Shaw University Social Work Programs

Shaw University’s Social Work Programs create a clear path to an exciting career in one of today’s most sought-after professions. The Social Work program stands as one of Shaw University’s most popular majors. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has fully accredited the program, which means you’ll get quality education that meets all professional standards.

The Department of Social Sciences at Shaw offers a detailed education through their Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. Students who graduate from the Evelyn Lane Sanders Social Work Program get a valuable advantage. They qualify for advanced standing in Master of Social Work (MSW) programs and can finish their graduate degree in just one year instead of two. This benefit makes the program a smart choice if you plan to continue your education. The program teaches you to tackle social issues of all types. You’ll develop key skills and knowledge to work with different communities. The job market looks bright for social workers right now. Mental health, child welfare, health, corrections, and geriatrics sectors need qualified professionals more than ever.

Types of Social Work Degrees Offered at Shaw University

Shaw University offers focused degree paths that prepare you for social work careers of all types. The Department of Social Sciences provides a well-laid-out Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program that builds a strong foundation for your educational trip.

The BSW program stands out as a detailed undergraduate option that gives you the fundamental knowledge in human behavior, social welfare policy, research methods, and ethical practice standards. Students new to the field will find this program a great starting point. It blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience through fieldwork.

Shaw University currently focuses on undergraduate social work education and maintains strong ties with graduate programs at other universities. BSW graduates can smoothly transition into advanced degrees at these partner institutions.

The university’s CSWE accreditation becomes valuable when you plan graduate-level education after your BSW. This credential lets you qualify for advanced standing in MSW programs at other schools, which could cut your graduate study time by up to one year.

Shaw’s social work program covers these key areas:

• Human behavior in social environments
• Social welfare policy and services
• Social work practice methods
• Research methodology
• Ethics and professional standards
• Cultural competency and diversity

Students at Shaw University benefit from a mix of classroom learning and hands-on field experience. This approach helps them apply theoretical knowledge in real-life settings. Faculty members bring their practical experience to teaching and stay active in the social work field beyond their academic duties.

The program adapts to today’s social issues and challenges. It prepares you to tackle complex problems affecting communities, families, and individuals. Students develop critical thinking abilities, ethical decision-making skills, and cultural competence. These skills are crucial to work effectively in diverse settings.

Degree Specializations

Shaw University’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program gives you a comprehensive education that opens doors to many career opportunities. You’ll learn specialized skills through the Evelyn Lane Sanders Social Work Program that prepare you for real-world challenges.

Your coursework follows a carefully planned sequence to build expertise in human behavior, social welfare policy, and hands-on skills. The program teaches crucial courses like Human Behavior and The Social Environment, American Social Welfare Policy, Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families, and Communication and Writing for Social Workers.

Students can pursue specialized career paths in these fields:

• Child Welfare
• Advocacy and Community Organizing
• Housing Case Management
• Mental Health Case Management
• Addiction Recovery and Prevention
• Aging/Gerontology
• Developmental Disabilities
• Health Care and Public Health
• International Social Work
• Justice and Corrections

Shaw University’s BSW program offers a great advantage – you can qualify for advanced standing in Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. This means you can complete your MSW in just one year instead of two, fast-tracking your path to higher credentials. Most Shaw University BSW graduates move on to MSW programs after graduation.

Social and economic justice are at the heart of the curriculum. Courses like Human Diversity (SOW 303) and Substance Abuse: Issues and Treatment (SOW 495) teach you how to help vulnerable populations effectively. You’ll gain hands-on experience through Field Practice I and II (SOW 472, 474) and their accompanying seminars.

Social workers are always in high demand. The program shapes your education to match what employers want. Shaw University’s Social Work Program maintains its Council on Social Work Education accreditation, which ensures your degree meets professional standards and creates opportunities for jobs or further education.

Online and Hybrid Options

Shaw University offers flexible learning formats across its academic programs, with options that vary by field of study. The university understands that adult learners need different ways to learn based on their life situations and schedules.

The Adult Degree Program at Shaw combines classroom, streaming, and online classes to create a balanced learning experience. You can pick course options that match your schedule and the way you learn best. The Bachelor of Social Work program runs through traditional on-campus classes, based on current program details.

Shaw University’s fully online degree options don’t include Social Work right now. Students can earn online degrees in Business Administration, Christian Ministry, Sociology, Sociology: Criminal Justice, and Interdisciplinary Studies. These online programs meet the same quality standards as campus-based ones while giving students more flexibility.

The university’s online learning shines with its accelerated format in select programs. The Adult Degree Program runs on an eight-week cycle throughout the year. This quick pace helps you finish faster than traditional semester courses and balance your studies with work and family life.

If you want to pursue advanced social work education after Shaw University, other North Carolina schools might interest you. UNC Charlotte stands out by offering the state’s only fully online traditional MSW program. This could be a great next step for Shaw’s BSW graduates.

Shaw University’s Social Work Department can give you the latest details about flexible learning options. Programs and teaching methods often change to match student needs and new education trends, so check with them directly to find the best path for your situation.

Graduation Rates

Shaw University’s program effectiveness can be measured by its graduation rates. The university actively tracks student success metrics and strives to improve these outcomes.

Recent data shows Shaw University maintains a 67% freshmen retention rate. This number matches up well with North Carolina’s state average of 66.53% but falls slightly short of the national average of 70.57%. This rate tells us how many first-year students come back to continue their education.

The university’s degree completion rates paint an interesting picture. Students graduate at a rate of 9% in four years, while the 6-year graduation rate reaches 22%. These numbers currently sit below national averages – 37.92% for 4-year completion and 46.43% for 6-year completion among first-time, full-time undergraduate students.

Student categories reveal distinct patterns in graduation rates. Full-time students who make up 75% of the student body achieve a 19% six-year graduation rate. Part-time students, representing just 3.17% of the population, graduate at 8% over six years. Returning full-time students show better results with a 35% six-year graduation rate.

The university’s largest demographic, Black/African-American students, has an 18% graduation rate. International students perform better with a 33% completion rate.

Shaw University’s completion rates may be lower than average, but the institution has set clear standards to improve. Their target of 40% for six-year completion rates shows their steadfast dedication to student success.

Social work students should keep these numbers in perspective. The university monitors several other success markers too. These include graduate school admissions (targeting 25% of graduates continuing to graduate school) and job placement (aiming for 40% employment by graduation).

The social work program deserves evaluation based on multiple factors. Program quality, faculty expertise, and career support services matter just as much as these statistics.

Career Outcomes

Shaw University’s Social Work program opens up excellent job opportunities for its graduates. The job market just needs more Bachelor of Social Work degree holders. BSW graduates can choose from many positions in growing sectors. The job outlook looks promising in these fields:

• Child Welfare
• Mental Health Case Management
• Health Care and Public Health
• Aging/Gerontology
• Justice and Corrections
• Advocacy and Community Organizing
• Housing Case Management
• Addiction Recovery and Prevention
• Developmental Disabilities
• International Social Work

Shaw University’s social work graduates get a great advantage – they qualify for advanced standing in Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. This means they can complete their MSW in just one year instead of two. Students save both time and money on their path to advanced credentials. Most of Shaw University’s BSW graduates take this chance and go on to earn their MSW degrees.

The money looks good too. Shaw University graduates in Public Administration and Social Service Professions earn a median salary of $31,535. This beats other majors at the university where median earnings range from $18,795 to $24,104. Most Shaw graduates start their careers earning around $25,000.

Shaw’s Career Development Center helps students every step of the way with tools to build their careers and find jobs. The university brings employers to campus through job fairs and recruitment events. Some programs require internships that give students hands-on experience before graduation. The BSW program gives you everything you need in Social Work values, knowledge, skills, and supervised practice to start your career as a competent professional.

What’s Unique about the Social Work Programs at Shaw University

The Evelyn Lane Sanders Social Work Program is the core of Shaw University’s steadfast dedication to preparing skilled social work professionals. This program stands out because it perfectly balances academic rigor with practical application and creates an educational experience that aligns with your professional goals.

Shaw’s approach uniquely emphasizes social justice and advocacy work. The university weaves these principles throughout the curriculum instead of treating them as separate topics. Students graduate with social justice deeply embedded in their professional identity.

Field experiences start earlier than at other institutions, which is a great way to get hands-on experience while building theoretical foundations. This approach bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-life application.

The faculty’s credentials make the program exceptional. Teachers combine academic expertise with extensive field experience and create learning environments that blend theoretical knowledge with practical wisdom. Their dual point of view enriches class discussions and prepares students for today’s social work challenges.

Small class sizes set this program apart from larger universities. Students receive individual attention and mentoring opportunities that are rare elsewhere. This close-knit environment promotes stronger bonds with faculty and peers, building a supportive community for professional growth.

Through collaboration with community organizations in Raleigh and beyond, the program creates valuable opportunities. Students can participate in service-learning projects, research partnerships, and find potential employment after graduation.

The program’s heritage as part of the South’s first historically Black university enriches the curriculum with valuable insights about serving diverse populations. This historical foundation deepens students’ understanding of social work’s role in tackling structural inequalities and improving community wellbeing.