The Bachelor of Science in Social Work is a four-year degree program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills in social work practice, social welfare policies, and human welfare. It helps students understand the different units of society, such as families and communities, the problems and issues that surround them and the possible solutions that can empower and improve their way of living. The program aims to educate students on how to deal with different groups or individuals, including people who have disabilities, mental illnesses, criminal backgrounds, and addictions.

Recommended Senior High School Strand

Students who want to pursue a degree in Social Work are encouraged to take the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand under the Academic track. The curriculum focuses on human behavior, literature, education, politics, liberal arts, and society. The HUMSS strand will cover relevant topics that may be further discussed in their college lectures. 

Subjects and Curriculum

• The Philippine Social Realities and Social Welfare
• Filipino Personality and Social Work
• Social Deviation and Social Work
• Social Environment and Social Work
• The Family, Group, Community and Organizations
• Social Change and Development Perspective

Admission Requirements

Qualifications

• The student must be a high school graduate. 

However, if they were not able to graduate high school, they may opt to take the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and pass the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) to qualify for college; the availability of courses for PEPT passers depend on the university.

• The students must pass the College Admissions Test of the university.

Basic Requirements

• Form 138 - High School Report Card (Original and Photocopy)
• Recommendation letter from High school principal and guidance counselor
• Most recent medical and dental health record
• Copy of NSO Certified birth certificate
• Certificate of Good moral character
• Copy of honorable dismissal
• Copy of high school diploma
• (1) Latest 2”x2” ID Picture

Program Outcome

Graduates of BS in Social Work are expected to be able to:

• Determine the origin, development, and purpose of social work in the Philippines

• Criticize the impact of global and national socio-cultural oppression on the quality of life
• Apply knowledge of human behavior and social environment when dealing with assessments and interventions
• Critique policies, programs, and services on social welfare across the country; making sure it is responsive, accessible, and available to target populations
• Promote socio-economic and cultural rights by engaging in advocacy work
• Abide with social work values and ethical principles as a social worker

On-The-Job Training/Internship

During the fourth year of the program, students are required to attend an On the Job Training (OJT) in school settings, child welfare agencies, mental health clinics, settlement houses, community development corporations, or privately owned companies. 

Students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an actual work setting. Usually, universities require them to submit a written report on their tasks, learning experiences, and hours rendered. Their work performance will also be evaluated by their immediate managers and will be submitted to their respective OJT coordinator. The number of hours required may differ in each university.

Board Exam

To become a Registered Social Worker in the Philippines, a graduate of BS in Social Work needs to pass the Social Workers Licensure Examination. The examination is conducted by the Board of Social Workers under the supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). 

Career Opportunities

Graduates of BS in Social Work may pursue a career path in school settings, child welfare agencies, mental health clinics, settlement houses, community development corporations, or privately owned companies. They may apply as a family social worker, school social worker, community development officer, child welfare social worker, public health social worker, mental health social worker, social planner, or a social researcher.