Masters of Accountancy
The Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a...
Bachelor of Social Work
Richmond, Virginia
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is designed to prepare students for entry-level social work practice in a variety of settings. Grounded in social justice and human rights principles, the program emphasizes the development of knowledge, skills, and values necessary for promoting social and economic justice, empowering vulnerable populations, and addressing systemic inequalities. Students in the BSW program engage in a comprehensive curriculum that combines classroom learning with field experiences, allowing them to gain practical skills and experience in real-world social work practice settings.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BSW program at VCU covers a broad range of topics relevant to social work practice, including social welfare policy, human behavior and the social environment, social work research methods, diversity and social justice, and social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Students take courses in social work practice methods, such as casework, group work, and community organization, as well as courses focused on specialized areas of practice, such as child welfare, mental health, substance abuse, and aging. In addition to classroom instruction, students complete field practicum experiences in social service agencies, where they work under the supervision of experienced social workers to apply classroom knowledge to real-world practice settings.
Research Focus: Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to advancing research in social work and addressing pressing social issues facing individuals, families, and communities. Faculty members in the BSW program engage in research across various areas of social work, including child welfare, health disparities, trauma-informed care, substance abuse prevention and treatment, LGBTQ+ issues, and community development. Students may have the opportunity to participate in faculty-led research projects, conduct independent research projects, or collaborate with community organizations to address local social needs. Through research experiences, students develop critical thinking skills, evidence-based practice, and a deeper understanding of the complex factors that impact individuals and communities.
Industry Engagement: The BSW program at VCU maintains strong connections with social service agencies, community organizations, and professional associations to provide students with opportunities for industry engagement and professional development. The program collaborates with partner agencies to offer field practicum placements, internships, and volunteer opportunities that allow students to gain hands-on experience in diverse social work practice settings, such as child welfare agencies, mental health centers, hospitals, schools, and nonprofit organizations. Students also have access to workshops, seminars, conferences, and networking events organized by professional associations, such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), to stay current on best practices in social work and build connections with practitioners in the field.
Global Perspective: In today's interconnected world, social workers must be prepared to work with diverse populations and address global social issues. The BSW program at VCU emphasizes the importance of a global perspective in social work practice. Students learn about cultural diversity, cultural humility, and social justice on a global scale, and explore strategies for promoting human rights and social justice in international contexts. Through coursework, field experiences, and study abroad opportunities, students develop intercultural competence, cross-cultural communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of social issues across borders.
Location
Richmond, Virginia
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 37588
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fees: US$ 80
Academic Qualifications: Prospective undergraduate students are required to have a minimum academic achievement of 75% or above in their previous educational qualifications.
English Language Proficiency
- IELTS Requirement: A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no individual band score below 5.5.
- TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 70 is often required.
- PTE : A minimum overall score of 53 is required.
- DET Requirement: A DET score of 105 is required.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
Scholarships for International Students at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
Global Excellence Scholarship: This highly competitive scholarship is awarded to outstanding incoming international undergraduate students. It provides full tuition coverage for up to four years of study at VCU. Recipients are selected based on academic merit and their potential to contribute to the VCU community.
International Student Scholarships: VCU offers a range of merit-based scholarships for international undergraduate students. These scholarships vary in award amounts and eligibility criteria. They are typically based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other accomplishments.
VCU Presidential International Graduate Scholarships: These scholarships are available for international students pursuing graduate studies at VCU. The awards cover partial tuition costs and are granted based on academic excellence. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic achievements and meet specific GPA requirements.
VCU Honors College Scholarships: The Honors College at VCU provides scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate international students. These scholarships are typically based on academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.
VCUarts Scholarships: For international students interested in pursuing degrees in the arts, VCUarts offers scholarships that are specific to their programs. These scholarships may include awards for outstanding portfolios or auditions.
VCU School of Engineering Scholarships: International students studying engineering at VCU may be eligible for scholarships offered by the School of Engineering. These scholarships are based on academic achievements and career aspirations in engineering fields.
Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments at VCU may offer scholarships to international students within their specific fields of study. Eligibility criteria and award amounts vary by department.
External Scholarships: VCU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, such as those offered by government agencies, foundations, and international organizations. The university's scholarship office provides guidance on finding and applying for external scholarships.
It's important for international students to check the specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and application procedures for each scholarship they are interested in. Additionally, maintaining good academic standing is typically a requirement to retain scholarship awards.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) are well-prepared for a variety of rewarding careers in the field of social work. The program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to make a positive impact on individuals, families, and communities by addressing social problems, promoting social justice, and advocating for vulnerable populations.
Social Worker: Graduates of the BSW program are qualified to work as social workers in a range of settings, including child welfare agencies, mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, and community organizations. They provide direct services to clients, such as counseling, case management, advocacy, and crisis intervention, and work to empower individuals and families to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Social workers assess client needs, develop treatment plans, make referrals to community resources, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care.
Case Manager: Graduates may pursue careers as case managers, coordinating services and resources for individuals and families in need. Case managers work closely with clients to assess their needs, develop individualized service plans, and connect them with community resources, such as housing assistance, employment training, healthcare services, and financial assistance. They monitor client progress, advocate for clients' rights, and provide ongoing support to help clients navigate complex systems and achieve stability.
Community Organizer: Graduates with a passion for social justice and community empowerment may choose to work as community organizers, advocating for policy change, mobilizing grassroots movements, and building coalitions to address social issues and promote positive social change. Community organizers work with community members, stakeholders, and advocacy groups to identify issues of concern, develop campaigns and initiatives, and mobilize support for social justice initiatives, such as affordable housing, healthcare access, immigrant rights, and environmental justice.
School Social Worker: Graduates may pursue careers as school social workers, supporting students' academic success, social-emotional well-being, and overall development within educational settings. School social workers provide individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and support services to students facing academic, behavioral, or emotional challenges. They collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents to develop intervention plans, address attendance and truancy issues, and create safe and inclusive learning environments for all students.
Substance Abuse Counselor: Graduates may specialize in substance abuse counseling, providing assessment, treatment, and support services to individuals struggling with addiction and substance abuse disorders. Substance abuse counselors conduct screenings, facilitate therapy groups, develop treatment plans, and provide education and support to clients and their families. They may work in substance abuse treatment centers, mental health clinics, hospitals, or community-based organizations, helping clients overcome addiction and achieve long-term recovery.
Nonprofit Administrator: Graduates may pursue careers in nonprofit administration, managing programs, grants, and operations for social service agencies, advocacy organizations, and community-based nonprofits. Nonprofit administrators oversee budgets, staff, and resources, develop strategic plans, and ensure compliance with regulations and funding requirements. They play a critical role in advancing the mission and impact of nonprofit organizations, promoting organizational growth and sustainability, and addressing social needs within their communities.
