Roberts Wesleyan University Social Work Programs
Roberts Wesleyan University is a respected private Christian institution located in Rochester, New York. This university’s steadfast dedication to academic excellence and spiritual growth has made it a leading center for social work education in the Northeast region.
Choosing Roberts Wesleyan for your social work degree means joining a community that values professional development and ethical practice. The social work programs blend challenging academic coursework with hands-on field experience to prepare you for success in social service settings of all types.
Roberts Wesleyan’s Department of Social Work takes an all-encompassing approach to education. Students develop critical thinking skills and compassionate service values that create a strong foundation for ethical practice. Faculty members bring their real-life expertise to the classroom and provide mentorship beyond regular instruction.
The university stands out by weaving Christian principles into professional social work education. This unique approach helps you explore the relationship between faith and service while embracing diverse points of view and cultural backgrounds.
Small class sizes create an environment where students and professors build close relationships. You’ll receive personal attention throughout your learning experience. The university also maintains strong ties with regional social service agencies, which opens doors for networking and career growth.
The social work programs at Roberts Wesleyan fit different educational backgrounds and career goals. The university offers customized pathways if you have just started your academic journey or want to advance your existing social work career.
Your studies will give you both theoretical knowledge and practical skills for effective social work practice. The curriculum covers current social issues and proven intervention strategies, preparing you to help individuals, families, and communities in need.
Social work programs offered
Roberts Wesleyan University has a detailed range of social work programs that align with different educational needs and career goals. These programs have accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) status, which ensures they meet national quality standards for social work education.
Students can choose from three distinct pathways to earn a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW). The traditional undergraduate program spans four years with 120 credits. The traditional accelerated program lets students complete the same 120 credits in just three years. Working professionals can benefit from the degree completion program – a fully online format requiring 60 credits that takes 18-24 months to finish.
Students learn through the “Person-In-Environment” approach to meet clients at their emotional, social, spiritual, and physical levels. The BSW program combines observational experiences with hands-on learning through a junior-year practicum of 40-80 hours and a senior field practicum lasting 400 hours.
The university’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program comes with two enrollment options. Full-time students can complete the standard program with 60 credits in 24 months. BSW graduates from accredited programs can opt for the advanced standing program – a streamlined 38-credit path completed in 11 months.
Students in both MSW tracks can specialize in Mental Health or Child and Family Services. The Mental Health track prepares graduates for advanced practice with adults, focusing on assessment, case formulation, and intervention skills. The Child and Family Services track examines issues affecting children, adolescents, and families, covering trauma, developmental issues, and family dynamics.
MSW students gain valuable experience through 500 hours of fieldwork during their concentration year. Placement opportunities span schools, healthcare facilities, and community organizations.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows social work employment will grow 12% between 2020 and 2030, which is substantially faster than average for all occupations. These programs provide excellent preparation for this growing field.
Online program options
Roberts Wesleyan University’s social work education model thrives on the adaptability of online learning. Working professionals can advance their careers through fully online undergraduate and graduate social work programs.
Students can complete their BSW degree in just 15-17 months with coursework delivered online. The program features a well-laid-out format with 5-8 week classes that fit perfectly into working adults’ schedules.
Roberts Wesleyan’s MSW program offers two online paths with live classes. Students can complete the Standard Program’s 60 credits in 24-48 months, depending on their full-time or part-time status. Students with an accredited BSW earned in the last 5-8 years can choose the Advanced Standing option with only 38 credits and finish in 11-22 months.
Live video conferencing brings MSW classes to life in late afternoons and evenings. Students interact with faculty and classmates just like in traditional classrooms. This approach combines remote learning convenience with classroom-style engagement.
Students who prefer hands-on learning can take clinical courses on Saturdays in person.
Online students get detailed support through the Golisano Library, Learning Center, and dedicated IT help. Most students spend 12-15 hours weekly on coursework while managing their professional lives.
The online BSW and MSW programs match the academic standards of on-campus programs. Your education meets industry expectations, whatever format you choose.
Admissions
Roberts Wesleyan University sets specific academic standards for admission to its social work programs at each level.
The traditional BSW program follows the university’s standard undergraduate requirements. Students pursuing the accelerated BSW completion program just need an associate degree (minimum 60 transferable credits) with a 2.5 GPA. They must complete English Composition prerequisites and have two years of relevant professional experience.
The MSW program offers different pathways with unique requirements. Standard Program students should have a bachelor’s degree with a 2.75 GPA, or 3.0 in their final 60 credit hours. They also need prerequisite courses in psychology, sociology, English composition, and humanities.
Students seeking Advanced Standing must have a CSWE-accredited BSW degree earned within five years, which can extend to eight years with post-BSW experience. They need to maintain a 3.0 GPA. These students must complete three preparatory courses after acceptance. The courses include Advanced Standing Seminar, Spirituality and Religion in Social Work Practice, and Psychopathology. Students must achieve at least a B average in these courses.
The university accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions. Most courses should have equivalent content and completion within five years before admission. Students can earn credits through CLEP exams and life experience documentation.
The application process is simple. Students submit a free online application and send official transcripts from their previous institutions.
Tuition
The cost of your social work education at Roberts Wesleyan University varies by program level. The BSW accelerated program costs $588 per credit hour for 2025-26, not including fees. You’ll need 51 total program credits.
The MSW program tuition is $805 per credit hour for 2025-26. Your total cost depends on your chosen path. The Standard MSW program needs 60 credits and costs $48,300. The Advanced Standing option requires 38 credits with a total cost of $30,590.
The pricing structure differs for traditional undergraduate students. The 2025-26 full-time undergraduate tuition is $38,250 per year, which breaks down to $19,125 per semester or $1,594 per credit. The total “sticker price” reaches $54,191 when you add housing, food, and mandatory fees. The university reports that 98% of students pay less than this amount.
Roberts Wesleyan provides several financial aid options. Corporate partners’ benefit-eligible employees, spouses, and dependents can get a 25% tuition discount. New freshman students receive an average of $22,962 in grants and scholarships. Every full-time freshman who applies gets some form of scholarship.
Students must also pay a one-time new student fee of $335[193]. Technology and wellness fees vary based on your program.
Other information
Roberts Wesleyan University social work graduates have shown impressive career success. Recent alumni statistics reveal 56% found full-time jobs while 25% pursued graduate studies. The numbers tell a compelling story – 91% of graduates land jobs or continue their education within six months of finishing their degree.
Students receive complete career development support throughout their educational trip. A four-year Career Development Plan guides them to discover their talents, develop professional abilities, and get ready for life after graduation.
Graduates become part of a big alumni community that spans 50 states and 51 countries, with more than 20,944 alumni worldwide. Roberts Alumni Connect platform lets graduates network with peers, discover job openings, and build mentoring relationships.
Social work careers show promise with projected growth of 7% from 2024 to 2034, which exceeds average job market growth significantly. Graduates can work as mental health assistants, group home workers, residential counselors, program coordinators, or caseworkers.
Roberts Wesleyan’s social work programs earned their first accreditation in 1980. They maintain strong ties with key professional organizations like the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors and the National Association of Social Workers. These professional connections improve career preparation and industry recognition.