The Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) program at Rider University will provide you with the knowledge, skills and training necessary to deliver competent and ethical practice in the social work profession.
With a strong focus on diversity, social justice, advocacy and the protection of vulnerable populations, our dynamic program will equip you with the values and ethics essential for equitable practice in the profession.
As a result, you’ll be prepared to work with individuals, families, organizations and communities from diverse backgrounds in various settings, including healthcare, schools, criminal justice and social services. In addition, B.S.W. graduates are well-equipped to continue their education in a Master of Social Work program.
Our 51-credit program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of social work theory, methods and practice, including social justice, human rights, and cultural competency. Learning will take place across a combination of courses taught by experts in social work and required fieldwork placements in real-world settings.
Graduates of the B.S.W. program at Rider are prepared to enter an entry-level position in the field of social work or continue their education in a Master of Social Work program. Rider’s B.S.W. training equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills for licensure in the state of New Jersey and prepares them to enter careers in the field.
Rider’s close proximity to New Jersey’s state capital offers students the opportunity to gain valuable experience through capital-city adjacent field placements, service learning and other professional practice while building connections throughout Trenton and across New Jersey.
In addition, our campus’ accessibility to the major cities of Philadelphia and New York provide further opportunities for students to gain diverse experiences in the social work field. Students also benefit from learning from our expert and richly experienced faculty who serve as who share their field-based knowledge and connections with them.
The social work classes I’ve taken thus far have been very informative. I enjoy having professors from the field come in to share their personal experiences with us, which makes the learning experience even more enjoyable."
Learn more about financial aid, tuition and the various options we offer to make your college education affordable.
Associate Professor, Department Chair
Department of Sociology, Criminology, and Social Work
Fine Arts Building
vthompson [at] rider.edu
609-895-5463
Academic Focus: Sociology
