2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [FINAL EDITION]
Social Work
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The Social Work Program
The social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and leads to the bachelor of social work degree. The program prepares students to provide competent and effective generalist social work services in agency-based settings to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The curricula are developed as part of a competency model based on the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards of the Council on Social Work Education. The courses are designed to promote critical thinking, an appreciation of diversity and different ways of knowing, a commitment to high ethical standards, and an understanding of both the art and science of social work practice.
Students take social work courses and specific courses in the behavioral and social sciences, and complete 480 hours of supervised field work experience in a variety of social service settings. In addition, the social work core curriculum involves service learning. This is a teaching approach that requires students to step out of the classroom and into a community where they will experience social work firsthand. This method is incorporated in BSW classes beginning in the freshman year. Students will be incrementally exposed to a variety of settings and populations connecting academic learning to real-life experiences through reflection and classroom assignments. As part of the competency assessment educational approach, students are required to develop a portfolio.
Declaring the Social Work Major
Students may declare social work as a major upon entering the university or at any time prior to the junior year. Enrollment in professional social work courses beyond introductory level courses (SW 107 and SW 330 /SW 331 ) is restricted to social work majors or by special permission by the instructor or BSW program director.
When a student declares social work as a major, the director of the baccalaureate social work program meets with the student to discuss the course of study appropriate for a social work major, develop a tentative plan for completion of required course work, and assign a social work faculty advisor. The social work faculty advisor will meet with the student each semester to review his or her course of study and to provide assistance with other academic concerns or personal problems.
Application to the BSW Program: BSW Candidacy
Four-year students and transfer students are formally considered for admission to the BSW program in the fall semester of their junior year. Below are the two separate procedures for four-year students and transfer students:
Four-Year Students
To be considered for admission to the BSW program, a four-year student must have completed at least 45 credits, completed SW 107 , be enrolled in SW 321 and SW 331 , and be meeting the academic performance standards. All four-year social work majors must submit an application for admission to the BSW program in the fall semester of their junior year to be eligible to earn the BSW degree. The application procedure requires students to meet with their advisors to discuss their qualifications for admission. Four-year students applying to the BSW program will submit a BSW candidacy packet. To be considered for admission to the BSW program, a student must have:
- Completed at least 45 credit hours.
- Completed SW 107 .
- Enrolled in SW 321 and SW 331 .
- Achieved a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Earned no lower than a grade of a “C” in any social work course.
- Demonstrated competency in oral and written expression of the English language.
- Demonstrated personal characteristics consistent with potential for professional social work practice.
The student must complete an application, which includes a personal statement, and be accepted by the BSW Admissions Committee.
Transfer Students
To be considered for admission to the BSW program, a transfer student must have been accepted to the university with a completed transfer equivalency report that was discussed with the BSW program director when the student entered the university. Transfer students must be enrolled in appropriate social work courses depending upon the transfer equivalency report and meet the academic performance standards.
All transfer social work majors must submit an application for admission to the BSW program in the fall semester of the junior year to be eligible to earn the BSW degree. The application procedure requires students to meet with the BSW program director to discuss their qualifications for admission. Transfer students applying to the BSW program will submit a BSW candidacy packet. To be considered for admission to the BSW program, a transfer student must have:
- A Widener University Transfer Equivalency Report, which should be discussed with the BSW program director.
- Enrolled in appropriate social work courses according to the academic plan established upon entering the university.
- Achieved a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Earned no lower than a grade of a “C” in any social work course.
- Demonstrated competency in oral and written expression of the English language.
- Demonstrated personal characteristics consistent with potential for professional social work practice.
- Met with the BSW program director for a formal interview.
The student must complete an application, which includes a personal statement, and be accepted by the BSW Admissions Committee.
Dual Degrees & Concentrations
The BSW program has numerous dual degree options for students. These include psychology; sociology (applied practice track); gender, women, and sexuality studies; criminal justice; fine arts; and K–12 school counselor certification. All students enrolled in these programs must consult with their advisors in social work and the corresponding program for accurate academic advisement in both programs.
Please note that courses in the following dual degrees may be taken out of order so that students can complete all curricular requirements: Psychology; Gender, Women, & Sexuality Studies; Sociology; Fine Arts; and Criminal Justice.
ProgramsBachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Social WorkBachelor of Science in Social Work
Bachelor of Science in Social Work/Master of Science in Social WorkMinor
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