Bachelor of Science, Social Work & Criminal Justice

Social workers play an important role in the criminal justice system. They help provide support for individuals and families throughout the legal process, including serving as client advocates and case managers in court, working in correctional facilities, and helping individuals maintain a reformed life after incarceration. Students with a desire to serve in this field should consider SEU’s double major in social work and criminal justice.

You’ll develop a solid understanding of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. You’ll also get hands-on training in managing cases, observing and assisting clients, and completing paperwork through your field observations and internship. Following graduation, you’ll be equipped to succeed and make a difference, whether you move directly into the job field or pursue additional studies at the graduate level.

The Bachelor of Social Work program at Southeastern University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Students who complete this program are eligible to apply for our Advanced Standing MSW program.

 

• Specific benefits of this degree

  • Students can strengthen their employability, particularly in today’s environment, and earn advanced standing in pursuit of a Master of Social Work degree. Most importantly, this educational path allows students to complete their master’s degree in less time with a significant cost savings.

 

• What makes this program unique, especially compared to similar programs at other institutions?

  • The commitment of faculty to their students and the integration of faith and spirituality with criminal justice/social work practice.

  • The double major in social work and criminal justice provides students an opportunity to obtain expertise in criminal justice, as well as social work, within the traditional 4-year time-frame due to the unique combination of courses within the double degree.

  • As students are required to meet all requirements of the social work major, coupled with criminal justice courses to complete the dual degree, students qualify for advanced standing in the Master of Social Work degree.
     

• List concentrations/tracks in program (if applicable) and include a brief description: 

  • N/A
     

• Provide 4-10 possible careers that students may be able to pursue

  • Case worker in a variety of settings, such as Child Welfare, Child advocacy, Medical, Homeless shelters/agencies 

  • Victim’s advocate

  • Social Worker - Juvenile System

  • Social Worker - Adult Prison

  • Social Worker - Law Enforcement

  • Law Enforcement - variety of careers

  • Community Organizer

 

• Specific graduation requirements beyond classwork (internship/practicum hours, study abroad, thesis or capstone project, etc.)

  • 400-hour practicum in a social work/criminal justice setting
     

• Certifications that student qualifies for upon graduation (if applicable)

  • Child Welfare Certificate (if completing 2 additional child welfare courses and practicum in a child welfare setting)
     

• Any additional information that would encourage an incoming student to choose this degree

  • Students interested in law enforcement, court systems, and corrections who also desire to develop practical skills in engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations would greatly benefit from this degree.

 

Career Ideas

• Conflict mediator

• Correctional counselor

• Diversion program manager

• Juvenile court liaison

• Mitigation/arbitration specialist

• Penologist

• Probation/parole officer

• Transitional case manager

• Victims advocate