Make a difference in your community.
Belmont's School of Social Work is a close and supportive community, offering students many opportunities for active learning, internships and engagement in a variety of non-profit, government and grassroots settings.
The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education which gives students the ability to complete a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in one year after completing undergraduate work by enrolling in an Advanced Standing Program after graduation.
Students enjoy the benefit of being taught by full time faculty who are passionate and award-winning teachers, as well as practitioners who are experts in their field. You can be confident your education has met the highest standards of national accreditation and that you are ready to meet the needs of your clients and our community.
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Community Impact & Partnerships
Belmont Social Work students are able to make a meaningful impact before they graduate by engaging with the Nashville community through hands-on learning experiences. The program partners with local organizations to provide students with opportunities to apply their skills in real-world settings. Through internships and collaboration with community leaders, students address pressing social issues and gain valuable experience working in the field.
Belmont’s prime location in Nashville provides the opportunity to engage in these partnerships, allowing students to contribute to meaningful change while preparing for careers in social work. Community partners consistently recognize our students for their adaptability, dedication and strong preparation for professional practice.
4+1 Pathway to the MSW Program
Graduating with your Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Belmont allows you to complete Belmont’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program in just one year! This two-semester, accelerated advanced standing program combines cutting edge coursework and hands on experience to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively engage in advanced practice, lead teams and organizations in the provision of trauma informed services and effect social change.
What You'll Learn
- Learn professionalism alongside Social Work values and ethics.
- Gain skills in advancing justice in multiple areas.
- Incorporate anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in your career.
- Conduct research and policy analysis in social work practice.
- Engage, assess, intervene and evaluate your practice with clients across a variety of settings.
Program Details
Curriculum
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is designed to be completed in four years and requires 128 hours of coursework. The final year includes the start of the intensive 450 hour internship experience, which in social work is referred to as Field Education.
- BELL Core requirements: 50 hours
- Major requirements: 54 hours
- General electives: 24 hours
A Partial List of Courses You'll Take
These are example courses. For a full list, click the program requirements link above.
SWK 2000 Introduction to Social Work
A study of the origins, structure and characteristics of social work services, social welfare policies and the social work profession. In addition to other course requirements, the student must complete 15 clock hours of service learning in a social service agency.
SWK 2050 Social Work Research
This is an introduction to the methods of scientific inquiry and their relevance to social work. Topics include research design, problem formulation, measurement, data analysis and ethics in research. Fundamentals of analyzing research reports will also be emphasized as well as knowledge of APA formatting, evidence-based practice, and statistical applications.
SWK 2250 Human Behavior and Social Environment
This course examines the biological, psychological and social development of the individual at different lifespan stages. Students learn about human behavior from the perspective of developmental milestones as well as environmental, societal and cultural issues and contexts.
SWK 2300 Exploring Human Diversity
This course explores human diversity through examining the impact of “isms” (racism, classism, religious oppression, heterosexism, sexism, ableism, ageism), socialization, biases, power and privilege, and ADEI (anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion). Students will develop an understanding of the complexities and challenges associated with human diversity in order to actively participate in creating a more equitable and just society.
SWK 3210 Social Work Practice I
This course, the first of three practice courses in the social work curriculum, is an overview of generalist social work practice at the individual, or micro, level of intervention. Students will explore the knowledge, values, and skills associated with working in direct practice with individuals. Students will learn to effectively engage, assess, and intervene in the context of diverse practice environments in order to provide competent and culturally responsive services to individuals.
SWK 3700 Professional Skills in Social Work
This course, designed for Social Work majors preparing for entrance into their field placements, provides an opportunity for students to discern the client populations and agency settings of their choice. Students will be interviewing and securing social work field placements during the course of this class. Additionally, this course focuses on the further development of the knowledge and skills of interpersonal communication when entering the field of social work.
SWK 4230 Crisis Intervention
This course is designed to equip social work students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and ethical considerations to effectively respond, engage, assess, and intervene with crisis situations that individuals, families, and communities may face. Through a blend of theoretical exploration, practical case studies, and experiential exercises, students will develop an understanding of critical issues relevant to crisis intervention in a social work setting. Students will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to help their clients manage when a crisis occurs.
As a Social Work student, you will have countless opportunities to flourish. These include service, leadership experiences, co-curricular educational programming and fun social events!
- Join the Social Work Student Association and begin to network with students who share your interests.
- Participate each year in Social Work Day on Capitol Hill in Nashville.
- Travel with faculty on the annual student trip to explore Social Work practice in other areas of the country.
Council on Social Work Education
The Belmont School of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA).
Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the BOA indicates that it meets or exceeds standards of program quality evaluated through a peer review accreditation process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the BOA has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). Accreditation applies to all program options, which includes locations and delivery methods.
Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.
Review our program's accredited status in CSWE's Directory of Accredited Programs. For more information about social work accreditation, contact CSWE's Department of Social Work Accreditation.
State Licensure
Students completing the Bachelor in Social Work program are eligible to be licensed by many state professional licensing boards. Separate from educational requirements for licensure, state licensure boards may require applicants to complete professional examinations and background checks. Additional requirements, including documentation of internship and supervision hours, may vary.
The Bachelor of Social Work Program at Belmont University meets the educational requirements for BSW licensure as follows:
|
Positive Licensure Determinations |
Negative Licensure Determinations* |
No Licensure Determinations |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Requirements for State Licensure | Educational Requirements for State Licensure | Educational Requirements for State Licensure |
|
|
None |
*These states do not offer Social Work licensure at the Baccalaureate level
It is best to contact the appropriate licensing entity in each state a student seeks to be licensed in to identify information regarding additional licensure requirements. The Association of Social Work Boards provides helpful information in connecting with these agencies.
DeEbony Groves Social Work Diversity Scholarship
The DeEbony Groves Social Work Diversity Endowed Scholarship is an annual award designed to support the education of a Belmont Social Work major and contribute to the continued development of a diverse community of learners.
The diversity award was first distributed in the academic year 2014-2015, and in May of 2018 the name of the scholarship was changed to the DeEbony Groves Social Work Diversity Scholarship. The name was changed in honor and memory of one of our beloved student social work majors, DeEbony Groves. DeEbony’s life was taken too soon, but it is our hope and prayer that this award in her name will enable future students to achieve some of the same goals DeEbony had set for herself, particularly in the areas of appreciating, honoring and respecting diversity in all its dimensions.
This annual award is made possible due to the donations of alumni and other friends of the department who are committed to increasing diversity and awareness of diversity, and who want to honor DeEbony’s memory in this way.
Students who are interested in seeking the award will apply in the fall semester of each academic year. The application consists of a few brief demographic questions and an essay regarding the student's understanding of the importance of diversity in our profession.
The application for the award and the date it is due are released by October of each academic year. In accordance with University policy, we are unable to award the scholarship to a University College student.
The McWhorter Society Scholarship
Awarded annually to students in the Health Sciences, with demonstrated financial need, who exhibit academic excellence and are most eager and passionate about being part of leading change.
The Social Justice Minor includes 18 hours of Social Work course credit. Students minoring in Social Justice are not eligible to take advanced practice classes or participate in Field Education. Please see the catalog for detailed requirements.
What is Field?
Field education is the signature pedagogy in social work, the element of “instruction and socialization” (Council on Social Work Education [CSWE], 2015, p. 12) that teaches future social workers “to think, to perform and to act ethically and with integrity” (CSWE, 2015, p. 12). The School of Social Work at Belmont University designs field education to be a two (2) semester sequence of courses in which the student applies conceptual knowledge gained in a classroom to practice with clients in a social work agency. Supervision of the student is provided by practitioners with either a BSW or MSW. Students complete 225 clock hours of work each semester, for a total of 450 clock hours of field instruction. The educational competencies and policies of field instruction conform to the 2015 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standard (2015 EPAS) of CSWE.
Field Partners
Belmont Social Work partners with a wide variety of social service agencies in the greater Nashville area. You will be able to choose to apply to agencies in practice areas that are of special interest to you. You're supported at every step of the application and interview process during your time in SWK 3700 Professional Skills in Social Work. This course culminates in field placement that meets your unique professional aspirations.
Outcomes & Alumni Success
Our alumni thrive in diverse roles across government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems and community outreach programs. Many go on to complete their MSW degree via accelerated programs at Belmont and other top schools of Social Work in the country. Others serve as policy advocates, mental health professionals and nonprofit leaders. Recent graduates have secured positions with organizations such as the Office of Family Safety in Nashville and Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Testimonials from our alumni highlight how the program’s hands-on learning, mentorship from award-winning faculty, and focus on real-world impact have equipped them to excel in their careers.
Committed to Your Success
The Belmont School of Social Work is committed to helping students and graduates develop the skills, knowledge, and networks needed for impactful careers in social work. Our program includes a dedicated professional development course that focuses on career preparation, offering personalized coaching, specialized workshops with industry leaders, and connections to valuable internships across a wide range of settings. We actively engage with alumni and community partners to ensure our students are well-prepared for success.
97% of College of Pharmacy & Health Science graduates are employed, pursuing continuing education, or enlisted in the military within 6 months of graduation and 95% of employed graduates are in positions that align with their short or long term career goals.
Learn more about Career & Professional Development at Belmont
Alumni Testimonials
Ilsa Nagel
Bachelor of Social Work | Master of Social Work, NYU
Psychotherapist – New York, NY
“I remember taking a Mindfulness & Compassion class my senior year with Dr. Doug Crews as an elective. Since graduating, I have become passionate about meditation & mindfulness. Since graduating from NYU, I took a training to become a meditation instructor. I use meditation and mindfulness techniques with my clients on a regular basis and some of my first experiences with that were in that elective.”
Matt Thompson
Bachelor of Social Work | Master of Social Work | Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Tennessee National Guard Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Officer (SAPRO)
“I learned that my compassion is not a substitute for my competence. My desire to help is not a qualification and I have an obligation to further my knowledge and skills whenever the opportunity presents itself. I learned advocacy is a deliberate action. It’s not enough to simply be heard supporting your client or your cause, it must be accompanied by intervention. I learned to be constantly aware of my ethics; not just my personal ethics but the Social Work Code of Ethics to practice service in my field, to commit to social justice, to respect dignity and worth of the person in my care, to honor the importance of human relationships, to maintain and guard my integrity, and to always practice and expand my competence.”
Alison Wine
Bachelor of Social Work | Master of Social Work
Police Crisis Counselor, Metro Nashville Police Department
“My experience working with a victim advocacy organization during my BSW field placement exposed me to the complex interplay between trauma and mental well-being. These experiences gained during my Belmont education fueled my commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by survivors of crime. I recognized the pivotal role mental health plays in their recovery, and it became clear to me that I wanted to contribute meaningfully to their healing journey.”
Career Possibilities
A social work degree opens doors to a wide range of career possibilities, offering unparalleled versatility in both the public and private sectors. Graduates can work in healthcare, education, mental health, policy advocacy, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies, addressing diverse social issues from mental health support to community development. With skills in counseling, advocacy, and program management, social workers are equipped to make a difference in various environments. Whether in direct practice or leadership roles, the opportunities for social work professionals are vast, allowing them to create lasting impact across communities.
School social workers work with teachers, parents, and school administrators to develop plans and strategies to improve students’ academic performance and social development. They help students with problems such as aggressive behavior or bullying. Additionally, school social workers meet with families to discuss issues such as access to special education resources or frequent student absences.
Health care social workers help clients understand their diagnosis and adjust their lifestyle, housing, or healthcare. For example, they may help people transition from the hospital to their homes and communities. In addition, they may provide information about services, such as home health care or support groups, to help clients manage their illness or disease. Social workers help doctors and other healthcare workers understand the effects that diseases and illnesses have on clients’ mental and emotional health. Some healthcare social workers specialize in geriatric social work, hospice and palliative care, or medical social work.
School and community service managers oversee programs that support public well-being and supervise service workers. They work for organizations that assist specific groups, such as children, older adults, or veterans. Some focus on addressing challenges like substance abuse, mental health, or chronic hunger. Their role ensures that these programs effectively serve communities in need.
Child and family social workers protect vulnerable children and help families in need of assistance. They help families find housing or services, such as childcare, or apply for benefits, such as food stamps. They intervene when children are in danger of neglect or abuse. Some help arrange adoptions, locate foster families, or work to reunite families.
Learn from the Best
At Belmont School of Social Work, you'll learn from the best. Our award-winning faculty includes renowned teachers, nonprofit leaders, and experienced practitioners who bring real-world expertise to the classroom. Gain valuable insights and skills from those who are shaping the future of social work and making a lasting impact on communities locally and globally.
Douglas Crews
Email: douglas.crews@belmont.edu
Office Location: JMC 403 B
Jennifer Crowell Thompson
Email: jennifer.crowell@belmont.edu
Office Location: JMC 403 F
Julie Hunt
Email: julie.hunt@belmont.edu
Office Location: JMC 403 A
Kate Pooler
Email: kate.pooler@belmont.edu
Office Location: JCM 441
Carmen Reese Foster
Email: carmen.foster@belmont.edu
Office Location: JMC 403 C
Sabrina Sullenberger
Email: sabrina.sullenberger@belmont.edu
Office Location: JMC 403 E
Frequently Asked Questions
To be admitted into Belmont University's BSW program, prospective students must first gain general admission to the university. Once enrolled, students can declare a major in Social Work. There are no additional prerequisites specific to the Social Work program beyond the university's standard admission requirements. However, students are encouraged to maintain a strong academic record and demonstrate a commitment to service and social justice, as these align with the core values of the Social Work profession.
A BSW degree from Belmont opens up a variety of career options, including roles in healthcare, mental health counseling, child welfare, community outreach, nonprofit organizations, and social services. Graduates often pursue higher education or work as case managers, social workers in schools, mental health professionals, and advocates for marginalized populations. The versatile skill set gained allows for positions in both direct practice and leadership roles in the social work field.
Belmont offers strong support through a dedicated professional development course, personalized career coaching, and networking opportunities with social work professionals. In addition to these resources, students have access to workshops, alumni connections, and a wide range of internships designed to prepare them for successful careers in social work. The program also helps students align their career goals with their values, interests, and social impact aspirations.
Yes, the Belmont BSW program provides students with boutique approach to internship offering hands-on internship opportunities through partnerships with local agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations. These internships are tailored to student interest, and essential for applying classroom learning to real-world scenarios, gaining professional experience, and building a network of contacts within the social work field.
Yes, Belmont offers scholarships tailored for Social Work majors. Notably, the DeEbony Groves Social Work Diversity Endowed Scholarship supports students who contribute to the development of a diverse learning community. Additionally, the McWhorter Society Scholarship is available to Health Sciences students, including those in Social Work, who demonstrate financial need and a passion for leading change. Students are also encouraged to explore general financial aid options through Belmont's Office of Student Financial Services.
The BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) program at Belmont prepares students for entry-level social work positions, focusing on foundational knowledge, ethical practice, and developing key skills in counseling, case management, and community service. The MSW (Master of Social Work) program, on the other hand, builds on this foundation, preparing students for advanced social work roles, leadership positions, or specialized practice areas such as clinical social work, policy, and administration. With a Belmont BSW students can earn an MSW in just one year!
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Linda Arce
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615.460.5193
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