What is Social Work?
Social work is one of the fastest-growing careers in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. There were more than 800,000 social work jobs as of 2024. The profession is expected to grow by 11 percent by 2028 (National Association of Social Workers). Social work focuses on helping individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations with a person in the social environment approach. It looks to help people from a holistic perspective. Social work was born out of an increased sense of social responsibility towards vulnerable populations and continues to be concerned with the advancement of economic and social justice. Social workers are found in every facet of community life, including schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, senior centers, elected office, private practices, prisons, military, corporations, and in numerous public and private agencies.
Why Study Social Work at Regis?
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Regis College prepares students at the generalist practice level and is grounded in the person in social environment theory. The BSW program at Regis is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and social work students graduate with a BSW degree which allows them to sit for the first level of licensure in Massachusetts and many other states (LSW). Graduates from the Program who go on to graduate schools in social work may be admitted with advanced standing which gives them an opportunity to complete their master's in a year. Students completing a master's become eligible to sit for a licensure exam (LCSW) and upon successful work in the field under a licensed independent clinical social worker of 2,700 hours they become eligible to sit for a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) exam. Most students completing the BSW program go on to complete a master's at the advanced standing level. With the starting of the MSW program at Regis, now students are more likely to choose the MSW here as it is convenient to complete it part-time and online in about a year and half.
Regis also offers a fully online Master of Social Work program.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students should be able to:
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
- Engage diversity and difference in practice
- Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice
- Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
- Engage in policy practice
- Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
