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Social Work

Degree Type
  • Bachelor of Science in Social Work  
Location
  • Main Campus in Radford, VA  
Format
  • In-Person

Overview

The social work program helps train professionals who can assess situations and help people effectively. It teaches students to be aware of different cultures, include everyone, fight for fairness, and use theory and research to improve their work.

portrait of student in a lounge

Why Study Social Work at Radford?

  • Flexible programs to suit the needs of diverse students
  • 100% successful Internship placement
  • Over 95% of students graduating with a baccalaureate degree from the Waldron College of Health and Human Services have found employment or gone on to graduate school within 3 months of graduation
  • Stipend programs available
  • Study abroad programs

Careers & Internships

Our Bachelor of Social Work graduates often work with diverse populations. They work as case managers for: senior living, foster care, hospice, mental health, addiction, child welfare specialists,  geriatric specialists in hospitals, clinics, residential facilities, and hospice and outpatient centers to name a few.

B.S.W. graduates often pursue master's degrees in social work for careers in more clinical settings, such as psychotherapy and substance abuse counseling.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook for Social Work

Read more on why to choose social work as a career.

What Other Opportunities Are Available For Social Work Students At Radford?

  • Students will have opportunities to participate in faculty research projects
  • Faculty provide mentorship for student researchers
  • Clubs and organizations are available for students

Accreditation

Social work regulatory boards require that social work degrees must be obtained from programs of social work that are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Both the B.S.W. and M.S.W. at Radford University are accredited by CSWE with full accreditation until 2030 and therefore meet the educational requirements to become a licensed social worker in other states. Some states may have requirements beyond the educational requirements in order to be licensed. 

Our programs are also reviewed and monitored by a Professional Advisory Council, composed of trained professional social workers, and are affiliated with many professional organizations including the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the School Social Work Association of America.

Professional Advisory Council

Roanoke PAC

  • Raleigh Campbell, Retired Practitioner
  • Ted Edlich, Total Action Against Poverty
  • Jane Conlin, City of Roanoke Department of Social Services
  • John Woodrum, Veterans Hospital, Salem 
  • Kathy Wolford, Carilion
  • Gloria Manns, Private Practice
  • Mark Derbyshire, Carilion
  • Pam Kestner, Council of Community Services
  • Wesley Brusseau, RU School of Social Work Alumni
  • Mitzi Cotton, RU School of Social Work Alumni
  • Reverend Joe Cobb, Metropolitan Church

 New River Valley PAC

  • Terry Smusz, New River Community Action
  • Vicky Collins, Radford City Department of Social Services
  • Tina King, New River Valley Agency on Aging
  • Pat Brown, Women’s Resource Center 
  • Larry Lindsay, Montgomery County Department of Social Services
  • LeeAnn Martin, Pulaski County Department of Social Services
  • Guy Smith, Pulaski County Department of Social Services
  • Lewis LaFon, Wythe County Department of Social Services
  • Tracie Brewster, Montgomery County Department of Social Services

Former Members

  • Dr. Harvey Barker, Licensed Professional Counselor
  • Kim Matthews

Related Minors

  • 100% Successful Internship Placement

  • Almost 100% Career Placement for Graduates

  • Nationally Ranked Social Work Program

Learn By Doing Field Work

The Field Program is where you pull your learning together and where all of the theories begin to make sense as you come to understand people and situations within their real-world context.

student sitting on the edge of a garden

"I was already interested in music and art, and Radford University helped me apply those interests to social work to provide people with really cool outlets.”

Ambrianna Spurell

student Ambrianna Spurell

Ready to Study at Radford?

We want to get to know you better and we are excited that you are ready to take your next step and learn more about us. We are here to help you and look forward to working with you during your college search process.