About

The National Association of Social Workers defines social workers as "people who care about people, who want to make things better, who want to relieve suffering, who want their work to make a difference.” This is a growing and dynamic field, and the U.S. Department of Labor projects faster than average employment growth.

With Appalachian’s accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree, you will be prepared for social work careers helping individuals, families, groups and communities; providing services; and advocating for human rights and social and economic justice in a variety of human service agencies, as well as other public and non-profit organizations and institutions.

Employment sites include hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, health departments, mental health centers, child and family service agencies, substance abuse programs, group homes and residential education programs, schools, correctional facilities, departments of social services, housing programs and shelters, domestic violence programs, advocacy agencies and legislative offices, community development and planning organizations, non-governmental/community-based organizations, non-profit/grassroots organizations and international programs.

After Graduation

Employment: Social work employment is available in a variety of practice settings for professional social workers who have earned the BSW. However, some social work practice areas require a graduate degree in social work and/or licensure.

Graduate School: For some careers in social work, a Master of Social Work degree is required. Students often choose to pursue a MSW after graduation, including Appalachian’s Master of Social Work degree.

Students who have earned an undergraduate degree in social work who meet certain requirements may apply for “Advanced Standing” MSW programs and complete the MSW curriculum in just one year.  Appalachian’s MSW Program offers a direct practice/clinical concentration (preparation for working with children and adults, individuals, couples, families and small groups) and a macro practice/community concentration (preparation for working with communities and organizations; agency administration and supervision; policy practice and advocacy; community development and planning; and systemic change).

Career Exploration website

Professional Licensure

This is a program that can lead to licensure or certification.  Appalachian State University cannot confirm whether this program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in other states or territories.

If this applies to you, check the U.S. Department of Education for information on licensure requirements and licensing agencies in other states. Or, you may address questions to State Authorization at Appalachian at stateauthorization@appstate.edu or 828-262-7559.

People

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  Student Profile: Liam Waller

  A veteran, Liam Waller is passionate about social justice for all marginalized people. He eventually wants to pursue a doctoral degree because he believes he can make a positive difference through research and policy change.

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  Faculty Profile: Dr. Michael Howell

  “Social workers help change the world every day, with every helpful and positive thing they do, in whatever kind of work they do.

  ” – Dr. Michael Howell, program director

  Meet more faculty

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  Alumna Profile: Crystal Kelly ’00 ’09

  Recently named a Pritzker Fellow by the National Collaborative for Infants and Toddlers, Kelly is leading efforts to build a coordinated and improved early childhood system in Watauga County.

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  Alumna Profile: Heather Canipe ’08 ’10

  Volunteering as a tutor at Western Youth Network (WYN) Inc. while enrolled at Appalachian sparked a career path for Heather Canipe ’08 ’10. She is director of student programs at WYN, a Boone-based nonprofit organization that invests in the lives of children and adolescents.

Minors

A minor is optional. Minors that complement the Social Work curriculum include:

• Child Development
• Sustainable Development
• Health Care Management
• Public Health
• Leadership Studies
• Gender, Women’s and Sexuality Studies
• LGBT studies
• Non-Profit Management
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Recreation Management
• Sociology
• Spanish

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

Student Association of Social Workers (SASW) – Social Work majors and interested students interact, exchange ideas and participate in campus and community service projects. Organizational members work closely with faculty members and other professionals to facilitate greater understanding of the social work field. Open to any Appalachian student.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society. Social Work students have opportunities to participate in study abroad programs that may count for required course credit. The department has facilitated trips to Costa Rica, Germany, India and Uganda.

Admission Requirements

There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.

However, students must remain in good academic standing, apply to and be accepted into the Professional Sequence, and successfully complete the BSW curriculum. Social work majors are required to complete a Field Placement internship in their final semester. Students in Field Placement need to have reliable personal transportation.

Students interested in pursuing the BSW through off-campus programs should refer to the Distance Education website for additional admissions criteria and information.