Catalogue Description of Social Work Major

The major in social work prepares the student to practice bachelors level social work in today's complex world. This preparation takes into consideration the value of human diversity in the world and the reality of oppression in the world. Specifically, the curriculum provides the student with the values and ethics, the skills, and the knowledge needed to practice entry level social work. The program includes both classroom work and a two semester (400 hour) internship.

Admission Process:

Students are required to apply to be a social work major. They are allowed to do this as early as the first semester of their sophomore year though they may make their intention to be a major known to the department prior to that time (this is highly recommended). At the time of application the student should have taken or be taking at minimum the foundation courses (see below), and SOCW 0103. Students are to complete an application for the social work major (which includes a personal statement), provide a copy of their transcripts, and provide an "Instructor Review" form from their SOCW 0103 instructor. Admission decisions are made prior to the last week of classes in both the fall and spring semesters. Students formally enter the program in the first semester of their junior year. For further information the student is referred to the social work "Admission Policy"

Retention in the Program:

To remain in the major, a student will have to receive at least a "C-"  in all major and foundation courses, and retain at least a 2.3  grade point average in all required major and foundation courses. Further, students need to follow the NASW code of Ethics and demonstrate professional behavior in classes and in the field. A student who does not meet these standards may be removed from the major.

Requirements to Complete Social Work Major:

-Complete Foundation Courses (Total Credits: 16) 
(can count as part of common core) 
SOCI 0101 Principles of Sociology 
PSYC 0101 General Psychology 
POLS 0101 American National Government
or HIST 0132 US History and Government 
ECON 0101 Principles of Macroeconomics 
BIOL 0104 Human Biology   


-Complete Major Courses (Total Credits: 42) 
SOCW 0103 Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare (3) 
SOCW 0204 Introduction to Research Methods in Social Work (3) 
SOCW 0301 Advanced Research Methods
SOCW 0241 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I (3) 
SOCW 0242 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II (3) 
SOCW 0243 Social Welfare Policy Analysis  (3) 
SOCW 0340 Introduction to Generalist Practice   (3) 
SOCW 0341 Generalist Practice with Communities & Organizations (3) 
SOCW 0342 Generalist Practice with Individuals (3) 
SOCW 0343 Generalist Practice with Families & Groups (3) 
SOCW 0351 Social Work Field Practicum I  (6) 
SOCW 0352 Social Work Field Practicum II  (6)

SOCW 0103 Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare (3)

Preprofessional course designed to introduce the student to the present profession of social work, present social welfare programs, and the history of social work and social welfare.

SOCW 0204 Introduction to Research Methods in Social Work (3)

The course will introduce social work students to the basics of social science research by examining the research process, purposes of research and the philosophy of research. Students will learn about the basics of measurement, sampling and causation. Students will review how the basics approaches to research, including qualitative research, experiments, surveys, and historical and comparative research, are applied and utilized by social; workers. Research from social work will be used to exemplify research principles.

SOCW 0301 Advanced Research Methods (3)

This course builds on research skills and knowledge developed in SOCI 0204 "Introduction to Research Methods in Sociology."  This course examines the topics of advanced measurement, program evaluation N of 1 research, qualitative data analysis, and ethics in research with a focus on quantitative data analysis. Prerequisite: SOCI 204

SOCW 0241 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I (3)

This is the first course of a two course sequence that will focus on how aspects of the social environment affect human behavior and on individual development across the life cycle. Prerequisite: SOCW 0103, SOCI 0101, & PSYC 0101

SOCW 0242 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II (3)

This is the second course of a two course sequence that will focus on how aspects of the social environment affect human behavior and on individual development across the life cycle. Prerequisite: SOCW 0241, BIOL 0104 or permission of instructor

SOCW 0243 Social Welfare Policy Analysis (3)

Social science, historical, and ideological models, theories, and perspectives are used as a foundation to examine and analyze present social policies and social programs. Prerequisite: SOCW 0103, POLS 0101 & ECON 0101

SOCW 0340 Introduction to Generalist Practice (3)

Provides an introduction to the generalist practice process, the problem solving model, critical thinking, the values and ethics of social work, recording methods, basic interviewing skills and how to apply this knowledge and these skills across various types of practice situations (with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations).. Prerequisite: SOCW 0241 or concurrent registration

SOCW 0341 Generalist Practice with Communities & Organizations (3)

Examines the skills needed to develop and carry out community development and social activism interventions. Covers basic skills for developing organizations, creating organizational change and administering organizations. Prerequisite: SOCW 0340

SOCW 0342 Generalist Practice with Individuals (3)

This course focuses on skills of assessment and intervention with individuals. Students examine models of micro practice, hone critical thinking skills, and develop methods for dealing with ethical dilemmas. Prerequisite: Acceptance in Social Work Program & SOCW 0340

SOCW 0343 Generalist Practice with Families & Groups (3)

Introduces students to the knowledge and skills needed to plan and guide social work groups and the knowledge and skills to work with family systems. Prerequisite: SOCW 0340

SOCW 0351 Social Work Practicum I (6)

For Social Work Majors only Social work majors in their senior year are required to complete a two semester, 400 hour, hands on social work experience in an approved agency under the supervision of a professional social worker. Included is a weekly seminar that provides further integration of practice with the skills, knowledge, and values and ethics of the field. Prerequisite: SOCW 0340 & SOCW 0342

SOCW 0352 Social Work Practicum II (6)

For Social Work Majors only This is the second half of the senior year field experience. Prerequisite: SOCW 0351
 
 

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updated 10/5/07