Social Work

About the Department

Welcome to the Department of Social Work at Winthrop University. To learn more about Social Work you can visit the new CSWE Student Website or take a look at What do Social Workers do with their degree?

At the heart of our student-centered learning community, the Department follows the established core social work values of the social work profession - service, social justice, the dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. We offer the following degree options to educate students to become generalist practice and advanced practice social workers:

Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree

Winthrop's B.S.W. program prepares students for immediate entry into professional social work roles across diverse settings. Graduates are equipped to practice generalist social work at all levels - including individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. The program also provides a strong foundation for those who choose to pursue graduate education in social work.

Social Work Minors

Winthrop offers three dynamic minors that complement a wide rage of undergraduate majors and interests:

Social Welfare - Ideal for students passionate about social issues who are not pursuing professional social work. Gain foundational knowledge in social systems and policy.
Child and Youth Well-Being - Open to all students, this minor explores key aspects of child and adolescent development, making it a perfect fit for those interested in education, psychology, or social services.
Gerontology - Designed for students from any major who want to understand aging and life-span development - an increasingly important field across healthcare, policy, and human services.

These minors provide valuable insight and versatality for careers in helping professions, advocacy, public service, and beyond.

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree

Our MSW program features an advanced concentration in Empowerment Practice, preparing students to work effectively with individuals, families, small groups, communities, and organizations. Designed for flexibility, the program is available in both full-time, and 100% online formats - making it accessible for working professionals and students with diverse needs.

Office of Practicum

Practicum Placements play a crucial role in all our programs, providing students with hands-on experience and exposure to real-world scenarios. The Office of Practicum Instruction is dedicated to organizing and facilitating graduate and undergraduate internships across a wide range of local and regional agencies. If you are seeking to register for Practicum Orientation, we encourage you to visit the Office of Practicum Instruction and take the first step towards an enriching and practical learning experience. If you need to register for Practicum Orientation, please visit the Office of Practicum Instruction here.

Title IV-E Child Welfare BSW and MSW Scholars Programs

The Winthrop University of Department of Social Work proudly partners with the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) to offer the Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholars Program - a specialized initiative providing education, training, and tuition assistance to B.S.W. and M.S.W. students committed to a career in child welfare.

The B.S.W. Scholars Program recruits first-semester juniors each fall.
The M.S.W. Scholars Program recruits current DSS child welfare employees each spring.

Scholars are selected through a competitive application process and receive targeted preparation for impactful, long-term careers serving children and families in South Carolina.

For more information about the program, please visit:

DSS BSW Scholars Website

DSS MSW Scholars Website

Fall 2024 BSW Scholars Application Deadline: extended to Friday, October 11th.

Fall 2024 BSW Info Sessions:

Session #1: TBA

Session #2: TBA

Please e-mail Dr. Kori Bloomquist at bloomquistk@winthrop.edu with questions or to RSVP for an Info Session.