Bachelor of Social Work at The University of Vermont

"Since my first day joining CESS, I felt a strong sense of belonging. I have no problem digging deep and being vulnerable in my learning. My cohort is filled with amazing individuals who bring so much joy into my life and inspire me to keep pushing myself when I feel discouraged or struggling to stay motivated. The memories we have created will forever be ingrained in my brain."  -Franky Bahati '23

Our rigorous program prepares you for professional social work practice in a variety of settings. This is a classroom and hands-on learning experience that requires extensive self-reflection, processing and engagement. If you're interested in understanding and working with people and communities based on people's strengths and guided by principles of human rights and social justice, then our program is right for you.

Outstanding Advising

Our personalized advising ensures that you always have a home base on campus. You will have a full-time faculty member as your academic adviser throughout the entire program. We meet with our advisees regularly to discuss courses and to mentor you into the profession of social work.

Interactive Coursework and Experiential Learning

All of our courses are structured for interactive classroom discussion. You will actively engage with course material through case studies, simulated exercises, role play, presentations, and more. Throughout the program, you will meet social workers who work in a variety of roles, and you will have a variety of opportunities for service-learning in community-based social work settings.

Tight-Knit Learning Community

In our program, students and faculty work together closely to further understand the complexities of the profession and strategize ways to address and express our commitment to making a difference on local, national and global levels.

During your junior and senior years, you'll be in a "cohort model" of education, where students progress through their academic program and take social work courses together as a group. You and your learning colleagues will continue to foster your collegial relationships among one another and with the faculty in a more informal gathering. Together, you will grapple together with social issues and policies, and develop theories and skills to affect change that improves the lives and relationships of vulnerable and marginalized people and diverse communities.

Field Education

In your senior year, you will participate in a supervised field-practicum of 15-20 hours per week over two semesters (450 total hours). A practicum is a social work internship in a social service agency where you will apply your classroom learning through professional social work assignments. You will also participate in a field seminar on campus in which students discuss their experiences and learning in their practica.

Major Requirements

Overview & Requirements