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Social Work

Social work is a helping profession that aims to improve the well-being and quality of life of people from diverse demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds. 

social worker with children
Large group of Social Workers attend a conference

Welcome Week Activities

Social workers work with different populations, social problems and levels of practice and are employed in a variety of settings, including social service agencies and programs, healthcare institutions and services, communities, correctional systems, schools and government.

The social work program at the University of Southern Indiana prepares students with the knowledge, skills and values for generalist practice with diverse populations and emerging social issues.

Information for Out-of-State Students

Degree Programs

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Opportunities

There are a wide variety of career/practice areas for Bachelor's of Social Work (BSW) and Master's of Social Work (MSW) degree graduates. The Occupational Outlook Handbook lists social work as having faster than average job growth. Professional social workers work to assist clients in solving human problems.

Graduates work in a variety of settings including social services agencies and programs, health care institutions and services, communities, correctional systems, schools and government (at all levels).

Social workers work with different populations (children, adolescents, adults, elderly), social problems (substance abuse, mental and emotional problems, corrections, child maltreatment), and levels of practice (individuals, families, communities). Some of the more common career areas for professional social workers include:

  • Administration and Management
  • Advocacy and Community Practice
  • Aging and Gerontology
  • Substance Abuse
  • Child Welfare and Family
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Health Care Social Work
  • Justice and Corrections
  • Juvenile Issues
  • International Social Work
  • Mental Health and Clinical Social Work
  • Occupational and EAP Social Work
  • Policy and Planning
  • Public Welfare
  • Research
  • School Social Work
  • Marital and Family
  • Therapy/Practice
  • Teaching and Education

Many agencies, programs and health care institutions require licensed professional social workers due to accreditation, licensing, certification and governmental requirements. Detailed information is available in the Social Work Department or by going to the National Association of Social Workers website. 


Accreditation

CSWE logo

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs at the University of Southern Indiana are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

CSWE Accreditation

Meet Our Alumni

Professional portrait of USI social work graduate Macy Cato

Macy Cato '22

"I decided to pursue a career in social work as the profession is extremely diverse. This allows for my possibilities within my career to be endless. As an indecisive individual, it gives me a piece of mind that I am able to change the scope of my practice at any point in my career."

Exterior view of the entrance to the lower level of the Education Center

Aly Crouse

I am a former USI Social Work student and after all these years I wanted to outreach to express my appreciation for the BSW program. You guys let me move to Connecticut all those years ago to complete my practicum with the department of children and families and assisted with the trajectory of my career and life. Since completing my BSW I went back to school, got my LMSW, and in 2025 got my LCSW. I love my employment and all of the opportunities I have to assist others. I also consult for a Veteran non-profit and just completed ART training for trauma. Thank you guys for everything.

Connect With
Social Work

(812) 464-1843