Bachelor of Science in Social Work Child and Family
Foster the Well-Being of Adolescents and Their Families with a Bachelor’s in Social Work – Child and Family
Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) – Child and Family program can help you learn how to bring hope and healing to at-risk youth and their families. Through this program, you can explore how to address many of the challenges affecting children and adolescents today – including grief, bullying, family stress, neglect, poverty, substance abuse, and immigration.
The skills taught in this program can be applied to many different career settings, such as adoption and foster care agencies, group homes, residential treatment facilities, schools, community centers, counseling practices, international work, and missions. At Liberty, you can learn how to serve with excellence, compassion, and justice.
Pursue Your Degree with Confidence
- Rest assured knowing your degree meets industry standards, as our bachelor’s in social work program is accredited by CSWE, the Council on Social Work Education.
- Liberty University holds regional accreditation through SACSCOC, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Gain valuable, hands-on training through 2 field placements.
- Study under professors who have years of experience in the social work field.
What Will You Study?
- Major areas of developmental psychopathology, from infancy through adolescence
- Services, practices, and legal frameworks designed to ensure the well-being, safety, and permanency of children and adolescents
- Theories, empirical research findings, and interventions related to behavioral, emotional, and cognitive disorders
- Trauma-informed, evidence-based interventions for children
Potential Career Fields with a BSSW – Child and Family Degree
- Adoption services
- Children’s behavioral health
- Family advocacy
- Family support
- Foster care
- Group homes/residential treatment
- Hospital social work
- Prevention services
- Psychiatric social work
- School social work
Note: Many states require an MSW to conduct clinically focused work such as crisis intervention, substance abuse counseling, cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical therapy, and motivational interviewing. Because requirements for becoming a social worker may vary, be sure to research your state’s licensure requirements for more information: https://www.liberty.edu/statelicensure/.
Internship and Networking Opportunities Available to Social Work Students
- The Department of Psychology offers activities and events that can deepen your awareness of social injustices and allow you to learn from industry leaders on how to go about making a difference.
- Join one of our clubs and student organizations, such as the Social Work Club, where you can network with peers and professors alike.
- Pursue field experience opportunities and internships that allow you to gain invaluable work experience. You could potentially do so in Lynchburg, at home, through our Washington Fellowship program, or even internationally!
Admission Requirements for Our Undergraduate Degree Programs
Every application is reviewed by the admission committee on a case-by-case basis, meaning there are no set minimums for acceptance. However, all applicants must submit the following documents* for admission:
- Admission application
- Official high school transcripts
- Official college transcripts (if applicable)
- Results from the CLT, SAT, or ACT are not required for admission, but may be used in consideration for merit-based aid.
- Admission essay
*Note that additional documentation may be requested by the admission committee after your application has been received.
Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Credit Hours
Available On Campus
Class Type
Residential
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total
Next Start Date
Aug 24, 2026
Accreditation
CSWE
