Make a difference in your community with an experience-focused degree in social work.

Do you dream of a career improving the lives and well-being of people in your community? Earning a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri–St. Louis will prepare you for a fast-paced, impactful career in social work with hands-on experience and engaging course work.

For nearly 40 years, UMSL’s social work degree program has helped students discover their passions and strengthen life skills like critical thinking, leadership and empathy. Our program is consistently ranked among the top social degree programs in the country, and our graduates are highly sought-after throughout Missouri and the nation.

When you earn your degree in social work at UMSL, you’ll join a lively community of faculty, peers and alumni who share your passion for helping others.

480 hours of fieldwork experience

There’s no better way to prepare for a career as a social worker than working and learning in real-world settings. That’s why our bachelor’s in social work program culminates with two semesters of practicum and fieldwork experience — each for 240 hours. Take what you learn in the classroom and apply it in a social work setting within the community.

 

Program type:

Major, BSW

Format:

On-Campus

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Why earn your bachelor’s in social work at UMSL?

UMSL’s bachelor’s degree in social work is ranked among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and is nationally recognized for the excellence and expertise of our graduates:

  • Earn a fully accredited social work degree. Our bachelor’s in social work degree program has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, meaning that you’ll enter the field as a qualified, in-demand professional.
  • Learn from experienced professionals. Take advantage of our small class sizes to work alongside highly experienced faculty mentors who inspire students every day with their love of teaching and community service. 
  • Save on the cost of tuition and college. UMSL is recognized as the most affordable college in Missouri by Business Insider. In addition to our affordability, you’ll also be eligible for several scholarships to help you pay for tuition and fees.

What can you do with a social work degree?

Earning your bachelor’s degree in social work from UMSL will unlock the door to many exciting roles that will let you help others while earning exceptional social work salaries throughout your career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for social workers is expected to grow by 7 percent over the next decade. The median annual social worker salary is $55,350.

With a bachelor’s in social work from UMSL, you’ll have the knowledge, skills and experience to work in a huge variety of settings — including social welfare agencies, schools, hospitals, correctional institutions, social action and community organizations, day cares and geriatric rehabilitation centers.

Many of our social work degree graduates are accepted into top graduate programs to enhance their skills and increase potential social work salaries. UMSL social work degree students who maintain good academic standing are eligible to receive advanced standing toward a master’s degree in social work.



55,350

Median annual salary

7

Employment growth by 2032

Career Opportunities

  • Case Manager
  • Community Outreach Specialist
  • Crisis Intervention Specialist
  • Domestic Violence Victim Advocate
  • Employment Specialist
  • Family Services Worker
  • Foster Care Specialist
  • Hospice Social Worker
  • Housing Specialist
  • Probation Officer
  • Residential Care Worker
  • Social Service Coordinator
  • Youth Service Worker

 

Plan of study

All majors must meet the general education requirements of the university in addition to completing degree-specific curriculum requirements.

Review Full Degree Requirements Review Sample Four-Year Plan

Non-Missouri Residents: Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the UMSL state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.

Student organizations

Make new friends and learn new skills by joining one of our Recognized Student Organizations. Here are several opportunities you may be interested in as a student majoring in social work:

Honors College

The UMSL Honors College is a certificate program that can be paired with any major without adding extra classes or extending time to graduate. Classes in the Honors College are seminar-style, meaning that they are based in reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking. This unique class format fosters an intellectual climate centered around democracy, civility and academic excellence.

Undergraduate research

We encourage and support students as they engage in exciting activities in and outside of the classroom that enrich their academic and professional understanding of their chosen area of study. All majors are encouraged to participate in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship to produce discipline-specific intellectual or creative innovations to their field.

School of Social Work

UMSL School of Social Work transforms lives.

Why Choose UMSL Social Work?

Make an impact. Protect vulnerable and at-risk populations. Support children and families. Now more than ever, organizations and communities recognize the need for qualified social workers. Be on the front line of change.

The UMSL School of Social Work engages students in professional education, research and service to advance knowledge and competence to promote human and societal well-being. Within a collaborative learning environment, students are prepared as self-aware, culturally informed, critically thinking leaders committed to social and economic justice and professional values and ethics. Inspiring hope, changing lives.

UMSL School of Social Work

Fully-accredited. Top-ranked.

UMSL social work programs are ranked among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and provide both traditional and non-traditional students with high-quality, accessible and affordable professional training.

UMSL School of Social Work degrees are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and adhere to the educational policy and accreditation standards that establish social work curriculum. Our accredited, hands-on learning ensures that every graduate is prepared to enter the field as a qualified, in-demand professional.

UMSL School of Social Work Alumni

Researchers, practitioners, change-makers.

UMSL Social Work faculty are dedicated to cultivating the next generation of community leaders and advocates — and have sustained that mission for more than 45 years.

As nationally and internationally acclaimed scholars, community leaders and instructors, our faculty provide students with the unique learning experiences, perspectives and skills needed to ensure that graduates are prepared to successfully enrich the lives of those in their community and beyond.

UMSL School of Social Work Alumni

Leading social change, empowering people and communities.

UMSL Social Work boasts a network of distinguished alumni that make indelible impacts in their communities everyday.

Social work alumni are community leaders, advocates, advisors, educators, counselors and valiant activists working to safeguard the welfare and well-being of the public. Just as it is UMSL’s mission to transform lives, the School of Social Work is proud our alumni continue that mission in their own pursuits as they work to transform the lives of those living in their communities for the better.

Information for Alumni

UMSL graduates

MORE Flexibility. MORE Possibilities.

When it comes to your education, we know one size doesn’t fit all. Offering exceptional academics at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, our degree programs are built to fit any schedule. Whether you want to earn your degree on campus, fully online, during the evening or weekends with our 4-, 8-, 12- and 16-week course offerings – UMSL will meet you when and where you want.

UMSL Rankings

#1

in Missouri for affordability
(Business Insider)

#1

Online College in Missouri
(Forbes 2024)

60+

non-degree certificate programs

#1

transfer destination in St.Louis

#5

nationally for adult education
(Great Value Colleges)

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Start your journey at UMSL. Join our diverse student body and have access to world-class researchers and scholars, top-ranked degree programs and sought-after internship opportunities.