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, diversity, 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.