Social Work

The West Chester University Undergraduate Social Work Program was founded in 1970 and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). We offer two programs of study, one that offers daytime classes on the West Chester campus, and the other that offers evening classes designed for transfer students looking to complete their degree on the Philadelphia campus. Our WCU in Philadelphia BSW program was launched in the fall of 2014.

The mission of the undergraduate social work program is to prepare students for beginning generalist social work practice and lifelong learning. To this end, the program teaches the knowledge, values, and skills of generalist social work with an emphasis on self-reflection and accountability, critical thinking, scientific inquiry, cultural humility, anti-racism, anti-oppression, diversity, equity and inclusion. Through classroom and practicum-based experiential learning, students are prepared to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities and to understand the intersections of people and their environments. In accordance with the social work profession’s values and purpose, the program prepares students to act both locally and globally to advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice. 

Nearly all information about the BSW program can be found on our website. If you have any questions, please contact the Chair of the Undergraduate Social Work Department, Dr. Hadih Deedat.

Candidacy Process

Candidacy is the application process which all undergraduate Social Work students must complete in order to progress academically in their major and be admitted to a practicum course and site placement.  

Please contact the department chair, Dr. Hadih Deedat at hdeedat@wcupa.edu with any questions.

Junior candidacy application deadline - april 1st 

Note: deadline may vary for transfer students.