Social Work

Bachelors of Social Work

Social work may be the profession for you if you have an interest in social justice, working with people and communities, and creating meaningful social change for vulnerable populations.

Our BSW program is geared toward preparing students to be highly competent generalist practitioners who work with individuals, families, groups, and communities to advance human rights, empower others, and create social change. 

Receiving your bachelor of social work (BSW) will prepare you to work in entry level positions in areas such as mental health, healthcare settings, child and family services, residential treatment, non-profits, and more. Students with a BSW are also able to receive state licensure as a Licensed Bachelor of Social Work (LBSW). Full time BSW programs are offered in Johnson City (main campus) and 100% Online.

An internship is included in the fall and spring semesters of the senior year, culminating in field experiences where students practice competencies and receive professional training. 

A bachelors degree in Social Work is also advantageous for any individuals interested in psychotherapy and clinical social work, as an accredited BSW degree makes you eligible to apply for a 1-year advanced standing master's program (as opposed to the traditional 2-year program).

To find out more about social work, we encourage you to take Introduction to Social Work (SOWK 1010) or contact an advisor.

Thanks so much,

Amber

Amber Street, LCSW
BSW Program Director & Clinical Assistant Professor 
streetab@etsu.edu

Masters of Social Work

ETSU's MSW Program's mission is to provide professional preparation and training to prepare students for clinical social work. The National Association of Social Workers defines clinical social work as “a specialty practice area of social work which focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness, emotional, and other behavioral disturbances.” 

Clinical social work is a model of practice that involves interactive professional activities with and on behalf of clients, especially those activities undertaken in the client’s presence and with the client’s collaboration. These activities are informed by an ecologically based bio-psycho-social assessment. Intervention and change oriented activities are based on a range of theories with the clinical social worker selecting the one, or the combination, most appropriate for the client’s situation. These activities may take place in an individual, family, or group setting. While focusing on those activities done in direct contact with clients, clinical social workers must also be prepared to make indirect contacts on behalf of clients. Those contact functions include advocacy, consultation, referral, and supervision. All social workers, including clinical social workers, must be aware of the impact of social policies upon their clients, and as citizens knowledgeably engage in the democratic process in a common struggle for economic and social justice.

ETSU's MSW Program combines coursework and in-depth internships (16-24 hours per week) to meet your career goals. The Director of Field Education works with each student one-on-one to help ensure a quality field placement.

ETSU's MSW program has been continually accredited since 2003. Graduates are eligible to work towards state licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Find out more here:  Thinking about MSW programs

Find out more here or apply now!
Please email MSW@etsu.edu with any questions.

BSW & MSW Academic Programs and Certificates

Department Spotlight

2023-2024 Awards

2022-2023  - Awards

 Dr. Mullins featured in the ETSU Great Lecture Series       Right Time, Right Place and Right People. 

2021-2022  - Awards

2022 College Distinguished Faculty in Teaching Award was presented to Dr. Thibeault (left). 

2022 College Distinguished Faculty in Service award was presented to Dr. Wilkins (right).

Dr. Mullins (center) was the keynote speaker at the 2022 ETSU- College of Health Sciences Honors Convocation.  She was the the 2021 College Distinguished Faculty in Teaching award recipient.

NASW ETSU

Newly elected NASW-TN Secretary, Cory Whitfield

Cory Whitfield is an alum of our MSW program.   Cory served as the student representative on the Tennessee NASW Board of Directors in 2020-2021.  He was recently elected as the secretary of the Tennessee Board of Directors.  Cory also serveed as the president of the master of Social Work Student Association and vice president of Phi Alpha Nu.  He is active in the community, and at the professional state level promoting fair and equitable policies to improve the quality of life of members of the community.  For more information on the NASW of Tennessee please visit: https://www.naswtn.com