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School of Social Work
Indiana University

Requirements

The curriculum for the BSW degree consists of a minimum of 120 credit hours attained through required and elective courses. Of these 120 credit hours, 42-45 credit hours are devoted to general/supportive liberal arts courses and 52-55 credit hours to social work courses (see individual campus supplements). The remaining required credits are earned through elective courses. Students are free to select elective courses, a certificate, or a minor of their choice.

Students in the BSW program must have at least a “C” in core social work courses and complete all required 100, 200, 300 level social work courses, before enrolling in the 400 level course work. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 to earn the BSW degree.

Degree requirements are divided into four areas. General education, support courses, required courses and electives.

Credit for Life Experience

Academic credit for life experience and previous work experience is not given in whole or in part toward the social work degree. 

General Education Requirements

General education course requirements vary by campus. Students are expected to meet the general education requirements specific to the campus to which they are applying.

Program Support Courses

  • Professional Writing Skills OR a writing course approved by the student’s campus
  • Public Speaking
  • Modern American History
  • Human Biological Science
  • American Government
  • Introductory Psychology
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • A 3 credit 300 or 400 level Social Work elective, Psychology, or Sociology course

Social Work Required Courses

It is essential that you consult your advisor for educational planning to ensure timely completion of the BSW program. Course sequencing must be followed as outlined by the program to ensure eligibility for advanced coursework and practicum placement.

  • S102 Examining Sociocultural Systems in a Pluralistic Society (3 cr.)
  • S141 Introduction to Social Work (3 cr.)
  • S221 Human Growth and Development in the Social Environment (3 cr.)
  • S251 History and Analysis of Social Welfare Policy (3 cr.)
  • S322 Small Group Theory and Practice (3 cr.)
  • S331 Engaging and Assessing Client Systems: Generalist Practice with Individuals and Families (3 cr.)
  • S332 Intervention and Evaluation: Generalist Practice with Individuals and Families (3 cr.)
  • S352 Social Welfare Policy and Practice (3 cr.)
  • S371 Social Work Research (3 cr.)
  • S423 Organizational Theory and Practice (3 cr.)
  • S433 Community Behavior and Practice with a Generalist Perspective (3 cr.)
  • S442 Integrated Practice-Policy Seminar (3 cr.)
  • S472 Social Work Practice Evaluation (3 cr.)
  • S481 Social Work Practicum I (6 cr.)
  • S482 Social Work Practicum II (7 cr.)

Social Work Required Courses in new curriculum beginning Fall 2026 (17 courses)*

  • S102 Examining Sociocultural Systems in a Pluralistic Society (3 cr.)
  • S141 Introduction to Social Work (3 cr.)
  • S221 Human Growth and Development in the Social Environment (2 cr.)
  • S251 History and Analysis of Social Welfare Policy (3 cr.)
  • S322 Small Group Theory and Practice (3 cr.)
  • S325 Ethical and Effective Social Work Practice (3 cr.) (required for SWK students beginning in Fall 2026)
  • S331 Engaging and Assessing Client Systems: Generalist Practice with Individuals and Families (3 cr.)
  • S332 Intervention and Evaluation: Generalist Practice with Individuals and Families (3 cr.)
  • S352 Social Welfare Policy and Practice (3 cr.)
  • S371 Social Work Research (3 cr.)
  • S415 Social Work in a Pluralistic Society (3 cr.)
  • S435 Social Work Macro Practice (3 cr.)
  • S440 Leadership Practice for Social Work Organizations (3 cr.)
  • S442 Integrated Practice-Policy Seminar (3 cr.)
  • S472 Practice Evaluation (3 cr.)
  • S483 Practicum in Social Work I (5 cr.)
  • S484 Practicum in Social Work II (5 cr.)

*(check with your advisor if this applies to you or not)