The BSW curriculum includes a combination of classroom-style learning and hands-on fieldwork wherever you are. Your field placement will provide you with high-quality opportunities to learn, develop skills, meet social workers in your community, and make a difference in the lives of the clients you serve. Field placements are arranged by the School of Social Work and are an important part of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) curriculum as you grow to assume the role of a professional social worker. This mixture of theoretical knowledge and real-world experience gives our graduates a competitive edge as they enter the workforce. BSW degree courses at UC Online focus on social welfare, human behavior, substance abuse counseling, and mental health awareness.
Through a partnership with CECH at the University of Cincinnati, students of our online social work program can gain additional credentials in Substance Abuse Counseling. By participating in this special course, students will fulfill the educational requirements for the Ohio Chemical Dependency Counseling Assistant Phase 1 (CDCA Phase 1) Exam or a similar exam in their home state. Students should check with their home state’s addictions counseling credentialing board for specific requirements.
Learn more about our recently added course, SW 4192: Introduction to Problem Gambling, Suicide and Substance Misuse Prevention. This course uses the SAMHSA Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF), a five-step process used to help states and communities reduce risk-taking behaviors, promote resilience, and prevent problem behaviors in individuals and families across the life span.
Students must successfully complete all required courses and be in good academic standing (earned a grade of a C- or better and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or greater) before beginning the field work courses.
At the School of Social Work, we are committed to ensuring your time in the academic program is both pleasant and successful. The Student Success Coordinator at UC Online will be available to help with any non-academic questions you may have. Your Program Coordinator will help answer any academic-related questions as well as assist you with the course and career planning. UC Online and the School of Social Work are here to support and guide you throughout your time in the program.
Prior to beginning your first semester, you will be enrolled and required to complete an Online Orientation. The Orientation will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in an online program. Additionally, an online Community Board will be available to you and includes links to various academic support resources such as the UC Writing Center and the UC Career Center.
Students outside the Greater Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky area will work with the program Field Director to identify a suitable placement. This process is open to input, but suggested sites must be vetted before being approved.
Yes, the vast majority of our students work throughout their time in the academic program. In the senior year, students are also expected to attend their field placement for 16 hours each week, typically during normal business hours. It is important to assess course load and financial aid to understand how to balance school and work.
Additional resources to support you from start to finish.
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