UMBC's B.A. degree in Social Work prepares students for generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups and communities at the beginning level and the program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Students learn a range of skills and helping techniques that will enable them to intervene effectively in addressing social problems. The course of study in social work at UMBC includes social work practice methods, social welfare policy and services, human behavior and the social environment, statistics and social research, and participation in direct services through an intensive field-work experience in a community based social service department or agency. Graduates of the UMBC program are fully prepared for graduate studies and/or are employed in various human-service positions with federal, state and local governments, as well as with nonprofit agencies, corporations, healthcare organizations and hospitals. Graduates qualify to take the state examination to become licensed social work associates in the State of Maryland.