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Social Work Changes Lives

At the State University of New York at Fredonia, our Bachelor of Science in Social Work program is dedicated to nurturing compassionate, skilled professionals ready to make a meaningful impact in the world. Guided by a mission rooted in the principles of service, social justice, and human relationships, our program prepares you to meet the diverse needs of today’s society through hands-on learning and innovative instruction.

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact on the world? Fredonia’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work isn’t just about earning a degree—it’s about becoming a force for positive change.

What You’ll Gain:

  • Real-World Experience: From day one, you’ll engage in real-life classroom experiences, preparing you to be an effective social worker in a complex and diverse society.
  • Accredited Program: Fredonia’s Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program qualifies you for advanced standing admission to graduate programs.
  • Ethical Practice: Learn to integrate the NASW Code of Ethics into your work, making decisions that prioritize service, justice, and respect.
  • Cultural Responsiveness: Engage in culturally responsive social work practice, centering the needs of individuals and their local communities.
  • Commitment to Social Justice: Be part of a program that actively fights social injustice and empowers communities.
  • Holistic Education: Build a foundation in liberal arts while mastering core competencies required for generalist social work practice.

Career Opportunities for Social Work

  • Chief of Behavioral Health Services
  • Clinical Social Worker
  • Family Mediator
  • Human Services Program Director
  • Public Health Social Worker
  • Victim Advocate
  • Child, Family, School Social Worker
  • Executive Director
  • Foster Care Clinician
  • Psychiatric Care Coordinator
  • Social Work Consultant
  • Workshop and Training Facilitator
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What does a 4-year degree look like?

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What are all the required and elective courses offered to obtain this degree?

SOC 218 Introduction to Social Work

Introduction to theoretical and practical foundations of social work. Examination of values, knowledge, and skills underlying a generalist approach to social work. Analysis of role of social workers in such settings as hospitals, schools, mental health agencies, and family and child welfare agencies.

SOCW 249 Social Welfare Institutions

Introduces students to the basic public and private sector mechanisms of social welfare policy and services through the lens of history. The importance of values/attitudes/beliefs in the political process and the concept of social justice are analyzed. The development of the social work profession is featured.

POLI 382 Social Welfare Policy

Examination of the politics and operation of the social welfare system in the United States. Emphasis on a policy analysis of current social welfare issues such as the Social Security crisis, welfare reform, the relationship between welfare and national economic policy, the functions of public welfare versus private charity, and the connections between direct service and social reform.

Child, Family, and School Social Worker

Social workers help people prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives.

  • Median Salary: $58,380 per year
  • Job Outlook 2023-2033: 7% growth
  • Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

Human Services Program Director

Social and community service managers coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being.

  • Median Salary: $77,030 per year
  • Job Outlook 2023-2033: 8% growth
  • Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

Family Mediator

Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators facilitate negotiation and dialogue between disputing parties to help resolve conflicts outside of the court system.

  • Median Salary: $71,540 per year
  • Job Outlook 2023-2033: 6% growth
  • Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

Why Social Work at Fredonia?

apple on books. Students pursuing a degree in social work get excellent internship experience at SUNY Fredonia.

Real-World Experience

From schools to prisons, intern where it matters. Build your resume, change lives.

student with laptop. Fredonia social work degree students are mentored by seasoned faculty.

Mentored by Experts

Faculty from diverse backgrounds fast-track your social work expertise.

Calculator and notes. Students who pursue a social work major get hands-on experience in conducting research.

Research as an Undergrad

Conduct cutting-edge studies typically reserved for PhDs. Shape social work's future before you graduate.

Latest Articles

Social Work in the News

Academic News

Multitalented undergrads travel to Ireland for dance competition

SUNY Fredonia undergrads, dancers, and twins, Allyson “Ally” Mohrman, and Makayla Mohrman, spent...

Honors Program

Tartaro named Honors Student of the Month

Abby Tartaro, a participant in the Full Opportunity Program (FOP) and the Fredonia Honors Program...

Educational Opportunity Program

Fredonia undergraduate honored with EOP award for excellence

State University of New York Chancellor Jim Malatras Monday celebrated the achievements of 45...

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