Bachelor of Social Work

Bachelor of Social Work Graduating Class

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program at the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College is a world-class practice-based BSW Program. The BSW Program offers the opportunity to link theory and practice in a collaborative-learning model, where students move together through the program, participating in a robust curriculum and dynamic internships. Students will learn the core skills of assessment, engagement, intervention, advocacy, and documentation through a generalist practice lens. The BSW Program will prepare our students to become knowledgeable, caring front line Social Workers in the areas of Child Welfare and Care Coordination. Our students are prepared to be visionaries and leaders who shape Social Work in New York City and beyond.

Program Requirements

  1. Must be a full-time Hunter student with a 2.75 GPA.
  2. Transfer students must apply and get accepted to Hunter College before applying to the BSW Program.
  3. Life/work experience is not accepted for the BSW major.
  4. Complete the required Introduction to Social Work course with a “B” or better. Complete at least a 32-hour volunteer Internship assignment.

Application Requirements

  1. Completed application.
  2. Two letters of recommendation – One academic and one professional.
  3. Verification of completed 32-hour volunteer assignment.
  4. Copy of student transcripts from all undergraduate institutions one has attended.
  5. Personal statement (200-500 words). For example, why do you want to pursue your BSW? What makes you a suitable BSW student?
  6. Admission interview required.
  7. Students are only admitted in the fall semester.

How to Apply

Current Hunter Students

Fill out the Silberman School of Social Work BSW Application using the link provided at the bottom of this page.

Attach the following documents:

  • Essay/Personal Statement (200 to 500 words): Why do you want to pursue your BSW? What makes you a suitable BSW student? Why do you want to pursue the Child Welfare or Care Coordination track?
  • Resume
  • Field Work Experience Verification Letter

Transfer Students

Step 1: 

Fill out the CUNY Application for Transfer Applicants at www.cuny.edu/apply and submit the application fee.

Step 2: 

Fill out the Silberman School of Social Work BSW Application using the link provided at the bottom of this page.

Attach the following documents:

  • Essay/Personal Statement (200 to 500 words): Why do you want to pursue your BSW? What makes you a suitable BSW student? Why do you want to pursue the Child Welfare or Care Coordination track?
  • Resume
  • Field Work Experience Verification Letter

Step 3: 

Add the name/email for a minimum of two recommenders to the CUNY Application for Transfer Applicants. Please note, one recommender should be academic and one from a volunteer or paid experience in social work related field. The system will automatically alert the recommender of your request via email.

Step 4 (for transfer applicants only):

Request for official transcripts from all previously attended institutions to be sent to the CUNY University Application Processing Center (UAPC):

Transfer Admission
CUNY/UAPC
P.O. Box 359023
Brooklyn, NY 11235-9023

For additional details on the CUNY Application, please visit www.cuny.edu/apply.

Resources

At Silberman: Student-led events, research opportunities with nationally & internationally recognized scholars, Social Justice Committee, library, & coaching with the Silberman School of Social Work Writing Center.

At Hunter College: Office of Accessibility, Career Development Center, The Children’s Learning Center (certified), Immigration Student Success Center, Wellness Center, study abroad opportunities, tutoring, dormitories, scholarships, work study & over 55 academic programs for an undergraduate minor and specialized certificates.

Curriculum

Year One
Fall Spring
  • SW 310 Social Work Practice and Learning Lab I
  • SW 320 Introduction to Social Work Policy I
  • SW 330 Human Behavior/the Social   Environment  I
  • SW 311 Social Work Practice and Learning Lab II
  • SW 340 or 350 Social Work Policy II (either Child Welfare or Care Coordination)
  • SW 331 Human Behavior / the Social Environment II
Year Two
Fall Spring
  • SW Practice in Child Welfare I (SW 410) or  SW Practice in Care Coordination (SW 420)
  • SW 430 Integrative Seminar I
  • SW 440 Social Work Research
  • Field Practicum—2 full day , 14 hours
  • SW Practice in Child Welfare II  (SW 411) Or SW Practice in Care Coordination II (SW 421)
  • SW 431 Integrative Seminar II
  • Field Practicum—2 full day, 14 hours

Click here to see the Degree Map.

Application Deadline (Fall 2026): March 1, 2026

Apply Now
BSW Program →

CUNY Application for Transfer Applicants for Fall 2026 will be available soon www.cuny.edu/apply website. If you have any questions regarding BSW Admissions, please read the Frequently Asked Questions page.

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