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Temple University's College of Public Health offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree through its School of Social Work, equipping students for beginning professional roles that promote social equity while serving vulnerable individuals, families, and communities. Available through both online and campus-based formats, the BSW curriculum emphasizes systemic change while exploring critical urban challenges like structural racism, health inequities, and economic hardship within Philadelphia's vibrant metropolitan context.
The social work profession addresses pressing societal concerns including intimate partner violence, senior exploitation, repeat incarceration, housing inequality, displacement, migrant challenges, addiction disorders, and related issues. Practitioners serve as vital bridges between vulnerable populations and essential resources like mental health support, shelter programs, legal services, healthcare providers, vocational training, and various community assistance initiatives.
This undergraduate program emphasizes analyzing human behavior through an ecological lens. As a BSW student, you'll examine:
the interplay between biological influences and social determinants in human growth,
the dynamics within family systems, institutions, and neighborhoods,
methods for assessing social service effectiveness,
strategies for recognizing systemic biases while cultivating intercultural proficiency, and
techniques for championing marginalized individuals and populations.
You'll acquire the practical skills, specialized knowledge, and ethical foundation to effectively confront social challenges. Graduates qualify for frontline positions in fields like gerontology, child welfare, and behavioral health services, with many continuing to Master of Social Work (MSW) programs - a necessary credential for clinical social work licensure. Discover Temple's advanced social work degree options.