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Social Work Major

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Why Study Social Work?

Social work is an ideal career if you want to improve the lives of others. Social workers listen to peoples' needs and help them cope with challenging life circumstances. Social work provides practitioners with diversity and autonomy in their work settings and opportunities for creativity and intellectual stimulation. Social workers also have the opportunity to relieve human suffering while making a lasting difference for individuals, communities and society as a whole.

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Why Study Social Work at Eastern?

Eastern's Social Work program is an accredited BSW program identified as one of the "Best BSW Programs in Connecticut" and one of the 101 "Most Affordable BSW Programs" in the nation. Under the program's "cohort" format, students progress through the major as a group, developing supportive relationships with their peers and faculty. Students also develop knowledge and skills through hands-on interventions designed to impact social policies and the lives of individuals and groups. Our faculty are practicing social work professionals who integrate their experiences into the classroom.

Professor speaking at podium
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Graduate School Success

77%

of students immediately enter graduate school after completing their BSW

96%

of students gain advanced standing in graduate school

* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Hands-on Learning

Students helping at community garden

Internships

Social Work students intern for local social service agencies and non-profit organizations such as the Windham Community Good Network.

Members of the Social Work club

Clubs

Social Work majors also serve the community, focus on issues of social justice and gain valuable leadership skills through membership in the Social Work student club.

Social Work Club
Group shot of Phi Alpha, the Social Work honor society

Honor Society

The Phi Alpha Honor Society provides Social Work majors with recognition and the opportunity to work together on humanitarian issues.

Phi Alpha

Career Options

A social work degree from Eastern opens the door for employment in roles ranging from counselors to case managers, advocates and organizers in diverse settings such as:

  • Schools
  • Child Welfare
  • Family Services
  • Mental Health
  • Substance Abuse
  • Gerontology
  • Community Agencies
  • Domestic Violence
  • Non-Governmental Organizations
  • Military and Veterans

Successful Alumni

Graduates are employed in schools, child welfare and family service agencies, mental health programs, substance abuse treatment programs, hospitals, community agencies, and domestic violence programs. More than three-quarters of graduates enter MSW programs immediately after graduation at Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Boston, Boston College, NYU, Fordham University, University of Michigan and other prestigious programs.

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For more information


matthewse@easternct.edu
(860) 465-0102

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In the News

Crowd gathers at BTR.

10th annual Social Policy Summit focuses on youth mental health crisis

November 11, 2024

Junior and senior social work majors at Eastern Connecticut State University filled the Student Center Betty Tipton Room on Nov. 5 for the 10th annual Social Policy Summit. This year’s policy topic of discussion was the youth mental health crisis.

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Sarah Nightingale receives Institutional Courage Research Grant

August 12, 2024

Sarah Nightingale, assistant professor of social work, was awarded a research grant this July from the Center for Institutional Courage, which aims to combat institutional injustices in cases of abuse on college campuses.

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Eastern inducts hundreds into honor societies in spring 2024

May 16, 2024

More than 20 academic programs and departments at Eastern Connecticut State University recognized student achievements this spring 2024 semester during honor society inductions and award ceremonies.