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2012-2013 Academic Catalog and Handbook

Bachelors (BSW) in Social Work

The bachelor of social work degree offers a 126-semester-hour course of study, 51 hours of which are prescribed social work course work that is designed to prepare students for professional social work practice with diverse populations in a variety of settings. This includes work with individuals and couples (micro level); families and small groups (mezzo level); and agencies, institutions, community, and church organizations (macro level). There is an emphasis on generalist practice that values the uniqueness, dignity, and needs of all people. Generalist practice is oriented toward analyzing and addressing problems with micro, mezzo, and macro skills and perspectives.

The program courses are designed to include academic social work and field experience/practicum requirements within a liberal arts context. This enables the student to link social research with social work practice. The program prepares students to work in a variety of social work and social welfare settings, as well as to seek admission into graduate programs. Students are required to obtain a minimum grade of C- in all courses taken for the major.

Admission to Social Work Degree (BSW)

Students interested in pursuing a degree in social work should consult with a social work advisor as soon as possible. All students interested in social work as a degree must make formal application to the program. Each applicant shall:

  1. Live in compliance with the university expectations and responsibilities (found in the Undergraduate Student Handbook).
  2. Have an overall GPA of at least 2.0 prior to filing an application to the program.
  3. Complete the following pre-entry courses with a GPA of at least 2.70 and a minimum of a C grade in each of the following courses:

    PSYC 150 General Psychology 3
    SOCI 150 Principles of Sociology 3
    SWRK 180 Introduction to Social Welfare 3
  4. Complete the program application process (which includes completion of a written application, recommendations, and interview) on or before Jan. 30 of the student's sophomore year. Transfer students should see a social work advisor prior to registration.
  5. Receive written acceptance into the program from the program admission committee.
  6. File a Declaration of Major form with the university's registrar's office.

Special General Education Requirements

PSYC 150 General Psychology 3
SOCI 150 Principles of Sociology 3

Students must choose one of the following courses:
BIOL 100 Foundations of Biology 3
BIOL 211 General Biology I 4
BIOL 212 General Biology II 4
BIOL 331 Anatomy & Physiology I 4
BIOL 332 Anatomy & Physiology II 4
Recommended General Education Courses
ECON 202 Principles of Macroeconomics 3
SOCI 310 Cultural Anthropology 3

Major Requirements

SWRK 180 Introduction to Social Welfare 3
SWRK 290 Diversity Issues in Social Work 3
SWRK 331 Human Behavior in the Social Environment I 3
SWRK 332 Human Behavior in the Social Environment II 3
SWRK 340 Statistical Procedures 3
SWRK 370 Foundations of Social Work Practice 3
SWRK 391 Social Work Practice I 3
SWRK 392 Social Work Practice II 3
SWRK 393 Social Work Practice III 3
SWRK 400 Social Work with Children 3
SWRK 410 Social Work with Vulnerable Adults 3
SWRK 440 Social Work Research Methods 3
SWRK 460 Social Policy 3
SWRK 475 Field Experience/Practicum I 3
SWRK 476 Field Experience/Practicum II 3
SWRK 477 Field Experience/Practicum III 3
SWRK 490 Senior Seminar 3
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