Social Work

The University of Utah's Bachelor of Science in Social Work is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for impactful careers in the social services field. This program provides students with a solid foundation in social work principles, human behavior, social welfare policies, and ethical practice. Throughout the coursework, students gain essential skills in client assessment, intervention strategies, cultural competence, and advocacy, equipping them to serve diverse populations effectively.

The curriculum combines rigorous academic coursework with practical field experience, ensuring that graduates are ready to address complex social issues such as child welfare, mental health, substance abuse, and community development. Students have the opportunity to participate in supervised field placements across various community agencies, which allows them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, develop professional competencies, and build a network within the social work community.

The program emphasizes a commitment to social justice, equity, and diversity, preparing students to work compassionately and effectively with individuals from different backgrounds. It also encourages students to engage in critical thinking about social policies and their impact on marginalized groups, fostering a commitment to advocacy and systemic change.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Social Work at the University of Utah are well-positioned for entry-level positions in social service agencies, healthcare settings, schools, and government organizations. The program also provides a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in social work or related fields. Dedicated faculty members bring a wealth of professional experience and scholarly expertise, guiding students through a rigorous academic journey and mentorship. Overall, this program aims to cultivate skilled, ethical, and compassionate social workers who are committed to making a positive difference in their communities and beyond.

The Ph.D. degree requires a master’s degree plus a minimum of 50 credit hours beyond the master’s degree (a minimum of 30 core, 6 elective, and 14 dissertation hours). The following are also required:

1. Two years of graduate study beyond the master’s degree. At least two consecutive semesters of full-time study (nine credit hours) must be taken in residence.
2. The core courses provide students with knowledge and skills critical for creative problem-solving in the profession. Students are required to complete 30 credit hours in core courses. In addition, students are required to complete at least 6 hours of electives.
3. Satisfactory performance on a qualifying examination. The Ph.D. Committee will establish the requirements for the qualifying examination, which may include but not be limited to a written comprehensive examination.
4. Admission to Ph.D. candidacy by vote of the Ph.D. Committee upon completion of the qualifying examination and coursework.
5. Completion of an approved dissertation including at least 14 hours of dissertation research.
6. Successful defense of the dissertation, including a dissertation proposal presented prior to the student’s defense.
7. Completion of all dissertation work within three years from the date of admission to candidacy (unless an extension is approved by the Ph.D. Committee).
8. Completion of all course work toward the degree within seven years of admission to the program (unless an extension is approved by the Ph.D. Committee and The Graduate School, University of Utah).

*For specific curriculum information contact the program at 801-585-5979.

Social Work Core Courses

• SW 7111 - Quantitative Research: Theory and Design 3 Credit(s)
• SW 7122 Quantitative Research II: Secondary Data Analysis 3 Credit(s)
• SW 7120 - Scholarly Writing and the Critical Review of Academic Literature 2 - 3 Credit(s)
• SW 7130 - Epistemological and Theoretical Perspectives for SW Research 3 Credit(s)
• SW 7211 - Introduction to Analysis 3 Credit(s)
• SW 7221 - Advanced Analysis 3 Credit(s)
• SW 7512 - Qualitative Research Methods of Social Inquiry, Field Research 3 Credit(s)
• SW 7113 - Knowledge for Social Work Practice: Systematic Reviews 3 Credit(s)
• SW 7520 - Development of Biopyschosocial Intervention Models 3 Credit(s)

Social Work Specializations

Program specialization is tailored to each student’s needs and interests. A minimum of six (6) elective credit hours are required in coursework focused on a content area or issue of interest to each student. At least three of these must be taken outside the College of Social Work. In addition, students may enroll in guided readings or independent study with faculty throughout the University. Study should be focused on the development of knowledge and skill in a substantive area within the field of social welfare. Substantive areas are usually characterized by the selection of a social problem (e.g., child abuse, mental illness, delinquency) on which to focus study and develop expertise. Students are expected to develop substantive knowledge that relates to the variety of people and populations-including minorities and women-that are affected by the social problem. Study also includes a focus on a range of interventive strategies and public policies that might be used to effect social change related to the problem.

Statistics Requirement

Two statistics courses are required to complete the program. Additional statistics courses at the University are encouraged.

Dissertation Research

Students are required to present a dissertation proposal to a faculty committee after candidacy has been granted. Upon completion of dissertation research, students defend their research at a meeting open to the University community. Fourteen (14) hours of dissertation study are required.

• SW 7970 - Dissertation Research 1 - 12 Credit(s)

Applications for admission to the program must be received by the College of Social Work no later than February 1 (This date is subject to change. For information contact the program at 801-585-5979). Late applications are accepted on a space-available basis. Admission requirements include:

1. A master’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work.
2. Evidence of superior academic achievement in undergraduate and graduate education.
3. Minimum of two years of social work experience that demonstrates the applicant’s professional competence, ability to undertake advanced study, potential for leadership, and emotional maturity. (This requirement may be waived at the discretion of the Social Work Ph.D. Committee)
4. Satisfactory performance on the GRE, taken within five years prior to the admission year.
5. For international applicants whose primary language is not English, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) must be taken.
6. A personal interview, if requested by the Ph.D. Committee.
7. Three letters of reference.
8. A sample of writing in the form of a published article, a manuscript being submitted for publication, a report completed in connection with a research interest, or a paper prepared specifically for admission to the Ph.D. program.
9. A written statement of educational and professional intent.

Transfer Credit. All transfer work must be approved by the student’s supervisory committee and conform to policy guidelines and requirements of the University and of the respective departments. The last full year of work must be taken at the University of Utah.

Scholarships

Research and teaching assistantship opportunities are also available at the College of Social Work. Our PhD students find working in our Social Research Institute, Goodwill Initiatives on Aging, or our Utah Criminal Justice Center offers critical career and scholarship enhancement. These institutes sponsor grant-funded research and demonstration projects regarding such issues as child welfare practice and cross-system reforms, juvenile and criminal justice reforms, aging, mental health, the challenges faced by welfare families, substance involved families, and services for persons with disabilities.

• American Association of University Women International Fellowships ($15,060)
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Graduate Fellowships ($2,500 per year, renewable)

The University of Utah offers a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW) that provides students with a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of social work. The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in various social service settings or for graduate study in social work or related fields. The curriculum includes foundational courses in human behavior and the social environment, social work practice, research methods, and social welfare policies. Students are also exposed to practical fieldwork experiences through supervised internships in diverse community agencies, which enable them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts and develop the professional skills necessary for effective social work practice.

The program emphasizes the development of core competencies such as cultural competence, ethical decision-making, communication skills, advocacy, and case management. Students learn to work with individuals, families, groups, and communities, addressing issues such as mental health, substance abuse, child and family welfare, aging, and disabilities. The curriculum encourages critical thinking, empathy, and a commitment to social justice. The faculty comprises experienced social work professionals and scholars who provide mentorship and support throughout the student's academic journey.

The Bachelor of Science in Social Work at the University of Utah is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), ensuring the program meets national standards for quality and comprehensiveness. Graduates of the program are qualified for a variety of careers in social services, including roles in healthcare settings, schools, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and more. The program also provides a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing advanced degrees such as Master of Social Work (MSW), which can lead to licensure and higher-level professional opportunities.

Overall, the University of Utah's social work program aims to cultivate competent, compassionate, and socially responsible practitioners dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals and communities. The program's combination of academic coursework, practical training, and community engagement offers a well-rounded education that prepares students to make meaningful contributions to society through the field of social work.