COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Social Work program at University of New Hampshire prepares students for professional social work practice by combining liberal arts education with specialized training in human behavior, social welfare policy, research methods, and intervention strategies. Students must complete all University Discovery requirements along with 64 credits in the major while maintaining a minimum semester GPA of 2.6 and earning at least a C grade in all 13 required social work courses. The program emphasizes social justice, advocacy, ethical practice, diversity, and community engagement while preparing students to support individuals, families, groups, and communities facing social, emotional, economic, or health-related challenges. Core courses include SW 424 Introduction to Social Work, SW 501 Research Methods in Social Work, SW 525 Social Welfare Policy, SW 550 and SW 551 Human Behavior and Social Environment, SW 622 Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families, SW 623 Social Work Practice with Groups and Communities, SW 625 Social Welfare Policy Analysis and Advocacy, and SW 630 Anti Oppressive Practice in Social Work. Students also complete supporting coursework in sociology, anthropology, biology, diversity studies, gender studies, criminology, race and inequality, and human development to build a broad understanding of social systems and human experiences. A major component of the program is experiential learning. Students must complete 40 hours of approved human service work before applying for internships, with at least 20 hours completed in one agency or program setting. During the senior year, students complete a 400-hour internship over two semesters through SW 740 and SW 741 internship experiences and seminars. Internship placements may occur in hospitals, schools, mental health agencies, rehabilitation centers, nonprofits, correctional settings, child welfare programs, or community organizations. Graduates are prepared for entry-level professional social work positions or advanced study in social work, counseling, public health, law, psychology, education, or public policy while developing leadership, advocacy, communication, and critical thinking skills for creating positive social change.