+ Social Work

223 Health Center, 419-372-2326

This program is designed to prepare students to be generalist social work practitioners, which is considered the entry level for social workers. The program is built upon a liberal arts foundation. Thus, it provides students with the knowledge and value base of the social work profession as well as the practice skills necessary to work with a variety of clients in various social service agencies.

Students successfully completing the social work program are eligible to take the state license examination in order to become a licensed social worker (LSW). Social workers are employed in public welfare, corrections, health and mental health, and services to the elderly and children and families. Among social workers' clientele are those affected negatively by economic structure, those who have committed or have been victims of crimes, persons who have physical and mental disabilities, and those who have experienced discrimination and oppression. Besides individuals, clients include families, small groups, and communities experiencing conflict and crisis.

The course of study begins with pre-major status. Students take one introductory social work course along with BG Perspective courses. All other social work courses are taken after being accepted for social work degree status. A written application requesting degree status must be submitted to the department (see College of Health and Human Services Academic Handbook for specific requirements). Students are admitted to degree status on a competitive basis.

In addition to the course of study, students participate in area social service agencies through observation, volunteer work, and supervised field instruction. The social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education at the baccalaureate level. Graduates of the program receive a bachelor of science in social work.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in social work are expected to:

• Plan and evaluate appropriate interventions for individuals, families, and groups;
• Critically analyze the impact of social policies on clients, workers, and institutions;
• Use professional skills with diverse clientele in practice settings;
• Communicate and disseminate information.

Admission and continuation in the social work program

1. Students who declare social work as a degree will be classified as pre-social work prior to admission to the program;
2. Students may apply for admission to the program after:
   1. Completion of 30 credit hours;
   2. The attainment of a 2.5 accumulative GPA;
   3. Satisfactory completion of SOWK 110 and SOC 101 with a grade of "C" or better (Transfer students will also be evaluated upon the same criteria.);
3. Program applications are submitted each semester;
4. Decisions regarding admission are made by a faculty committee and will be provided in writing to applicants (See application form for exact dates.);
5. Students who apply for senior field placement must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the core courses as well as accumulative. To apply for graduation in social work, a 2.5 accumulative GPA is required as well as a 2.5 in the core courses.
6. A grade of "C" or higher is required in all degree program core courses.

Click for 2009-2010 course requirements

This program is subject to revision and may be modified to meet student needs. All students must have 122 hours of 100-level or above courses for graduation.