Bachelor of Arts in Social Work

Admissions & Aid College of Arts & Sciences
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Bachelor of Arts in Social Work

What Will I Learn in the Social Work Major?

Social work is where compassion meets action. University of Portland’s (UP) bachelor of arts (BA) in social work degree program takes your desire for helping others and combines it with the knowledge, skills, and ethics needed to create meaningful change in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. You will graduate ready to meet Oregon’s licensure standards so you can take the first step toward becoming a licensed social worker.

Social Work Courses

As a social work major, you will explore topics that address cultural diversity, sustainable communities, and social justice. Real-world learning through field experience is a core component of the program.Your senior practicum allows you to apply your knowledge while working closely with experienced professionals in a selected social work agency.

Degree Requirements

University Core

University of Portland’s Core Curriculum complements your social work studies with an interdisciplinary, liberal arts approach to learning. These courses emphasize critical thinking, ethical reflection, and a commitment to serving the common good—key attributes for social work professionals. You also gain a broader perspective on societal challenges and deepen your ability to create effective solutions.

The Core

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More than a Degree

Uncover opportunities to enhance your social work major through hands-on experiences, student involvement, and values-driven learning.

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Practicum Program

Participate in fieldwork with one of our many social agency partners to gain practical skills and professional connections. At the same time, complete a seminar where you integrate your coursework with social work principles and learn from your peers’ experiences.

Phi Alpha Social Work Honors Society Logo

Social Work Student Organizations

Network with other social work majors, meet industry leaders, and grow your skill set by joining UP’s Phi Alpha honor society or the Student Association of Social Workers.

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Holy Cross Tradition

Established in the Holy Cross tradition, our social work degree program emphasizes the dignity of every individual and the importance of community. These principles teach you to serve vulnerable populations and advocate for equity across all groups.

The UP Difference

Explore how UP makes it possible to accomplish your goals in a supportive, student-centered environment.

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Social Work Student Spotlight

“One of my favorite parts about the Social Work program at UP is how willing professors are to help students. They take interest in answering our questions which enables deep thinking to occur and creates a comfortable space to share ideas. This has allowed me to learn more than just the course material. I believe this program will prepare me for my future as it will provide me with in-depth knowledge on relevant topics as well as hands-on experience through practicums.”

Lissette Beltran-Juarez ‘28

Careers and Outcomes

A BA in social work unlocks entry-level roles in one of the most versatile and impactful fields. Social workers take on a broad range of responsibilities, serving as advocates, educators, administrators, and even policymakers. They work in schools, hospitals, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, private practices, and other settings. Whether guiding clients through life’s challenges, promoting systemic change, or conducting research to inform practice, social workers bring their knowledge and compassion to every task.

With its own code of ethics, professional standards, licensure requirements, and body of knowledge, the field of social work has a strong framework for practice. Accredited programs like UP’s social work degree program equip future professionals to succeed in their careers and uphold the ideals of social work.

Oregon Social Work Licensure

To become a social worker, professionals must have a social work degree from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Although standards vary, most states also require practicing social workers to be licensed, certified, or registered. As of January 1, 2011, under the Title Protection Act, anyone using the title "social worker" must be registered with the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers.

This is good news for those who are registered because it preserves the integrity of the social work profession, ensuring that those who call themselves social workers are doing good work.

Social work licenses available in Oregon are:

  • Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
  • Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker (RBSW)

Graduate Studies

While a BA in social work is the first step toward becoming a licensed social worker, many advanced positions require a master of social work (MSW) or a doctorate in social work (DSW/PhD) degree. An MSW is particularly important for social workers who wish to provide therapy or step into clinical practice. For those interested in research, program development, or teaching at the university level, a DSW or PhD offers the training needed for these roles.

Thinking about going to graduate school? Learn more about earning advanced standing in an MSW program through UP.

Alumni Employers

By combining their professional knowledge with a commitment to human rights, employers hire our social work majors to serve and lead at organizations including:

  • Barbie’s Village
  • Center for Human Services
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Next Up
  • Stanford Health Care

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Answer the Call to Serve

Turn your passion for helping others into a meaningful career with University of Portland’s bachelor of arts in social work degree program. Rooted in compassion and dedication, our program prepares you to make a difference in the lives of those you serve.

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