Bachelor of Social Work, BSW

Why choose Social Work at Saint Leo?

Saint Leo University's Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program offers students who are physically living in Florida an innovative, full-time program at the University Campus, Tampa Education Center, and the East Pasco Education Center- Pasco Hernando Education Office (Spring Hill and New Port Richey locations, and an online Blended Option). The BSW program is based on a liberal arts foundation, which enables our graduates to analyze and solve problems from a variety of perspectives. Students will receive intensive academic advising and oversight of student progress.

The program prepares students to become professional generalist social workers in social work agencies that promote social justice, economic justice, and human rights on local, national, and global levels. Students are prepared to lead in generalist social work practice that serves diverse populations—including children, the elderly, military personnel, and those who experience discrimination and oppression.

Saint Leo's BSW program delivers courses during the day and in the evenings, allowing students to take classes that best fit their schedules. Students should enter the program knowing that they will be required to complete internship hours during the final term. Students who excel in the BSW program will be eligible for advanced standing for the Master of Social Work (MSW) (our 4+1 model) program, which allows traditional campus students to complete both degrees in five years, instead of six years. A student with an A.A. or A.S. degree can transfer into the university and finish the BSW program in two years and the advanced standing MSW in one year, for a total of three years.

Saint Leo’s Social Work program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). An advisory board composed of students, alumni and human service professionals guides the program, assuring the curriculum’s quality, relevance and currency.

View Degree Requirements

• Diversity Issues in Social Work Practice
• Social Welfare Policy
• Human Behavior in the Social Environment
• Gerontology
• Practice Methods with Individuals and Families, Groups, and the Community
• Field Instruction

Program Option Overview

Catered to your schedule and educational modality preference, our BSW program offers two program options that each have a single start date in the fall term:

• BSW – Day Program – University Campus: This two-year program is offered to students who desire to complete coursework during the day. Classes are held on the University Campus in Saint Leo, Florida. This is a full-time program in which students take three to four courses each 16 weeks. In addition, all courses are sequential and must be taken according to the curriculum outline.
• BSW – Evening Program – Center Locations: Geared for working adults, this two-year program is located at the Tampa Education Center and East Pasco Education Center- Pasco Hernando Education Office (Spring Hill and New Port Richey locations). Students attend social work courses only two nights per week for 16 weeks. This option is a full-time program in which students take three to four courses within the semester. All courses are sequential and must be taken according to the curriculum outline. Any electives or general education courses required can be completed online through the Education Centers.
• BSW – Evening Program – Online Blended Option: The two-year Blended Option, located at East Pasco Education Center – Pasco Hernando Education Office, is geared to working adults who cannot attend weekly classes in-person at a physical location. Students meet in synchronous, online sessions two nights a week and meet in-person five Saturdays a term at University Campus. This Blended Option allows students to attend classes face-to-face using a virtual platform while maintaining a balance of work, school, and home. This option is a full-time program in which students take three to four courses within the semester. All courses are sequential and must be taken according to the curriculum outline. Any electives or general education courses required can be completed online through the Education Centers.