The Bachelor of Social Work program combines specialized coursework with field education to prepare students for generalist social work practice and the opportunity to apply for graduate-level studies. We are transforming our state and nation and building healthier, better educated communities through a strong emphasis on cross-disciplinary research.
Members of our faculty and staff can answer your questions regarding the Bachelor of Social Work program, student services, advising and field education.
We want every student to have a successful BSW program experience. However, some circumstances can make this process difficult. Here are some tips to help you be as successful as possible:
- Use and check your University of South Carolina email account frequently. Emails from the Bursar, Registrar, College of Social Work and your advisor will be sent to your USC email account. Do not miss an important message because you failed to check your email.
- Communicate often with your advisors. Email communications often allow us to determine whether your question or concern is a policy being discussed or next steps that are required in a process.
USC publishes the academic calendar which includes important dates such as start dates, holidays, and scheduled breaks.
Resources
Computer Lab: Several computers are provided in the BSW/MSW Student Computer Lab located in Hamilton College, Room 201B.
BSW Student Listserv: BSW students are automaticaly added to the listserv. It is used by the college administration to communicate news, events and activities with students.
- Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Financial assistance may be available for students who qualify. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
- Writing Center
- Offers free consultations to USC students. Through collaborative consultations, the center provides feedback to help writers accomplish their own goals.
- Academic Success
- Resources are available for any students aiming to improve performance in the classroom and in life. Faculty serve as teachers, advisers, and mentors, while current students serve as peer leaders and tutors.
- Student Disability Resource Center
- Coordinates efforts to ensure that students with disabilities receive reasonable accommodations. To apply for accommodations, students should start the application process as soon as they are admitted to the university.
- Career Center
- Helps students realize their career goals and locate employment upon graduation. Services include resume writing, job searches, interview preparation and exploring graduate school.
- Thomas Cooper Library
- Contains most of the university's collections on the Columbia campus. Bill Sudduth is the library's liaison for the College of Social Work and available for consultation.
- Office of Multicultural Student Affairs
- Educates, empowers, and organizes students, campus and community partners to create opportunities for multicultural education, self-awareness, advocacy, cultural understanding, and social justice.
- Office of Diversity and Inclusion
- Supports USC's commitment to creating and sustaining an inclusive learning, living and working environment where all members of the university’s community feel that they are welcomed, valued and supported.
- International Student Services
- A variety of services for international students, including pre-arrival information, orientation programs, immigration advising, personal assistance, and student programs and activities.
- Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Support
- Advocates offer support and services to students who are survivors of interpersonal violence (sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, intimate partner violence and stalking).
- Gamecock Pantry
- A campus food pantry created for students, by students.
- Off-Campus Living and Neighborhood Relations
- Provides information to students about off-campus housing.
- Parking
- A variety of parking options for students on the Columbia campus is available.
- Student Health Services
- Provides on-campus comprehensive physical and mental health care services to help contribute to students success and overall well-being.
- Wellness and Prevention
- Encourages and supports healthy lifestyles for all members of the USC community.
- Counseling and Psychiatry Services
- Essential therapy and emotional wellness services are available.
- Suicide Prevention
- Provides support and education to students.