BS Social Work
LIU Post, United States
Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Long Island University
Social Work
BS Social Work Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) at Long Island University prepares students within a liberal arts perspective to become competent professionals with the knowledge, skills, and values needed for entry-level generalist social work practice. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the national accreditor of U.S. social work schools and programs, signifying that it meets the highest standards of academic excellence.
Students complete 120 total credits, including 47 credits in social work courses and a mandatory 400-hour field internship during the senior year. The curriculum covers policy, practice, human development, social systems behavior, and research, complemented by practicum-related seminars that bridge classroom learning with real-world application.
Graduates of the BSSW program may be eligible for advanced standing in a CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) program, potentially earning their graduate degree in just one year instead of two. LIU was the first accredited social work program in Brooklyn, with a strong emphasis on working with diverse, immigrant, and geriatric populations in the New York City metropolitan area.
Program Highlights
- CSWE-accredited program meeting the highest national standards for social work education
- 400-hour senior year field internship in diverse community settings across the New York City tri-state area
- Eligibility for advanced standing in MSW programs, reducing graduate study to one year
- Small class sizes with relationship-centered education using role plays, case studies, and reflective writing
Curriculum and Course Modules
The BSSW curriculum is grounded in a liberal arts foundation and builds progressively toward specialized social work knowledge and practice. Students engage with stimulating topics through small class discussions, role plays, case studies, and reflective writing, while field placements in the junior and senior years connect academic learning with professional practice in diverse community settings.
Social Welfare Programs and Policies I
3 CreditsExplores the development of social work as a profession, including its tradition of advocacy, reform, and commitment to social welfare policies. Students examine how economic, political, and organizational systems influence social policies and diverse populations.
Human Behavior and the Social Environment
3 CreditsApplies theoretical knowledge from biology, psychology, sociology, and philosophy to understand human behavior across the lifespan. Students analyze the interplay between individuals and their social environments at micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
Social Work Practice Methods
3 CreditsDevelops foundational skills for engaging with, assessing, and intervening with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Emphasizes ethical and professional behavior aligned with the NASW Code of Ethics.
Social Work Research Methods
3 CreditsProvides an overview of the scientific method as it applies to social work, including reading and interpreting quantitative and qualitative research reports. Students learn to use research to guide professional practice and evaluate program effectiveness.
Statistics for Health and Human Services
3 CreditsCovers statistical procedures, research design, sampling techniques, descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, correlation, regression, and tests of significance as they apply to health and human services.
Field Education and Practicum Seminar
12 CreditsA 400-hour supervised internship completed during the senior year in diverse settings such as schools, homeless shelters, child and family counseling centers, senior citizen facilities, and social service agencies. Accompanied by an integrative seminar linking field experience to classroom learning.
Elective Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission to the BS Social Work program at Long Island University is open to freshmen, transfer students, and international applicants. The program seeks students who demonstrate academic readiness, a commitment to social justice, and the potential to succeed in a demanding professional field. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on your application.
Academic Requirements
- High School GPAMinimum high school average of 80 (on a 100-point scale) with upper-half class ranking
- Transfer StudentsMinimum 24 college credits completed with a 2.75 cumulative GPA
- Social Work Major GPAMaintain a minimum 2.5 overall GPA and 3.0 GPA in Social Work courses once enrolled
- Standardized TestsSAT or ACT scores are optional
- Field Admission ReviewAcademic performance review including essay and interview at end of fall semester of junior year
English Language Requirements
- TOEFL (Internet-based)Minimum score of 75
- IELTSMinimum overall band score of 6.0
- Duolingo English TestMinimum score of 100
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Long Island University offers more than USD 100 million in scholarships and grants annually to support student success. International students are eligible for merit-based institutional scholarships, and all applicants are automatically evaluated for merit awards at the time of admission. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on maximizing your financial aid opportunities.
LIU Merit Scholarship
Varies (up to 50% of tuition)Awarded automatically to incoming freshmen and transfer students based on academic performance, course rigor, and overall application strength. No separate application is required, and the scholarship is renewable for students who maintain good academic standing.
International Student Scholarship
VariesAvailable to international students attending LIU who have completed at least two semesters with a minimum 2.5 GPA. This scholarship considers academic performance, English proficiency, and leadership qualities.
Activity Scholar and Service Award
VariesOpen to undergraduate students who demonstrate talent in areas such as community service, journalism, media arts, or campus activities. Recipients commit to a service component of up to 15 hours per week and must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA for renewal.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
A BS in Social Work from Long Island University prepares you for immediate entry into the social work profession or for advanced graduate study. LIU's location in the New York City metropolitan area provides access to one of the largest and most diverse job markets for social workers in the United States, with clinical affiliations spanning top healthcare facilities, organizations, and community agencies across the tri-state area.
Potential Career Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings and Recognition
Long Island University is a private university system founded in 1926, regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. While LIU is primarily recognized for its strong regional impact rather than global ranking presence, its social work programs hold prestigious CSWE accreditation, and the BSSW program was the first accredited social work program in Brooklyn.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Social Work (BSSW) | CSWE | Fully Accredited |
| Social Work (MSW) | CSWE | Fully Accredited |
| National Universities | U.S. News & World Report | #373 of 434 |
| Health Professions Programs | U.S. News & World Report | Contact Uni4Edu for current data |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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