Social Work

Sociology involves developing knowledge and skills for creating a just society; social work focuses instead on improving the lives of individuals facing social challenges such as:

  • poverty
  • discrimination
  •  homelessness
  •  illness
  •  abuse

If you are passionate about helping others and want to make a difference for individuals, families, groups, and the community, then a career in social work might be right for you.

Read more detailed program information in the mission statement, goals, competencies, and themes. 

Our program

We will educate you on the practice of social work with diverse populations under local, regional, and global systems.  We focus on social work knowledge, values, skills geared toward the indigenous peoples of the Southwest. 

We do this by giving you opportunities to:

  • engage and interact with groups and individuals
  • analyze the biological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual components of human behavior and society
  • articulate the evolution of social welfare and social work as a profession
  • advocate for social change

Degrees and programs

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Here you can study social work techniques while relating it to:

  • Research
  • policy
  •  human behavior
  •  technology
  • crisis intervention
Degree requirements

To earn this degree, you must complete at least 120 credit hours:

  • at least 35 credit hours of liberal studies requirements
  • at least 75 credit hours of major requirements
  • elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 credit hours

Minor in social work

With a minor in social work, you can expand your current major by applying knowledge on social policy and special topics on social work like healthcare, child welfare, and more.

To complete a social work minor, you must take the following 18 units:

  • SW 220 (3 credit hours)
  • five courses from: SW 320W, 321, 370, 401, 420, 450 (15 credit hours)

Academic catalog  

See the academic catalog for full details on this degree, including a course listing. 

Apply now to the BSW program

To be eligible to apply, you must have:

  • at least 24 units, including SW 220, with a grade of B or better
  • a minimum grade point average of 2.25

or permission of the admission committee

Application deadlines

To start in the spring semester: October 1

To start in the fall semester: March 1  

To apply:

  1. complete the social work application form  
  2. obtain copies of your unofficial transcripts (those from other universities are only needed if incoming coursework has not been transferred as NAU credits]
  3. write a personal statement
  4. obtain 2 letters of recommendation

Turn in all documents to the Sociology and Social Work Department: Social and Behavioral Scienecs - (Room 330, Bldg #65).

NAU BSW Program Video

Watch our video to learn more about the program.

NAU BSW Program Assessment