The principal educational objective of the program is to prepare students for social work practice with individuals, families, and small groups within the context of organizations, and the larger community. This includes direct service practice as well as advocacy, policy, administrative, and community practice.
The program provides education for social worker practice while integrating a liberal arts education in the social sciences and humanities. Through their program of study, students develop the values, knowledge, and skills needed to emerge as an entry-level social work practitioner. This work is grounded in the principles of human rights and social justice. Many program graduates go on to pursue a Master's degree in Social Work (M.S.W.), and are qualified for "advanced standing" which reduces the credit hours and time required to complete a M.S.W. at many universities and colleges around the country.
Requirements
The Social Work Program
The Social Work curriculum is divided into two parts - the pre-professional curriculum and the professional curriculum (beginning in the junior year). Students must meet the prerequisites for junior level courses in order to join their junior year cohort of social work majors. Students apply for SWSS 4730 field experience in the spring of junior year. Application for the field experience requires consultation with the student's advisor to determine that all introductory and intermediate professional and required courses have been successfully completed. The process includes a written statement by the student describing their interests and qualifications, as well as self-reflection related to overarching skills needed for work within agencies and organizations. The advisor and Field Education Coordinator also review professional readiness issues, including strengths, conduct, maturity, and areas to strengthen.
In the senior year, students spend approximately sixteen hours per week (450 - 500 total hours over 9 months) interning in community agencies or organizations. These internships are supported by a team of faculty and community practitioners as well as the content of the two senior-level courses. In the fall semester, students must enroll concurrently in SWSS 4680, SWSS 4710, and SWSS 4730. In the spring semester, students must enroll concurrently in SWSS 4690, SWSS 4720, and SWSS 4740.