Bachelor of Social Work, Hawaii Pacific University

48 Months

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About this course

The Bachelor of Social Work at HPU is designed for individuals passionate about making a difference and solving social problems. The program prepares students to understand how individuals, groups, and communities are influenced by issues such as poverty, mental and physical illness, family difficulties, and social injustice. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience through supervised practicum placements, often in diverse settings like hospitals, schools, and social welfare agencies. The course emphasizes empowering others and transforming unresponsive social systems with skills in counseling, community development, and organization building. It aims to create social entrepreneurs committed to sustainable problem-solving and offers opportunities for students to translate American social work methods into culturally appropriate practices, especially for international students.

Why this course is highly recommended

HPU's School of Social Work is well-suited for both traditional and working adult students, offering evening and weekend classes for flexibility. The location in O'ahu provides a vibrant environment with diverse populations and settings, enriching practical experience. The program’s commitment to fostering social entrepreneurs and sustainable solutions makes it appealing to students who want to create meaningful change. Moreover, international students can especially benefit by learning how to adapt American social work methods to their own cultural contexts, broadening their professional horizons.

Specialisation

The program provides a broad foundation in social work practice, focusing on generalist problem-solving models across micro, mezzo, and macro levels. It prepares students to practice competently with diverse populations while understanding social and policy contexts. Additionally, students interested in advancing their education can take advantage of the accelerated pathway to earn both a BSW and MSW within five years, which includes up to one year of credit towards their master's degree.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

29.76L

Living cost

Degree requirements

To apply, students must be admitted to Hawai'i Pacific University with a minimum of 60 credits and have completed prerequisite courses such as Introduction to Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, and a Writing course with a grade of C or higher. Applicants need an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher and must submit their application by April 1 for fall admission. Prospective students should be aware that the program begins the fall following completion of their introductory social work course, SWRK 1010.

English language test

IELTS

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

105

Want to learn more about the admission process, eligibility criteria, and acceptance rates for international students? Visit the Hawaii Pacific University admission page for complete details.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work program are equipped to work in various settings including hospitals, schools, legislative bodies, and social welfare agencies. They can pursue careers helping children, adults, and elders tackle social issues, and are prepared to empower individuals and communities for positive change. Students interested in further specialization can continue into the Master of Social Work, especially through the accelerated pathway, enhancing their career opportunities and earning potential.

FAQs

When should I start to think about admissions?

It's best to start early, ideally in your sophomore year, by taking the Introduction to Social Work course and planning your application process accordingly.

When do I apply for admission?

The program accepts students only once a year, with applications due by April 1 for fall entry. Planning ahead and completing the prerequisite courses will help ensure a smooth application process.