Centenary University’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program will prepare you for a meaningful career in generalist social work or graduate study in this ever-growing field. The purpose of the social work profession is to promote and enhance human and community wellbeing, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of those who are vulnerable, oppressed and living in poverty. The BSW Program at Centenary has earned national accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Our curriculum provides engaging learning opportunities in the classroom and in the field to help students develop the knowledge, values and skills needed for professional practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
The mission of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program at Centenary University is to prepare students for generalist social work practice and/or entry to graduate school at the advanced standing level. The BSW program is guided by the purpose of the social work profession; that is, to promote and enhance human and community well-being, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of those who are vulnerable, oppressed and living in poverty. The BSW Program curriculum is grounded by the core social work values of service, the dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, social justice, human rights, scientific inquiry, integrity and competence, and is framed by the strengths perspective. The BSW Program is committed to fostering relationships with the regional social service community and to the ongoing process of creating and sustaining learning environments in which respect for all persons and understanding of diversity and difference are practiced, and providing educational experiences that encourage a commitment to self-care, community service, and lifelong learning and development.
Social Work is among the faster growing careers in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Social workers are needed in many settings, such as schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, family counseling programs, substance abuse programs, senior centers and the military.
Centenary’s Social Work program, one of only a handful of BSW programs in New Jersey, offers several advantages, including:
In recent years, our graduates have been accepted as Advanced Standing students at a wide range of graduate programs, including Columbia, Fordham, Kean, Kutztown, Marywood, Monmouth, NYU, Rutgers, Temple, Texas State and the University of South Florida.
Because of our small class sizes, our students have the opportunity to work closely with our faculty members, all of whom are experienced social workers who continue to be involved in the community. The BSW Program’s cohort model, which allows BSW students to take many of their classes together, also provides strong peer support throughout the program.
The BSW is a professional degree that provides graduates with the opportunity to begin their job search with some well-established contacts in the social service community, and a significant amount of practical experience.
“The purpose of social work is to protect and advance human rights, and social, economic and environmental justice. What’s unique about this profession is that it has social justice at the core of its mission,” claims professor and social worker Terri Klemm. “We start from a strengths perspective, and that defines and influences the way we approach working with clients, families and communities.”
