Social Work
If you have a passion for helping others, Commonwealth U - Lock Haven’s Social Work program will prepare you for a rewarding career in public service.
Available 100% Online, In-Person or Hybrid format
What You'll Study
With our flexible curriculm, students can complete this Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited degree option in-person, 100% online or in a hybrid format.
The program has been developed within the framework of curriculum content outlined by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Accreditation Standards. The courses are carefully sequenced so that students may build upon previously acquired knowledge and have opportunities to experience the integration of various bodies of knowledge.
The courses that you take will prepare you to work with people in any setting, especially
since you will be completing volunteer hours in conjunction with several of your major
courses and a 430-hour field placement before you graduate.
Topics covered include:
- Rural Social Work
- Diverse Populations and Groups
- Social Policy and Services
- Mental Health
- Case Management
- Social Work Practice
The Social Work Minor consists of 18 credits worth of Social Work curriculum.
Required Courses:
SOWK100: Introduction to Social Work
SOWK200: Diversity and Social Justice
SOWK310 Human Behavior in the Social Env. I
SOWK310 Human Behavior in the Social Env. II
Two Courses from the following list:
SOWK321: Child Welfare
SOWK322: Mental Health
SOWK323: Exploring LGBTQ+ Experience
SOWK324: Social Work and Aging
SOWK325: Case Management
SOWK326: Addictions, Assessment, Prevention and Treatment
Take one of the following courses (3 cr):
SOWK100: Introduction to Social Work
SPEC110 Introduction to Individuals with Exceptionalities
Take the following courses (9 cr):
SOWK321 Child Welfare
SOWK200 Diversity and Social Justice
PSYC211 Adolescent Development
Take one of the following courses (3 cr):
PSYC215 Family Relations
SOC201 Families in Society
Take one of the following courses (3 cr):
SOWK322: Mental Health
SOWK325: Case Management
SOWK326: Addictions, Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention
Program Highlights
- Accreditation: We are proud to be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Since we are accredited, if you earn a 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.25 GPA in social
work, you qualify for advanced standing at the master’s level, allowing you to complete
your degree in half the time.
- Flexibility: Complete your BSW in-person, 100% online, or in a hybrid format.
- Field Placements: Some examples of past field placements include:
- Susquehanna Health Systems
- Community Services Group
- Crossroads Counseling
- County Children and Youth Agencies
- Department of Veteran’s Affairs
- Williamsport Area School District
- County Area Agency on Aging Agencies
- CWEB: We are one of 14 schools across the state to participate in the CWEB (Child Welfare
Education for Baccalaureate students) program. This program requires you to complete
your field placement in a county Children and Youth agency and work for a PA county
Children and Youth agency for one year after you graduate. You will receive a monthly
stipend during your senior year as well as have your senior year tuition paid by CWEB.
- BHARP is designed to provide prospective bachelor 's-level college students in Pennsylvania
with the opportunity to have the program pay for their entire senior year of classes.
In exchange, students would complete an internship with a provider during college
and be placed with the same provider for two years of employment after graduation.
- Careers: With a degree in social work you’ll be prepared for generalist social work practice
and have the skills, values, and knowledge for employment in an entry-level position
in any social service agency, regardless of client group or mission of the agency.
Recent graduates have been employed in the following fields:
- Mental Health
- Child Welfare
- Foster Care and Adoption
- Addictions and Substance Abuse
- Corrections/Court System
- Outpatient Counseling
- Residential Treatment Facilities
- Community Non-Profits
- Community Advocacy
Please see our State Authorization webpage for further instructions if you are planning to hold licensure in another state.
