Earning your B.S.W. at VCU means building a strong foundation in generalist social work — combining hands-on experience with individuals, families and communities while cultivating your understanding of the interpersonal relationships and larger systems that shape their lives. 

After an introduction to the social work profession through the B.S.W. Program foundational coursework, you'll advance into upper-level professional practice courses (300- and 400-level) on public policy, human behavior, research and social work practice. Then, you’ll take your learning beyond the classroom and into the field. By putting social work principles into action in real social service agencies, you'll build the practical skills needed to advocate for human well-being and create meaningful change across a variety of settings, all with the instruction and support of our accomplished faculty and staff.

The VCU B.S.W. Program features small class sizes to foster close connections with faculty and peers. We offer on-campus and online formats that support personalized learning and professional growth.

Our graduates step into the field ready to face the real-world demands of social work, guided by deep understanding, resilience, and a strong commitment to compassionate care.

The VCU B.S.W. Program aims to provide:

• An integrated curriculum based on the knowledge, skills, ethics and values essential for beginning generalist social work practice. (See the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics.)
• An educational experience that facilitates the critical analysis of social work knowledge and practice
• Classroom and field instruction experiences designed to promote culturally sensitive practice with diverse and oppressed groups
• An environment that encourages lifelong learning and prepares students for professional growth and development

Curriculum and requirements

View the B.S.W. curriculum, detailed requirements and a sample plan of study in the Major Map and the VCU Bulletin.

• Students are required to take 120 credits over 40 courses. 
• Students can earn their degree in as little as four years if attending full time. Part-time options are available, but it will extend the time to earn a degree.

Field experience

Our centralized Office of Field Education facilitates experiential learning by building partnerships and placing students with local social work agencies. On-campus students are placed in and around the Richmond community, while online students receive placements in their own local communities around the country. Field experiences allow students to explore different areas of social work practice, using direct interventions in a truly hands-on approach.

B.S.W. field requirements

• During Senior Field Practicum (SLWK 494 and SLWK 495), B.S.W. students complete a total of 400 hours at the same placement over fall and spring semester at the rate of approximately 14 hours per week.
• Starting in Fall 2025, students also have the option to condense their field placement experience into one semester with a Block Senior Field Practicum (SLWK 497). This will be available in fall, spring and summer semesters for students seeking a more flexible schedule during the rest of the year.

Getting your placement

Before the semester starts, you’ll complete a field education application indicating your interests and planned direction within the field of social work. This will help the Office of Field Education ensure you receive a placement that matches your career goals. Learn more about field education.

Career areas

The B.S.W. degree from VCU is designed to help you develop the skills you’ll need for empowering others and effecting change in the following career areas and beyond:

Then and now

The VCU School of Social Work began as the Richmond School for Social Economy in 1917 — the first social work school in the commonwealth of Virginia. Now, VCU is one of only two Virginia schools to offer bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in social work. Our B.S.W. graduates go on to pursue careers as professional social workers in health care facilities, schools, youth development and senior centers, nonprofits, government agencies and more. 

Many students continue their education with master’s or doctoral degrees in social work or dual degree programs with a master’s in public health or juris doctorate in law. Several alumni have even found their calling as professors and program leaders at the School of Social Work. See our directory to get to know our leadership, faculty, staff, and Ph.D. candidates and students.

What you will learn

Inclusivity and cultural competence: Create opportunities that challenge the status quo and break through systemic inequity. Through diverse coursework and practical field experience, learn to embrace the strengths of varied cultural backgrounds and lived experiences to promote inclusive, culturally informed and equitable social work practice.

Responsible leadership: Refine your professional skills to guide decision-making that improves lives through practice-informed research.

Action, efficacy and ethics: Evaluate and implement programs and policies for measurable results in the communities you serve, and embrace the ethical responsibility in the role of a social worker.

Social justice in practice: Learn to take an active role in advancing social, racial, economic and environmental justice with generalist social work skills developed during your social work education.

On-campus format

The B.S.W. Program is available in an on-campus format at the Monroe Park Campus.

Student connections & Richmond city life

• On-campus students experience VCU and Richmond’s rich, resilient history and vibrant arts and culture scene.
• The intertwined campus and city feature historic sites and neighborhoods, bold murals, galleries, museums, theaters, restaurants and shops.
• The School of Social Work is a short distance from the Virginia State Capitol, where students in policy-related courses participate in an annual lobby day with state legislators. 
• Student engagement opportunities include the B.S.W. Student Association, along with two affinity groups, the Association of Black Social Workers and the Queer & Trans Social Workers at VCU. 
• A host of university organizations and events provide opportunities for students to stay engaged and find their niche.

Learn more about on-campus life at VCU.

Online format

Our fully online social work bachelor's program is designed to accommodate working professionals and individuals seeking options that do not require traditional in-person attendance, or who need the geographic flexibility to complete their coursework from home. 

Pacing 

• Our largely asynchronous class schedule and geographic flexibility allow students to work toward the B.S.W. degree from anywhere in the United States. Although the B.S.W. Program can be completed on a part-time basis, it cannot be completed exclusively in the evening because of field practicum requirements and the scheduling of some classes.

Academic commitments 

• As an online student, you can expect six to eight hours of work a week per course. Each course features five live online class sessions per semester. 
• These required synchronous class sessions develop communication skills and professional competencies essential for social workers, such as active listening and effective nonverbal communication. Note that students’ video/cameras are expected to stay on for each synchronous session. You can read more about the School of Social Work Online Camera & Participation Policy in the Student Policy Handbook here under Key Documents.
• In between synchronous classes, students will engage with course content and one another through Canvas discussion boards, team projects, presentations and experiential activities (recorded role plays and simulations).

Learning environment 

Courses have modules built around a fictional community, Ramsville, enabling students to go beyond theory and solve social work problems firsthand. Our learning management system, Canvas, serves as your centralized hub for all course content and activities. You can think of Canvas as your college campus.

• Our students use this system to manage everything from asynchronous course content, course syllabi and assignments to communication with instructors and peers. As a student, you will use Canvas to submit assignments, take quizzes and keep track of your schedule. You will be able to see your professor during real-time discussions and lectures, and live class sessions can include polling, in-class chats and breakout rooms.

Tools and technology

Our cutting-edge learning management system incorporates the latest in online learning technology to ensure our online students receive the same quality education as our on-campus students. 

• Online students will utilize user-friendly tools such as Kaltura, Zoom and VoiceThread during the course of their studies.

Local field placements

As an online learner, you will complete your field experiences in your own local community — real-world learning during business hours — to complement your online coursework. Your field placement experience will be based on your learning needs, the community’s needs and the opportunities available. Placements will also provide networking opportunities to help secure employment after graduation.

Ready to learn more?