Social Work Programs offered at Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University’s social work programs will prepare you to become a caring professional who helps vulnerable populations and creates positive social change. If you like listening to others and guiding them through tough times, a social work degree from Saint Leo could lead to a rewarding career.
Social workers change lives of people facing tough circumstances—from homeless individuals to foster children and disabled veterans. The field combines direct service with support for broader social change, which makes it both personally rewarding and meaningful.
Saint Leo’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program prepares you for entry-level, generalist social work practice and builds a foundation for graduate studies. The curriculum focuses on five key areas: social welfare policy, human behavior in the social environment, research, practice methods, and field instruction. This school’s approach helps you develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Students seeking advanced training will find Saint Leo’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares them to promote social justice, economic justice, and human rights at local, national, and global levels. The program creates leaders in advanced clinical social work practice who serve all populations, including the elderly, military personnel, and individuals experiencing discrimination or oppression.
Career Outlook and Opportunities
Social work offers strong employment prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports more than 682,000 people work in social work careers in the United States. Better yet, positions in this field should increase by 16% by 2026—a growth rate the BLS describes as “much faster” than the average for all other occupations combined.
Your social work degree from Saint Leo could lead to careers such as:
- Caseworker
- Substance abuse social worker
- Community organizer
- Child welfare worker
- Family services social worker
- Gerontological social worker
- Researcher
- School counselor
- Mentor support
You need a bachelor’s degree to start in social work, though clinical positions typically require a master’s degree. Many states also require professional licensure for certain roles.
Educational Pathways
Saint Leo University offers flexible paths that fit different student needs. You can study social work through:
- On-campus programs at the University’s main campus in Saint Leo, Florida
- Online programs that help balance work, family, and educational commitments
- Education Centers located across multiple states including California, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Florida
The Master of Social Work program gives you flexible options with two-year, three-year, and Advanced Standing programs—with the latter available both full-time and part-time. You can choose the timeline that best matches your schedule.
Program Accreditation and Quality
The undergraduate and graduate social work programs at Saint Leo University are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation means the programs meet professional standards and graduates qualify for appropriate licensure paths.
The MSW program helps students begin the licensure process for LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) or state equivalent where they live. Students should research their state’s specific licensing requirements to ensure compliance.
Academic Excellence and Values-Based Education
Saint Leo, one of Florida’s oldest Catholic universities, weaves Benedictine values of intellectual curiosity and community-minded integrity throughout its curriculum. The social work programs include anti-racist and cultural humility approaches that prepare you to demonstrate anti-oppressive practice at individual, family, group, organizational, community, research, and policy levels.
The College of Education and Social Services combines transformative liberal arts education with specialized training in social service fields. You’ll develop practical skills through faculty mentorships, field internships, and applied learning experiences.
Saint Leo’s social work faculty stay active as researchers and practitioners in their fields and bring current knowledge and breakthroughs into the classroom. This keeps your education relevant to the profession’s changing needs.
Field Education
Field education plays a vital role in social work training at Saint Leo. The Field Education Department helps coordinate internships and guides you through hands-on learning. You might intern at Veterans Administration facilities, schools, hospitals, medical settings, and hospice and palliative care organizations.
BSW students complete their field placement during the final term, gaining real-life experience under professional supervision. The university’s Career Services center also helps connect you with learning opportunities that match your career goals.
Saint Leo University combines academic excellence, practical experience, and values-based learning to prepare you for building responsive and caring communities while advancing in a rewarding field.
Where is Saint Leo University located
Saint Leo University’s main campus sprawls across 200 acres in the town of St. Leo, Florida. Spanish-mission style architecture adorns this picturesque location that creates an ideal setting for learning and professional growth. You’ll find the campus at 33701 County Road 52, St. Leo, FL 33574, which puts it within easy reach of major Florida cities.
Students benefit from the campus location approximately 30 miles north of Tampa. This central Florida setting strikes a perfect balance between peaceful campus life and practical experiences in nearby metropolitan areas. Social work students can learn about varied populations and social service agencies throughout their education.
Nearly 2,300 students call the main University Campus home as they pursue degrees across 45 academic majors and 47 minor areas of study. Social work students thrive in this vibrant community that offers great opportunities to build professional networks and work with peers from different academic backgrounds.
Saint Leo University reaches beyond its main campus through education centers in multiple states. Students can pursue their social work education at a location that fits their needs. The university runs education centers in these states:
- Florida: Gainesville, Jacksonville, Key West, Lake City, Lakeland, Mayport Naval Station, Miami, Ocala, Orlando, Palm Coast, Pasco-Hernando State College (with locations in New Port Richey, Wesley Chapel, and Spring Hill), Pensacola, South Hampton Roads, Tallahassee, Tampa, MacDill Air Force Base, and St. Petersburg
- Georgia: Atlanta, Columbus, Fort Stewart, and Savannah
- California: Naval Base Coronado and Naval Base San Diego
- Mississippi: Gulfport and Keesler Air Force Base
- South Carolina: Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, and Shaw Air Force Base
- Texas: Corpus Christi and Naval Base San Antonio
- Virginia: Chesapeake, Fort Eustis, Fort Lee, Langley Air Force Base, Newport News, Norfolk Naval Station, Oceana Naval Air Station, and Virginia Beach
A newer study, published in by the university focuses on education centers in Florida and Georgia:
- Center for Adult Learning at University Campus
- Savannah Education Center (Georgia)
- Key West Education Center
- MacDill Education Office
- Pasco-Hernando Education Office
- Tampa Education Center
These centers provide flexible class schedules that work well for adult learners, military personnel, and working professionals. In spite of that, program availability varies by location, so check with your preferred center about social work programs.
The main campus is easy to reach from several directions:
From North or South: Take Interstate 75 to Exit 285. Head east on State Road 52 for approximately 10 miles. Turn left on Mirada Boulevard, then right on County Road 52. Saint Leo University will appear on your left, across from the Abbey Golf Course. The main entrance is located at the traffic light at Palm Boulevard and County Road 52.
From Orlando: Take Interstate 4 West to Interstate 75. Exit to the north, then take I-75 to Exit 285. Head east on State Road 52 for about 10 miles. Turn left on Mirada Boulevard, then right on County Road 52. The university will be on your left, across from the Abbey Golf Course. The main entrance is situated at the traffic light at Palm Boulevard and County Road 52. The drive takes about 90 minutes.
From Tampa International Airport: Drive north on Interstate 275 through Tampa. I-275 North will merge with Interstate 75 North. Once on I-75 North, take it to Exit 285. Head east on State Road 52 for about 10 miles. Turn left on Mirada Boulevard, then right on County Road 52. Saint Leo University will be on your left, across from the Abbey Golf Course. The main entrance is at the traffic light at Palm Boulevard and County Road 52. The drive takes about 45 minutes.
Precise location coordinates place Saint Leo University at 28°20′16″N 82°15′25″W, making it easy to find with GPS navigation systems.
Greenery, lakes, and recreational areas surround this peaceful campus. Students develop empathy and resilience needed in social work practice in this serene environment. The nearby diverse communities offer valuable opportunities to apply classroom learning through field placements and community projects.
Saint Leo’s location in Florida and its network of education centers across multiple states make social work education both available and enriched by regional perspectives that help social work practice work well.
Saint Leo provides various social work degree paths that align with your educational needs and career goals. You can start your social work experience or advance your professional credentials through well-laid-out programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
The Bachelor of Social Work program creates the foundations for your social work career and prepares you for entry-level generalist practice positions. Students can choose from two formats:
- An on-campus full-time program at the University Campus in Saint Leo, Florida
- A hybrid program option through the Center for Adult Learning at University Campus
The BSW curriculum focuses on five key areas: social welfare policy, human behavior in the social environment, research, practice methods, and field instruction. This detailed approach will give you both theoretical understanding and practical skills needed to work effectively.
Saint Leo’s BSW program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation is a vital part that qualifies you for advanced standing in MSW programs and validates the program’s national professional standards.
Students must maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and earn a grade of C+ or better in all social work courses before entering field placement. Your final field placement includes internship hours during your last term, which provides valuable hands-on experience under professional supervision.
Students who graduate receive the B.S.W. degree and can pursue immediate employment or continue their graduate studies. The program emphasizes anti-racist and cultural humility approaches throughout the curriculum that prepare you to demonstrate inclusive practice at all levels.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Saint Leo University’s MSW program prepares you for advanced clinical social work practice. Students learn to promote social justice, economic justice, and human rights at local, national, and global levels. The MSW offers great flexibility with multiple program tracks:
Two-Year MSW Program
- Fall start, full-time, online format
- 62 credit hours total
- Sequential courses following program outline
- Assigned class sessions on weekday evenings (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday)
- One weekend on-campus seminar required
Three-Year MSW Program
- Fall start, part-time, online format
- 62 credit hours total
- Two classes per 16-week term (one semester has three courses)
- Evening classes on weekdays or Saturday mornings
- One weekend on-campus seminar required
Advanced Standing OptionsBSW graduates from a CSWE-accredited program within the last five years can choose Advanced Standing options that reduce their MSW completion time:
- Full-time Advanced Standing: Summer start, one-year, four-semester program (32 credit hours)
- Part-time Advanced Standing: Spring start, five-semester program (32 credit hours)
The Advanced Standing track lets qualified BSW graduates complete their MSW in about half the time of standard programs.
Program Availability
Students physically living in eleven states can access the online MSW program: Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, and Virginia. More students throughout the eastern and central United States can now access this program.
Online MSW courses feature virtual face-to-face interaction via webcam. Students can interact directly with professors and peers from home. This method combines online learning flexibility with traditional classroom education benefits.
Unique Program Features
Students who need more flexibility than traditional weeknight schedules can choose the MSW program’s Saturday cohort option. This 100% online option meets face-to-face using web conferencing platforms from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. each week.
High-achieving BSW students can qualify for Advanced Standing in the MSW program through Saint Leo’s 4+1 model. Students can complete both degrees in five years instead of six.
Students with an Associate degree (A.A. or A.S.) can transfer to the university, complete the BSW in two years, and finish the Advanced Standing MSW in one more year—earning both degrees in just three years.
Getting Started
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement to enter the social work field. Clinical positions need a master’s degree plus appropriate licensure. Your Saint Leo social work degree prepares you for meaningful service in communities nationwide, whatever program you choose.
Students can declare social work as their major when starting coursework. However, formal admission to the BSW program needs a special application and interview with Social Work faculty.
The MSW admission process looks at your academic background and professional readiness. Advanced standing options have additional academic standards. This screening process helps students succeed throughout the program.
Field education at Saint Leo
Saint Leo University’s social work programs have field education as their foundation. Students get hands-on experience that connects classroom theory with professional practice. You will develop skills and build meaningful connections with potential employers through structured internships.
Saint Leo’s approach to social work education emphasizes learning by doing. The BSW program needs students to complete a minimum of 400 internship hours before graduation. This practical experience prepares you to enter the workforce with confidence.
MSW students face even more complete requirements. Advanced Standing students must complete 512 hours of clinical field experiences. Students in two-year or three-year programs need 1,024 hours. This intensive training builds the foundation of your clinical expertise.
Students start their field placement process a full year before actual placement. This timeline lets you explore different career paths and populations matching your professional interests. The university partners with over 70 placement sites in the Tampa Bay area alone. These sites offer diverse opportunities in social work settings of all types.
These well-developed field experiences often lead to jobs. About 60% of Saint Leo social work students find positions before completing their degrees. This high placement rate shows how much employers value the practical training from the university’s field education program.
Saint Leo helps students find the right placement. The university hosts information sessions where you can pick three potential placements that match your career goals. Faculty members then work to secure your final placement that meets both educational needs and program requirements.
You’ll receive constant support and guidance during your field experience. BSW students take part in a Senior Seminar with their internship. This course lets you reflect on experiences, get feedback from peers and instructors, and learn ways to handle practice challenges.
The Field Education Department assigns dedicated Field Faculty to MSW students. These faculty members coordinate internships and support you as you apply theoretical knowledge in ground settings.
Students can choose from many internship opportunities. You might work at Veterans Administration facilities, schools, hospitals, medical settings, hospice organizations, or palliative care providers. This variety helps you gain experience with specific populations and practice areas matching your career goals.
CARES (Community Aging and Retirement Services) in Pasco County serves as one field placement partner. This agency helps senior citizens across west central Florida through home health care, adult day programs, and various educational, social and recreational services. Licensed clinical social workers supervise interns who work directly with older adult clients at CARES.
The field education experience comes with specific requirements. Students need weekday daytime availability for internships. MSW students must complete 16 hours weekly during each internship semester. They must also attend one weekend on-campus seminar in their final program year.
The university supports field supervisors extensively. They receive complete orientation covering program structure, mission, and Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) guidelines. Training includes access to online field database, student timesheet processes, learning plan development, and evaluation methods.
Criminal background checks might be required for field placements. Past convictions don’t automatically prevent program admission but could limit placement options. Students must tell the MSW Program about any convictions or criminal charges after admission.
The university works hard to find good placements for everyone. Field education sites have their own health, vaccination, insurance, and human resource requirements. The program will find appropriate alternatives when needed but cannot guarantee specific placement types or locations.
Saint Leo University’s complete field education program takes your social work education beyond the classroom. You’ll be ready for the complex realities of professional practice.
What sets Saint Leo University apart?
Saint Leo University’s innovative approach to social work education makes it stand out in several ways. The program features create a learning environment that prepares students for excellence in social work.
The university’s social work programs have full accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This prestigious recognition covers both BSW and MSW programs and will give a degree that meets professional standards and qualifies you for licensure paths.
Saint Leo University weaves anti-racist and cultural humility approaches into its social work programs. This progressive outlook helps you show anti-oppressive practice at individual, family, group, organizational, community, research, and policy levels. Graduates can serve people of all backgrounds—including children, the elderly, military personnel, and those facing discrimination or oppression.
The university’s Catholic roots and Benedictine values add another unique dimension. Saint Leo, one of Florida’s oldest Catholic universities, promotes curiosity and community-focused integrity. The College of Education and Social Services combines liberal arts education with specialized training in social service fields. Students learn to analyze and solve problems from different points of view.
Saint Leo’s program flexibility fits your personal situation. You can choose from:
- On-campus programs at the University Campus
- Online programs with webcam-based virtual face-to-face interaction
- Hybrid options through the Center for Adult Learning
- Education Centers across multiple states
These choices let you balance your studies with work and family life.
The program’s quality gets a big boost from its faculty’s professional work. Saint Leo’s social work professors stay active as researchers and practitioners. They bring fresh knowledge straight to class. Many adjunct professors work as social workers, which keeps course material current with industry trends. This connection means your education stays in step with the field’s changing needs.
The program uses technology to prepare you for modern practice. Students take courses in Documentation & Technology and learn ethical AI use in social work. These cutting-edge elements build skills for today’s tech-driven workplace.
The accelerated degree options give students another advantage. High-achieving BSW students can finish both BSW and MSW degrees in five years instead of six. Students with associate degrees might complete both degrees in just three years. These faster paths save money and speed up career progress.
The program’s effectiveness shows in its internship success rate. About 60% of Saint Leo social work students get job offers from their internship sites before graduating. This number shows how much employers trust the program’s graduates.
A board of students, alumni, and human service professionals guides the program. This team approach keeps the curriculum relevant and current with real-world needs.
Saint Leo’s social work program blends academic excellence with hands-on experience and values-based learning. The university’s dedication to great teaching and community service creates professionals who build caring communities and advance in their careers. Faculty mentoring, field internships, and practical learning experiences give you the skills for success in today’s complex social service world.
Next steps
Saint Leo University stands out as a top choice for aspiring social workers who want quality education with flexibility and real-life preparation. This piece shows how their CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work programs prepare you to serve diverse populations in meaningful careers.
The university’s excellence shows in its complete curriculum that covers social welfare policy, human behavior, research, practice methods, and field instruction. You can choose from multiple program formats—on-campus, online, and hybrid options—that best fit your life circumstances.
Field education is the substance of Saint Leo’s approach to social work training. Their impressive 60% pre-graduation job placement rate proves the quality of practical experience you’ll get. These structured internships connect theory with professional practice and prepare you to enter the workforce right away.
The accelerated degree options are a great way to get advantages to advance your career. The 4+1 model and Advanced Standing MSW track help you save time and money while fast-tracking your professional experience.
Saint Leo integrates anti-racist practices and cultural humility throughout the curriculum. You’ll develop skills needed in today’s diverse practice settings. This modern approach, combined with the university’s Catholic heritage and Benedictine values, shapes professionals who champion social justice and human dignity.
Social work graduates have exceptional career prospects, with growth rates by a lot higher than average occupational trends. Your Saint Leo degree opens doors to substance abuse counseling, child welfare, family services, and school social work.
Saint Leo University blends academic excellence, hands-on experience, and values-based learning perfectly. Their strategic Florida location and network of education centers in multiple states make the program accessible. You’ll gain diverse regional viewpoints that help you become effective in social work practice.
Your path to becoming a compassionate professional who creates positive change starts with the right educational foundation. Saint Leo University helps you build that foundation and launch a career meeting your goals of serving others.
Want to start your social work career at Saint Leo University? The application process is straightforward and will lead you to a rewarding experience in social services.
Your first step is to submit an online application through the university’s admissions portal. BSW program applicants need their high school transcripts or GED equivalent, along with any previous college credits. Note that you’ll need a separate application and an interview with Social Work faculty members to gain formal admission to the social work major.
MSW program applicants should have their bachelor’s degree transcripts ready (3.0 GPA preferred), along with three professional recommendations and a personal statement about their interest in clinical social work. Advanced Standing candidates must also show proof of their CSWE-accredited BSW degree earned in the last five years.
Academic advisors will help you plan your courses after admission based on your preferred format – on-campus, online, or at one of the university’s education centers.
You can access financial support through federal programs and institutional scholarships. Admission counselors are ready to support you through phone, email, or virtual appointments during your application process.
Start your application today to become part of Saint Leo’s community of future social work professionals who make meaningful differences in people’s lives, families, and communities.