Program Description

The Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration at the Faculty of Social Sciences, SIMAD University is a five-year, trimester-based undergraduate degree that equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to support individuals, families, and communities while also managing and leading social welfare programs. The program blends micro-level social work practice with macro-level administrative, policy, and program development expertise.

Students will engage with key concepts such as human rights, social justice, ethics, community development, advocacy, and welfare management. The program emphasizes direct social work interventions, social research, counseling techniques, and administrative strategies in service delivery. Through experiential learning, fieldwork, critical reflection, and academic inquiry, students develop strong capabilities in client service, policy implementation, leadership, and ethical decision-making—preparing them for careers in social work, public service, NGOs, or further graduate study in social sciences.

Mode of Study

• Open & Distance Learning: (Online)
• Tri-semester system: (3 semesters per academic year)
• Program Duration: 5 years

Program Objectives

The goal of the Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration is to foster socially responsible professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead change, promote well-being, and advance social justice in Somalia and beyond. In particular, the program is aimed to:

1. Provide students with high-quality education in the theory and practice of social work and social administration.
2. Equip students with applied skills to engage in social interventions at the individual, family, community, and policy levels.
3. Foster critical thinking and ethical reasoning for promoting human dignity, inclusion, and equality.
4. Serve as a center for knowledge and research in addressing social challenges through workshops, field training, and community partnerships.
5. Prepare students for professional leadership in managing social welfare programs and influencing policy.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

Graduates of the program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a solid understanding of foundational theories in social work, human behavior, and social administration.
2. Assess and respond to individual, group, and community needs using culturally appropriate and ethical social work approaches.
3. Identify and apply the roles and responsibilities of social work professionals in diverse practice settings.
4. Interpret and use data—including case records, policy reports, and social research—for service planning and evaluation.
5. Design and implement effective social programs and administrative strategies in community-based or institutional contexts.
6. Conduct independent research using qualitative and/or quantitative methods to inform social policy and practice.
7. Communicate professionally and empathetically with clients, communities, and stakeholders in oral, written, and digital formats.
8. Demonstrate ethical conduct and critical awareness in addressing social issues, inequalities, and human rights.
9. Promote social inclusion, empowerment, and sustainable development through policy advocacy and leadership.
10. Apply academic and practical knowledge to real-world challenges in social service delivery, administration, or further academic study.

Career Prospectus

Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully across various sectors that address individual and community welfare. These roles include:

• Social Worker (Community, Clinical, Child Welfare, School, or Healthcare)
• Case Manager or Welfare Officer
• Social Program Coordinator or Administrator
• Community Development Officer
• Policy Analyst or Social Advocate
• Program Officer in NGOs or Social Service Agencies
• Rehabilitation or Mental Health Counselor
• Human Rights and Advocacy Officer
• Research Assistant in Social Development Projects
• Candidate for graduate programs in social work, public administration, or related fields