Social Work BSW

Social work is not just a career – it’s a calling.

Social work student

Our nationally recognized School of Social Work prepares graduates to transform their world.

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We prepare future social workers to make an impact on individual lives, communities and systems.

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In-Demand Careers

  • Outreach Worker
  • Case Manager
  • Probation Officer
  • Child Welfare Specialist
  • School Social Worker
  • Substance Abuse Counselor

Why Social Work? | Why Our Program?

  • Our faculty are recognized as national experts in their field.
  • The School of Social Work is home to the Atrévete Center of Excellence for Latinx/Hispanic Social Work Practice – created to bring racial and cultural diversity to Rhode Island’s behavioral healthcare workforce.
  • Our program emphasizes experiential learning, including internships and field work at social service agencies.
  • Coursework is informed by social, racial, gender, economic and climate justice values.
  • Topics covered in the Bachelor of Social Work curriculum include: human services, social work research methods, crisis intervention, substance abuse disorders, child and adolescent trauma and clinical social work.

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Our BSW Faculty

Hear From a Student

La-Brina Almeida

La-Brina Almeida

“I had been working with homeless clients at the micro level, but for the first time, I was able to address social injustice at the macro level, the systems level. I realized that fighting for social justice is something that we can do for our clients both inside and outside of the clinical setting.”

Turning a Life Purpose into a Career

Rhode Island College entrance

School of Social Work

The School of Social Work at Rhode Island College is a center of excellence for lifelong learning in social work and human services in Rhode Island and southeastern New England.

  • phone401-456-8042
  • placeGuardo Hall - Building 9 East Campus
Joshua Diem

Dr. Joshua D. Diem

Associate Professor