University of Wisconsin–Madison

Major Advising Page – Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work (Social Welfare & Social Work)

Prospective Social Welfare & Social Work Students

The Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work strongly encourages our students to study abroad!  It is a meaningful way to immerse yourself in other cultures and societies that develops a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of global issues. The experience will challenge how you view social welfare in its broadest social, economic, and political contexts and will enhance your ability to participate in a multicultural society more effectively, respectfully, and meaningfully.

Students interested in declaring the social welfare major can do so as soon as they enroll in SW 205 and/or SW 206, as early as the First year, and may study abroad at any time during their academic career. Be sure to check our Guide for specifics on declaring the major.

Students interested in applying to the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program must declare their social welfare major first and must study abroad prior to their senior year. BSW students are required to be on campus to fulfill the BSW requirements in their Senior year. Students apply to the BSW Program during spring term of their Junior year after completing SW 205 & SW 206, have completed 71 credits, are declared social welfare majors, and have completed or be enrolled in an approved statistics the semester they apply (spring term).

Social Welfare & Social Work course considerations abroad

You can take your 6 credits of social science concentration courses abroad, choosing from these ten approved departments. The 6 credits must be from the same department and must be social science breadth credits and designated Intermediate or Advanced level: 

  • African American Studies
  • American Indian Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Asian American Studies
  • Chicanx/e and Latinx/e Studies
  • Economics
  • Gender & Women Studies
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

It is rare to find an exact social work course equivalent to satisfy our social work course requirements for the major because the social work courses must be social work-accredited courses from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in the United States.

Mapping your study abroad experience as a Social Welfare & Social Work Major

  • Freshman Year
    • SW 205 &/or SW 206
  • Sophomore Year
    • Or SW 205 &/or SW 206, SW Elective, Social Science Concentration (approved departments above)
  • Junior Year
    • SW 640 (fall), SW 457 (spring), SW 650, SW Elective, Social Science Concentration (approved departments above)
  • Senior Year
    • Or SW 640 (fall), SW 457 (spring), SW 650, SW Elective, Social Science Concentration (approved departments above)

*The required 6 credits of Social Work Electives can be taken any semester. The same is true for the 6 credits of Social Science Concentration requirement – may be taken abroad if courses match the outlined approved departments.

*Summer course options: SW 650, SW electives, and Social Science Concentration courses from the outlined approved departments.

Questions to ask

Your Academic Advisor

  • What classes must I complete for my degree (breadth/depth, major requirements, etc.)?
  • Do I need to be on UW-Madison’s campus for any courses in my major?
  • How many electives do I have outside of my major?

Your Study Abroad Advisor

  • What classes can I take abroad?
  • How and when do I select courses for my program? 
  • When will I know course equivalents for my program?
  • What is the class structure like abroad?

Hear from students in your major

Explore student blogs and reflections to see how your peers have connected international experiences to their studies. Discover real stories about the skills, challenges, and professional insights gained through our programs.

Identifying programs that are right for you

Majors high on our list that pair well will social welfare or social work – four of their courses will count towards our requirements:

  • Psychology
  •  Sociology

Other majors that work well with social welfare or social work include:

  •  African American Studies
  • American Indian Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Asia American Studies
  • Chicanx/e and Latinx/e Studies
  • Economics
  • Gender & Women Studies
  • International Studies
  • LACIS – Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies
  • Legal Studies
  • Political Science

Relevant Certificates:

  • African American Studies
  • Aging Studies
  • American Indian Studies
  • Asian American Studies
  • Business (for non-business students)
  • Chicanx/e and Latinx/e Studies
  • Criminal Justice
  • Education & Educational Services
  • Educational Policy Studies
  • Environmental Studies Certificate
  • Gender & Women Studies
  • Global Health
  • Health Policy
  • Jewish Studies Certificate
  • LGBTQ+ Studies
  • Public Policy
  • Social Justice & Education
  • Sustainability

Social Welfare & Social Work students have studied around the world. We encourage you to consider programs that are the best fit for you academic, professionally, and personally. Where do your passions and interests guide you? If you’ve always wanted to visit a particular region of the world, we can help you build an academic plan while meeting your graduation timeline.

The following programs are recommended for Social Welfare & Social Work students due to relevant credit opportunities in the major and relevant certificates, or for related interests.

Africa

Asia

Europe

Latin America

North America

Oceania

International Internships

International internships are another way to gain valuable professional experience abroad while earning course credit. While you can often participate in a part-time internship as part of your study abroad program, it is also possible to participate in an Internship-focused program or a UW Signature Internship.

Search all programs

Research all programs using the Program Search page. The above is not an exhaustive list of all programs. There may be other programs that are a better fit for your individual needs or interests.

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