Earn Your BSSW
Build Skills. Serve Communities.
Transform Lives.
Whether you want to advocate for communities, support individuals and families, or lead change in social systems, the University of Tennessee College of Social Work’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) program prepares you to make a real difference. Through a rigorous curriculum that blends classroom learning with hands-on field experience, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to launch a meaningful career in social work.
Available on campus or online, the program gives you the flexibility to choose the pathway that fits your life.
100%
retention rate
Our BSSW program holds a 100% retention rate for FY ’25.
230,000
field placement hours
UTCSW students provide over 230,000 field placement hours annualy.
95%
employment rate
Over 95% of BSSW graduates are employed within six months of graduation.
Program Options
On-Campus BSSW Program
Study at our Knoxville campus and immerse yourself in a traditional college experience with full access to faculty, peers, and campus resources. You’ll build a foundation in generalist social work practice, gain real-world experience through field placements, and engage in student life opportunities that enhance your education.
Online BSSW Program
Earn your BSSW from anywhere with our fully online option. Designed with transfer students in mind, this program offers the same curriculum, field education, and CSWE-accredited degree, delivered in a flexible format that fits your schedule.
Program highlights
Top-rated education
Our Bachelor of Social Work (BSSW) program stands out for its exceptional education, preparing students to make a real impact in the field. Ranked among the top programs in the region, our BSSW degree blends rigorous academic training with hands-on experience. This dynamic curriculum addresses contemporary social issues and equips students with the skills needed for licensure and professional success.
Dynamic hands-on learning
At the heart of our BSSW program is a commitment to experiential learning. Students dive into hands-on experiences through extensive field placements, applying their classroom knowledge to real-world settings. Supported by our dedicated faculty, they gain the skills and confidence to thrive in various social work environments.
Expert faculty and strong partnerships
Learn from a team of distinguished faculty who are leaders in social work education. Our program benefits from robust partnerships with community organizations and agencies, offering students valuable networking opportunities and career connections. Our faculty’s expertise and industry relationships enhance the learning journey, helping students build a solid professional network.
What can you do with a degree in
social work after graduation?
Social workers are employed in a wide variety of fields. Depending on the route you choose, employment is available with schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, mental health facilities, colleges & universities, nonprofit agencies, the legal profession, government agencies, corporate HR & finance, and athletics, to name a few.
Caseworker
Caseworkers support individuals and families by providing guidance, resources, and advocacy to address personal and social challenges. They help develop care plans and connect clients with essential services.
Healthcare Social Worker
Healthcare social workers assist patients and their families by providing support, resources, and counseling to help them navigate medical and emotional challenges. They help plan care and connect clients to relevant services and support systems.
Advocacy and Policy
Advocacy and policy. Social workers influence and shape social policies and systems. They advocate for individuals and communities, working on initiatives to improve their well-being.
Gerontology and Aging Services
Gerontology and aging services professionals support older adults by helping them with aging-related challenges and improving their quality of life. They offer resources, counseling, and care coordination to help seniors navigate various aspects of the aging process.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse professionals assist individuals battling addiction by providing assessment, counseling, and treatment planning. They offer support and resources to help clients overcome substance use disorders and work towards lasting recovery.
Unlock more with an MSSW
A Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) degree equips professionals with advanced skills in clinical practice, policy analysis, and program management. This degree prepares graduates to address complex social issues, deliver high-quality support to individuals and communities, and lead impactful initiatives in various settings.
Being surrounded by a community that is passionate about change and helping others is extremely refreshing and rewarding.
Sequoia McCabe
I chose social work because I witness injustice in the structural systems that our society is built upon. I knew I wanted to spend my life working to change them.
BSSW Student
Knoxville Campus
