BS in Social Work – Child and Family
Create Positive Change in the Lives of At-Risk Youth and Their Families with a BSSW – Child and Family Degree
Are you passionate about working with children and adolescents? Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) – Child and Family program provides training in effective ways to bring hope and healing to the hurting. Through this program, you can study how to address many of the challenges facing today’s youth and their families – including grief, family stress, neglect, substance abuse, bullying, poverty, and immigration.
At Liberty, our goal is to help you serve with excellence, compassion, and a strong commitment to justice. As you pursue your BSSW, you’ll explore cutting-edge social work research and practices – which can help you gain a well-rounded understanding of the issues affecting adolescents and families. The skills taught in this program can potentially be applied to many different career settings, such as adoption/foster care agencies, group homes, treatment facilities, schools, community centers, counseling practices, international work, and missions.
Partner with us for your BSSW degree and train to make a lasting impact!
Credit Hours
View CoursesNext start date: Aug 18, 2025
CSWE Accredited
Highlights
Highlights of Our BSSW – Family and Child Social Work Degree
Hands-on Experience
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!
A Supportive Network
Join one of our clubs and student organizations, such as the Social Work Club, where you can network with peers and professors alike.
A Deeper Dive
The Department of Psychology offers activities and events that can deepen your awareness of social injustices and allow you to hear from industry leaders on ways to make a difference.
A Biblical Foundation
All our content is taught from a biblical worldview, supporting you as you cultivate empathy and integrity.
Career Potential
What Can You Do with a BSSW – Child and Family Degree?
Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work with a specialization in child and family can help prepare you to pursue the following occupations:
- Adoption
- 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
#4 Best College Campus in America
At Liberty, you’ll find an affordable, high-quality education designed to help equip students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as the #4 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com.
Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.
Courses
What Will You Study in Our BS in Social Work – Child and Family?
Our core BSSW curriculum covers a wide range of topics – from chemical dependency and mental health to research and statistics. Our courses place a strong emphasis on ethics and integrity, so you can train to become a Champion for Christ.
Not only that, but you will have the chance to explore historical and contemporary issues surrounding social welfare and policy in the United States. You’ll also examine how the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of humanity are connected – which is essential for understanding how to provide comprehensive care to clients. The skills taught in the program can help you practice how to work with diverse populations, such as individuals, families, and groups.
Within the child and family cognate, you will dive into topics such as:
- Major developmental psychopathology areas, from infancy through adolescence
- Recent shifts in approach to child protective services, kinship/foster care, adoption, group/residential care, reunification, prevention, and community engagement
- 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
- Ways to address challenges related to grief and loss, bullying, school-related issues, trauma, poverty, substance use, mental health, family dynamics, and immigration
Our program places field experience at its core, so you can gain hands-on practice in real-world settings and put your skills to the test. This well-rounded course of study can help shape you into a competent and empathetic social work professional.
Additional Degree Information
Featured BSSW – Child and Family Courses
PSYC 345 – Exceptional Child
SOWK 462 – Children and Family Services and Practice
SOWK 464 – Social Work Practice with Children and Adolescents
SOWK 466 – Trauma-Informed Interventions with Children and Families
Degree Information
- This program falls under the School of Behavioral Sciences
- View the Degree Completion Plan
- Check out our course catalog
- Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total
BENEFITS
Why Choose Liberty’s BSSW – Child and Family Bachelor’s Degree?
Accreditation You Can Trust
We’re committed to offering a high-quality education. Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Additionally, our bachelor’s in social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) – so you can be confident your degree meets rigorous industry standards.
Beyond the Classroom
Our BSSW degree offers valuable opportunities for hands-on experience. You’ll complete 2 field placements as part of your program – giving you the chance to work alongside practicing professionals and apply your knowledge in real-world settings.
Professors with Practical Experience
Our faculty members bring real-life expertise to the classroom. Drawing from their own careers in social work, they provide insight, guidance, and practical wisdom that go beyond textbooks – helping you prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Real-World Readiness
Through a combination of accredited coursework, expert faculty, and immersive fieldwork, you’ll graduate with a strong foundation for your future. Whether you plan to enter the workforce or continue your studies, Liberty’s BSSW program is designed to help you gain knowledge and experience to make a difference.
Admissions
How Do You Become a BSSW –Family and Child Student?
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)
- Admission essay
Results from the CLT, SAT, or ACT are not required for admission, but may be used in consideration for merit-based aid.
*Note that additional documentation may be requested by the admission committee after your application has been received.
Have Questions?
We’ll make sure you have the information you need to take your next step.