3+2 Social Work Program Leading to MSW

Baldwin Wallace students can earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology or sociology and then earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Case Western Reserve University in a total of five years.

Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree and Master of Social Work (MSW) in Five Years

By enrolling in the 3+2 program with Case Western Reserve University, you will earn your bachelor’s degree in psychology or sociology from BW and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). During your third year at Baldwin Wallace, you will apply for admission to the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at CWRU.

After successful completion of your first year of the graduate program at CWRU, Baldwin Wallace will award your bachelor’s degree. CWRU will award the MSW at the successful completion of the graduate program, at which time the student has the academic qualifications to test for certification as a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) in Ohio.

Those who hold a MSW and the LISW are fully qualified to supervise social service casework, manage social service agencies and enter into a private practice in counseling.

Questions?

For additional information about recommended courses of study, application of transfer credit and program residency requirements, students should contact Dr. Jill Stephens Fleisher by email jfleishe@bw.edu or the BW admission office.

Career Opportunities in Social Work

Job prospects for social workers will continue to be in high demand in coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics: “Overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.”

While future job prospects will depend on your interests, a few examples of potential jobs in social work include:

• Executive Director of a Nonprofit Organization
• Hospital Social Worker
• Community Organizer
• Mental Health or Substance Abuse Counselor
• Policy Analyst
• Social Science Researcher

3+2 Social Work Program Requirements

Students in the 3+2 Social Work program complete 33 hours in psychology or sociology with an additional four (4) courses in the other discipline. The B.A. in sociology is 40 credits, the B.S. in psychology is 41 credits.

• Complete all core requirements at Baldwin Wallace.
• Complete at least 33 hours in either a sociology or psychology major, with elective courses taken in the other department (student should have a strong background in both sociology and psychology).
• GPA of 3.25 or higher.
• Minimum of 94 credit hours of undergraduate course work completed prior to admission to CWRU’s Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences (students who transfer credits to BW must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours at BW).
• Strong faculty recommendations from BW and recommendation of the BW program coordinator.
• Meet all academic and personal requirements of the admissions committee at the Mandel School for acceptance into the graduate program.

Minimum Credits Required

At least 60 total credits at Baldwin Wallace are required, including a minimum of 33 credits in either the sociology or psychology major (plus prerequisites where applicable).

Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences

Baldwin Wallace University is proud to partner with Case Western Reserve Mandel School to offer the 3+2 program to undergraduate students. The Mandel School ranks as the #1 school of social work university in Ohio and #9 in the United States. To learn more about the Mandel School, contact mandelschool@case.edu.

Student Experiences

Brain Center

BW psychology and sociology students seeking hands-on experience will find invaluable opportunities with the David & Frances Brain Center for Community Engagement, allowing them to work with people in the Greater Cleveland community and beyond.

The Center for Community Engagement offers a variety of ways for students to get involved and fulfill experiential learning requirements by serving at the local, national and international levels. Opportunities include one-time projects, weekly service, alternative breaks, international service, leadership positions and more. Students gain valuable experience in leadership roles as alternative spring break leaders, College Explorations coordinators, special projects team members, Super Saturday coordinators and coordinators for weekly programs.

Active Minds

Active Minds strives to increase students' awareness of mental health issues and symptoms of mental illness, serving as a liaison between students and mental health organizations in surrounding communities, and providing educational resources and training to students. The group aims to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental illness and create an open environment for the discussion of mental health issues.

Alumni Success