The principal educational objective of the program is to prepare students for social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. 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, ethics, knowledge, and skills needed to emerge as a generalist social work practitioner. This work is grounded in the principles of human rights and social justice. Program graduates who go on to pursue a Master's degree in Social Work (M.S.W.) 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 and fill out a "Cohort Readiness" form in order to join their Junior year cohort of social work majors. Students apply for SWSS 4730 practicum experience in the Spring of Junior year. Application for the practicum experience requires consultation with SWSS 3630 faculty and the student's advisor to determine that all 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 Practicum Education Coordinator also review professional readiness, including strengths, ethics, conduct, maturity, and areas to strengthen.
In the Senior year, students spend approximately 16 hours per week (450 - 500 total hours over 9 months) engaged in practicum in community agencies and organizations. These practicum experiences are supported by a team of faculty and community practitioners as well as the content of the 2 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.