Social Welfare

Undergraduate Program

Introduction to the Major

The Social Welfare major provides undergraduate students with a broad-based introduction to America’s social welfare problems and social policies within a social science context. The curriculum focuses both on the history and institutions of social work as a field of activity, and on the welfare state as a collective enterprise addressing human need. Students gain knowledge of organized networks of public and private social services, and the basic practice methods associated with the social work profession.

The major is a designated “group major” grounded in the liberal arts, rather than specialized training in the profession of social work. Students who successfully complete the major program are awarded the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree.

Admission to the Major 

Social Welfare is a capped major and prerequisites and enrollment controls for required courses are in place to manage student demand. Students interested in declaring should complete the prerequisite entry requirements as soon as possible. In order to declare, students must complete all prerequisites with a C or better, have a minimum GPA of 2.0, and have taken less than 80 units (including in progress classes). 

Students should also be aware of application deadlines, and complete the e-form as soon as all of the prerequisites have been completed.

Amplify Your Major

My favorite thing about the Social Welfare major is the people I’ve met along the way. It's great to be around people who are knowledgeable about the field and love what they do!
Monica Poblano, class of 2022

Four-Year Student Timeline

First Year

Explore Your Major

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Second Year

Explore Your Major

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Third Year

Explore Your Major

  • Enroll in SOC WEL 110 once your petition to declare the major has been approved.

  • Focus on upper division requirements and social science electives.

  • Review your degree progress with your major and college advisors.

  • Consult with your major advisor about the Honors Thesis Program.

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

  • Update your resume and LinkedIn profile.

  • Discuss post-graduate options with advisors and professors.

  • Attend career and graduate school fairs like the “Nonprofit, Education, and Public Service Career Fair.”

  • Ask professors and graduate student instructors for recommendation letters.

Fourth Year

Explore Your Major

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

What Can I Do With My Major?

Social work addresses the barriers, inequities and injustices that exist in society. It responds to crises and emergencies as well as to everyday personal and social problems. Social work utilizes a variety of skills, techniques, and activities consistent with its holistic focus on people and their environment.

Jobs and Employers

  • Administrative Asst., Interface Engineering

  • Advisor, UC Berkeley

  • Business Development Coordinator, Oracle

  • Community Health Worker, MLK Hospital

  • Community Organizer, LAUSD

  • Counselor Support, Alta Mira Recovery Centers

  • Family Advocate, YMCA

  • Healthcare Operations, Kaiser Permanente 

  • Home Health Aide, In-Home Support Services

  • Residential Counselor, Larkin Street Youth Services

  • Youth Specialist, Americorps

Graduate Programs

  • Clinical Psychology

  • Educational Administration

  • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences

  • Hospitality Administration

  • Public Health

  • Public Policy

  • Social Welfare

  • Sociology

  • Speech-Language Pathology

Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey of recent Berkeley graduates.

Learn More

Connect With Us

Golden Bear Orientation

Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation program for all new students.

Events

Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit socialwelfare.berkeley.edu for news and updates.

Advising

Students can email the Undergraduate Major Advisor with any questions or to schedule an appointment at swundergrad@berkeley.edu

For more information and the most up-to-date drop-in hours, please see: socialwelfare.berkeley.edu/academics/bachelor-arts-social-welfare.

How to Use this Map

Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.