Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Catalog Year 2025-2026

Based on VCCS Curriculum for SOCIAL WORK

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement Requirements

• Earn a transfer associate degree based on the Social Work Curriculum

• Earn a minimum of 2.8 GPA for the associate degree

• Good academic standing at current institution

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: https://admissions.radford.edu 

• Admission Application: By March 1 for priority fall admission and November 1 for priority spring admission at https://www.radford.edu/admissions/apply/index.html 

• Financial Aid: https://www.radford.edu/fin-aid , FAFSA priority deadline March 1.

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: https://studentaid.gov 

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org 

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and an admissions counselor at RU within your first year.

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• A Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) offers a professional degree for a variety of in-demand career options that include case manager, child welfare specialist, family service worker, mental health aide, substance abuse worker, and rehabilitation specialist.

• Full-time and part-time plans are available.

• Small classes and faculty advising.

• Variety of field internship sites available.

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: The completion of the transfer-oriented degree program will satisfy the REAL Curriculum (lower division/general education) requirements. Students will need to complete all other University, college, and departmental requirements in order to obtain the baccalaureate degree from RU.

• Dual Enrollment – Completion of Associate Degree in HS: Students completing the associate degree in high school should apply using the freshman application. If admitted, the student will receive the benefits associated with the transferable associate degree (as noted prior).

• Credit for Prior Learning: AP, IB, and CLEP are evaluated for credits (based on receipt and evaluation of official scores).

• Catalog Year: Students will be subject to the catalog in effect at the time of enrollment at RU unless otherwise requested.

Is This College Right For Me?

• Main campus is located in the city of Radford and our Radford University Carilion campus is located in Roanoke. RU is well-known for strong faculty/student bonds, vibrant student life and a commitment to student support.

• Situated in the stunning landscape of southwest Virginia, there are plenty of nearby opportunities to explore the outdoors.

• With 70+ bachelor’s degree programs across a variety of disciplines, the classes at Radford are hands-on and designed to help you prepare for your chosen career path.

• Transfer students have the option to live on-campus or off-campus within the local area.

• Over 80% of students receive some form of financial aid.

• 16 Division I teams and 300+ student organizations.

• Learn more about our university at www.TransferVirginia.org

Did You Know That…

• Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor’s degree?

• Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at Radford University?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org

Program Successes & Highlights

• The BSW Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

• Students engage in learning experiences through the completion of a full semester internship and capstone course.

• Students have opportunities for interdisciplinary and research symposiums.

• The School of Social Work offers interdisciplinary minors in Social Justice and Health & Aging.

• We offer full tuition payment through our Child Welfare Stipend Program.

• BSW graduates are eligible for Qualified Mental Health Profession (QMHP) certification through the Virginia Board of Counseling.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• Of students who apply, about 65% of transfer applicants are accepted to Radford University and about 80% of the entering transfer class comes from Virginia community colleges.

• Learn more about applying at www.TransferVirginia.org

Do More With Your Degree!

• Continue your education at Radford University using our early entry for the MSW and advanced standing option.

• Radford University MSW program options include full-time or part-time, in-person or online.

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• Complete the Plan of Study with a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA. All program-specific and minor courses require a minimum letter grade of “C” or higher.

• As a minimum, 120 semester hours are required for graduation.