Are you passionate about making a difference? A career in Social Work may be for you!

Located in Heritage Hall on the campus of UAB, the Social Work Department offers students the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. The BSW prepares students for entry-level generalist practice with diverse populations in an increasingly complex and interconnected world, emphasizing social and economic justice for populations at risk.  The program encourages social work career development through affiliation with professional organizations, pursuit of graduate education, involvement in continuing education and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

The UAB BSW program has enjoyed a rich history of meeting the needs of the community and preparing students for a future in a field that is diverse and rich with opportunity. Social work is one of the growing careers in the United States according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. Professional social workers assist individuals, groups and communities to restore or enhance their ability to function as they overcome some of life's most difficult challenges such as poverty, addiction, physical and mental illness, discrimination and loss. In fact, professional social workers are nation's largest group of providers of mental health services, ahead of psychiatrists, psychologists and psychiatric nurses.

Social workers have the capacity to counsel and provide resources for individuals, families and communities in a variety of settings such as hospitals, mental health clinics, military settings, private and public agencies and public office. Many social workers continue their career to receive specialized training in practice areas such as Child Welfare Services, Military Social Work, International Social Work, Disaster Response, Genetics, Geriatrics, Domestic Violence, Addictions, School Social Work, Medical Social Work and Criminal Justice.

To find out more about a career in social work at UAB contact Lisa Baker, Chair, at 205-934-3508, or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Students are strongly advised to refer to the 2012-2013 UAB Undergraduate Catalog for additional information on the core curriculum, major, and minor requirements. Direct any curriculum questions to the College of Arts and Sciences Advising office located in Hill University Center room 318, 205-975-0097.