BSW Programs in this State
Popular universities like Marshall University and West Virginia State University are just 2 providers of reliable BSW programs in your area. Popular cities for BSW learners are Huntington, Athens, and Morgantown, but students can be accepted into these programs no matter their location throughout the state. Here are some universities with a CSWE Accredited BSW Program in West Virginia:
- Bethany College
- Concord University
- Marshall University
- Shepherd University
- West Liberty University
- West Virginia State University
- West Virginia University
You might consider learning about available online BSW programs.
Already have your BSW? Check out MSW programs in West Virginia (includes online).
Why Consider a BSW Degree?
If you are a busy adult learner looking for the most convenient route to graduation, you should consider online BSW programs for your educational experience. Online programs can allow you to learn at your own pace, access courses directly from home, and some even offer 100% online program completion.
The BSW program was developed to provide learners with an introductory and generalize perspective on social work practice in the public domain. Upon completing this program, you should have skills relevant to providing services to individuals with a wide variety of needs within your community.
BSW Degrees and Coursework
The Bachelor of Social work degree program can provide students with an incredibly in-depth look at social work practice from a generalized standpoint. Once you choose a program that is best suited for your needs and practice desires, you can begin your thorough exploration of social services during your curriculum.
Most BSW programs can last around 4 years for most full-time students. During this time, you can take general education courses like Algebra and History, as well as social work classes ranging from introductory to advanced. Most programs provide you with classes that build upon on another for your maximum benefit.
Social work courses like Social Work Practice with Individuals and Social Work Practice with Communities can allow you to explore the difference in developing helpful support programs when working with just 1 client and when working with larger groups. Many positions in social work practice can contain a blend of both responsibilities for you to engage in.
Social Work Research and Social Welfare Policy are additional courses that may be a part of your BSW curriculum. These courses can help sharpen your skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and advanced policy knowledge. Ethics in Social Work can also be a great support for learners that are developing their own unique methods for practice.
Whether you are planning to immediately enter the practice field after graduation or move forward into a MSW program, the BSW can be a incredibly fitting choice. The combination of both classroom and in-person learning present within these programs can allow you to thrive on either path.
Popular CSWE Accredited BSW Program
The University of West Virginia may be one of the most popular BSW providers throughout this entire state. Students often choose this program due to its long-term reliability, prior student testimony, and dedication to high-quality educational programs.
The BSW offered through UWV consists of a curriculum that includes both standard social work components and the option to pursue specialized classes like Ethic Studies, Gender Studies, and Diverse Cultural Studies. These learning opportunities can help to expand your knowledge of the population that you plan to serve during your career.
This program may also include a practicum component that allows you to visualize and practice social work skills in a real-world setting. This part of your program may be broken up into semesters and can take place at local social service agencies in your area.
The combination of both in-depth classroom learning and field experience can provide you with an all-inclusive learning experience for your maximum benefit. As you sort through degree programs available in your state, you should choose one that fits all of your desired criteria to best plan for your future.
BSW Careers and Salary
Many BSW graduates enter the field knowing exactly what type of career they would like to pursue, while others are open to varying fields working with different types of people or groups in need. One of the many advantages to choosing the BSW is that it can provide you with the opportunity to choose either direction upon entering the field.
Social workers in West Virginia can work with children, adolescents, adults, and even aging adults. Some social work positions can let you work entirely with individuals facing complex social issues, individuals managing disorders or disabilities, or even with groups of new social workers learning the ropes in the practice field.
Common career titles for new social work professionals at the bachelor’s level include Case Worker, Support Specialist, Program Specialist, and even Resource Coordinator. Your role in different positions can include assessing overall need, identifying needed services, and establishing a treatment plan that leads to positive results.
The BLS reports that social workers currently employed in West Virginia can earn $67,290 on average each year. The amount of money you make per year in this field can depend on the demand for social work professionals in your specialized area, the location of your employment, and your overall experience as a social worker in the field.
2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Social Workers, All other, reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed March 2023.
