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. 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!
CSWE
Accredited
UNI's Department of Social Work is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
#1
in Iowa
UNI offers the largest Bachelor of Social Work program in the state of Iowa.
Dedicated
Faculty
Social work faculty have extensive experience working in a variety of clinical and agency settings.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
Certified Nonprofit Professional
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance
As a campus partner with the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, UNI offers a preferred track to prepare students for the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential — the only national nonprofit credential preparing students for leadership in the nonprofit sector.
This credential is an easy addition your BSW degree! Click the link below to discover how to earn this credential with no additional credits added to your major.
Not your average professor
“I’m a social worker; I love building connections with people. I like supporting students to do their best and make progress on their journey, whatever that may be. Those connections allow us to learn together in our classes and share our expertise with one another.”
- Libby Fry, Social Work Instructor
Explore Social Work
You have a passion and a bold vision for your future. We have the tools to bring that dream to life. Customize your learning experience with targeted minors and certificates. Get engaged with student orgs and community/campus engagement. Thinking about grad school? We can help with that too!
