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Social Work, B.S.W. (Pre-Health Professions)

120 Credits  |   Main Campus | Washington, D.C.

Earn a Social Work college degree in Washington DC: Trinity's BSW program prepares culturally-sensitive advocates for careers in the capital region

Trinity Washington University’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program in Washington DC offers a rigorous BSW curriculum that prepares students for successful careers across diverse social service settings. Our program emphasizes core social work values, ethical decision-making, and culturally sensitive practice through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on field experiences throughout the DC metropolitan area.

BSW students learn how to practice core social work values while also engaging in ethical decision-making. Field experiences, along with classroom instruction and activities, will prepare students to be competent in developing culturally sensitive, generalist social work practice. Join a community of passionate and driven social work professionals and prepare to take on the challenges of a rewarding and fulfilling career with a BSW degree.

Why Study Social Work in Washington DC at Trinity

Pursuing a Social Work college degree in Washington DC at Trinity Washington University offers distinctive advantages that enhance both your educational experience and professional prospects:

Urban Social Services Laboratory

Among colleges in D.C., Trinity Washington University provides social work students with unparalleled access to the complex urban environment of the nation’s capital. Washington DC functions as a living laboratory where social challenges and innovative interventions coexist across diverse neighborhoods. Trinity BSW students engage with community-based organizations addressing homelessness, healthcare access, and family support services.

Policy Practice Integration

Washington DC serves as the epicenter of social policy development in the United States, providing an excellent advantage for colleges in D.C. Trinity’s social work program connects direct practice skills with policy advocacy competencies. Students analyze how federal initiatives impact local communities through field placements with agencies navigating complex funding streams and regulatory requirements—preparing graduates to practice effectively within policy contexts that shape social service delivery nationwide.

Healthcare Systems Exposure

Fortunately for colleges in D.C., the Washington DC metropolitan area hosts world-class healthcare institutions and community health initiatives. Trinity’s BSW program, with its pre-health professions emphasis, offers specialized field experiences in healthcare settings. Students develop integrated care competencies addressing social determinants of health—skills increasingly valued in today’s healthcare environment where social workers serve crucial roles in interdisciplinary treatment teams.

Multicultural Practice Environment

Washington DC’s exceptional cultural and linguistic diversity creates a unique learning context for social work students. Trinity distinguishes itself from other colleges in D.C. through our emphasis on culturally responsive practice across different community settings. Students develop skills working with immigrant communities, multilingual families, and diverse religious groups—preparing graduates for effective practice in increasingly diverse service environments throughout the country.

Nonprofit Career Pathways

As the home to countless social service organizations, Washington DC offers Trinity BSW graduates unmatched employment opportunities. Trinity’s program specifically prepares students for career pathways in advocacy organizations. These established connections create streamlined transitions from classroom to career in the region’s robust social services sector.

What You’ll Learn

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students are provided a range of opportunities to develop a broad knowledge and skills base to advocate for positive change and social justice as you help people navigate difficult circumstances. Students are expected to practice core social work values while practicing ethical decision-making. Field experiences, along with classroom instruction and activities, will prepare students to be competent in developing culturally sensitive, generalist social work practice.

Global Careers

  • Foster Care and Adoptions Social Worker
  • Hospice Social Worker
  • Youth Counselor
  • Homeless Services Specialist
  • Case Manager
  • Child Protective Services – Investigations and Assessment

Contact Your Recruiter

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Bachelor’s Degree
Public Health

Bachelor’s Degree
Psychology

Master’s Degree
School Counseling

How to Apply

Applying to the Social Work BSW Degree program is a 2-step process. First, students Apply to Trinity (it’s free, and you’ll get a quick decision!), and complete their pre-requisite courses through the College of Arts & Sciences.

Once pre-requisite courses are completed, pre-social work students apply for formal acceptance into the Social Work program. Alternatively, if having log-in issues at that link you can apply at this link. Questions? Contact your advisor or Program Director, Dr. Portia Cole at ColeP@trinitydc.edu

Pre-Requisite Requirements:  Students must complete pre-requisite courses before entering into the Social Work program. Pre-requisite courses may be completed at Trinity or at another college/university.   Those seeking a Social Work degree are required to apply for formal admission to the B.S.W program through the NHP department at the end of their sophomore year or once pre-requisite courses are completed.

We’re here to help at 202-884-9400 or admissions@trinitydc.edu.

Application Deadlines

Social Work program application deadlines:

  • Spring admission – October 1
  • Fall admission – February 1

What to include with your application

A student’s application should contain the following:

  • Social Work Program Application (completed online by the student)
  • Pre-Social Work Curriculum Plan (from applicant’s academic advisor)
  • Transcripts (from all institutions where pre-requisite and general education/core curriculum courses have been taken)
  • Essay

Admissions Requirements

Formal acceptance into the BSW involves consideration of the following criteria:

  • Overall GPA of at least 2.75
  • Personal Essay reflection on why this degree will further your personal and professional goals.

Pre-social work program students should direct any questions about the process for formal acceptance into the Social Work program to their undergraduate advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) or Dr. Portia Cole.

Students will be notified by the Director of the Social Work Program of the results of their application after all criteria for considering the application have been received and evaluated.

Other items to note:

  • For pre-social work courses, transfer credit is accepted based on Trinity’s transfer policy.
  • All pre-social work program students MUST earn a minimum of 120 credits to graduate with a BSW degree.

Accreditation

Candidacy for a baccalaureate social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation indicates that it has made progress toward meeting criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. A program that has attained Candidacy has demonstrated a commitment to meeting the compliance standards set by the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards but has not yet demonstrated full compliance. Students who enter programs that attain Candidacy in or before the academic year in which they begin their program of study will be retroactively recognized as having graduated from a CSWE accredited program once the program attains Initial Accreditation. For example, students graduating in May will be able to retroactively claim an accredited BSW (when full accreditation occurs). Candidacy is typically a three-year process and attaining Candidacy does not guarantee that a program will eventually attain Initial Accreditation. Candidacy applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.

Resources

  • Coming soon.

Applying to the College of Arts & Sciences

Steps to Apply

  1. Apply to Trinity. Applying to Trinity is free, and Trinity reviews each application as soon as it is complete: you’ll get our decision right away.
  2. Have your School Administrator submit your Official Transcripts (High School/College/Home School/GED) – International Transcripts must be evaluated prior to submission
  3. Submit Essay “Where do I see myself after obtaining a TWU degree?”
  4. Submit your Recommendation Letter(s) (Teacher/Guidance Counselor/Mentor)
  5. Once your application is submitted, use your log-in credentials to check your status

Trinity Admissions is here to help at 202-884-9400 or admissions@trinitydc.edu.

Admissions Criteria

  • First-Time Freshman candidates for admission should complete a secondary school program that includes 16 academic units: English, Mathematics (algebra, geometry, and trigonometry), Science to include Lab work (biology, chemistry, and physics), History, Foreign Language, and Social Science.
  • Transfer candidates must submit official college transcripts from each previously attended college or university.
  • Optional Standardized tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I) and/or the American College Test (ACT) can be submitted.  To have your scores sent to us use SAT code 5796 and ACT code 0696.
  • Minimum cumulative grade point average 2.0 (on 4.0 Scale).
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