Social Work Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Thinking about earning your Bachelor of Social Work at UTC? We know choosing a major and navigating a professional program can come with a lot of questions. Here are answers to some of the questions students ask most often.
- What is the process to apply to the BSW program?
Students must complete the BSW admission requirements and submit an application for formal admission to the Social Work Program.
For detailed information about eligibility, required coursework, and how to apply, visit our Admission and Application page.
- When can I apply to the BSW program?
Students typically apply during their sophomore year after completing the required pre-social work coursework.
The application deadline is typically March 1st, but transfer students are encouraged to apply as soon as they are accepted into the university.
- Are online classes offered?
A few select classes are offered both online and face-to-face, but the UTC BSW program is primarily face-to-face and you’ll be expected to attend in person classes.
- What does a social worker do?
Social workers help people navigate challenges, connect with resources, build on their strengths, and create meaningful change in their lives and communities.
Social workers practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities and work in a wide variety of settings. Depending on their interests, social workers may provide direct services, coordinate resources, advocate for clients, develop programs, lead organizations, conduct research, or work to influence policies and systems.
- What can I do with a BSW?
A BSW prepares you for entry-level generalist social work practice in a wide range of settings.
BSW graduates may work in:
- Hospitals and health care
- Mental and behavioral health
- Schools and educational settings
- Child and family services
- Adult services
- Community and nonprofit organizations
- Criminal justice and corrections
- Government agencies
- Substance use services
- Aging and gerontology
- Advocacy and community organizations
- Case management and care coordination
A BSW can also provide a strong foundation for graduate education, including pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Can I transfer to UTC and earn a BSW?
Yes! UTC welcomes transfer students from community colleges and other colleges and universities.
Transfer coursework is reviewed to determine which credits can be applied toward the BSW degree. Social Work faculty can help evaluate previous social work coursework, while general education and other university transfer credits are evaluated through the registrar’s office.
If you are considering transferring to UTC, we recommend meeting with an advisor early so we can help you understand how your previous coursework fits into the BSW curriculum.
- Will my social work courses transfer from another university?
Possibly. Social work coursework is evaluated individually to determine whether it is equivalent to UTC coursework and can be applied toward the BSW degree.
Students should provide transcripts and course information to the program director for review.
- Can I pursue a minor?
Yes! A minor is not required for the BSW degree, but students may choose to pursue one if it fits within their degree plan.
Common areas of interest include sociology, psychology, criminal justice, women's and gender studies, nonprofit management, and other disciplines that complement social work.
Talk with your advisor about whether a minor can fit into your academic plan.
- Can I double major?
Students interested in completing a second major should speak with their academic advisor about whether a double major can fit within their degree plan and how it may affect their time to graduation.
- What is field education?
Field education is one of the most important parts of your social work education. It gives you the opportunity to take what you learn in the classroom and apply it in a real-world social work setting. Please see the Field Education page for more information.
- Can I work while completing the BSW?
Many social work students work while completing their degree. However, students should carefully consider the time commitments associated with coursework, field education, and other responsibilities. The majority of UTC BSW classes are held in-person during daytime working hours.
- What makes the UTC BSW program different?
At UTC, you’ll be part of a cohort-based BSW program where you move through the professional portion of the program alongside a group of fellow social work students. This creates opportunities to build relationships with your peers, learn collaboratively, and develop a strong professional network before you even graduate.
Our program also offers meaningful access to faculty. With a dedicated social work faculty team, students have opportunities to engage with faculty beyond the classroom, receive individualized guidance, and build mentoring relationships with professors who are invested in their academic and professional growth.
And because social work is about people and communities, your education extends beyond the classroom. Through community engagement, experiential learning, local partnerships, and field education, you’ll have opportunities to connect what you learn in class with the real-world needs of individuals, families, organizations, and communities.
- What kinds of experiences will I have outside the classroom?
Social work students may have opportunities to participate in community engagement, service learning, professional events, agency visits, volunteer experiences, interdisciplinary activities, and field education. These experiences help students understand how social work operates across different systems and communities while building professional skills and connections.
- What if I am not sure social work is right for me?
That's okay! You don't have to have your entire career figured out before choosing social work.
If you enjoy working with people, solving problems, advocating for others, understanding how systems affect people's lives, or making a difference in your community, social work may be a great fit.
We encourage prospective students to talk with a Social Work faculty member or advisor about their interests and career goals.
- What happens after I graduate with my BSW?
Your BSW opens the door to many different career paths. Graduates can enter the workforce in a variety of social service and community settings or continue their education.
Some graduates enter direct practice, while others pursue careers in advocacy, community organizations, government, health care, education, administration, or other fields.
A BSW can also serve as a pathway to graduate social work education, including an MSW.
Still have questions?
Contact [email protected]!