Bachelor in Sozialarbeit (B.S.W.)

The social work program equips graduates with the knowledge, values, and skills needed for the development of professional ethics and practice competence.

The program prepares graduates to work effectively in a broad spectrum of social service settings that address poverty, multiple forms of oppression, social injustice, and other human rights violations. The department seeks to be a brave space for students with multiple and diverse identities, striving for inclusive excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. The program also prepares students for graduate study in social work and other related professions including law, counseling, and public policy.

In addition to lecture and class discussion, the social work program utilizes a variety of teaching strategies, including case-based and experiential approaches to enhance learning. Students are exposed to issues and organizations at local, state, and national levels through policy forums, conferences, interviews, and service learning. All majors use the interviewing labs for case simulations and interviewing to develop their practice skills. The department offers minors in family studies (with a focus in gerontology or family ecology) and Nonprofit Studies.

We know that success requires equal parts intellect and action. At JMU, that’s what Being the Change is all about.

When students graduating from James Madison University proudly walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, they’re more than just educated. They’re members of a fellowship of doers. They know how to make things happen. They’ve honed their ability to think critically. They’ve learned the importance of a strong work ethic and they’ve become committed to and skilled at collaborating with others. Diplomas in hand, they leave campus determined to live lives of meaning and pursue careers of purpose.

Only two hours from Washington D.C., JMU is fast becoming one of the nation’s leading lights in higher education. That’s because students enjoy unusually engaged relationships with world-class faculty who are at JMU because they want to pursue knowledge and teach talented students.

JMU students, faculty and alumni are using equal parts intellect and action to succeed in every sort of pursuit: they’re boosting innovation and discovery, leading in business, advancing culture, improving health care, reforming education, renewing civil society, competing in athletics — they’re Being the Change in every imaginable way.