy University is accredited by the Council for Social Work Education, 333 John Carlyle Street, Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314.
Frequently Asked Questions
Full-time students can complete the 120-credit degree program in four years.
Freshmen and sophomores intending to apply for admission to the social work program should declare pre-social work as their major. Students usually enter the social work program at the beginning of their junior year, in the fall semester, following completion of the application process and acceptance for admission to the program.
Students apply for admission to the social work major by the end of their sophomore year. Specific questions about the application process can be sent to gventicinque@mercy.edu.
Transfer students are encouraged to contact the social work program for application materials at the same time they are applying for admission to the University.
Students applying to the social work major should:
- Have completed at least 45 credits.
- Have achieved, at least a cumulative grade point average of 2.60 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Have an interest in or demonstrated capacity to provide help to people.
- Demonstrate the aptitude for and/or motivation to enhance skills in clear oral and written expression and the ability to think conceptually and analytically.
- Meet for an individual interview with the social work program director, or designate.
During the interview, the student and program director will explore the student’s interests, experience skills and goals and discuss the requirements of the social work major. This meeting includes acknowledgment on behalf of the student of the demands and time requirements of the senior-year field practicum.
In its review, the program admissions committee will take into account all aspects of the student’s application and presentation. The committee has the authority to make any exceptions to its admissions policy in accepting an applicant and makes the final decision on an applicants’ suitability.
After completing the application process, the student will receive a formal letter from the program director informing him/her of the committee’s decision.
Yes, faculty are always ready to help students with questions about what courses to take, the sequencing of courses, and career opportunities, including internships.
Program Details & Curriculum
General Liberal Arts and Sciences
General Education Requirements: 60 Credits
Major Concentration
Social Work: 42 Credits
Open Electives: 18 Credits
Total: 120 Credits
For a full curriculum listing visit our catalog.
Program Outcomes/CSWE Competencies
- Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
- Competency 2: Advance Human Rights, and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
- Competency 3: Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in Practice
- Competency 4: Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
- Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice
- Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Download a copy of the 2023-2024 Mercy University BSW Program Outcomes
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2020 - 2021 B.S.W. Social Work Sequence Map