Social Work Program

Dana Klar, MSW, JD, Chair

Program Description

The Social Work program offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) that prepares graduates for generalist (entry level) social work practice, helping people help themselves. The degree focuses on social work values and ethics, diversity, social and economic justice, populations-at-risk, and practice at the individual, group, family, organizational, community and societal levels (micro, mezzo, and macro levels).

A social work degree program provides students with the knowledge, skills and values necessary for professional licensure and/or continuation into graduate school. Leadership, integrity, respect for diversity, critical thinking, effective communication skills, and a concern for the welfare of others are core values in the social work profession, with a primary goal of serving marginalized populations in need of social services. Whether it is working with youth, adults or senior citizens, social workers provide support, resource development and guidance for vulnerable people. Students will be able to develop their skills in providing a wide range of services. Upon completion of the social work degree, students are prepared to serve.

The social work program does not grant academic credit for life experience or previous work experience.

The social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Formal admission to the social work program is required in order to enroll in courses in the practice sequence: SW 31000, SW 31100, SW 31200, and the field practicum, SW 45000.

Students are formally admitted to the major in social work after having completed 45 credit hours of coursework and completion of an application procedure available from the social work program chair.

Students intending to become fully admitted into the social work major should contact the social work program chair to obtain complete information regarding admission to the program.