The Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The principal objectives of the Social Work program are to prepare undergraduate students for generalist/entry-level professional social work practice in public and private sectors, and to prepare students for continued professional growth including graduate social work education. The curriculum utilizes class and field instruction to develop and strengthen the processes, values, skills, and knowledge essential for alleviating problems that impair the social functioning of individuals, families, groups, and communities.
To satisfy the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work, students must complete a minimum of 120 semester credit hours. The required courses include 45 semester hours of Liberal Study courses, 54 semester credit hours of Social Work courses; 6 semester credit hours of support courses; and 15 semester credit hours of free electives. Students must consult with their advisor to plan the most appropriate sequence of study. The required courses in Social Work are SOW 201, 306, 307, 308, 310, 314, 315, 321, 322, 422, 423, 424, 425, 433, 434; and a GNT elective. Sociology requirements include SOC 203 or 205, and ECO 201.
The minimum criteria for enrollment in Social Work courses are consistent with University policies. Students are eligible for formal admission to the Social Work Program if they are currently enrolled in and in good standing at the University. When declaring Social Work as a major, the student must make formal application for admission into the program.
Students are required to submit a formal application to the program accompanied by two pages of autobiographical information. The application and guidelines for the autobiographical sketch are available in the Division of Social Work and Criminal Justice. Applicants for admission are required to meet the following standards:
Have completed SOW 201 (Career Choices in the Human Service Professions), SOW 310 (Foundations of Social Work), or its equivalent with a grade of "C" or better;
Have earned a 2.5 cumulative grade point average or better; and
Have demonstrated competency in oral communication during an interview with Social Work faculty members.
Applications are reviewed by the Social Work Admissions Committee, and decisions are given to applicants in writing. Transfer students may be admitted under provisions of articulation agreements.
Applicants may be admitted provisionally with a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.5 in cases where the Committee concurs that there is demonstrated potential for academic success. However, minimum requirements for provisional admission include a grade of at least "C" in ENG 101 and a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. It is expected that those who are admitted on a provisional basis will attain a 2.2 grade point average by the end of their first semester in the program.
Students may be dismissed from the Social Work Program at any time based upon one or both of the following:
Unsatisfactory academic progress;
Disciplinary action by the Division against the student because of conduct that would indicate character weaknesses of such nature as to make the student unfit for the Social Work profession.
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