Undergraduates in the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work receive a liberal arts education in the social and behavioral sciences and their application to human problems that prepares them to be informed citizens involved in human services or social welfare problems and policies. Students take courses in a variety of social sciences to enable them to view social welfare in its broad social, economic, and political contexts. The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree prepares students as beginning-level professional social workers.
Social work‘s special contribution rests on an established body of knowledge, values, and skills pertinent to understanding human relationships and the interaction between people as individuals, in families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social Work courses offer a theoretical understanding of social problems and an introduction to practice methods used by social workers. The curriculum covers such areas as aging, family and child welfare, poverty, mental health, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, diversity, race and ethnicity, criminal justice, oppression, at-risk populations, and social, economic, and environmental justice.
Bachelor of Social Work Mission and Goals
Read more about the School and its mission: socwork.wisc.edu/about
Guided by the core values of the social work profession and grounded in the generalist practice framework, the Bachelor of Social Work's mission is to provide social work education that will nurture competent, ethical entry-level social work professionals committed to scientific inquiry, evidence-based practice, respect for human diversity, the promotion of human and community well-being, human rights, and social, economic and environmental justice.
Certificate Programs
Students in the Social Welfare major or the Bachelor of Social Work degree often choose from a variety of certificate programs available. Common certificates include African American Studies, American Indian and Indigenous Studies, Business, Chicano/a and Latino/a Studies, Criminal Justice, Gender and Women‘s Studies, Global Health, LGBTQ+ Studies, South Asian Studies, and Southeast Asian Studies, among others.
Master of Social Work Advanced Standing
Bachelor of Social Work students may be considered for advanced standing if they apply and are accepted to one of the Master of Social Work programs. Advanced standing qualifies a student to exempt out of all or part of their “generalist” year. For more information, please refer to the Advanced Standing page on the School of Social Work website and the MSW Social Work Advanced Standing, MSW Guide page.
How to Get in
Students enter the Bachelor of Social Work program by first declaring the Social Welfare major. Later, if a student applies to and is accepted into the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, their degree program is changed to BSW. In the late fall/early spring of the junior year (see Deadlines for application deadline), students apply for admission to the BSW program for their senior year.
Students in the BSW program must be in the College of Letters & Science. Applicants may be enrolled in another School or College, but must transfer to Letters & Sciences if they are accepted into the BSW program and choose to pursue the degree.
Declaring the Social Welfare Major
See the Social Welfare How to Get In page for information about declaring the Social Welfare major. This must be done prior to applying to the BSW Program.
Admission to the BSW Program
Students who meet the following eligibility criteria as of spring of their junior year may apply for admission to the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program by the application deadline:
- SOC WORK 205 and SOC WORK 206 completed;
- Declared in the Social Welfare major;
- Statistics completed (or concurrent enrollment)1;
- Second-semester junior status (minimum of 71 credits completed); and
- Minimum of 2.500 cumulative GPA from all colleges attended2.
Admission to the Bachelor of Social Work program is based on assessment of the applicant's background, preparation and experience for practice in the field of social work. Approximately 45 students are admitted to the BSW program each year. Applicants must refer to the School of Social Work BSW Application website to apply, for deadline information, and further application instructions.
Notes
- 1
Refer to the Statistics and Research list in the Requirements tab for eligible statistics courses.
- 2
Only grades from all post-secondary institutions that have transferred credits to UW-Madison are reviewed. The credits earned at UW-Madison and those transferred to UW-Madison will be computed into the minimum 2.500 GPA required for admission using the GPA calculation method found on the back of each institution’s transcript. See admissions instructions for more details about including transcripts.
University General Education Requirements
All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.
| General Education |
* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements. |
College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
The Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work is a professional school within the College of Letters & Sciences (L&S). The College confers the BSW degree.
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. The BSW is a special degree program; it is not considered a major. The BSW degree is not available to students who intend to earn a degree outside the College of Letters & Science.
Bachelor of Social Work Degree Requirements
| Mathematics | Complete the University General Education Requirements for Quantitative Reasoning A (QR-A) and Quantitative Reasoning B (QR-B) coursework. Students complete Quantitative Reasoning B within the requirements of the BSW degree program. |
| Language | Complete either: • the fourth unit of one language; or • the complete the third unit of one language and the second unit of one additional language. |
| Breadth in the Degree | Complete: • 12 credits of Humanities, including at least 6 credits of Literature breadth; and • 12 credits of Social Science breadth; and • 12 credits of Natural Science breadth, which must include one 3+ credit course in Biological Science breadth and one 3+ credit course in Physical Science breadth. |
| Ethnic Studies | Complete at least 6 credits of coursework with the Ethnic Studies designation. |
| Liberal Arts and Science Coursework | Complete at least 108 credits. |
| Depth of Intermediate/Advanced Coursework | Complete at least 60 credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level. |
| Major | Gain admission to and complete the Bachelor of Social Work degree program. |
| Total Credits | Complete at least 120 credits. |
| UW-Madison Experience | Complete both: • 30 credits in residence, overall; and • 30 credits in residence after the 86th credit. |
| Quality of Work | • 2.000 in all coursework at UW–Madison • 2.000 in Intermediate/Advanced level coursework at UW–Madison |
Requirements for the Program
Complete a minimum of 47 credits, to be attained via the requirements detailed below.
Social Welfare Policy & Services
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete both: | ||
| SOC WORK 205 | Introduction to the Field of Social Work | 4 |
| SOC WORK 206 | Introduction to Social Policy | 4 |
Social Science Concentration1
Complete two Intermediate or Advanced level courses and at least 6 total credits from one of the following social science concentration areas:
African American Studies
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AFROAMER 302 | Undergraduate Studies in Afro-American History | 3 |
| AFROAMER 303 | Blacks, Film, and Society | 3 |
| AFROAMER/HISTORY 321 | Afro-American History Since 1900 | 3-4 |
| AFROAMER/GEN&WS 323 | Gender, Race and Class: Women in U.S. History | 3 |
| AFROAMER/GEN&WS 333 | Black Feminisms | 3 |
| AFROAMER/HISTORY 347 | The Caribbean and its Diasporas | 3 |
| AFROAMER/HISTORY 393 | Slavery, Civil War, and Reconstruction, 1848-1877 | 3-4 |
| AFROAMER/LEGAL ST 435 | Civil Rights: Policing, Prisons, Voting, Housing, Employment | 3-4 |
| AFROAMER/HIST SCI/MED HIST 523 | Race, American Medicine and Public Health | 3 |
| AFROAMER/ED POL 567 | History of African American Education | 3 |
| AFROAMER 621 | Slavery and Capitalism in the United States | 3 |
| AFROAMER 631 | Colloquium in Afro-American History | 3 |
| AFROAMER 671 | Selected Topics in Afro-American History | 3 |
| AFROAMER 673 | Selected Topics in Afro-American Society | 3 |
American Indian and Indigenous Studies
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AMER IND/ENVIR ST 306 | Indigenous Peoples and the Environment | 3 |
| AMER IND/ANTHRO 314 | Indians of North America | 3 |
| AMER IND/ENVIR ST/GEOG 345 | Caring for Nature in Native North America | 3 |
| AMER IND/GEOG 410 | Critical Indigenous Ecological Knowledges | 3 |
| AMER IND 450 | Issues in American Indian Studies | 3 |
| AMER IND/ANTHRO/BOTANY 474 | Ethnobotany | 3-4 |
| AMER IND/SOC 578 | Poverty and Place | 3 |
| AMER IND/SOC WORK 636 | Social Work in American Indian Communities: The Indian Child Welfare Act | 3 |
Anthropology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANTHRO 300 | Cultural Anthropology: Theory and Ethnography | 3 |
| ANTHRO/AMER IND 314 | Indians of North America | 3 |
| ANTHRO 321 | The Emergence of Human Culture | 3 |
| ANTHRO 322 | The Origins of Civilization | 3 |
| ANTHRO/RELIG ST 343 | Anthropology of Religion | 3-4 |
| ANTHRO 345 | Family, Kin and Community in Anthropological Perspective | 3 |
| ANTHRO 348 | Economic Anthropology | 3-4 |
| ANTHRO 350 | Political Anthropology | 3-4 |
| ANTHRO/GEN&WS 443 | Anthropology by Women | 3 |
| ANTHRO/AMER IND/BOTANY 474 | Ethnobotany | 3-4 |
| ANTHRO 477 | Anthropology, Environment, and Development | 3 |
| ANTHRO 545 | Psychological Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTHRO/ED POL 570 | Anthropology and Education | 3 |
Asian American Studies
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ASIAN AM/SOC 220 | Ethnic Movements in the United States | 3-4 |
| ASIAN AM 240 | Topics in Asian American Studies | 3 |
| ASIAN AM 441 | Hmong American Social Movements in the 20th and 21st Centuries | 3 |
| ASIAN AM 540 | Special Topics | 3 |
Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHICLA/POLI SCI 231 | Politics in Multi-Cultural Societies | 3-4 |
| CHICLA 301 | Chicana/o and Latina/o History | 3 |
| CHICLA/POLI SCI 302 | Mexican-American Politics | 3-4 |
| CHICLA 315 | Racial Formation and Whiteness | 3 |
| CHICLA/CURRIC 321 | Chicano/Latino Educational Justice | 3 |
| CHICLA 329 | Education and Service Topics in Chicana/o & Latina/o Studies | 3 |
| CHICLA 330 | Topics in Chicano/a Studies | 3-4 |
| CHICLA/GEN&WS 332 | Latinas: Self Identity and Social Change | 3 |
| CHICLA/HISTORY/LACIS/POLI SCI 355 | Labor in the Americas: US & Mexico in Comparative & Historical Perspective | 3 |
| CHICLA/LEGAL ST/SOC 440 | Ethnicity, Race, and Justice | 3-4 |
| CHICLA/LEGAL ST/SOC 443 | Immigration, Crime, and Enforcement | 3-4 |
| CHICLA/SOC 470 | Sociodemographic Analysis of Mexican Migration | 3 |
| CHICLA/LAND ARC 475 | Latino Urbanism: Design and Engagement in the American City | 3 |
| CHICLA 501 | Chican@ and Latin@ Social Movements in the U.S. | 3 |
| CHICLA/COUN PSY 525 | Dimensions of Latin@ Mental Health Services | 3 |
Economics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECON/FINANCE 300 | Introduction to Finance | 3 |
| ECON 301 | Intermediate Microeconomic Theory | 4 |
| ECON 302 | Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory | 4 |
| ECON/HIST SCI 305 | Development of Economic Thought | 3-4 |
| ECON/A A E/REAL EST/URB R PL 306 | The Real Estate Process | 3 |
| ECON 311 | Intermediate Microeconomic Theory - Advanced Treatment | 3 |
| ECON 312 | Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory - Advanced Treatment | 3 |
| ECON/FINANCE 320 | Investment Theory | 3 |
| ECON 321 | Sports Economics | 3-4 |
| ECON 330 | Money and Banking | 4 |
| ECON 340 | Microeconomics in Popular Culture | 3 |
| ECON/A A E/ENVIR ST 343 | Environmental Economics | 3-4 |
| ECON 355 | The Economics of Growing-up and Getting Old | 3-4 |
| ECON 370 | Economics of Poverty and Inequality | 3 |
| ECON 390 | Contemporary Economic Issues | 3 |
| ECON/URB R PL 420 | Urban and Regional Economics | 3 |
| ECON 441 | Analytical Public Finance | 3-4 |
| ECON/POLI SCI 449 | Government and Natural Resources | 3-4 |
| ECON 450 | Wages and the Labor Market | 3-4 |
| ECON 461 | International Macroeconomics | 3-4 |
| ECON/A A E/INTL BUS 462 | Latin American Economic Development | 3 |
| ECON 464 | International Trade | 3-4 |
| ECON/HISTORY 466 | The American Economy Since 1865 | 3-4 |
| ECON 467 | International Industrial Organizations | 3-4 |
| ECON/A A E/ECON 474 | Economic Problems of Developing Areas | 3 |
| ECON 475 | Economics of Growth | 3-4 |
| ECON 521 | Game Theory and Economic Analysis | 3-4 |
| ECON 522 | Law and Economics | 3-4 |
| ECON/PHILOS 524 | Philosophy and Economics | 3 |
| ECON/A A E/F&W ECOL 531 | Natural Resource Economics | 3 |
| ECON/POP HLTH/PUB AFFR 548 | The Economics of Health Care | 3-4 |
| ECON 623 | Population Economics | 3-4 |
| ECON 661 | Issues in International Macroeconomics | 3-4 |
| ECON/A A E/ENVIR ST/URB R PL 671 | Energy Economics | 3 |
Gender and Women's Studies
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEN&WS/CHICLA/GEOG 308 | Latinx Feminisms: Women's Lives, Work, and Activism | 3 |
| GEN&WS 320 | Special Topics in Gender, Women and Society | 3 |
| GEN&WS/PSYCH 322 | Sexual & Relationship Violence Research & Activism | 3 |
| GEN&WS/AFROAMER 323 | Gender, Race and Class: Women in U.S. History | 3 |
| GEN&WS 331 | Topics in Gender/Class/Race/Ethnicity (Social Sciences) | 3 |
| GEN&WS/CHICLA 332 | Latinas: Self Identity and Social Change | 3 |
| GEN&WS/AFROAMER 333 | Black Feminisms | 3 |
| GEN&WS 340 | Topics in LGBTQ Sexuality | 3 |
| GEN&WS 342 | Transgender Studies | 3-4 |
| GEN&WS 344 | Bi/Pan/Asexuality: Community & Representation | 3 |
| GEN&WS/HISTORY 353 | Women and Gender in the U.S. to 1870 | 3-4 |
| GEN&WS/HISTORY 354 | Women and Gender in the U.S. Since 1870 | 3-4 |
| GEN&WS/LEGAL ST/SOC 406 | Law, Sexuality, & Society | 3-4 |
| GEN&WS/COM ARTS 418 | Gender, Sexuality, and the Media | 3 |
| GEN&WS 420 | Women in Cross-Societal Perspective | 3 |
| GEN&WS/LEGAL ST 422 | Women and the Law | 3 |
| GEN&WS 423 | The Female Body in the World: Gender and Contemporary Body Politics in Cross Cultural Perspective | 3 |
| GEN&WS/LEGAL ST/SOC 425 | Crime, Gender and Justice | 3 |
| GEN&WS/POLI SCI 429 | Gender and Politics in Comparative Perspective | 3-4 |
| GEN&WS 441 | Contemporary Feminist Theories | 3 |
| GEN&WS/ANTHRO 443 | Anthropology by Women | 3 |
| GEN&WS 446 | Queer of Color Critique | 3 |
| GEN&WS 449 | Special Topics in Feminist Theory | 3 |
| GEN&WS/POLI SCI 469 | Women and Politics | 3-4 |
| GEN&WS/GEOG 504 | Feminist Geography: Theoretical Approaches | 3 |
| GEN&WS/HISTORY 519 | Sexuality, Modernity and Social Change | 3 |
| GEN&WS/PSYCH 522 | Psychology of Women and Gender | 3 |
| GEN&WS 523 | Framing Fatness: Gender, Size, Constructing Health | 3 |
| GEN&WS 527 | The Environment of the Womb: Epigenetics and Parent/Child Health | 3 |
| GEN&WS 534 | Gender, Sexuality, and Reproduction: Public Health Perspectives | 3 |
| GEN&WS/INTL ST 535 | Women's Global Health and Human Rights | 3 |
| GEN&WS 536 | Queering Sexuality Education | 3 |
| GEN&WS/HIST SCI 537 | Childbirth in the United States | 3 |
| GEN&WS 539 | Special Topics in Gender and Health | 3 |
| GEN&WS 546 | Feminist Theories and Masculinities | 3 |
| GEN&WS 547 | Theorizing Intersectionality | 3 |
| GEN&WS/ED POL 560 | Gender and Education | 3 |
Political Science
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POLI SCI 205 | Introduction to State Government | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI/LEGAL ST 217 | Law, Politics and Society | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI/CHICLA 231 | Politics in Multi-Cultural Societies | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 272 | Introduction to Public Policy | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI/CHICLA 302 | Mexican-American Politics | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 304 | The Political Economy of Race in the United States | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 305 | Elections and Voting Behavior | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 306 | American Political Parties | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 311 | United States Congress | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 314 | Criminal Law and Justice | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 330 | Political Economy of Development | 3 |
| POLI SCI 335 | Social Identities | 3 |
| POLI SCI 338 | The Civil-Military Paradox in U.S. Politics and Society | 3 |
| POLI SCI 343 | Theories of International Security | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 345 | Conflict Resolution | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 347 | Terrorism | 3 |
| POLI SCI 348 | Analysis of International Relations | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 350 | International Political Economy | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 354 | International Institutions and World Order | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI/CHICLA/HISTORY/LACIS 355 | Labor in the Americas: US & Mexico in Comparative & Historical Perspective | 3 |
| POLI SCI 356 | Principles of International Law | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 358 | States in the World: Comparative Foreign Policy | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 359 | American Foreign Policy | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 405 | State Government and Public Policy | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 408 | The American Presidency | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 411 | The American Constitution : Powers and Structures of Government | 4 |
| POLI SCI 412 | The American Constitution: Rights and Civil Liberties | 4 |
| POLI SCI 414 | The Supreme Court as a Political Institution | 3 |
| POLI SCI 416 | Community Power and Grass Roots Politics | 3 |
| POLI SCI 417 | The American Judicial System | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI/PUB AFFR 419 | Administrative Law | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI/GEN&WS 429 | Gender and Politics in Comparative Perspective | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI/INTL ST 431 | Contentious Politics | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI/INTL ST 434 | The Politics of Human Rights | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI/INTL ST 439 | The Comparative Study of Genocide | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI/ECON/ENVIR ST/URB R PL 449 | Government and Natural Resources | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 461 | Interdisciplinary Seminar in Political Economy, Philosophy, & Politics | 3 |
| POLI SCI/ILS 463 | Deception and Politics | 4 |
| POLI SCI/GEN&WS 469 | Women and Politics | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 470 | The First Amendment | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 511 | Campaign Finance | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 515 | Public Opinion | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 538 | 3-4 | |
| POLI SCI 601 | Proseminar: Topics in Political Science | 3 |
| POLI SCI 635 | Comparative Politics of Sport | 3-4 |
Psychology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYCH 311 | Issues in Psychology | 3-4 |
| PSYCH/GEN&WS 322 | Sexual & Relationship Violence Research & Activism | 3 |
| PSYCH 401 | Psychology, Law, and Social Policy | 3 |
| PSYCH 403 | Psychology of Personality | 3 |
| PSYCH 405 | Adult Psychopathology | 3-4 |
| PSYCH 414 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| PSYCH/SOC 453 | Human Sexuality | 4 |
| PSYCH 456 | Social Psychology | 3-4 |
| PSYCH 460 | Child Development | 3-4 |
| PSYCH 462 | Adolescent Development | 3-4 |
| PSYCH 464 | Adult Development and Aging | 3 |
| PSYCH 502 | Cognitive Development | 4 |
| PSYCH 503 | Social Development | 4 |
| PSYCH 508 | Psychology of Human Emotions: From Biology to Culture | 4 |
| PSYCH 510 | Critical Issues in Child Psychopathology | 4 |
| PSYCH 513 | Hormones, Brain, and Behavior | 4 |
| PSYCH 521 | The Structure of Human Thought: Concepts, Language and Culture | 4 |
| PSYCH/GEN&WS 522 | Psychology of Women and Gender | 3 |
| PSYCH 526 | The Criminal Mind: Forensic and Psychobiological Perspectives | 4 |
| PSYCH 528 | Cultural Psychology | 4 |
| PSYCH 532 | Psychological Effects of the Internet | 4 |
| PSYCH 607 | Introduction to Psychotherapy | 3 |
Sociology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 181 | Honors Introductory Seminar-The Sociological Enterprise | 3-4 |
| SOC/C&E SOC 210 | Survey of Sociology | 3-4 |
| SOC/C&E SOC 211 | The Sociological Enterprise | 3 |
| SOC/ASIAN AM 220 | Ethnic Movements in the United States | 3-4 |
| SOC/A A E/C&E SOC 340 | Issues in Food Systems | 3-4 |
| SOC/C&E SOC 341 | Labor in Global Food Systems | 3 |
| SOC/C&E SOC 343 | Sociology of Health and Medicine | 3 |
| SOC/GEN&WS/LEGAL ST 406 | Law, Sexuality, & Society | 3-4 |
| SOC 421 | Processes of Deviant Behavior | 3-4 |
| SOC/SOC WORK 422 | Social Issues in Aging | 3 |
| SOC/ILS/JEWISH 423 | Modern Jewish Thought | 3 |
| SOC/GEN&WS/LEGAL ST 425 | Crime, Gender and Justice | 3 |
| SOC/CHICLA/LEGAL ST 440 | Ethnicity, Race, and Justice | 3-4 |
| SOC 441 | Criminology | 3-4 |
| SOC/CHICLA/LEGAL ST 443 | Immigration, Crime, and Enforcement | 3-4 |
| SOC 444 | Social Psychology: A Sociological Perspective | 3-4 |
| SOC 446 | Juvenile Delinquency | 3-4 |
| SOC/PSYCH 453 | Human Sexuality | 4 |
| SOC/CHICLA 470 | Sociodemographic Analysis of Mexican Migration | 3 |
| SOC/C&E SOC 475 | Classical Sociological Theory | 3 |
| SOC 476 | Contemporary Sociological Theory | 3 |
| SOC/C&E SOC 532 | Health Care Issues for Individuals, Families and Society | 3 |
| SOC/C&E SOC 533 | Public Health in Rural & Urban Communities | 3 |
| SOC 535 | Talk and Social Interaction | 3 |
| SOC/C&E SOC/ENVIR ST 540 | Sociology of International Development, Environment, and Sustainability | 3 |
| SOC/C&E SOC 541 | Environmental Stewardship and Social Justice | 3 |
| SOC 543 | Collective Behavior | 3 |
| SOC/C&E SOC 573 | Community Organization and Change | 3 |
| SOC 575 | Sociological Perspectives on the Life Course and Aging | 3 |
| SOC/AMER IND/C&E SOC 578 | Poverty and Place | 3 |
| SOC/C&E SOC/URB R PL 617 | Community Development | 3 |
| SOC 624 | Political Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 626 | Social Movements | 3 |
| SOC/C&E SOC 630 | Sociology of Developing Societies/Third World | 3 |
| SOC 632 | Sociology of Organizations | 3-4 |
| SOC 633 | Social Stratification | 3 |
| SOC 640 | Sociology of the Family | 3 |
| SOC/LAW/LEGAL ST 641 | Sociology of Law | 3-4 |
| SOC/URB R PL 645 | Modern American Communities | 3 |
| SOC/ED POL 648 | Sociology of Education | 3 |
| SOC/C&E SOC 650 | Sociology of Agriculture | 3 |
| SOC/C&E SOC 652 | Sociology of Economic Institutions | 3 |
| SOC/HISTORY 670 | Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy in America Since 1890 | 3-4 |
| SOC 678 | Sociology of Persecution | 3 |
Human Behavior & the Social Environment
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete all: | ||
| SOC WORK 457 | Human Behavior and the Environment | 3 |
| SOC WORK 612 | Psychopathology in Generalist Social Work Practice | 2 |
| SOC WORK 640 | Diversity, Oppression and Social Justice in Social Work | 3 |
Social Work Practice Sequence5
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete all: | ||
| SOC WORK 400 | Field Practice and Integrative Seminar I 2,5 | 4 |
| SOC WORK 401 | Field Practice and Integrative Seminar II 2,5 | 4 |
| SOC WORK 441 | Generalist Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups 7 | 3 |
| SOC WORK 442 | Generalist Practice with Communities and Organizations 7 | 2 |
Statistics and Research
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics | ||
| Complete one course from: | 3-4 | |
| Introduction to Statistical Methods | ||
or STAT 371 | Introductory Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences | |
or PSYCH 210 | Basic Statistics for Psychology | |
| Statistics for Sociologists I | ||
| Research | ||
| Complete one course from: | 3-4 | |
| Methods of Social Work Research | ||
or PSYCH 225 | Research Methods | |
| Methods of Sociological Inquiry | ||
| Total Credits | 6-8 | |
Electives
Complete two Intermediate or Advanced level SOC WORK courses and at least 6 total credits of Social Work electives. Not all courses in the list below are offered in each semester or year.
List of Social Work Elective Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOC WORK 336 | Making Sense of Mental Health & Mental Illness | 3 |
| SOC WORK 375 | Contemporary Issues in Social Welfare | 3 |
| SOC WORK 420 | Poverty and Social Welfare | 3 |
| SOC WORK/SOC 422 | Social Issues in Aging | 3 |
| SOC WORK 453 | Substance Use Disorders | 3 |
| SOC WORK 454 | Small Groups in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SOC WORK 462 | Child Welfare | 3 |
| SOC WORK 578 | Homelessness: A Service Learning Course | 4 |
| SOC WORK 623 | Interpersonal Violence | 3 |
| SOC WORK 624 | Social Work with the Small Group | 3 |
| SOC WORK 627 | Sex Trafficking and Sex Trading | 2 |
| SOC WORK/AMER IND 636 | Social Work in American Indian Communities: The Indian Child Welfare Act | 3 |
| SOC WORK 639 | Social Work Practice with LGBTQIA2S+ Individuals and Communities | 3 |
| SOC WORK 644 | Issues in Developmental Disabilities | 3 |
| SOC WORK 646 | Child Abuse and Neglect | 2 |
| SOC WORK 648 | Social Work Practice in Palliative Care | 2 |
| SOC WORK 656 | Child Welfare Practice in Foster and Kinship Care, Permanency, and Adoption | 2 |
| SOC WORK 675 | Topics in Contemporary Social Welfare | 2-3 |
| SOC WORK 691 | Senior Thesis 3 | 2 |
| SOC WORK 692 | Senior Thesis 3 | 2 |
| SOC WORK 699 | Directed Study 6 | 2-3 |
Residence and Quality of Work
- 2.000 GPA in all SOC WORK courses and all major courses (cumulative)
- Minimum 2.000 GPA on 15 upper-level major credits, taken in residence4
- 15 credits in SOC WORK, taken on campus
Footnotes
- 1
Social Science Concentration courses listed are a selected list of eligible courses. Consult with a Social Work advisor for other exceptions or additions to the list.
- 2
BSW students take two semesters (16 hours per week—256 hours/semester) of field education during their senior year (SOC WORK 400 fall semester, SOC WORK 401 spring semester).
- 3
Students with an interest in a particular area of study may develop a plan of independent work with the assistance of an interested Social Work faculty member. They may obtain information about instructors and their areas of interest from the School of Social Work website. Consent of instructor is required for the noted course offerings in independent work.
- 4
PSYCH 225, SOC/C&E SOC 357, STAT 301, STAT 371, PSYCH 210, SOC/C&E SOC 360, and all SOC WORK courses designated as Intermediate or Advanced count as upper-level in the major.
- 5
Please refer to the Advising and Careers tab for more information on field education placements.
- 6
No more than 3 credits of SOC WORK 699 Directed Study may be used toward fulfillment of this requirement.
- 7
See Advising and Careers tab for more information on Practice Course sequencing.
University Degree Requirements
| Total Degree | To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements. |
| Residency | Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs. |
| Quality of Work | Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation. |
Learning Outcomes
- Articulate and demonstrate foundational ethical and professional behavior
- Identify the historical foundations of the US social welfare system and the social work profession.
- Recognize and engage in foundational practices to advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge, critical reflection, and analytic skills that inform anti-oppressive and anti-racist practice.
- Demonstrate a foundational understanding and ability to use research to inform practice and to use practice experiences to inform research.
- Describe and demonstrate foundational policy practice skills.
- Describe and demonstrate foundational knowledge and skills in engaging, assessing, intervening, and evaluating practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Four-Year Plan
This Four-Year Plan is only one way a student may complete an L&S degree with this major. Many factors can affect student degree planning, including placement scores, credit for transferred courses, credits earned by examination, and individual scholarly interests. In addition, many students have commitments (e.g., athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, work and volunteer experiences) that necessitate they adjust their plans accordingly. Informed students engage in their own unique Wisconsin Experience by consulting their academic advisors, Guide, DARS, and Course Search & Enroll for assistance making and adjusting their plan.
Students wishing to apply to the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program must do so in spring of Junior year.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Communication A | 3 | Ethnic Studies | 3-4 |
| Quantitative Reasoning A | 3-4 | Literature Breadth | 4 |
| Biological Science Breadth | 3 | Physical Science Breadth | 3 |
| Language (if needed) | 4 | Language (if needed) | 4 |
| 14 | 14 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| SOC WORK 205 | 4 | SOC WORK 206 | 4 |
| Humanities Breadth | 4 | Communication B | 4 |
| Literature Breadth | 4 | Science Breadth | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Electives | 5 |
| INTER-LS 2101 | 1 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| SOC WORK 640 (fall-only)2 | 3 | SOC WORK 457 (spring only) | 3 |
| Social Science Concentration2 | 3-4 | STAT 301, 371, PSYCH 210, or SOC 360 (also meets Quantitative Reasoning B) | 3-4 |
| Science Breadth | 3 | SOC WORK elective (Intermediate/Advanced-level) | 3-4 |
| Electives (Intermediate/Advanced-level) | 6 | Social Science Concentration2 | 3-4 |
| Elective (Intermediate/Advanced-level) | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| SOC WORK 400 (fall only) | 4 | SOC WORK 401 (spring only) | 4 |
| SOC WORK 441 (fall only) | 3 | SOC WORK 612 (spring only)3 | 2 |
| SOC WORK 442 (fall only) | 2 | SOC WORK 650 (spring only)3 | 3 |
| Electives (Intermediate/Advanced-level) | 6 | SOC WORK elective (Intermediate/Advanced-level) | 3-4 |
| Elective (Intermediate/Advanced-level) | 2-3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Note: SOC WORK 100 is a pre-major elective course that can be taken in the first year, if offered; it is not required for the major.
- 1
The College encourages students to take INTER-LS 210 in their second year (or anytime); it is recommended but not required.
- 2
SOC WORK 640 counts towards the BSW ethnic studies requirement, providing three of the six credits needed.
- 3
SOC WORK 612 and SOC WORK 650 are often available in the summer. Check with an Advisor regarding availability and how summer courses might fit into your schedule.
Three-Year Plan
This Sample Three-Year Plan is a tool to assist students and their advisor(s). Students should use it —along with their DARS report, the Degree Planner, and Course Search & Enroll tools — to make their own three-year plan based on their placement scores, credit for transferred courses and approved examinations, and individual interests.
Three-year plans may vary considerably from student to student, depending on their individual preparation and circumstances. Students interested in graduating in three years should meet with an advisor as early as possible to discuss feasibility, appropriate course sequencing, post-graduation plans (careers, graduate school, etc.), and opportunities they might forgo in pursuit of a three-year graduation plan.
Departmental Expectations
Students planning to graduate within three years from the Bachelor of Social Work program should enter the University with a minimum of 30 advanced standing credits, and have satisfied the following requirements with course credit or via placement examination:
- Communication Part A
- Quantitative Reasoning Part A
- 18 combined credits of Humanities, Social Science, and Natural Science coursework
- 3-4 units of language
Students wishing to apply to the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program must do so in spring of Junior year.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| SOC WORK 205 | 4 | SOC WORK 206 | 4 |
| Social Science Concentration course | 3-4 | Social Science Concentration course | 3-4 |
| Biological Science Breadth | 3 | Humanities Breadth | 3 |
| Literature Breadth | 3 | Literature Breadth | 3 |
| Language (if interested in retroactive credit or to reach 4 units) | 3 | Physical Science Breadth | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| STAT 301, 371, PSYCH 210, or SOC 360 (also meets Quantitative Reasoning B) | 3 | SOC WORK 650 (spring only)2 | 3 |
| SOC WORK 640 (fall only)1 | 3 | SOC WORK 457 (spring only) | 3 |
| SOC WORK elective (Intermediate/Advanced-level) | 3 | Humanities Breadth | 3 |
| Communication B | 3 | Science Breadth | 3 |
| Science Breadth (if not taking STAT 301 or 371) | 3 | Elective (Intermediate/Advanced-level) | 3-4 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| SOC WORK 400 (fall only) | 4 | SOC WORK 401 (spring only) | 4 |
| SOC WORK 441 (fall only) | 3 | SOC WORK 612 (spring only)2 | 2 |
| SOC WORK 442 (fall only) | 2 | Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| Elective (Intermediate/Advanced-level) | 3-4 | SOC WORK Elective (Intermediate/Advanced-level) | 3-4 |
| Elective | 2-4 | Elective (Intermediate/Advanced-level) | 2 |
| 14 | 14 | ||
| Total Credits 90 | |||
- 1
SOC WORK 640 counts towards the BSW ethnic studies requirement, providing three of the six credits needed.
- 2
SOC WORK 612 and SOC WORK 650 are often available in the summer. Check with an Advisor regarding availability and how summer courses might fit into your schedule.
Advising and Careers
Students interested in either the Social Welfare major or Bachelor of Social Work meet with the Social Work advisors to discuss degree requirements; explore career paths; declare the major; and confer on student issues and concerns. Advisors are an excellent resource for information about campus and community services. Students should see an advisor at least once each semester to review academic progress.
Advising appointments for current UW–Madison students are made through Starfish or by calling 608-263-3660.
Social Work faculty members are available for advice about coursework, research, and the social work profession in general.
Field Education
The Director of Field Education makes final unit placement decisions and field instructors make final agency-placement decisions.
The types of agencies working with the field education program are varied. Field units are organized around a social problem area or a field of practice. Each unit has a range of field placement agencies and settings appropriate to its theme. The emphasis for undergraduate placements is on applying the knowledge and skills of generalist social work practice with systems of all sizes. The focus is on learning and applying analytic and intervention skills within an ethically based, problem-focused approach.
Social Work students should be advised that the Wisconsin Caregiver Law requires a Wisconsin background check (Caregiver Check and Wisconsin Criminal History) for all potential field-education students prior to the field placement. More information regarding this process is available at Field Education on the Social Work website.
For more information about field units, the agencies they work with, and field course expectations see the Field Education Handbook. Field unit availability may vary from year to year.
SuccessWorks
SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.
Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.
- What you can do with your major (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
- Make a career advising appointment
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students
Certification/Licensure
Exam Pass Rates
Association of Social Work Boards BSW exam pass rates.
Many students pursuing a BSW will go on to earn a Master in Social Work, which does not require taking the bachelor's level exam. Thus, no data is available from ASWB for UW-Madison attempts in years when the number of students taking the exam is low. As of 2022, ASWB no longer posts national results for repeat exam-takers, only first-time. Exam results nationally, by state, and by institution are publicly available on the ASWB website for the prior year.
| Year of Exam | UW-Madison Graduates: All Attempts | National: All Attempts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 100 | No Data | |
| 2022 | 100 | No Data | |
| 2021 | No Data | 61 | |
| 2020 | 100 | 61 | |
| 2019 | No data | 60 |
| Year of Exam | UW-Madison Graduates: First Attempt | National: First Attempt | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 100 | 68 | |
| 2022 | 100 | 65 | |
| 2021 | No Data | 69 | |
| 2020 | 100 | 69 | |
| 2019 | No Data | 67 |
Professional Certification/Licensure Disclosure (NC-SARA)
The United States Department of Education (via 34 CFR Part 668) requires institutions that provide distance education to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure. The expectation is that institutions will determine whether each applicable academic program meets state professional licensure requirements and provide a general disclosure of such on an official university website.
Professional licensure requirements vary from state-to-state and can change year-to-year; they are established in a variety of state statutes, regulations, rules, and policies; and they center on a range of educational requirements, including degree type, specialized accreditation, total credits, specific courses, and examinations.
UW-Madison has taken reasonable efforts to determine whether this program satisfies the educational requirements for certification/licensure in states where prospective and enrolled students are located and is disclosing that information as follows.
Disclaimer: This information is based on the most recent annual review of state agency certification/licensure data and is subject to change. All students are strongly encouraged to consult with the individual/office listed in the Contact Information box on this page and with the applicable state agency for specific information.
The requirements of this program meet certification/licensure requirements in the following states:
Illinois, Wisconsin
The requirements of this program do not meet certification/licensure requirements in the following states:
Not applicable
Updated: 1 June 2025
Accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
Accreditation status: Accredited. Next accreditation review: 2029.
Social Work Competencies
At the conclusion of the BSW program we expect students to have achieved the following core competencies at a generalist level:
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
- Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice
- Engage anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice
- Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
- Engage in policy practice
- Engage with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations
- Assess individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations
- Intervene with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations
- Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations