Social Work - Bachelor of Science

Students studying Social Work

Do you want to make a positive change? Do people, places, or policies fascinate you? Do you wonder why so many struggle to succeed in life? Are you interested in working with those who have no voice? Then Social Work is the profession for you.

The BSW program at JSU prepares students for professional social work practice. Our program includes innovative coursework, creative field experiences, relevant research activities, and unique service-learning opportunities. Our students experience real-world social work practice in dynamic collaborative relationships with faculty, peers, and experienced social work professionals. The JSU social work student organization engages in various community service projects throughout the academic year where they partner with various social service agencies in our community. Students can also achieve membership in the National Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society where they can compete for national scholarships.

Potential Careers

  • Child Welfare Worker
  • Public Health Social Worker
  • School Social Worker/Counselor
  • Hospice Social Worker
  • Juvenile Justice Worker
  • Mental Health Social Worker/Counselor
  • Substance Abuse Prevention Worker
  • Forensic Social Worker
  • Public Administration
  • Human Resources
  • Long-Term Care Social Worker
  • Case Manager
  • Youth Services Advocate
  • Program Manager
  • and many others.

Median Annual Salary

Child Welfare Worker

$54,100

Public Health Social Worker

$50,800

School Social Worker/Counselor

$42,500

Hospice Social Worker

$49,500

Juvenile Justice Worker

$35,000

Mental Health Social Worker/Counselor

$62,000

Substance Abuse Prevention Worker

$51,000

Forensic Social Worker

$55,000

*Median annual salaries are from Salary.com

Additional Facts

  • The average growth rate for all occupations is 8%. The average growth rate for social work is 12% faster than the overall average. For healthcare social workers the rate increases to 13% faster than the overall average. For substance abuse and mental health, the average increases to an even higher rate of 15%.

Departmental Information

Advising Information