Enhance the well-being of individuals, families and communities with a bachelor's degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Known for producing exceptional graduates, our reputable program will help shape you into an ethical, competent and evidence-informed professional, ready for the field or graduate school.

Rooted in high-impact, experiential learning, our social work major will provide you with endless opportunities to gain relevant experience. One of the best ways we do this is through our comprehensive internship program. All social work students are placed in a high-quality field internship that aligns with their individual interests and career goals. There, you'll apply the values, ethics and techniques learned from the classroom to the real world. Community service and collaborative research projects will further round out your skillset and provide you with even more opportunities to make positive change.

Many social work students choose to take their education a step further by studying abroad, joining a cultural immersion program or participating in the National Student Exchange program. Each of these opportunities opens doors to new experiences, additional career paths and a deeper awareness of social justice and change.

Choosing to pursue a degree in social work comes with a great deal of responsibility. Social work professionals are tasked with empowering others, while simultaneously working to better the community. But, with great responsibility comes great reward. With a degree in social work, you'll become an ally for those who need one and help to make the world a much better and brighter place.

Accreditation information

The department of social work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Licensure information

The United States Department of Education requires institutions to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure about whether each program meets state educational requirements for initial licensure or certification.  

The requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: 
The following states require licensure or certification at the BSW level: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Our program meets the licensure or certification at the BSW level in all states that license or certify BSW-level social work practice. Any state not listed above does NOT license or certify BSW-level social work practice.

The requirements of this program do not meet licensure in the following states: N/A  

It has not been determined whether the requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: N/A

Graduates of UW-Eau Claire's social work program leave prepared and ready to make a difference. Because of the broad nature of the program, you will be qualified to work in a variety of fields, including mental health, alcohol or drug abuse, gerontology and child welfare.

Where are social work alumni now?

• School Social Worker – Jefferson, WI
• Career Counselor – Eau Claire, WI
• Clinical Social Worker – Chicago, IL
• Director of Human Services – Denver, CO
• Risk Reduction Supervisor – Minneapolis, MN
• Psychotherapist – Minneapolis, MN
• Child Protection Supervisor – Green Bay, WI
• Youth Advocate – Minneapolis, MN
• Work Readiness Specialist – Eau Claire, WI
• Veteran Affairs Mental Health Social Worker – St. Paul, MN
• Aging and Disability Resource Center Executive Director – Eau Claire, WI

Social work jobs

• Adoption specialist
• Probation officer
• Marriage and family therapist
• Substance abuse counselor
• Academic advisor
• Guidance counselor
• Gerontologist
• Victim crisis manager
• Behavior therapist

Taught by supportive, knowledgeable professors, coursework in our social work degree program will help you explore and understand the many facets of social work. All social work majors also have access to lab spaces and related facilities, where you can practice engaging and intervening with individuals, families and groups, and receive constructive feedback. 

What classes do social work majors take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

• Child welfare 
• Human behavior and the social environment 
• Social welfare policies and programs 
• Human rights and global justice
• Masculinity studies and feminist theories
• Social work in mental health settings 
• Human sexual biology 

Learn more about the comprehensive social work major in the UWEC course catalog.

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