Undergraduate
GraduateSocial Work
Masill Miranda ’12
"Wheelock had the best reputation for Social Work, and the field work directly related to what I want to do,"
- Rewarding and meaningful career that adds value to society
- Diverse job opportunities serving clients from all backgrounds
- Opportunities to engage in research and community-based service learning
- Hands-on experience working with children and families
- Wheelock offers the only BSW program in the city of Boston
- Intensive, year-long, supervised practicum experience
- Grounded in impacting positive social change
- Emphasis on the strengths, resiliency, and capacity for empowerment of clients
Social workers are committed to the alleviation of poverty and oppression, the promotion of human rights and social justice, and the development of individuals, groups, and communities. At Wheelock, you will study theories and methods of the social work profession and learn how to apply this knowledge through hands-on experience. Our program incorporates many different subject areas, including psychology, sociology, and human development.
You will learn how to work collaboratively with clients, help identify and secure needed resources, and communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds. Our approach to service is based on an appreciation of the strengths, resiliency, and capacity for empowerment of our clients. Through course work and field experience, you will develop a solid foundation of knowledge, values, and skills that provides immediate entry into a wide range of human service professional positions.
Program Options & Licensure
You'll earn a bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW), which qualifies you to take the Massachusetts social work licensing exam at the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) level.
Our versatile and flexible program can stand alone as a single major, or you may choose to add a second major or a minor in Juvenile Justice and Youth Advocacy, or in the Arts and Sciences (American Studies, the Arts, Communications & Media Literacy, Human Development, Humanities, or Math/Science).
Hands-On Experience
As a senior in the BSW program, you will have direct field experience with clients in an intensive, year-long, supervised practicum. Internships take place in a range of settings throughout the Boston metropolitan area, including schools, community organizations, and health centers. Recent field experience sites include:
- AIDS Action Committee
- Boston Public Schools
- Boys' and Girls' Clubs
- Brookline Council on Aging
- Cambridge Family and Children's Services
- Coalition of Services for Battered Women
- Dimock Community Health Center
- Girls, Inc.
- Massachusetts Department of Children and Families
- Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
Sample Courses
- Dynamics of Oppression and Discrimination
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- Social Research
- Social Welfare Policy
Skills You'll Learn
- Advocacy
- Assessment
- Effective communication
- Policy analysis
- Problem solving
- Reflective and critical thinking
- Research
- Resource development
- Service planning, provision, and evaluation
- Team participation and group work
Career Opportunities
This major will prepare you for a variety of human service positions, including:
- Social worker
- Family advocate
- Child counselor
- Case manager
- Community resource specialist
- Residential counselor
- Mental health assistant
- Early intervention specialist
- Legislative aide
- Patient care assistant
- Immigrant/refugee advocate
Graduate Study
Upon completion of your BSW, you will be eligible to apply to master of social work (MSW) programs with advanced standing status at Wheelock and other graduate schools. Advanced standing enables you to complete your MSW degree in as little as one year.
