Social Work Programs offered at Southeastern University

Southeastern University’s social work programs will prepare you for a rewarding career that helps families and communities thrive. SEU’s Department of Social Work offers both undergraduate and graduate education with hands-on experience and ground application of social work principles.

SEU’s social work programs stand out with their accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This recognition means your education meets nationwide professional standards. You can apply for Advanced Standing in CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs with this accreditation and potentially cut your graduate study time in half.

Student interest in SEU’s social work programs remains strong. SEU awarded 22 bachelor’s degrees in social work during the 2021-2022 academic year. This number showed a 19% decrease from the previous year when 27 students graduated. The university ranked #221 nationally for social work master’s degrees, with 34 graduates in 2022.

The Bachelor of Social Work program will make you ready for generalist social work practice. You’ll develop skills to help people access essential services and reach their full potential. You’ll also learn to support social justice by using interpersonal and analytical skills that make you an effective change agent.

SEU’s social work education stands out because of its focus on practical application. Your coursework includes hands-on activities that connect theoretical concepts to real-life situations. This approach builds your confidence and competence before you start your professional career.

SEU’s Master of Social Work program offers options that fit different career paths. The program has a track that lines up with your goals whether you work in social work already or want to switch to this rewarding field.

SEU’s social work programs show interesting demographic patterns. Women made up 95% of the 22 bachelor’s degree graduates in 2021-2022, while men accounted for 5%. White students represented 73% of graduates, Hispanic or Latino students made up 18%, with smaller numbers of Asian and Black or African American students.

Bachelor’s Program Diversity (2021-2022)

Master’s program statistics showed similar trends. Women earned 91% of the 57 degrees in 2021-2022, with men earning 9%. White students made up 63%, while Hispanic or Latino students (18%) and Black or African American students (12%) represented significant minority groups.

Master’s Program Diversity (2021-2022)

SEU’s Bachelor of Social Work program ranks well among other schools. College Factual placed it at #182 on their Best Schools for social work list and #7 in Florida. This recognition shows the quality of education you’ll get at SEU.

Field education plays a key role in your social work training at SEU. BSW seniors spend two days each week as interns at approved social service agencies. This hands-on training gives you valuable experience and prepares you for employment after graduation.

Your SEU social work degree opens many career doors. The generalist practice model gives you the knowledge and skills to work with clients facing various social problems at multiple intervention levels.

SEU’s social work program blends theory with practice through its structured curriculum. You’ll learn to tackle complex social issues while developing professional values, ethics, and skills needed in diverse settings. Critical thinking and evidence-based problem-solving are central to the program.

SEU’s social work programs give you a complete educational experience to serve vulnerable populations. Your career in social work will start strong with accredited programs, field experience, and a supportive learning environment.

Where is SEU located

Southeastern University sits in Lakeland, Florida – a midsize city perfect for students, especially those studying social work. You’ll find the main campus at 1000 Longfellow Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33801, right in Polk County’s Eastern Time Zone.

This private Christian university’s central Florida location gives social work students unique advantages. The Sunshine State lives up to its name with great weather throughout the year. Students can participate in outdoor activities and community projects that help them develop their community intervention skills.

Lakeland’s urban setting brings great benefits to your social work education. With 12,138 students, the campus creates an ideal learning environment. It’s big enough to give you varied experiences yet small enough to build strong relationships with your classmates and teachers.

Social work students should note Lakeland’s impressive growth numbers. The city ranked #2 nationwide among the fastest-growing places in the U.S. during 2022–2023. Polk County topped the nation in attracting new residents in 2023. These population changes give social work students a chance to study evolving community needs as they happen.

The central Florida location makes travel easy – a vital factor for social work students heading to field placements, conferences, or research sites:

• Local Transportation: Students can bring cars to campus, but the well-laid-out campus makes walking between classes easy
• Public Transit: SEU students ride the Citrus Connection bus service free with their ID, running 6 days a week
• Air Travel: Lakeland Linder International Airport serves select domestic flights
• Major Airports: Tampa International Airport (TPA) and Orlando International Airport (MCO) are just a short drive away

Social work students benefit from this central location. They can access field placements in urban, suburban, and rural communities – a great way to get varied experience with different populations.

Lakeland offers more than just academic opportunities. The city brims with cultural and entertainment options that help balance the demands of a rigorous social work program. The university states it perfectly: “you’ll never run out of things to do here in Central Florida”.

The city’s strong economy adds to its appeal. Lakeland attracts entrepreneurs and national companies alike, creating a stable environment rich with social service agencies and community resources – perfect for social work internships and future employment.

Key Location Facts at a Glance:

The campus environment matches Lakeland’s character. Students gain easy access to city amenities and cultural opportunities that deepen their understanding of diverse populations and social systems – essential elements of effective social work practice.

The university’s roots go back to 1935 in New Brockton, Alabama, before moving to Lakeland in 1946. This long history has helped build strong connections with local social service agencies and community organizations, giving social work students excellent field education options.

Your experience at Southeastern University goes beyond classroom learning. The growing, stable midsize city becomes your learning ground for tackling social challenges. Students can work on community development projects and policy advocacy in Lakeland’s dynamic environment.

Getting around is simple. The campus layout eliminates driving between classes, and the free bus service helps students reach off-campus resources and field placements without needing a car.

When you think about Southeastern University’s social work programs, remember the benefits of studying in Lakeland. The location combines excellent academics with hands-on opportunities in a thriving Florida community.

What social work programs does Southeastern offer?

Southeastern University gives you access to several detailed academic pathways that lead to a career in social work. You’ll find multiple program options that fit different educational backgrounds and career goals.

Degree Programs

The social work department at Southeastern University offers three main educational paths:

1. Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
2. Master of Social Work (MSW)
3. Basic Certificates in Social Work

Each program gives you specific skills and knowledge you need to succeed in different social work environments.

Bachelor of Social Work

Southeastern University’s BSW program is a professional degree accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation is a big deal as it means that the program meets national standards for social work education.

Students learn through a generalist practice model that provides everything they need to work with clients who face various social problems across multiple intervention levels. This approach helps you become versatile in the field instead of limiting your expertise to one area of practice.

The BSW program requires 120 credit hours of coursework and 430 hours in a field internship at a social service agency. This hands-on experience ensures you graduate with ground practice experience.

BSW graduates can pursue careers in many fields:

• Child welfare
• Healthcare
• Mental health
• Addictions treatment
• Domestic violence intervention
• Criminal justice
• Gerontology
• School systems
• Developmental disabilities services

A BSW from Southeastern creates a path to advanced education. The degree lets you apply for advanced standing in graduate social work programs at any university with an accredited MSW program. Southeastern University’s BSW graduates can earn their MSW with just one additional year of study.

This approach works well – more than 50% of Southeastern’s social work graduates continue their education by pursuing graduate degrees from universities in southern Louisiana.

Master of Social Work

Southeastern University began Florida’s first evangelical Master of Social Work degree program in August 2017. The program exceeded expectations immediately – 25 students enrolled in the original cohort, more than double the projected 12 students.

Students in the MSW program specialize in clinical work and develop advanced counseling and psychotherapy skills. The curriculum includes social work administration coursework to prepare graduates for leadership roles.

Working professionals can attend in-person classes two evenings a week in eight-week sessions. This schedule helps you balance your studies with personal and professional commitments.

The program offers several tracks based on your educational background:

• Advanced Standing Program: Students with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution can complete this track in nine months
• Traditional Program: Students with a bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally-accredited, liberal arts institution can enroll[93]
• Flex Tracks: Students who need extra flexibility can take reduced course loads per semester

Southeastern University’s MSW program maintains CSWE accreditation, ensuring quality education and aiding professional licensure in most states.

Career Opportunities

Both programs open doors to various settings and roles. MSW practitioners often work in:

• Private practices
• Family and mental health counseling centers
• Schools
• Military and veteran centers
• Substance abuse and rehabilitation treatment programs
• Employee assistance programs
• Child welfare agencies
• Healthcare organizations (hospitals, hospices, nursing homes)

The MSW degree lets you become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). This advanced credential enables independent practice and specialized roles across healthcare and social services.

Program Mission and Focus

Southeastern Louisiana University serves the predominantly rural Florida Parishes. The social work program prepares students for entry-level practice with diverse populations and at-risk communities in rural and small communities.

The Master of Social Work program at Southeastern University aims “to equip students to become competent clinical social work practitioners who will enhance the quality of life in their local communities and beyond by modeling Christ’s example of demonstrating love, grace, compassion, and respect to diverse clients across a variety of practice settings”.

Both programs showcase Southeastern’s steadfast dedication to creating well-rounded social work professionals who can address complex human needs while upholding the profession’s core values.

Southeastern University has become a key contributor to social work education in Florida and beyond. Its graduates make meaningful differences in their communities through professional practice, leadership, and advocacy.

Field education at SEU

Your social work training at Southeastern University revolves around field education. This hands-on learning connects classroom theories with real-life practice. You’ll develop key skills under professional supervision that will shape your identity as you prepare to serve different communities.

SEU’s field education requirements depend on your program. You need to complete two different field experiences as a traditional MSW student: a generalist placement and a clinical social work placement. Students in the advanced standing program only need to finish the clinical social work placement.

Each placement needs specific hours to build your skills:

Field Education Hours by Program

Some internship programs require at least 600 total hours. You’ll need to spend 240 hours on direct client services across Internships I and II (and possibly III).

SEU stands out with its tailored internship approach. A dedicated field placement coordinator helps match your required placement with your career goals. This personal attention makes your practical experience more relevant to your future career.

Your field placement journey starts well before the actual experience. You’ll need to look for approved field sites that match your professional interests and strengths. Then, you’ll apply and confirm your placements through the university’s online system. This process makes sure all placements meet professional social work education standards.

SEU’s field education goes beyond counting hours. The university works with many community agencies where you’ll put theory into practice. These partnerships let you work with different communities and tackle real social issues.

Managing your time becomes vital during field experience. Successful MSW students often share these traits:

• They kept part-time or flexible jobs with supportive employers
• Used strong scheduling skills with calendar-based planning
• Knew how to prioritize tasks and say no to less important activities
• Asked questions clearly and directly
• Had good support systems for childcare, meals, and emotional support

Yes, it is challenging to balance work, school, and personal life during field education. The program is clear that “trying to work 40 or more hours a week and complete the MSW Program is very difficult”. This honesty helps you plan better for this demanding but rewarding part of your education.

SEU’s field education offers more than a typical internship. The university believes that “learning that happens outside the classroom brings students valuable experience”. This matches SEU’s belief that “you learn by doing”.

Supervision plays a key role in your growth as a professional. Regular meetings with experienced practitioners give you chances to reflect, get feedback, and improve your skills. This mentoring helps you blend theory with practice while developing your own professional style.

MSW students spend much of their program time in field education. Two-Year Standing students complete 900 hours over four semesters. Advanced Standing students finish 450 hours over two semesters. These requirements show the program’s focus on creating practice-ready social workers.

SEU’s complete approach to field education matches its goal of preparing skilled practitioners. After finishing your field experience, you’ll have both knowledge and practical wisdom that build the foundation for effective social work. This hands-on experience turns you from a student into a beginning practitioner ready to help individuals, families, and communities.

What sets Southeastern University apart?

Several distinct features make certain universities stand out for social work education. Southeastern University stands apart from other institutions with its unique advantages in social work education.

The Christian foundation sets Southeastern University’s social work programs apart. SEU launched Florida’s first evangelical Master of Social Work degree in August 2017. The program’s success exceeded expectations with 25 students joining the first cohort—more than double the projected 12 students. The university’s faith-based mission aims to “give you the skills to become competent clinical social work practitioners who will boost the quality of life in their local communities and beyond by modeling Christ’s example of love, grace, compassion, and respect to diverse clients across various practice settings”.

Faculty quality serves as the core of SEU’s unique approach. Distinguished professors bring exceptional expertise to the social work department. Dr. Elaine Thompson joined as a Distinguished Professor to “design and implement a curriculum that expresses the acknowledgement of biases and centers on social harmony. She also prepares and gives students the tools to fulfill the needs of underserved communities”. Professors “bring ground experience and practical applications to the classroom”, enriching your educational trip with insights from actual practice.

The rural community focus adds specialized value to SEU’s social work education. Southeastern Louisiana University’s location in the Florida Parishes, a mostly rural area, shapes the program’s emphasis on “preparing students for entry level practice with diverse populations and populations at risk in rural and small communities”. This geographical focus creates a specialized niche that tackles unique challenges in rural social work practice.

The program structure offers several benefits that line up with your priorities:

• Tailored internship experiences with a dedicated field placement coordinator who matches your required placement with personal professional goals
• Well-paced course design lets you complete two courses at a time in 8-week increments, creating manageable steps toward your degree
• Convenient evening learning with campus-based courses held twice weekly lets you learn among peers while receiving expert faculty guidance

Cost efficiency is as a key benefit. The university believes that “getting your degree shouldn’t break the bank”. Quality social work education becomes more available through competitive tuition rates, financial aid options, and convenient payment plans. Both BSW and MSW programs benefit from this affordability factor.

The clinical specialization of the MSW program focuses on counseling and psychotherapy skills for working with diverse clients. This prepares you for advanced clinical practice. The program has administrative course content that prepares you for future leadership positions, offering dual preparation to expand your career options.

The active Social Work Club enriches your educational experience. This student organization welcomes social work majors and students from other campus programs. Guest speakers from local community programs and social service agencies attend monthly meetings. These provide networking opportunities and exposure to various social work settings. Students practice helping skills in ground contexts through regular community outreach activities.

The Social Work program at Southeastern Louisiana University has managed to keep CSWE accreditation for over 20 years. This long-standing Council on Social Work Education recognition ensures your education meets national excellence standards. Annual Program Outcomes reports track students’ mastery of all nine CSWE accreditation competencies.

Social work education can be challenging, but SEU’s student support systems help you succeed. Low faculty-to-student ratios ensure personal attention throughout your academic trip. This individualized approach helps you handle complex demands while promoting both personal and professional growth.

SEU offers a unique experience for different learning styles and life situations. Many students balance multiple responsibilities besides education, so the university offers flexible program formats. More potential students can access social work education through this adaptability.

Without doubt, these distinguishing features create a social work education experience at Southeastern University that balances academic rigor with practical preparation, personal support, and professional development—all while serving diverse communities with compassion and respect.

Next steps

Want to start your social work trip at Southeastern University? The application process has several straightforward pathways to join this respected program.

Southeastern University uses a rolling admissions system, which means you can apply any time during the year. All the same, meeting priority deadlines gives you significant advantages:

• Guaranteed campus housing placement
• Access to additional financial aid opportunities
• Early registration privileges for classes

You can maximize these benefits by marking Decision Day on your calendar and completing your application. The code DISCOVER26 lets you apply without an application fee.

Transfer students will find the process simple. Once you submit your original application, you’ll get a customized link to upload required documents.

SEU maintains a test-optional policy. You can submit SAT, ACT, or CLT scores, but these aren’t mandatory for admission or academic merit scholarships. Your scores only count if they help you reach a higher scholarship tier.

Money plays a vital role in educational decisions. SEU aims to make Christian higher education available and affordable through scholarships and financial aid opportunities for students of all backgrounds and talents. Note that the FAFSA submission period opens October 1 of your senior year for high school students.

After acceptance, your acceptance email will contain a personalized link to submit your Enrollment Confirmation Form and secure your place at SEU. This step helps you start class registration and continue with the Fire Ready preparation process.

Early completion of financial aid procedures puts you in a better position to plan your educational investment. Once you secure your spot, you’ll get your SEU ID number that gives you access to campus systems and your new university email account.

First-time students benefit from SEU’s dedicated First Year Experience team that helps with the transition from high school to college life. You can preview campus life by participating in visit opportunities throughout the year—through Preview Day events or personalized campus tours.

Social work students who connect with program faculty early can learn about field placement opportunities and specialization options. Since Southeastern University’s social work programs focus on rural community practice, understanding these unique aspects helps your educational planning.

The Fire Ready clearance process includes financial clearance, class registration, health form completion, and submission of official transcripts. This final preparation step leads to Early Orientation before Welcome Week—your exciting introduction to the Southeastern University community.

Admission counselors are always ready to answer questions about the southeastern university school of social work programs and ensure your transition into this professional pathway goes smoothly.