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UNIVERSITY COLLEGECAYMAN ISLANDS
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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 54 credits, covering social work theory, practical skills, and field experience.

Accreditation

Recognized, with transferability to relevant degree programmes locally and internationally.

Note

This is the 2nd two years of a 4-year bachelor’s degree. Students MUST complete an associate’s degree at UCCI or transfer an equivalent degree from another institution.

Unique Selling Points

Extensive Field Practicum

The programme includes extensive supervised field practicum placements, allowing students to gain meaningful, hands-on experience within social service agencies while applying theory to real-world practice.

Community Impact and Engagement

Through partnerships with local government departments, healthcare services, and non-profit organizations, students actively contribute to addressing social issues and supporting vulnerable populations across the Cayman Islands.

Pathway to Licensure

Graduates are academically prepared for professional social work practice and are eligible to pursue registration and licensure as social workers in the Cayman Islands, opening pathways to meaningful careers in both public and private sectors.
Degree Plan (Suggested Sequence)

Degree Plan (Suggested Sequence)

Year 3 - Fall

  • SWK 310 - Community Organization & Development Prerequisite: SWK 202 (3 credits)
  • SWK 333 - Mediation & Conflict Management
  • SWK 404 - Crisis Management (3 credits)
  • SOC 305 - Research Methods in Social Sciences (3 credits)

Year 3 - Spring

  • SWK 402 - Case Management Prerequisites: SWK 204 & SWK 404 (3 credits)
  • PSY 420 - Mental Health & Addictions (3 credits)
  • PSY 370 - Theories of Personality OR PSY 450 Introduction to Counseling Theories (3 credits)
  • ENG 301 - Advanced Writing Skills Prerequisite: ENG 102 (3 credits)

Summer 3

  • SWK 305 - Integrative Seminars in Social Work Theory, Policy & Practice III Prerequisite: SWK 205 (3 credits)
  • SWK 306 - Social Work Practicum III Prerequisite: SWK 206 (3 credits)

Year 4 - Fall

  • SWK 403 - Disability Studies (3 credits)
  • SWK 407 - Criminal Justice (3 credits)
  • SWK 408 - Diversity in Social Work Practice: Women, LGBTQI & Aging Populations (3 credits)

Year 4 - Spring

  • SOC 407 - Sociology of Deviance (3 credits)
  • SWK 405 - Integrative Seminars in Social Work Theory, Policy, & Practice IV Prerequisite: SWK 305 (3 credits)
  • SWK 406 - Social Work Practicum IV Prerequisite: SWK 306 (3 credits)

Summer 4

  • SWK 450 - Social Work Thesis (3 credits)

Core Courses

SWK 310

Community Organization & Development (3 credits)

SWK 333

Mediation & Conflict Management (3 credits)

SWK 404

Crisis Management (3 credits)

SWK 402

Case Management (3 credits)

SWK 403

Disability Studies (3 credits)

Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice (3 credits)

SWK 408

Diversity in Social Work Practice (Women, LGBTQI & Aging) (3 credits)

SWK 305

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

SWK 405

Integrative Seminars in Social Work Theory, Policy & Practice IV (4 credits)

PSY 370

Theories of Personality OR PSY 450 – Introduction to Counselling Theories (3 credits)

PSY 420

Mental Health & Addictions (3 credits)

SOC 305

Research Methods in the Social Sciences (3 credits)

SOC 407

Sociology of Deviance (3 credits)

SWK 306

Social Work Practicum III (3 credits)

SWK 406

Social Work Practicum IV (3 credits)

SWK 450

Social Work Thesis (3 credits)

Electives & Future Study Options

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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.

Future Jobs & Salary Scales

The Bachelor of Science in Social Work at UCCI provides a strong professional foundation for students committed to promoting social justice, community wellbeing, and effective social intervention. Integrating social work theory, policy, research, and extensive supervised field practice, the programme prepares graduates for professional roles in social services, community development, mental health support, and policy advocacy, or for advanced study. UCCI graduates are well-equipped to work ethically and competently with individuals, families, and communities, contributing meaningfully to social development initiatives in the Cayman Islands and beyond.

Role: Provides direct support to individuals, families, and communities through assessment, case management, intervention planning, advocacy, and referral services in social service settings. (Professional registration or licensure may be required depending on role.)

Salary Range:

  • Entry-level: $45,000–$55,000 USD
  • Mid-career: $60,000–$70,000 USD
  • Advanced: $80,000+ USD

Role: Coordinates comprehensive support services for clients, conducts needs assessments, develops care plans, and monitors progress in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Salary Range:

  • Entry-level: $45,000–$55,000 USD
  • Mid-career: $60,000–$70,000 USD
  • Advanced: $80,000+ USD

Role: Designs and implements community-based programmes, facilitates community engagement initiatives, and applies social work principles to promote social development and inclusion.

Salary Range:

  • Entry-level: $48,000–$58,000 USD
  • Mid-career: $60,000–$70,000 USD
  • Advanced: $80,000+ USD

Role: Provides mental health support, crisis intervention, and counselling assistance under supervision in healthcare, community, or social service settings. (Additional certification may be required for some roles.)

Salary Range:

  • Entry-level: $50,000–$60,000 USD
  • Mid-career: $65,000–$75,000 USD
  • Advanced: $85,000+ USD

Role: Works with children, youth, and families to provide protection services, family support, behavioural interventions, and advocacy within government or community organizations.

Salary Range:

  • Entry-level: $45,000–$55,000 USD
  • Mid-career: $60,000–$70,000 USD
  • Advanced: $80,000+ USD

Role: Uses research and evaluation methods to assess the effectiveness of social programmes, analyse outcomes, and support evidence-based improvements in service delivery.

Salary Range:

  • Entry-level: $48,000–$58,000 USD
  • Mid-career: $65,000–$75,000 USD
  • Advanced: $85,000+ USD

Role: Supports social policy development, advocacy initiatives, research analysis, and legislative reviews focused on social justice, equity, and community wellbeing.

Salary Range:

  • Entry-level: $48,000–$58,000 USD
  • Mid-career: $65,000–$75,000 USD
  • Advanced: $85,000+ USD

Potential Employers in the Cayman Islands

Employment Sectors & Organizations

  • Department of Children and Family Services
    Roles in child protection, family support services, case management, youth services, and community intervention.
  • Cayman Islands Health Services Authority
    Opportunities in medical social work support, mental health services, patient advocacy, and community health programmes.
  • Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development
    Positions supporting social policy implementation, public welfare programmes, community development, and research initiatives.
  • Cayman Islands Red Cross
    Roles in community outreach, disaster preparedness and response, humanitarian assistance, and psychosocial support services.
  • Royal Cayman Islands Police Service
    Opportunities supporting victim services, community policing initiatives, rehabilitation programmes, and social intervention units.
  • National Drug Council
    Roles in prevention programmes, counselling support, community education, and substance misuse intervention services.
  • Non-Governmental and Faith-Based Organizations
    Careers supporting vulnerable populations through outreach, advocacy, counselling support, youth development, and social justice initiatives.
  • Educational Institutions & Community Agencies
    Positions in student support services, counselling assistance, programme coordination, and family engagement services.