SOCIAL WORK 

In today’s increasingly complex world, the need for individuals who can listen, empathize, and act for the well-being of others has never been greater. Studying Social Work in China not only opens doors to diverse career opportunities but also leads you on a humanistic journey of contributing to sustainable social development.

Program Overview

The Social Work major falls under the discipline of Sociology. It aims to cultivate applied and interdisciplinary professionals with strong political orientation, rich humanistic literacy, scientific spirit, and a strong sense of social responsibility. 

The program emphasizes a balance between theory and practice, enhancing students’ abilities in social services and policy analysis. Graduates are prepared to serve in civil affairs, judicial systems, trade unions, youth leagues, women's federations, and various social service organizations.

Educational Objectives

Guided by Marxist principles, the program seeks to develop well-rounded socialist builders and successors in terms of morality, intellect, physical health, aesthetics, and labor. Specific goals include:

• Embracing core socialist values and a strong sense of social responsibility;
• Mastering fundamental theories and practical skills in social work;
• Developing strong capabilities in social investigation, analysis, and service;
• Training interdisciplinary professionals for marine and coastal social management.

Graduation Requirements

Qualities

• Moral and Political: Patriotism, dedication, law-abiding behavior;
• Cultural: Knowledge in literature, history, philosophy, and arts;
• Physical and Mental: Good health and positive mindset;
• Professional: Understanding social phenomena, multicultural communication, ethical awareness.

Competencies

• Basic Skills: Proficiency in Chinese and English, IT literacy;
• Professional Skills: Social investigation, service delivery, policy analysis, HR and social management;
• Learning and Innovation: Independent learning, project design and execution;
• Career Application: Communication, coordination, organizational management, entrepreneurship.

Knowledge

• Fundamentals: Language, foreign languages, literature search;
• Humanities and Social Sciences: Psychology, political science, history, law;
• Natural Sciences: Mathematics, environmental science, life sciences;
• National and International Contexts: Understanding domestic and global social structures;
• Professional Knowledge: Sociology, research methods, social welfare, social policy.

Core Courses

• Introduction to Sociology
• Introduction to Social Work
• Social Psychology
• Social Research Methods
• Social Statistics
• History of Social Welfare Thought
• Case Work, Group Work, Community Work
• Social Work Administration, Social Policy, Social Security
• Social Work Practice
• Human Behavior and the Social Environment

Research Directions

• Family Social Work
• Medical Social Work
• School Social Work
• Elderly Social Work
• Judicial Social Work
• Rehabilitation Social Work
• Child and Youth Social Work
• Women’s Social Work
• Marine and Coastal Community Social Work

Degree Awarded

Graduates who complete all required credits and pass the thesis and internship assessments will be awarded a Bachelor of Social Work degree.

Career Prospects

Graduates can pursue careers in:

• Government agencies (civil affairs, women’s federations, youth leagues);
• NGOs and social service organizations;
• Healthcare, education, and judicial systems;
• Urban and rural community service centers;
• Marine-related institutions, fishing communities, coastal development departments;
• Roles in social policy research, social security management, HR management, and project design;
• Further studies in Social Work, Sociology, Public Administration, etc.

Related Majors

• Sociology
• Anthropology
• Public Administration
• Psychology
• Education
• Law

Top Universities Offering Social Work Programs in China

1. Peking University
2. Renmin University of China
3. East China Normal University
4. Sun Yat-sen University
5. Nanjing University

Curriculum Support Matrix 

• General Education Courses: Build political literacy, physical health, and humanistic knowledge;
• Disciplinary Foundation Courses: Strengthen theoretical and methodological foundations;
• Core Courses: Enhance practical skills and ethical awareness;
• Electives: Broaden professional perspectives across fields;
• Practical Training: Integrated throughout four years via internships, volunteering, and project design.