The Social Work Department was established in 1969 in response to the social service manpower needs in Prince George’s County and the state of Maryland. The program was originally housed in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. During the first semester, 32 social work majors were enrolled. In a few short years, social work became one of the fastest growing programs at the University. By 1973, the program had 178 majors. The first Council of Social Work Education onsite accreditation visit was completed that same year.

In 1977, the program gained departmental status and operated as such until 1986. At that time, several academic programs were being consolidated. Consequently, the Social Work Department was returned to program status.

In 1979, the Social Work Program was granted a seven-year fully accredited status, although revisions of the human behavior and social environment component were required. Within the two-year time frame allocated, changes were made and approved. In 1986, questions were raised about social work research and social work methods. A modified site visit was conducted and appropriate changes were made and approved.

The 1990s saw a steady increase in student enrollment and faculty development. In 1999, the Social Work Program at Bowie State University returned to departmental status with an enrollment of approximately 125 majors pursuing a fully accredited Bachelor of Science degree with a major in social work.

In 2006, social work faculty saw a need for increased bilingual education. As a result, an alliance was formed with the department of English and Modern Languages to implement an interdisciplinary strategy to include two levels of Spanish or American sign-language as a requirement for all social work majors. As a result, our students have increased their knowledge and marketability within the human services delivery system.

Over the past 10 years, the program has continued to grow. The enrollment has increased to approximately 257 majors. The full-time faculty members have increased from three to seven. In addition, we have several adjunct faculty who add to the richness of our program. Social work faculty members form a diverse group of highly trained and qualified professionals with a wide range of practical and academic experiences.

To date, the program continues to grow in enrollment and remains fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The department is currently housed on the third floor of the Center for Learning and Technology.