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Social Work
Bachelor of Arts

These program requirements are for students who enroll in the 2026-2027 academic year.


The major in social work allows students to prepare for a profession making a difference in the lives of people and their communities. Offered by Salisbury University (SU) and administered by UMGC Europe, the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) helps prepare you for entry-level generalist social work practice and advanced graduate education. The BASW is a professional degree accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, which is essential for your licensure after graduation.

In a combination of hands-on practice in the community and theoretical study in the classroom, you will learn how to work with individuals, families, and groups. The goal of this comprehensive program is to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for private and public sector entry-level social work practice.

After earning a BASW, you can advance your studies and earn a Master of Social Work (MSW).

Program Highlights
  • Boast a solid foundation for entry into professional social work practice.
  • Utilize the appropriate knowledge, values, and skills for intervention with individuals, families, groups, and communities.
  • Maintain your professional identity consistent with social work values and ethics.
  • Apply valuable hands-on experience with various client populations, including diverse racial and ethnic groups, and at-risk populations.
  • Evolve a practice style consistent with your personal strengths and capabilities.
  • Work within a human service agency or organization.
Required Courses

Required Core Courses (54 credits)

  • (4 Credits, SOWK 200)
  • (4 Credits, SOWK 300)
  • (4 Credits, SOWK 302)
  • (4 Credits, SOWK 306)
  • (4 Credits, SOWK 309)
  • (2 Credits, SOWK 310)
  • (4 Credits, SOWK 320)
  • (4 Credits, SOWK 330)
  • (4 Credits, SOWK 400)
  • (4 Credits, SOWK 410)
  • (4 Credits, SOWK 416)
  • (4 Credits, SOWK 417)
  • (4 Credits, SOWK 420)
  • (4 Credits, SOWK 421)

Required Related Courses (9 credits)

  • (3 Credits, PSYC 100)
  • (3 Credits, SOCY 100)
  • (3 Credits, STAT 200)

General Education Courses and Salisbury University Signature Outcomes Requirements (36-46 credits)

See the "Gen. Ed. & Salisbury U. Required Courses" tab.

Career Preparation
Experience Recommended for Success in the Program

No previous experience is needed.

Total Program Credits
120
Transfer Credits
Up to 90
Format
  • All courses are available online
  • Select on-site and hybrid courses available
  • Residency restrictions apply
Tuition Per Credit
  • $250 per credit hour
    (Europe & Downrange)

See our Tuition Rates page for details.

Admission Requirements

Step 1: Apply for Admission

  • New Students: To apply for the BASW program, submit your application for admission online through UMGC Europe. Select Salisbury Undergraduate and no minor for level of study.
  • Current UMGC students: Contact the local academic advisor to update your degree program.

Step 2: Complete Pre-admission Requirements

Prior to being fully admitted into the BASW program, you must complete the pre-admission requirements. Completion of all pre-admission requirements does not guarantee your acceptance into the program. To meet pre-admission requirements, you must successfully complete the following courses:

  • (3 Credits, PSYC 100)
  • (3 Credits, STAT 200)
  • (3 Credits, SOCY 100)
    or (3 Credits, ANTH 102)
    or (3 Credits, GVPT 170)
  • (4 Credits, SOWK 200)
  • (4 Credits, SOWK 300)
  • (2 Credits, SOWK 310)

Register online through MyUMGC

Step 3: Contact Your Academic Advisor

Once you have completed the pre-admission requirements and have achieved junior standing with at least 45 completed credit hours, you may apply to the BASW program. It is advised that you speak with an academic advisor to ensure that you have completed all of the requirements before applying for full admission to the BASW program.

Step 4: Apply for Admission to the BASW Program

Each applicant for the BASW program must submit a Salisbury University application and written personal statement.

General Admission Requirements:

  • Achieve junior standing with at least 45 completed credits (preferably closer to 60)
  • Have an overall GPA of 2.5
  • Have an overall GPA of 2.7 in social work courses

For more information on how to apply to the BASW program once you have completed the pre-admission visit SU Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program.

Salisbury University Policies

  • You are expected to demonstrate professional behavior while completing the BASW and to become a professional social worker
  • You may not repeat any social work class more than once without permission
  • You must earn a grade of C or better in all core courses
  • The required courses may not equal 120 credit hours; therefore, you must register for additional electives to complete 120 credits required for graduation
  • You must have a minimum of 30 credits of upper level (300-499) courses

About our Partner Institution Salisbury University

Salisbury University, a member of the University System of Maryland, is an accredited university of national distinction. Home to more than 8,700 students from across the U.S. and around the world, Salisbury University has a reputation for excellence in public higher education. SU continuously ranks among the nation's top colleges and values according to The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report, Kiplinger's, Money, Forbes, and others.

Located on Maryland's Eastern Shore, this four-year university has 55 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. SU prides itself on being an institution where individual talents are celebrated while big ideas are encouraged and nurtured.

Military-Specific Details

This program does not have military restrictions. It is available to all eligible civilian and military-affiliated students.

State-Specific Details

This program does not have state-specific restrictions.

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