John R. and Kathy R. Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Social Work is a professional and academic discipline committed to the pursuit of social justice and human rights. Social work supports research and practice to improve the quality of life and the development of the potential of each individual, group, organization and community in society. Social workers perform interventions through research, policy, community organizing, direct practice and teaching.

Mission

The mission of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at North Carolina A&T State University is to prepare students through classroom interactions, field experiences and extra curricula activities to engage in competent, ethical and evidence-based generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.

The four goals of N.C. A&T’s BSW program are consistent with the social work profession’s purpose and values as they:

  1. Prepare students for generalist social work practice to work in micro, macro and mezzo levels.
  2. Promote continued learning and critical thinking which builds on the broad knowledge base provided by a liberal arts perspective and is enhanced through the social work curriculum.
  3. Advance students’ capacity to become change agents in championing human rights and social, economic and environmental justice.
  4. Prepare students for graduate school and ongoing professional development.

The mission is evidenced by an infused curriculum reflecting the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics and the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 2015 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). Our curriculum contains core values of service, social justice, the dignity and worth of the person, integrity, competence, human rights and scientific inquiry.

The curriculum of the BSW program is structured to promote critical thinking, an appreciation of diversity, a commitment to high ethical standards and an understanding of both the art and science of social work practice. We accomplish this by an array of liberal arts courses that are taught as general education classes for students; an infusion of diversity content in many of our social work courses, including several internships with agencies that serve immigrant and refugee communities; and in the coverage of social work ethics in each course. Hence, the education the program provides is grounded in the profession’s history, purpose and philosophy emphasizing holistic knowledge that includes professional knowledge, values and skills and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all persons.

The curriculum of the BSW program is structured to promote critical thinking, an appreciation of diversity, a commitment to ethical standards and an understanding of both the art and science of social work practice. The program provides clear steps to graduation and program policies, which support a smooth progression through the program. All senior social work students participate in a yearlong Joint Social Work Field Internship experience. Please review our Baccalaureate Social Work Program Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes Academic Year 2022 - 2023. 

N.C. A&T played a prominent role in the Civil Rights Movement. In the turbulence of 1960, four freshmen sat down at a segregated lunch counter in Greensboro. Their actions inspired a national sit-in movement. Our history has influenced a program culture that supports the social work profession’s commitment to ethical practice and social justice.

Community service opportunities are a part of required class volunteer hours. The department and program sponsor Alpha Delta Mu, the Social Work Honor Society and the Sociology and Social Work Society, which are student-led groups that offer student activities. International and global awareness is a growing area of interest. The BSW program offers a Global Exchange opportunity in which first semester seniors are able to study abroad, completing the first half of the required two-semester Field Internship. Students also attend classes overseas in order to complete other required courses. We are connected to the Office of International Programs’ Global Studies Certificate Program.

Our faculty is diverse in experience and research interests. We are committed to excellence in teaching, research and public service. We look forward to working with you. Finally, we have active alumni who we plan to engage in a number of future projects.

Master's Program Information