Social Work Major

Make an Impact

UNI’s social work major is the most established program of its kind in the state of Iowa. You’ll work with experts in trauma and mental health, gain experience in the field, and learn innovative approaches to address the complex problems facing our world.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) prepares students for beginning, generalist social work practice. You’ll learn to use research-informed principles to advocate for social and economic justice, and critical thinking to examine challenging or opposing concepts.

The mission of the UNI BSW program is to prepare students for beginning generalist social work practice at the individual, family, small group, organizational and community levels while adhering to social work values and ethics. Students will learn to use research informed practice to advocate for social and economic justice. This commitment is supported by the promotion of multicultural responsiveness.  Critical thinking is a fundamental component of the program that encourages students to examine challenging or opposing concepts and explore conflicting personal and professional values. Service learning requirements, to include volunteer and internship experiences, contribute to the sharing of knowledge between community partners, faculty and student. 

The Department of Social Work is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Those going on to grad school will qualify for advanced standing in CSWE-accredited MSW programs (12-16 months). Be sure to check out UNI's in-person and online Advanced Standing MSW programs!

Students with internship supervisor

Want to learn more?

Contact us directly at:

Department of Social Work
Sabin Hall, Room 235
Cedar Falls, IA 50614

BSW Program Director
Libby Fry
Phone: 319-273-7204
Email: elizabeth.fry@uni.edu






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Why Social Work?

Find your path.

UNI social work courses prepare students for beginning, generalist social work practice. You'll learn to use research-informed principles to advocate for social and economic justice, and critical thinking to examine challenging or opposing concepts. Service learning, or required internship and volunteer experiences, will help you build on foundational courses, such as:

  • Human Growth and Development 
  • Human Behavior 
  • Social Work Practice
  • Social Policy
  • Diversity and Difference
  • American Racial and Ethnic Minorities
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Social Work in Mental Health Settings
Student studying

Grow your future.

Graduates of the social work program find employment in many different service areas. Bonus: you'll be graduating from a department that is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. That means UNI social work majors are prepared for beginning social work practice throughout the country and will receive advanced standing when continuing onto graduate programs.

All you need to decide is, what population would you like to serve? There are so many areas to help support, including:  

  • Aging/Gerontology
  • Children, Adolescent and Family Services
  • Criminal Justice System
  • Domestic Violence, Violence Prevention and/or Housing
  • Educational Settings
  • Medical/Health Care
  • Mental Health Services
  • Persons with Disabilities 
  • Refugee/Immigrant Services
  • Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment
  • Veteran Services
Student working with children

Go beyond.

Practical experience is an important emphasis in social work. Every senior will complete an internship with a community agency, working with clients and supervised by a practicing social worker.

Students can get involved beyond the classroom by participating in the Student Social Work Association (SSWA), a growing student org focused on learning more about the social work profession.

Students working on project

Find your path.

UNI social work courses prepare students for beginning, generalist social work practice. You'll learn to use research-informed principles to advocate for social and economic justice, and critical thinking to examine challenging or opposing concepts. Service learning, or required internship and volunteer experiences, will help you build on foundational courses, such as:

  • Human Growth and Development 
  • Human Behavior 
  • Social Work Practice
  • Social Policy
  • Diversity and Difference
  • American Racial and Ethnic Minorities
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Social Work in Mental Health Settings
Student studying

Grow your future.

Graduates of the social work program find employment in many different service areas. Bonus: you'll be graduating from a department that is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. That means UNI social work majors are prepared for beginning social work practice throughout the country and will receive advanced standing when continuing onto graduate programs.

All you need to decide is, what population would you like to serve? There are so many areas to help support, including:  

  • Aging/Gerontology
  • Children, Adolescent and Family Services
  • Criminal Justice System
  • Domestic Violence, Violence Prevention and/or Housing
  • Educational Settings
  • Medical/Health Care
  • Mental Health Services
  • Persons with Disabilities 
  • Refugee/Immigrant Services
  • Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment
  • Veteran Services
Student working with children

Go beyond.

Practical experience is an important emphasis in social work. Every senior will complete an internship with a community agency, working with clients and supervised by a practicing social worker.

Students can get involved beyond the classroom by participating in the Student Social Work Association (SSWA), a growing student org focused on learning more about the social work profession.

Students working on project

The Social Work Department at the University of Northern Iowa is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

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