This major is designed to prepare students for entry-level, generalist social work practice as well as for graduate study in social work or related areas. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education. Graduates receive the B.S.W. degree. The curriculum emphasizes content in each of five areas: social welfare policy, human behavior in the social environment, research, practice methods, and field instruction. Even though students may declare the social work major and begin coursework at Saint Leo University, formal admission to the Social Work Program is by special application (see "Requirements for Admission to the Social Work Program").
For admission into the final field placement, SWK 425 - Field Placement in Social Work, students must meet the specific program requirements (see Requirements for Admission to SWK 425 - Field Placement in Social Work"). To successfully complete the Social Work Program, it is expected that students maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5, maintain a 2.5 in the social work major and pass all social work courses with a grade of 'C+' or better prior to entering the senior field placement, and earn a minimum grade of C+ in SWK 426, the senior seminar, taken concurrently with the field placement, which students must pass with a grade of P.
The Social Work Program is available to students enrolled through the University Campus, the Adult Education Center at University Campus (Weekend Program), New Port Richey PHSC Education Office, Spring Hill PHSC Education Office, Gainesville Education Center Magnolia Parke Office, and the Tampa Education Center.
Religion is a minor highly compatible with a social work major, as are minors in management, computer information systems, sociology, and psychology.