logo
UNIVERSITY COLLEGECAYMAN ISLANDS
backgroundImage

Bachelor of Science in Social Work

The Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW) at UCCI prepares students for impactful careers in social services, community development, and counseling. With a focus on practical experience, programme includes 640 hours of field practicum, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world settings within Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. Graduates gain a strong foundation in mental health, trauma, family services, and community engagement, qualifying them for licensed social work positions or further graduate studies.

Key Facts about the Programme

Programme Duration

2 - 4 years (full-time)

Semesters Offered

Primarily begins in the Fall semester

Total Credits Required

Typically 120 credits, covering social work theory, practical skills, and field experience.

Accreditation

Recognized for meeting the standards for social work licensure in the Cayman Islands.

Unique Selling Points

Extensive Field Practicum

640 hours of supervised field placement within social services agencies provide critical hands-on experience.

Community Impact and Engagement

The programme collaborates with local organizations, giving students opportunities to make a positive impact in the Cayman Islands.

Pathway to Licensure

Graduates are eligible for registration as licensed social workers in the Cayman Islands, preparing them for meaningful roles in public and private sectors​

Career Information

Average Starting Salary

Entry-level roles in social work typically start around $45,000 - $55,000 USD.

Key Jobs After Graduation

  • Social Worker: Provides counseling, case management, and support to individuals and families.
  • Community Outreach Coordinator: Develops and manages programmes that connect community members with resources and support.
  • Family Services Specialist: Works with families to provide resources and interventions, especially for those in crisis.
  • Mental Health Advocate: Supports individuals with mental health challenges by connecting them to services and advocating for their needs.
  • Youth Program Coordinator: Manages programmes aimed at supporting youth development and education.

Potential Employers in the Cayman Islands

  • Department of Children and Family Services: Roles in family services, youth support, and community engagement.
  • Cayman Islands Health Services Authority: Social work positions within hospitals and healthcare settings.
  • Ministry of Community Affairs: Opportunities in public policy support, social planning, and community outreach.
  • Cayman Islands Red Cross: Roles in disaster response, mental health support, and community services​

Core Courses

SWK 101

Introduction to Social Work (3 credits)

PHI 192

Ethics for the Human Services (3 credits)

PSY 101

Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)

SWK 300

Research Methods in Social Work (3 credits)

SOC 101

Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)

SWK 201

Human Behavior and the Social Environment (3 credits)

SWK 202

Social Work Practice I (3 credits)

SWK 203

Social Work Practice II (3 credits)

SWK 310

Social Policy and Planning (3 credits)

SWK 350

Mental Health and Trauma (3 credits)

SWK 370

Community Practice and Development (3 credits)

SWK 400

Field Practicum I (6 credits)

SWK 410

Field Practicum II (6 credits)

ENG 101

College Composition I (3 credits)

MAT 111

Introduction to Statistics (3 credits)

PHI 101

Ethics in Social Work (3 credits)

COL 101

College & Employability Skills (3 credits)

COM 110

Computer Applications in Business (3 credits)

SWK 102

Fundamental Principles and Practice of Social Work (3 credits)

SWK 105

Integrative Seminars in Social Work Theory, Policy and Practice I (3 credits)

SWK 106

Social Work Practicum (4 credits)

PSY 201

Developmental Psychology (3 credits)

SWK 204

Social Casework (3 credits)

ENG 102

College Composition II (3 credits)

SCI 210

Human Nutrition (3 credits)

SWK 205

Integrative Seminars in Social Work Theory, Policy and Practice II (3 credits)

SWK 206

Social Work Practicum II (4 credits)

PSY 350

Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)

SPA 101

Introduction to Spanish I/Lab (4 credits)

SWK 333

Mediation and Conflict Management

SWK 404

Crisis Management

SOC 305

Research Methods in Social Sciences

SWK 402

Case Management

PSY 420

Mental Health and Addictions

PSY 370

Theories of Personality (OR) PSY 450 Introduction to Counselling Theories

ENG 301

Advanced Writing Skills

SWK 305

Integrative Seminars in Social Work Theory, Policy and Practice III (3 credits)

SWK 306

Social Work Practicum III

SWK 403

Disability Studies

SOC 407

Sociology of Deviance

PSY 404

Contemporary Issues in Social Psychology

PSY 380

Community Psychology

SWK 450

Social Work Thesis

SWK 405

Integrative Seminars in Social Work Theory, Policy and Practice IV

SWK 406

Social Work Practicum IV

COL 101

College & Employability Skills (3 credits)

Additional Requirements

Humanities and Social Science Requirements

Additional credits in humanities and social sciences as per UCCI’s curriculum guidelines.

Electives

Courses chosen in consultation with an advisor to complement social work studies​
Degree Plan (Suggested Sequence)

Degree Plan (Suggested Sequence)

Year 1 - Fall

  • SWK 101 - Introduction to Social Work
  • PHI 192 - Ethics for the Human Services
  • COL 101 - College & Employability Skills
  • SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology
  • COM 110 - Computer Applications in Business

Year 1 - Spring

  • SWK 102 - Fundamental Principles and Practice of Social Work
  • SWK 105 - Integrative Seminars in Social Work Theory, Policy and Practice I
  • SWK 106 - Social Work Practicum I
  • PSY 101 - Introduction to Psychology

Summer 1

  • PSY 101 - Introduction to Psychology
  • PSY 201 - Developmental Psychology

Year 2 - Fall

  • SWK 203 - Law of Social Work
  • SWK 204 - Social Casework
  • ENG 102 - College Composition II
  • SCI 210 - Human Nutrition

Year 2 - Spring

  • SWK 202 - Social Work Theory and Practice with Groups
  • SWK 205 - Integrative Seminars in Social Work Theory, Policy and Practice II
  • SWK 206 - Social Work Practicum II
  • MAT 111 - Introduction to Statistics

Year 3 - Fall

  • SWK 310 - Social Policy and Planning
  • SWK 350 - Mental Health and Trauma
  • Elective

Year 3 - Spring

  • SWK 370 - Community Practice and Development
  • SWK 400 - Field Practicum I

Year 4 - Fall

  • SWK 410 - Field Practicum II
  • Capstone Project in Social Work (Optional)

Electives & Future Study Options

icon

Future Study Options

Graduates are well-prepared to pursue graduate-level education in social work or related fields, including Master of Social Work (MSW) programs, which open doors to advanced clinical roles. Students can also pursue certifications in trauma support, mental health counseling, and child welfare to further specialize their practice​

The Bachelor of Science in Social Work at UCCI is an ideal program for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. With extensive field practicum experience and a curriculum tailored to address the social issues unique to the Cayman Islands, graduates are well-equipped for licensed social work roles and advanced study. This program fosters a commitment to community engagement and lifelong learning, preparing students for meaningful careers in public and private social services.