The bachelor of arts with a major in social work (B.A.), offered by the School of Social Work at both Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Rutgers University-Camden, is a professional degree program that prepares graduates for beginning social work practice. Students are prepared for professional practice as well as graduate study in social work and related fields. The focus for practice includes work with special populations, including the poor, the oppressed, and other at-risk groups. The program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. It stresses research-based instruction, individualized work with students, and "hands-on" experience as part of the learning process. Participants are expected to acquire the knowledge base and professional ethics, values, and skills to work effectively within individual, family, group, organizational, and community levels of practice.

The bachelor of arts degree program is offered through the School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers-New Brunswick and the College of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers-Camden. Additional information is available online at https://socialwork.rutgers.edu/academics/bachelor-arts-social-work-basw.