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Major, Minor

Social Work

Degree type:
BS, Minor
Mode of study:
On-campus
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Transform lives with a social work degree from Mount Saint Mary’s University

Choosing to study social work at Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles means joining a legacy of advocacy, compassion and transformative action. Rooted in the values of our founding Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, our Bachelor of Science in Social Work prepares you to be a powerful advocate for society’s most vulnerable. Here, you’ll find a curriculum that integrates traditional liberal arts with a strong social justice focus, empowering you with the skills to create meaningful change in healthcare, policy and beyond.

Our program emphasizes a student-centered pedagogy, focusing on a culturally relevant approach that ensures every student’s cognitive and social needs are met through a psychosocial developmental framework. Our faculty are dedicated to your success, providing the guidance and individualized support that help you thrive. With social work professionals in high demand, choosing this major at the Mount will set you up for a rewarding, impactful career in areas from direct client support to policy advocacy. Join the legacy of change agents and make a difference in countless lives with Mount Saint Mary’s University.

My classes allowed me to learn beyond the classroom

I appreciated that professors combined curriculum with community-based experiential learning opportunities such as community immersions to learn about various issues Claudia Reyes ‘17 Resource family social worker at Nuevo Amanecer Latino Children Services

Career opportunities and program outcomes for social work graduates

A Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Mount Saint Mary’s University is more than a degree — it’s a path to making a real impact on communities and lives.

Many of our alumnae are making a difference every day at nonprofit social service agencies, health clinics, Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles Unified School District, the State of California’s Department of Child and Family Services, Department of Mental Health and many other organizations.

Our faculty offers students one-on-one academic advisement not only to help them stay on track but also to plan ahead to pursue post-graduate studies, if they so desire. Many of our graduates go on to earn a Master of Science in Social Work at prestigious institutions such as Columbia University, New York University, USC, UC Berkley, UCLA and many more, opening doors to advanced opportunities and deeper community work.

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Choose your path to social change

Shape your future

At Mount Saint Mary’s University, students passionate about making a difference in the world can choose between two impactful pathways in social work: a major and a minor.

In their own ways, both teach students how to become advocates for the vulnerable and provide them with essential skills to succeed in the field.

BS in Social Work

A Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Mount Saint Mary’s University prepares you to become a skilled advocate for social change. The program integrates human rights education and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into the curriculum, preparing students to recognize and address injustices. With a social justice-centered approach and student-focused learning, this degree offers both the academic and practical foundation needed for impactful careers across diverse social work fields.

Minor in Social Work

The minor in social work is a great addition to the studies of students who are passionate about social justice but pursue a different major. Still rooted in our commitment to social justice and human rights, this minor enriches your education with a deeper understanding of advocacy and the skills to make a difference. Integrating the Mount’s classical liberal arts foundation, the social work minor complements your primary degree and enhances your ability to drive meaningful change in your future career.

Gain crucial skills with thought-provoking courses

Our versatile curriculum empowers students with the perspectives and skills needed to make a tangible impact in communities worldwide. Discover some of our standout class offerings below. 

SW 104
Human Behavior in the Social Environment

Learn the complex forces that shape human growth and relationships across ages and communities. From family bonds to social systems, this course dives into major biopsychosocial theories and theories of human behavior and development, diversity and social justice, empowering you to understand and advocate for others through a holistic lens.

SW 129
Professional Development for Social Work Practice

Begin your journey to a meaningful social work career with this dynamic course on professional growth and self-discovery. Here, you鈥檒l assess your strengths, explore diverse career paths and gain practical skills in resume writing, interviewing and personal branding, all tailored to help you succeed in social work.

SW 136
Diversity & Cultural Humility

Gain fresh perspectives on social issues that shape our society today, from racism to ageism. This course challenges you to confront biases, understand social dynamics and embrace cultural humility, equipping you to advocate for justice and create positive change in diverse communities.

Shape your future in social work with real-world experiences

At Mount Saint Mary's University, social work students expand their learning far beyond the classroom through a range of experiential learning opportunities. From impactful community immersions and transformative international studies to year-long internships, these outside-the-classroom experiences further prepare students to become effective, compassionate leaders in the field of social work.

  • Student getting physical therapy in a pool

    Year-long internships

    Social work students at the Mount gain invaluable, hands-on experience through a full-year internship, partnering with nonprofit social services organizations and government agencies. Students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, working directly with diverse populations and tackling pressing social issues.

  • Community immersion experience

    Community immersion is our non-clerical experience that allows students to apply their social justice knowledge to practical settings, deepening their understanding of advocacy and empowering them to become compassionate, effective agents of change.

  • International experience

    Want to deepen your knowledge outside the U.S.? Take your studies beyond borders with an immersive experience in international social work! Travel abroad to engage in hands-on work across cultural and national lines, learning how global factors like culture, gender, and socioeconomic status influence services and policy