The Bachelor of Science degree in social work provides students with the knowledge and training to be a generalist practice professional, while learning a diverse set of skills that are centered around making human connections, problem-solving, leadership, advocacy, human rights, interprofessional collaboration, and social and economic justice. As part of their academic journey, students gain the tools to enable them to work with diverse individuals and communities in a variety of human service agencies and organizations--from public service agencies to private companies.
While a part of the social work program, students develop the ability to work across cultural barriers from a local, national, and global perspective. They combine electives and required course work with a field internship that gives them supervision, work experience, leadership, and training in the internationally recognized field of social work.
The undergraduate program at NYU Silver is broad enough to prepare students for many different professions. Because of the extensive professional training students receive as an undergraduate, they may be able to earn a master's degree with only one additional year of study. If, on the other hand, they want to go to work immediately upon graduation, they will be well prepared to make an impact in the world.
The School's program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Admissions
New York University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions supports the application process for all undergraduate programs at NYU. For additional information about undergraduate admissions, including application requirements, see How to Apply.
The mission of the Bachelor of Science Program is dedicated to developing professional social workers who demonstrate the values and ethics consistent with social work aims, knowledge, and skills needed for generalist practice to effectively address the social problems of today’s world. The BS program is grounded in the liberal arts and emphasizes human relationships, social justice, advocacy, and cultural humility rooted in scientific inquiry and the promotion of human rights.
The educational goals for the BS Program flow directly from its mission. The program’s primary goal is to educate students in generalist social work, through a liberal arts education, emphasizing social justice and human rights. The overarching goals of the Undergraduate (BS) Program are to:
Foster student acquisition of the knowledge required for generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, complex organizations, and communities.
Facilitate student development of the skills required for competent generalist social work practice.
Promote student understanding and application of the profession’s values, ethical standards, and principles.
Prepare students to advocate for marginalized communities and the realization of a just society.
Prepare students for entry into the professional workforce and/or admission to an MSW program.
Prepare students to contribute as generalist social workers to an increasingly diverse and global world.
Policies
Major Coursework Policies
Credit toward Social Work major requirements is granted only for Social Work courses completed with a grade of C or higher. Social Work courses may not be taken on a Pass/Fail basis.
Non-Social Work courses (such as core requirements and liberal arts electives) are not subject to these restrictions and may be taken Pass/Fail or completed with a passing grade below a C, provided the student meets overall graduation requirements.
To remain in good academic standing, students must maintain a major GPA of 3.0, and a cumulative GPA of 2.0.