Social Work, BSSW
Earn your Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville — one of the top-ranked, CSWE-accredited social work programs in Tennessee. Whether you study on campus in Knoxville or online, our undergraduate social work degree prepares you for a meaningful career serving individuals, families, and communities across the state and beyond. Prepare for a variety of roles, from case management to community organizing, working with populations from children to the elderly.
Program overview
The BSSW program at the University of Tennessee College of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) — the national standard for social work degree programs. Our curriculum combines rigorous classroom instruction with hands-on field practice (internship) experiences, preparing students to become highly competent generalist social workers.
As a BSSW student at the UTCSW, you will:
- Develop generalist practice skills for working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Complete supervised field placements at agencies throughout Tennessee, gaining real-world experience before graduation
- Advance human rights and social justice through practice-informed research and evidence-based policy practice
Our program is available on campus in Knoxville or fully online — with identical curriculum and degree requirements for both pathways.
Resources for current students
Online BSSW
All required social work courses are delivered exclusively online using real-time, synchronous video conference software. The online BSSW program is designed for transfer students with 60 transferable credit hours and an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree from a regionally accredited community college.
Tennessee community college graduates receive guaranteed and priority admission to the online BSSW program, provided certain requirements are met.
Why study social work?
Social workers change the world. If you’re seeking a meaningful career with a wide variety of options, the University of Tennessee College of Social Work is the place to start. The fundamental mission of the social work profession is to serve people in need and to work toward making social institutions more responsive to human needs — and our BSSW program has been fulfilling that mission for decades.
A CSWE-Accredited, top-ranked education
Our Bachelor of Science in Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the gold standard for social work education in the United States. Ranked among the top social work programs in Tennessee and the Southeast, the UTK BSSW degree blends rigorous academic training with extensive hands-on field experience. This dynamic curriculum addresses contemporary social issues — from the opioid crisis to child welfare to healthcare equity — and equips students with the skills needed for professional licensure and career success.
Dynamic hands-on learning
At the heart of our BSSW program is a commitment to experiential learning. Students complete extensive supervised field placements at agencies and organizations throughout Tennessee, applying classroom knowledge to real-world settings. Our College of Social Work students collectively provide over 230,000 field placement hours annually — one of the largest field education programs in the state. Supported by dedicated faculty, students gain the skills and confidence to thrive in a wide range of social work environments.
Expert faculty and strong community partnerships
Learn from distinguished faculty who are nationally recognized leaders in social work research and practice. Our program benefits from robust partnerships with community organizations, hospitals, schools, government agencies, and nonprofits across Tennessee, offering students valuable networking opportunities and career connections. Faculty expertise spans areas including behavioral health, child welfare, gerontology, veterans services, and community development — ensuring you graduate with a well-rounded education and a professional network to launch your career.
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.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social work employment is projected to grow 6% nationally from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the average for all occupations.
Tennessee has 97 mental health shortage area designations covering over 3.1 million residents, with only 13.3% of mental health care need currently being met — creating strong job prospects for BSSW graduates across the state.
Case Worker
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 families by providing support, resources, and counseling to 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 marginalized groups and work on initiatives to improve social justice and public welfare.
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 aging.
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
An MSSW degree equips professionals with advanced skills in clinical practice, policy analysis, and program management. This degree prepares graduates to tackle complex social issues, provide 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
Points of Pride
100%
retention rate
Our BSSW program holds a 94% 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.
Featured Courses
SOWK 315 – Introduction to Macro Social Work Practice
This course addresses systems-level macro practice specific to communities, organizations, and professional leadership. Strategies, methods, and skills applicable to a wide range of macro practice settings are examined.
SOWK 380N – Field Practicum I
Supervised field experience with practice situations for developing professional skills, values, and attitudes. The concurrent seminar focuses on the integration of knowledge with practice experiences.
SOWK 410: Foundations of Social Work Research
This course is designed to help students understand and appreciate the role of research in evidence-based practice. Students taking this course engage in research techniques such as problem formulation, measurement, design, sampling, data gathering, and use of analytic software.
SOWK 465 – Non-profit Management and Leadership
This course is designed to provide a foundational knowledge of non-profit management and leadership. This course is also the starting point toward earning the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential—the nation’s only recognized credential in nonprofit management.
Complementary minors
To enhance your major and broaden your academic experience, consider these minors that pair well with your BSSW degree. Additional minors may also align with your interests and goals. Explore all available options to find the best fit for your academic and career aspirations.
- Business Administration Minor – Develop management and organizational skills valuable in nonprofit and agency leadership
- Psychology Minor – Deepen your understanding of human behavior and mental health
- Social Justice Minor – uild advocacy and policy analysis skills through an interdisciplinary lens
Student Success & Advising
At the College of Social Work, your success is our priority. We offer personalized academic support, career preparation, and wellness resources to ensure you thrive both in your studies and your future career. Our BSSW advising team provides guidance on course selection, field placement opportunities, and career planning — supporting you from your first semester through graduation. Join a community dedicated to empowering you every step of the way.
Admissions and Aid
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is dedicated to supporting your educational journey with accessible and affordable options. Learn about our tuition costs and explore various financial aid opportunities, including specialized support for veterans and more. We’re here to help you navigate every step as you pursue your academic goals.
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