Students in the accredited Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program at St. Edward's University study a broad range of topics in preparation for a career that focuses on helping marginalized communities and improving quality of life.
Social Work at St. Edward’s is taught through a supportive and interdisciplinary educational environment where students build social work knowledge, values, and skills through academic learning in the classroom and experiential learning in the community. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the major prepares students to enter careers in social work and related fields. Over the course of your studies as a Social Work major, you will …
This major is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). In order to meet accreditation standards, students are required to apply for and undertake fieldwork experience, demonstrate competencies in 9 core areas, complete a portfolio, and participate in an exit interview prior to graduation.
Major Requirements: The Social Work major requires 60 hours of coursework, which include a combination of social work, biology, sociology, and psychology.
Electives: Students complete 12 hours of elective courses in any area of study they choose.
General Education Requirements: The degree requires 48 hours of general education courses that students complete over four years in addition to their major courses and electives.
View and download the full degree plan for our Social Work major (PDF).
Faculty interact closely with students through classes, advising sessions, fieldwork and program events. Professors have a diversity of research interests and all share a passion for the field of social work and helping students succeed.
"Education is indeed an opportunity for people to develop their cognitive, existential, emotional, intrapersonal and interpersonal intelligence. I encourage my students to open themselves up in all these areas as they learn course content."
– Anna Escamilla, Assistant Professor of Social Work
"I am inspired by the opportunity to learn and work alongside students, faculty, and the broader community in generating understanding and action around global-minded social justice initiatives, particularly those related to violence against women, forced migration, human trafficking, and the detention of immigrant women and children fleeing violence."
– Laurie Cook Heffron, Assistant Professor of Social Work
"I view social work education as a collaboration and partnership with my students. I constantly remind students that in a few short years they will be my colleagues in the community combating issues of social injustice and inequality."
– Adam McCormick, Assistant Professor of Social Work
Along with personal attention and mentorship from their professors, our students have access to offices and programs outside of the classroom that support their success. We encourage students to take advantage these resources that help them thrive and excel:
Students majoring in Social Work can explore career paths and practical application of their studies through internships, supervised field placements, and interactions with the greater Austin community. Consult the Field Education Program Manual for additional information.
The Baccalaureate Practicum/ Internship will further provide each student with opportunities to:
Students will experience two semesters of supervised field placement, where they will have the following practice opportunities:
Read about our successful alumni. See what they have to say about life after St. Edward’s.
A Minor in Social Welfare provides students a foundation in social welfare, focusing on social justice, human behavior and development, diversity and cultural competence.
