COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Social Work program at Southeast Missouri State University is a 60-hour major designed to prepare students for professional practice in social work, with no minor required. Students must earn a grade of C or better in all core courses. The program begins with foundational coursework in social work principles, professionalism, social justice, and cultural diversity, helping students understand the ethical and societal foundations of the field. Early courses also focus on essential skills such as interviewing, case management, and understanding human behavior in social environments.As students progress, they develop advanced competencies through courses in social welfare policy, practice methods, and research. Key classes such as Social Work Practice I and II, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, and Social Research Methods build the analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills needed for effective generalist practice. A major component of the program is the 12-credit Field Education experience, where students gain hands-on training in real social service settings under professional supervision, integrating classroom learning with practical application.Students also choose 6 credit hours of specialized electives in areas such as mental health, child welfare, trauma and crisis intervention, substance use disorders, aging services, or military social work, allowing them to tailor their studies to specific interests. An additional requirement in introductory psychology supports understanding of human behavior. Overall, this structured program combines theory, research, and extensive field experience to prepare graduates for entry-level social work careers in diverse community and clinical settings.