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Social Work BSW

Top 1%
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85%
of CSU grads secure a job related to their career plans within six months of graduation.
A+
More than nine out of ten Rams would select CSU again.
17:1
Average student-to-faculty ratio.
Degree Overview Open Accordion

CSU’s online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program equips you to become an agent of change for individuals, families, and communities. Gain the skills to address complex social issues with a foundation in ethical standards, cultural responsiveness, and a commitment to social and economic justice for vulnerable populations.

Personalize your learning experience

Tailor your degree to align with your career aspirations by choosing one of three specialized concentrations, allowing you to develop expertise in the areas that matter most to you.

  • Holistic Care
  • International Social Work
  • Addiction Counseling

Gain hands-on experience with an internship

Through a two-semester Capstone internship, you’ll gain practical experience in a social work agency, completing a minimum of 400 hours of hands-on learning. This real-world exposure enables you to apply your knowledge in diverse settings and build a foundation for your career.

Fast-track your career advancement

After earning your BSW, take the next step by applying for CSU’s Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) program. With a BSW, you can obtain your MSW in just one year, further expanding your education and deepening your impact in the field of social work.

Career Opportunities Open Accordion

Diverse career opportunities in social work

A Bachelor of Social Work prepares you for impactful careers across various sectors. Graduates of this program are well-positioned to make a difference in fields such as:

  • Medical settings
  • Public health
  • Mental health
  • School social work
  • Supporting individuals and communities experiencing adversity

Path to lifelong impact

A Bachelor of Social Work equips you with the skills to drive meaningful change in clinical settings, community organizations, and beyond. For those looking to specialize further, pursuing an MSW opens doors to advanced practice roles and leadership opportunities.

Curriculum Open Accordion

Freshman

Semester 1

Total Credits: 16

Semester 2

  • SOWK 150 – Introduction to Social Work (3 cr.)

Select one course from the following: (3-4 cr.)

Select one course from the following: (3 cr.)

Select one course from the following: (3 cr.)

Total Credits: 15

Sophomore

Semester 3

Electives (3 cr.)

Total Credits: 16

Semester 4

Select two courses from the following: (6 cr.)

  • SOWK 352/ETST 352 – Indigenous Women, Children, and Tribes (3 cr.)
  • SOWK 371A – Fields of Practice: Child Protection
  • SOWK 371B – Fields of Practice: Juvenile Justice
  • SOWK 371C – Fields of Practice: Criminal Justice
  • SOWK 371E – Fields of Practice: Social Gerontology
  • SOWK 371G – Fields of Practice: Training Canine Animal Assisted Interventions
  • Health/Wellness (See Department List on Major Requirements Tab) (2-3 cr.)
  • Economic, Environmental, and Social Justice (See Department List on Major Requirements Tab) (3 cr.)

Electives (3 cr.)

Total Credits: 15

Junior

Semester 5

  • SOWK 300 – Translational Social Work Research (3 cr.)
  • SOWK 341 – Generalist Practice-Small Groups (3 cr.)
  • SOWK 392 – Prep and Essential Skills for Internship (1 cr.)

Select one course from the following: (3 cr.)

Select one course from the following: (3 cr.)

Electives (3 cr.)

Total Credits: 16

Semester 6

  • SOWK 344 – Social Work Practice - Partners and Families (3 cr.)

Select one course from the following: (3 cr.)

  • SOWK 352/ETST 352 – Indigenous Women, Children, and Tribes (3 cr.)
  • SOWK 371A – Fields of Practice: Child Protection
  • SOWK 371B – Fields of Practice: Juvenile Justice
  • SOWK 371C – Fields of Practice: Criminal Justice
  • SOWK 371E – Fields of Practice: Social Gerontology
  • SOWK 371G – Fields of Practice: Training Canine Animal Assisted Interventions

Electives (6 cr.)

Total Credits: 15

Senior

Semester 7

  • SOWK 400 – Generalist Practice-Communities (3 cr.)
  • SOWK 410 – Social Welfare - Policy, Issues, and Advocacy (3 cr.)
  • SOWK 488 – Field Placement (4 cr.)
  • SOWK 492A – Capstone Seminar I (1 cr.)

Electives (2-4 cr.)

Total Credits: 13-15

Semester 8

  • SOWK 488 – Field Placement (5 cr.)
  • SOWK 492B – Capstone Seminar II (2 cr.)
  • Upper Division Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 cr.)

Total Credits: 13

Program Total Credits: 120

1Addictions Counseling Concentration

Freshman

Semester 1

Total Credits: 16

Semester 2

  • SOWK 150 – Introduction to Social Work (3 cr.)

Select one course from the following: (3-4 cr.)

Select one course from the following: (3 cr.)

Elective (3 cr.)

Total Credits: 15-16

Sophomore

Semester 3

Electives (3 cr.)

Total Credits: 15-16

Semester 4

  • SOWK 370 – Addictions - A Social Work Perspective (3 cr.)

Select one course from the following: (3 cr.)

  • Health/Wellness course (2-3 cr.)
  • Economic, Environmental, and Social Justice (3 cr.)

Elective (3 cr.)

Total Credits: 14-15

Semester 5

  • SOWK 300 – Translational Social Work Research (3 cr.)
  • SOWK 341 – Generalist Practice - Small Groups (3 cr.)
  • SOWK 344 – Social Work Practice - Partners and Families (3 cr.)

Select one course from the following:

Elective (3-4 cr.)

Total Credits: 15-16

Semester 6

  • PSY 310 – Basic Counseling Skills (3 cr.)
  • PSY 311A – Basic Counseling Skills Laboratory: CACI (2 cr.)
  • PSY 362 – Professional Issues in Addiction Treatment (3 cr.)
  • SOWK 392 – Prep and Essential Skills for Internship (1 cr.)

Select one course from the following: (3 cr.)

  • Historical Perspectives (3 cr.)

Total Credits: 15

Senior

Semester 7

Elective (3 cr.)

Total Credits: 14

Semester 8

Electives (1-4 cr.)

Total Credits: 14

Program Total Credits: 120

2Holistic Care Concentration

Freshman

Semester 1

Select one course from the following: (3 cr.)

Total Credits: 16

Semester 2

  • SOWK 150 – Introduction to Social Work (3 cr.)

Select one course from the following: (3 cr.)

Select one course from the following: (3 cr.)

Select one course from the following: (3-4 cr.)


Total Credits: 15-16

Sophomore

Semester 3

Total Credits: 15-16

Semester 4

  • SOWK 371G – Fields of Practice: Training Canine Animal Assisted Interventions (3 cr.)

Select two courses from the following: (6 cr.)

  • SOWK 352/ETST 352 – Indigenous Women, Children, and Tribes
  • SOWK 371A – Fields of Practice: Child Protection
  • SOWK 371B – Fields of Practice: Juvenile Justice
  • SOWK 371C – Fields of Practice: Criminal Justice
  • SOWK 371E – Fields of Practice: Social Gerontology
  • Health/Wellness (See Department List on Major Requirements Tab) (2-3 cr.)
  • Economic, Environmental, and Social Justice (See Department List on Major Requirements Tab) (3 cr.)

Total Credits: 14-15

Junior

Semester 5

  • SOWK 300 – Translational Social Work Research (3 cr.)
  • SOWK 341 – Generalist Practice-Small Groups (3 cr.)
  • SOWK 392 – Prep and Essential Skills for Internship (1 cr.)

Select one course from the following: (3 cr.)

Select one course from the following: (3 cr.)

Electives (3 cr.)

Total Credits: 16

Semester 6

  • SOWK 344 – Social Work Practice - Partners and Families (3 cr.)

Select one course from the following: (3 cr.)

  • SOWK 352/ETST 352 – Indigenous Women, Children, and Tribes (3 cr.)
  • SOWK 371A – Fields of Practice: Child Protection
  • SOWK 371B – Fields of Practice: Juvenile Justice
  • SOWK 371C – Fields of Practice: Criminal Justice
  • SOWK 371E – Fields of Practice: Social Gerontology
  • SOWK 371G – Fields of Practice: Training Canine Animal Assisted Interventions

Electives (6 cr.)

Total Credits: 15

Senior

Semester 7

  • SOWK 400 – Generalist Practice-Communities (3 cr.)
  • SOWK 410 – Social Welfare - Policy, Issues, and Advocacy (3 cr.)
  • SOWK 488 – Field Placement (4 cr.)
  • SOWK 492A – Capstone Seminar I (1 cr.)

Electives (5-6 cr.)

Total Credits: 16-17

Semester 8

  • SOWK 488 – Field Placement (5 cr.)
  • SOWK 492B – Capstone Seminar II (2 cr.)
  • Upper Division Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 cr.)

Total Credits: 13

Program Total Credits: 120

Faculty Open Accordion

Jodie Ball

Education

  • MSW, May 2017, Colorado State University
  • BSW, December 2015, Colorado State University

Jodie Ball LCSW, LAC, joined the School of Social Work as an adjunct instructor in fall 2022. In summer 2024, Jodie joined the School of Social Work full-time as the MSW/MPH Joint Degree Program Administrator. Before then, Jodie worked in a semi-private practice setting providing mental health psychotherapy supported by Neurofeedback. Jodie creates a comfortable and safe environment, where all feel welcomed and at ease to learn and to grow. Her passion is to support those around her to claim their natural strength and greatness, empowering them to navigate, and even overcome, the roadblocks that life throws our way.


Jodie has 7 years of experience working as an outpatient therapist with almost all populations and issues, yet her specialties include working with addiction and recovery, trauma, grief and loss, children and adolescence, horticultural therapy, coping with mental illnesses, and utilizing Neurofeedback support within the therapeutic setting.

Jordan Brooks

Education

  • Master of Social Work, University of South Florida
  • Bachelor of Arts, Eckerd College

Jordan Brooks, LCSW, joined the School of Social Work as a full time instructor in 2022. He received his bachelor's degree from Eckerd College, and his MSW from the University of South Florida.


Prior to joining the School of Social Work, Jordan has worked as a psychotherapist in a multitude of clinical settings including an inpatient program for adults experiencing dual diagnosis, and an outpatient program for child survivors of trauma. Currently Jordan provides psychotherapy through his private practice outside of the School of Social Work where he treats adults experiencing difficulties related to anxiety, mood, and trauma that intersect with the complexities of personality, identity, and sexuality.

Shelbie Engelking

Education

  • MSW, 2010 - Colorado State University
  • BSW, 2007 - Colorado State University
  • B.A., Sociology, 2002 - Colorado State University

Shelbie Engelking (she/her/hers) joined the CSU School of Social Work as an Academic Success Coordinator in April 2022. Prior to joining the School of Social Work, she worked for non-profit Disability Law Colorado as the State PACE Ombudsman. Shelbie has also worked for Larimer County Human Services as a Long-Term Care Ombudsman and case manager for Options for Long-Term Care. Shelbie started her career in social work working in long-term care as a nursing home social worker. Shelbie is a Colorado native and has bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Social Work, and a master’s degree in Social Work from Colorado State University.

Amber Franzel

  • Certificate, University of Michigan, 2007
  • Masters, Social Work, University of Michigan, 2005
  • Bachelors, Social Work, Colorado State University, 2002

Amber Franzel grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado, receiving her BSW from Colorado State University and her MSW from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She has been a licensed social worker since 2008 and has field experience in Elder Protective Services both as a caseworker and supervisor, in community mental health centers focusing on intensive case management for those with chronic and severe mental health issues, and most recently, with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, advocating for older adults in nursing homes and assisted livings. In addition to making sure resident rights are upheld, she also has an interest in nursing home culture change and promoting person centered care into health care in general. As an advocate for residents and families who may not understand the complex elder care system, she spends a lot of time in mediation sessions to negotiating ways to improve the quality of life and quality of care for residents, especially if they are not able to do so. Her professional interests relate to bioethics, navigating family complexities, working within regulations to meet patient needs, and coordination between systems to promote a high level of patient care within a complex and often dysfunctional system.

Dana Gaines

Education

  • MSW, May 2005, Social Work, Colorado State University
  • BSW, May 2001, Social Work, Colorado State University

Dana Gaines joined the teaching faculty for the School of Social Work in the summer of 2011. Prior to joining the CSU teaching team, she spent 7 years working in both urban and rural communities as a county child welfare caseworker. She continued her professional experience in the field of child welfare while living in California (2007-2010) by coordinating the Los Angeles County IV-E child welfare stipend program for California State University Northridge, while also serving as field liaison and field instructor. She is a licensed clinical social work in the state of Colorado. Dana currently serves the university through her role as Executive Committee member on the Provost Council for Engagement and most recently (2022) lead professional development trainings at CSU related to “Engaged Teaching at CSU: How, Why, and What is it Anyway?”

Tiffany Jones

Education

  • Ph.D., August 2018, Social Welfare, University of Washington
  • MSW, June 2016, Master of Social Work, University of Washington
  • M.A. May 2007, Marital and Family Therapy with a Specialization in Clinical Art Therapy, Loyola Marymount University
  • B.A. May 2005, Psychology and Art, Syracuse University

Tiffany M. Jones is an Associate Professor at the School of Social Work at Colorado State University. Dr. Jones worked for seven years in community mental health as an art therapist and supervisor in the diverse communities of Los Angeles. Her research is informed by experience supervising and implementing evidence-based practices in diverse communities, motivating her to build bridges between research and practice through partnerships with community organizations. Dr. Jones’s research takes a transdisciplinary approach to the study of behavioral health interventions and organizational practice to intervene and interrupt institutional structures that reproduce racial inequity, particularly in the school context. Her program of research is composed of three primary components: 1) deepening knowledge of how evidence-based prevention and treatment programs consider cultural and racial difference and the social justice implications of implementing these programs, 2) the development of community-based research-practice partnerships and data-informed systems focused on promoting racial equity, and 3) etiological research on the social environment on behavioral health over the life course to inform intervention development.

Kate Miller

Education

  • P.S.M., May 2019, Zoo, Aquarium & Animal Shelter Management, Colorado State University
  • B.A., May 2013, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology; Psychology, University of Colorado at Boulder

Kate Miller is the Animal Trainer and Volunteer Coordinator with Human-Animal Bond in Colorado (HABIC) at Colorado State University. She is currently a PhD student in Biology at CSU, working with Dr. Jennie Willis. Kate's research focuses on animal training and behavior. Kate is also the staff advisor for Collar Scholars, an undergraduate CSU club that raises future service dogs for Canine Companions, and is a puppy raiser herself for the same organization.


Kate holds a Professional Science Master’s in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management from Colorado State University. She is also a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner. Kate received her bachelor’s degree in ecology & evolutionary biology and psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. As an undergraduate, she completed an internship at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley where she focused on behavior modification and training. After graduation, she expanded her knowledge of animal behavior and training, and spent a year working in zoos and aquariums. Kate has worked with seals, polar bears, wolves, tigers, porcupines, and river otters. She returned to working with companion animals by serving as the behavior and evaluations coordinator for Larimer Humane Society and completing a professional dog training certification through Karen Pryor Academy. She is also the founder of a private cat and dog training business.

Kristin Mooney

Education

  • MSW, The University of Denver, Mental Health Concentration / Substance Abuse Certificate Program
  • B.A., Psychology, Stanford University, Specialization in Human Health and Development
Degree Minors Open Accordion

Grow your knowledge and focus on a topic that interests you. A degree minor can help you discover new passions and talents, and further specialize your education so you become more marketable to employers. Relevant courses often apply to both major and minor requirements, so a minor can be added without greatly changing your degree plan.

Courses already taken can apply to a minor regardless of when the minor is added to your student record. All minor requirements must be completed prior to graduation.

Undergraduate Minors

Agricultural Business

Anthropology

Get a cross-cultural view of humanity and the broadly conceived dimensions of human behavior. You have the option to focus your anthropology studies on one or more sub-disciplinary divisions, including physical anthropology, archaeology, ethnology, or applied anthropology. To earn the minor, you must complete 22 credits from the following courses:

Business Administration

Computer Science

Add to your knowledge base and feel confident working with fields like computer programming, software development, cyber security, and more.

Required Lower Division Courses

Select one course from the following

Required Upper Division Courses

Program Total Credits: 24

Please note: Additional Math courses may be required depending on the 300/400 level courses that students choose.

Creative Writing

Explore creative writing in one or more of the following genres: poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction. In addition to broadening your writing repertoire, gain workshop experience at an advanced level. To earn this minor, you must complete a minimum of 21 credits in courses with E or CO subject codes, with at least 15 upper-division credits.

Required Courses

Select one group from the following

Fiction
Poetry
Nonfiction
Select one course from the following not taken above

Upper-Division Electives

Design Thinking

The Minor in Design Thinking provides students with an opportunity to develop creative methods and processes for solving societal problems. This human-centered approach engages users and stakeholders in interdisciplinary co-design processes and applies elementary or emerging technologies to develop prototypes that improve spaces, objects, services, problems and ideas benefitting daily experiences and overall quality of life. Students will gain an awareness of the impact of design thinking and its application – to their major, discipline, or profession. Nancy Richardson Design Center course offerings are available in a mix of online, hybrid, or face-to-face. For a full list of learning opportunities offered by the RDC, please visit the courses page.

To earn the minor in Design Thinking online, you must complete 21 credits from the following courses:

Required Courses

Select any 12 credits from the following:

Select 3 credits from the following:

Note: Some online courses are still in development.

Economics

Gain insight into current socioeconomic problems in the areas of resource allocation, inflation, unemployment, income distribution, environmental degradation, international trade, and monopoly power. This minor prepares you for careers in business management, teaching, government, banking, and public policy. To earn the minor, you must complete 21 credits from the following courses:

Lower Division

Upper Division

Gerontology

Prepare for a variety of careers in gerontology and develop an understanding of the biological, psychological, and social aspects of adult development and aging. This interdisciplinary minor prepares you to fill the need for well-trained professionals to support aging adults, and can be paired with any CSU major.

Please complete the online minor/certificate declaration form to declare a minor or certificate in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. It may take 5-7 business days to process your request, so check your CSU email for an email from the Registrar’s Office asking you to approve the request to declare the minor. You must approve the request for the declaration to be processed. You should see the minor or certificate updated in Ramweb within a week of your approval.

Required Courses

Select a minimum of 3 credits internship/field placement directly related to aging from the following:

Electives (3-6 credits)

Global and Environmental Sustainability

Prepare to meet today's pressing environmental challenges with this interdisciplinary minor offered by The School of Global Environmental Sustainability (SoGES). Explore innovative research to understand how to solve problems that arise between humans and the environment. To earn your minor, you must complete 21 credits (12 upper-division credits) from the following courses:

Required Courses

Select one course from each group (A-D)

At least 3 credits must be upper-division (300-400 level). Courses may not satisfy two groups.

Group A: Society and Social Processes (select one)
Group B: Biological and Physical Processes (select one)
Group C: Economy and Profitability (select one)
Group D: Skills (select one)

Upper-Division Elective – select 3 upper-division credits from categories A-D with a subject code not previously taken (3 cr.)

History

Expand the breadth of your knowledge by earning an undergraduate minor in history. Choose from a range of courses based on your interests. This minor may be particularly useful for students who plan to pursue careers in education, public service, government, museums and archives, law, and other professions that require skills in research, writing, and the analysis of information. To earn the history minor, you must complete 21 credits from the following courses. (Note: You must complete at least 12 upper-division credits and 9 lower-division credits).

Select any 9 credits from the following

Take 12 Upper-division (300-400 level) courses in HIST

Horticulture

Growing and managing plants requires you to understand the science and the business of cultivation, and this online bachelor's degree minor emphasizes both. To earn the horticulture minor, you must complete 21 credits from the following courses.

Required courses (14 credits):

Select two courses (for a minimum of 7 credits) from the following:

Human Development and Family Studies

The Human Development and Family Studies minor provides students across all majors with an opportunity to select course work relevant to their career goals. Students will learn about human development at various stages of the lifespan, within the context of diverse families and social identities. This minor offers students the opportunity to expand their thinking about how relationships, family, culture, biological make-up, and environmental factors influence outcomes related to thinking skills, physical health, and social-emotional well-being across the life cycle. Students will gain an awareness of how to optimize their own and other's development in their careers and personal lives. The HDFS department is committed to promoting the success and well-being of students from heterogeneous backgrounds and experiences.

Please complete the online minor/certificate declaration form to declare a minor or certificate in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. It may take 5-7 business days to process your request, so check your CSU email for an email from the Registrar’s Office asking you to approve the request to declare the minor. You must approve the request for the declaration to be processed. You should see the minor or certificate updated in Ramweb within a week of your approval.

Effective Fall 2023

Students must satisfactorily complete the total credits required for the minor. Minors and interdisciplinary minors require 12 or more upper-division (300- & 400-level) credits. Additional courses may be required due to prerequisites.

Courses from this list may not double-count for the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Minor.

A minimum grade of C (2.000) is required in each course used to satisfy the requirements of the Minor in Human Development and Family Studies. Courses used as substitutions also require a minimum grade of C (2.000).

Required Course:

Electives

Select a minimum of 18 credits from the following (a minimum of 12 credits must be 300-level or higher)

Six credits of the following may count:

Six credits of the following may count:

Interdisciplinary Global Studies

Develop an understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and peoples with courses in international and global history, politics, languages and cultures, economics, and environmental issues. To earn this minor, you must complete 21 credits from the following courses:

Required Courses

Select four courses below

One course from each category, 12 credits total with at least 9 credits in upper-division (300-400) coursework.

History, Politics, and Society
Languages and Cultures
Economy and Environment

Interdisciplinary Information Science and Technology

This interdisciplinary minor is sponsored by departments in different colleges across CSU: Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, English and Journalism and Media Communication. The program is designed for students seeking a broad foundation in information technology, but not seeking to major in a specific information technology-related field. The program requires 21 credits and is open to students majoring in any field other than computer science, computer information systems, and electrical and computer engineering.

Required Course

Elective Courses

Select any 18 credits from the following

Program Total Credits: 21

Note: Nine credits must be from upper-division courses. A minimum of six credits must be completed from at least two subject codes.

Journalistic Reporting and Storytelling

Upon completion of this program, students will develop a strong understanding of the principles and practices of journalism. Students will demonstrate fluency in the legal and ethical considerations of journalism and apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to real-world developments around newsgathering and dissemination.

To earn the minor in Journalistic Reporting and Storytelling online, you must complete 21 credits from the following courses:

Required Courses: 9 credits


Focus Area Electives: 12 credits

Machine Learning

Media Studies

Understand the role and influence of mass media in American society and other cultures by studying media and film history, criticism, law, ethics, social effects, cultural consequences, and multicultural and international media issues. To earn the minor, you must complete 21 credits from the following courses:

Required Courses

Select any 15 credits from the following

Music, Stage, and Sports Production

Upon completion of this minor, students will have a broad foundation in creating television and audio recordings of events. Students learn theory and gain hands-on experience in all aspects of the production process, both in studio and on location. This includes operating television cameras and audio equipment; designing appropriate lighting and audio environments; directing live recordings; and finishing projects with audio and video editing.

Group 1: 3 Credits

Group 2: 18 Credits

Program Credits: 21

Political Science

Gain a foundation in political theory and prepare for careers in law, teaching in the social sciences, journalism, and public service. To earn the minor, you must complete 21 credits from the following courses:

Required Courses

Select six credits from the following

Select nine credits of upper division classes from the following

Science Communication

The minor in Science Communication is designed to educate highly qualified communicators who have interests in specialized academic disciplines and career fields. Because science often involves complicated research and processes, communicating the results of that work requires special skills. This program is designed to prepare students for a wide range of niche career opportunities in media, corporate communication, science-related industries, and scientific environments.

Required Courses

Select two courses from the following:

Sociology

How to Add a Minor

Please connect with your assigned advisor to request to add a minor. Note that you must apply and be admitted to the University for a bachelor's degree program before you can add a minor to your student record. Once you are admitted, one or more minors may be added to your student record.


Undergraduate Certificates

Climate Change and Society

Students enrolled in this certificate will be introduced to the major implications of climate change on people and earth systems with the purpose of building a person’s climate change literacy, empowering them to reduce impacts of climate change, and giving students awareness of climate change mitigation/adaptation strategies to bring to their workplaces. Students will learn:

1. What is climate change, why is it now a serious problem, and what can we do about it?
2. What are the key issues for understanding how groups of people respond to and are affected by climate change?
3. What are the key responses and feedbacks of earth systems to climate change?
4. What adaptation, mitigation solutions or business strategies might be employed in real-world systems?

The certificate is being taught across 3 colleges/5 departments and is open to all students across campus, in-person and online.

Curriculum

Required Courses:

Select one from the following:

  • ANTH 330 – (In development)
  • ESS 365

Select one from the following:

  • BUS 440
  • GES 440/ATS 440 – (Coming soon!)
  • GES 441

Total Credits: 12

Design Thinking Certificate

Open to all undergraduate students, the Certificate in Design Thinking will improve not only the way students learn and find solutions to problems in their current coursework, but will also help make students more employable with sought-after marketable skills. Students will gain an awareness of the impact of design thinking and its application – regardless of discipline, profession, or major. Nancy Richardson Design Center course offerings are available in a mix of online, hybrid, or face-to-face. For a full list of learning opportunities offered by the RDC, please visit the courses page.

To earn the certificate in Design Thinking online, you must complete 12 credits from the following courses:

Required Course

Select any 9 credits from the following:

Note: Some online courses are still in development.

Disability and Neurodiversity

The undergraduate certificate in Disability and Neurodiversity provides an interdisciplinary understanding of individuals across the lifespan with disabilities and is relevant to majors and careers in health, education, rehabilitation, and human service professions. Students will explore how disabilities interact with health, life outcomes, family, society, stigma, and the physical environment, and intersect with identities such as race and gender. This certificate consists of basic coursework as well as experiential learning through research or field experiences.

Please complete the online minor/certificate declaration form to declare a minor or certificate in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. It may take 5-7 business days to process your request, so check your CSU email for an email from the Registrar’s Office asking you to approve the request to declare the minor. You must approve the request for the declaration to be processed. You should see the minor or certificate updated in Ramweb within a week of your approval.

Required Courses

Select 6 credits from the following:

Select a minimum of 3 credits directly related to disabilities from the following:

Additional coursework may be required due to prerequisites. Some elective courses are restricted to majors, minors, or honors students. Other related courses may be substituted upon approval of the certificate advisor. A maximum of 6 credits may double-count with the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Minor, the Certificate in Youth Mentoring, and the Minor in Human Development and Family Studies.

Integrated Pest Management

The undergraduate Certificate in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) will equip students with in-depth knowledge of principles of integrated management of pest insects, weeds, and diseases associated with managed and natural landscapes. The students will learn about principles underlying integrated pest management, become familiar with key pests, and learn how to apply IPM in managed landscapes with a goal of minimizing environmental and economic impacts of pest control. This certificate is an excellent choice for students interested in entering the workforce immediately after graduation, as well as professionals that require certification in IPM. The certificate will prepare the students for careers in crop protection, pest management education and policy, among others.

Required Courses:

Select a minimum of 4 courses from the following:

International Economics

This Certificate allows students to obtain a credential acknowledging their competence in international economics. The courses already exist and combining them into a Certificate provides a directed program of study for students interested in expanding their technical and substantive understanding of the topic.

Required Courses:

Macroeconomics

The Certificate in Macroeconomics will educate students in the key ideas, tools, and policies of macroeconomics. Major ideas include the causes and consequences of economic growth, unemployment, inflation, and the changing distribution of income, both in the U.S. and internationally. Students will develop both theoretical and analytical skills that are highly valued by employers.

Required Courses

Select a minimum of 6 credits from the following:

Program Total Credits: 9

Spanish for Animal Health and Care

For students interested in working in animal science, veterinary medicine, or related fields, this certificate program teaches intermediate-level Spanish for use in agricultural and animal care settings. Learn to communicate in Spanish about livestock, equine, and small animal breeds, give directions for animal care and handling, issue instructions for safety and drug administration, and more.

Courses

Seed Science and Technology

Prepare for a career as a seed analyst with online courses in seed technology. These courses, led by Colorado State University and supported by three other major universities (Iowa State University, Virginia Tech, and the University of Kentucky) and the Crop Science Society of America, offer a comprehensive overview of seed analysis, a technical skill requiring patience, attention to detail, and a scientific understanding of seed biology. After completion, you will be prepared to complete the examinations to become a Registered Seed Technologist.

Courses

Note: Additional study and testing is required to become a Certified Seed Analyst or Registered Seed Technologist.

How to Apply Open Accordion

Application Deadlines

Fall semester June 1
Spring semester November 1
Summer semester May 1

Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.

Apply Now

Planning to transfer credits from another college or university? Please review our FAQ page, then complete a Tentative Transfer Evaluation Form to see how your prior credits may transfer.

1 Review Admission Requirements

Refer to admissions.colostate.edu/apply/ for details about who we look for in our individual review process

2 Talk with a Student Success Coach

Call or email our student success team to find out if the program is a good fit for your goals. Our coaches are available Monday-Friday to help you find the right program and navigate the application process.

Student Success Coach: Kyle Yates
Phone: (970) 491-8930
Email: kc.yates@colostate.edu

Schedule Time to Talk

3 Complete Online Application

Complete Colorado State University's online undergraduate application and pay any associated nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online) or waiver (if eligible).

  • First-time Freshman: select the “Freshman” application, then choose Human Development and Family Studies as the program of study.
    • After completing the application process, please contact an H.D.F.S. advisor at 970-491-4947 to ensure your application is for the online program.
  • Transfer students: select "Human Development and Family Studies—online degree program" when choosing major.

Online applications must be submitted before 5 p.m. (Mountain Time) on the deadline date. If you miss the application deadline, you may still register for courses to begin your program of study as a non-degree student. Students seeking Federal financial aid must be admitted prior to enrolling.

4 Apply for Financial Aid (Optional)

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Use FAFSA code 001350. Additional financial aid information is also available.

5 Check Your Application Status

View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis and may take up to six weeks during high volume application periods.

Questions? Call (970) 491-8930 or email kc.yates@colostate.edu.

Questions?

We love learning about your goals and answering any questions you have.

Kyle Yates
Prospective Student Support Coach
Schedule Time to Talk

Program Details

Courses
Online
Credits
120
Tuition
$476 per credit
Same in-state tuition for all.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships Tuition/fees are just part of the cost to attend CSU. Learn more about the full Cost of Attendance
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Social Work
Time Frame
2-4 years

Application Dates

Fall semester
June 1*
Spring semester
November 1*
Summer semester
May 1*
*Note: Application dates may vary depending on student status. Learn more.

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