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BSW Social Work
Prepare for professional social work practice supporting individuals, families, and communities across diverse service settings.
If you are inspired by the idea of helping people overcome life’s most difficult challenges, then this program is for you
Centenary University’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program will prepare you for a meaningful career in generalist social work or graduate study in this ever-growing field. The purpose of the social work profession is to promote and enhance human and community wellbeing, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of those who are vulnerable, oppressed and living in poverty. The BSW Program at Centenary has earned national accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Our curriculum provides engaging learning opportunities in the classroom and in the field to help students develop the knowledge, values and skills needed for professional practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
BSW program mission
The mission of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program at Centenary University is to prepare students for generalist social work practice and/or entry to graduate school at the advanced standing level. The BSW program is guided by the purpose of the social work profession; that is, to promote and enhance human and community well-being, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of those who are vulnerable, oppressed and living in poverty. The BSW Program curriculum is grounded by the core social work values of service, the dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, social justice, human rights, scientific inquiry, integrity and competence, and is framed by the strengths perspective. The BSW Program is committed to fostering relationships with the regional social service community and to the ongoing process of creating and sustaining learning environments in which respect for all persons and understanding of diversity and difference are practiced, and providing educational experiences that encourage a commitment to self-care, community service, and lifelong learning and development.
A direct path to your career
Social Work is among the faster growing careers in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Social workers are needed in many settings, such as schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, family counseling programs, substance abuse programs, senior centers and the military.
Centenary’s Social Work program, one of only a handful of BSW programs in New Jersey, offers several advantages, including:
A structured two-semester internship for seniors, coordinated by the BSW, under the supervision of an agency-based Field Instructor who holds a master’s degree in social work and certification as a Field Instructor. This internship allows students to practice the skills they learned in the classroom.
A CSWE-accredited degree, which makes you eligible for status as a Certified Social Worker (CSW) in the state of New Jersey. You may also apply for Advanced Standing in Master of Social Work (MSW) programs throughout the country, and transfer up to 18 credits toward your MSW degree.
In recent years, our graduates have been accepted as Advanced Standing students at a wide range of graduate programs, including Columbia, Fordham, Kean, Kutztown, Marywood, Monmouth, NYU, Rutgers, Temple, Texas State and the University of South Florida.
Small classes, experienced teachers
Because of our small class sizes, our students have the opportunity to work closely with our faculty members, all of whom are experienced social workers who continue to be involved in the community. The BSW Program’s cohort model, which allows BSW students to take many of their classes together, also provides strong peer support throughout the program.
The BSW is a professional degree that provides graduates with the opportunity to begin their job search with some well-established contacts in the social service community, and a significant amount of practical experience.
Your Future
Academic Advancement:
Next steps include MSW, LSW/LCSW licensure pathway, school social work, addiction counseling, public administration, nonprofit management, or trauma-informed practice credentials.
Career Pathways:
Social Worker, Case Manager, Child Welfare Specialist
Industry Outlook:
Strong growth as demand increases for social workers in healthcare, child services, and mental health fields.
Regional employers include
NJ Department of Children and Families; county human services agencies; RWJBarnabas Health; Hackensack Meridian Health; SERV Behavioral Health; Catholic Charities; Center for Family Services; school districts; nonprofit agencies.
Salary Outlook:
$45,000 – $70,000
Getting Started
For New Jersey entry-level roles aligned to BSW in Social Work, a reasonable starting range is approximately $45,000–$60,000, depending on role, licensure/certification, employer type, and prior experience.
Early Career and Progression
Approx. $70,000 midpoint at about five years, with higher earnings in specialized, licensed, technical, supervisory, or high-demand settings.
Approx. $85,000 average or attainable mid-career benchmark around ten years, especially for advanced credentials, management responsibility, or specialized practice.
*Salary and Outlook Data