A degree in social work includes essential classes that will benefit the future social worker. Most degree programs require social work majors to take sociology, psychology, biology or human anatomy and statistics. Luckily, these courses will also count toward core curriculum requirements. Six hours of foreign language is also required in the degree plan. Since a majority of entry-level social workers will probably find work in human services, social work advisers highly suggest Spanish.
There are also departmental degree requirements for a BSSW. Students usually must complete at least 30 credit hours in social work classes and maintain at least a 2.5 grade-point average in their major. Majors are not allowed to make grades less than a "C" in any social work class. Furthermore, students must declare social work as their major to take upper-level classes. Courses vary by universities, but a majority of them include courses in social welfare policy and practice, human development and behavior, social work research and generalist practice in group, individual, community and organization dynamics.
Several courses within the major require students to volunteer at a local social service agency. The occurrence increases as the student progresses through the program. For example, the introduction to social work and welfare class requires students to spend at least 30 hours during the semester shadowing individuals who work in the profession. Then, they are required to write a paper detailing their experiences. The experience will allow the student to get a feel for the profession and allow them to examine whether social work is the right career path for them.
All social work degree programs require candidates to take part in an internship or practicum. The field experience requirement provides students with supervised experience in a social service agency. For most majors, it is the last course to achieving a BSSW. Students take knowledge and theory and apply it to real-life situations. Students work closely with the school's faculty and social work professionals on the agency's staff. Students reflect on the practicum by completing a paper.