Social Work, B.S.W.

Program Coordinator: Jean M. Ollis, BSW

Trudy P. Singletary, MSW

Chris A. Childers, Field Education Director

Program Overview

Social work is a dynamic profession with a dual focus of empowerment and social change within individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and society as a whole. The profession is grounded in ethical principles as well as the six core values of service, competence, integrity, importance of human relationships, social justice, and dignity and worth of the person. A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree—the minimum educational requirement for the social work profession—provides a professional foundation in generalist social work practice that prepares students for social work licensure, graduate education, and entry-level social work practice in a variety of both public and private settings. Designed for adult learners, this program features high-quality curriculum taught by instructors with professional social work practice experience, a cohort-based learning model that fosters mutual support and provides ongoing networking resources, courses guided by a Christian worldview, and accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Program Competencies

1. Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
2. Engage diversity and difference in practice
3. Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice
4. Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
5. Engage in policy practice
6. Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
7. Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
8. Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
9. Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities

Admission Requirements

Admission criteria to the Bachelor of Social Work program include:

• completion of an associate degree in Human Services or completion of at least 56 transferable credit hours from a regionally-accredited institution(s) of higher learning with a grade of C- or better for each course;
• an overall GPA of 2.00 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) for all previous college or university coursework completed to date (an applicant with a GPA less than 2.00 may apply for probationary admittance);
• submission of official transcripts of all previous college or university courses completed to date;
• completion of required cognates, including BIOL1014 (Principles of Biology), PSYC1013 (General Psychology), PSYC3063 (Abnormal Psychology), and SOCL1013 (Introduction to Sociology);
• successful completion (minimum final grade of "C") of foundation courses in social work, including SWKR1013 (Introduction to Social Work), SWKR1023 (Social Work Field Observation), SWKR2003 (Cultural and Human Diversity), and SWKR2013 (Social Work Interviewing and Documentation);
• status of "student in good standing" from previous college or university;
• demonstration of behavior congruent with accepted social work practice, including (but not limited to) valuing diversity, cultural humility, good oral and written communication skills, and adherence to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and State of Ohio Standards of Ethical Behavior and Professional Conduct;
• completion of an online application and Registration Agreement Form.

The Assistant University Registrar for Graduate and Professional Studies, in consultation with members of the Social Work Department, will review each admissions application and decide on one of the following four options:

• Unconditional Acceptance: The applicant has met all admissions criteria and will be notified in writing of unconditional admission by the Social Work Program Director.
• Conditional Acceptance: The applicant will be notified in writing by the Social Work Program Director of specific areas that need improvement, correction, or completion. Students admitted conditionally may continue to take courses in the program sequence, but must correct the specified deficiencies prior to admission to 4000-level courses, including practica. Students are responsible for meeting all specified conditions, and reporting to the GPS Social Work Program Coordinator for consideration of admission to 4000-level courses.
• Delayed Decision: The applicant will be notified in writing by the Social Work Program Director of specific conditions that must be met before admission will be reconsidered. Students will not be allowed to continue to take courses in the program sequence. Students are responsible for correcting all specified conditions and reporting to the GPS Social Work Program Coordinator for reconsideration of admission.
• Denial of Admission: The applicant will be notified in writing by the Social Work Program Director of specific reasons why he/she has been denied admission into the Bachelor of Social Work program.

Admission to the Bachelor of Social Work program does not guarantee admission to the practicum experience or completion of the program for graduation.

Applicants from countries and US territories in which English is not the primary language must also provide recent evidence of proficiency in English by scoring 80 or above on the Internet-based TOEFL with subscores in writing, reading, speaking and listening of at least 20; or scoring 550 or above on the written TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with subscores in writing and reading of at least 50. All tests of English proficiency must have been taken in the last two years to be considered for acceptance.

Common Social Work Program Policies

The following Social Work Program policies apply to all students admitted to the social work program:

1. Retention in the Social Work Progrrm: Once admitted, a student will continue to be evaluated for continuation in the program. Students may be placed on probation, suspended, or terminated from the social work program for any one or more violations of program policies and standards, including:
   • excessive field education absences 
   • educational disqualifications
   • violations of academic integrity and MVNU standard of conduct
   • legal disqualifications
   • unethical conduct
   • professional impairment
   • lack of reliability and dependability
   • misrepresentation
   • participation in derogatory and/or disrespectful behavior
   • participation in discriminatory behavior.
2. Good Standing in the Social Work Program: BSW students achieve this designation by following each of these minimum standards:
   • maintain at least a cumulative GPA of 2.00 on all course work attempted at the University;
   • earn no grade below "C" in required social work courses;
   • demonstrate ethical behavior in the classroom, field experience, and University community life;
   • maintain status as a "student in good standing" with the University;
   • adhere to field experience policies and procedures; and
   • adhere to social work program policies and procedures.
3. Grade Appeal Process: Students who wish to submit a grade appeal must do so according to the policies outlines under the "Academic Regulations and Procedures" section of this Catalog.
4. Life Experience Policy The Social Work Program grants no academic credit, either in part or whole for life experience, volunteer experience, and/or current or previous work experience. This policy applies to all academic social work credits, including required cognates (pre-social work fundamentals) and professional foundations courses, field observations, and field practica.
5. Social Work Ethical Practice The Social Work Program follows the State of Ohio Standards of Ethical Practice and Professional Conduct and The National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics that applies to students in social work educational programs. Violations of the Standards of Ethical Practice and Professional Conduct may result in departmental sanctions, including probation of termination from the program. Social work students receive written copies of the ethical practice standards and instruction as to the meaning, value, and application of the standards.

Admission to Practicum Experience

1. Students desiring admission into the social work practicum experience must submit an application to the Social Work Field Education Director by the announced date.
2. The criteria for admission to practicum include:
   • successful completion of each 3000-level social work course with a minimum grade of "C";
   • a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) on all coursework attempted at the University;
   • maintain status as a "student in good standing" with the University;
   • demonstration of behavior congruent with accepted social work practice, including (but not limited to) valuing diversity, cultural humility, good oral and written communication skills, and adherence to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and State of Ohio Standards of Ethical Behavior and Professional Conduct;
   • removal of any conditions stipulated by the Social Work Department prior to, upon, or after admission to the Bachelor of Social Work Program.
3. Students applying for admission to the Social Work Practicum must complete an admissions interview and receive a positive recommendation as to his/her fitness and suitability for the practicum experience.
4. The members of the Social Work Department will review each admissions application and decide on one of the following four options:
   • Unconditional Admission to Practicum: The applicant has met all admissions criteria. The student will be notified in writing of unconditional admission by the Social Work Field Education Director.
   • Conditional Admission to Practicum: The applicant will be notified in writing by the Social Work Field Education Director of the specific areas that need improvement, correction, or completion. GPS students will be allowed to register and begin Social Work Practicum, but admission could be revoked if a student fails to meet specified conditions. Students are responsible for meeting the specified conditions and reporting to the Social Work Field Education Director for reconsideration of conditional admission status.
   • Delayed Decision: The applicant will be notified in writing by the Social Work Field Education Director of specific conditions that must be met before admission will be reconsidered. Students will not be allowed to register or begin Social Work Practicum until deficiencies have been corrected and the student requests in writing that his/her application be re-considered by the Social Work Department. Students are responsible for correcting the specified conditions, and reporting to the Social Work Department for reconsideration of admission.
   • Denial of Admission: The applicant will be notified in writing by the Social Work Field Education Director of specific reasons why he/she has been denied admission into the Social Work Practicum experience. A student who has been denied admission may face termination from the Bachelor of Social Work program and/or denial to graduate with a major in Social Work.
   • In the event that a student is denied admission to the Social Work Practicum, has been admitted with conditions, or receives a delayed decision, the Social Work Department will provide the student with a written explanation for the decision and (if applicable) an explanation of the conditions that must be met for admission. The student may petition for a second review and appear personally before the members of the Social Work Department or present a written petition to the Department members. The student may present additional information to support his/her request for admission. Students who wish to appeal the decision of the Social Work Department must do so according to the policies outlined under "Academic Regulations and Procedures" in the School of Graduate and Professional Studies section of this Catalog.
5. Retention in Social Work Practicum: Once admitted, a student will continue to be evaluated for continuation in the Social Work Practicum. Students must satisfy each of the following requirements in order to remain in good standing in the Social Work Practicum:
   • maintain a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA (on a 4.00 scale);
   • adhere to field placement policies and procedures;
   • demonstrate ethical behavior in the classroom, field practicum, and in University community life;
   • adhere to Bachelor of Social Work program policies.

A social work student may be placed on probation, suspended, or terminated from the Social Work Practicum experience when—in the professional judgment of the Social Work Department members—the student is found deficient in academic performance, professional attributes, or performance in field education experiences; or is in violation of legal and/or ethical codes. Deficiencies that may lead to probation, suspension, or termination include (but are not limited to) the following: excessive field education absences, educational disqualifications, violations of academic integrity and University Standards of Conduct, legal disqualifications, unethical conduct, professional impairment, lack of reliability and dependability, misrepresentations, participations in derogatory and/or disrespectful behavior, and/or participation in discriminatory behavior.

Students who wish to appeal the decision of the Social Work Department must do so according to the policies outlined under "Academic Regulations and Procedures" in the School of Graduate and Professional Studies section of this Catalog.

Course Requirements

Required Courses

ITDS-2051	Personal Development & Research Skil	1.0 credits
SWKR-3003	Social Science Research Methods	3.0 credits
SWKR-3013	Social Work Practice With Individuals	3.0 credits
SWKR-3063	Human Behavior and the Social Environment I	3.0 credits
SWKR-3073	Human Behavior & the Social Environment II	3.0 credits
SWKR-3093	Foundations of Generalist Social Work Practice	3.0 credits
SWKR-3113	Social Justice and Advocacy	3.0 credits
SWKR-3123	Social Work Practic With Groups	3.0 credits
SWKR-3132	Social Work Practice With Families	2.0 credits
SWKR-3141	Preparation for Field Education	1.0 credits
SWKR-4002	Integrated Social Work Seminar	2.0 credits
SWKR-4010	Social Work Practicum	10. credits
SWKR-4013	Social Work Practice With Organizations And Communities	3.0 credits
SWKR-4033	Analysis of Social Policy	3.0 credits

Total 57 Hours

Disclaimers

Admission into the Bachelor of Social Work Program may be delayed for students who do not successfully complete designated liberal arts courses and/or required cognate and professional foundation courses with satisfactory grades.

The Bachelor of Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program strives to be responsive to ever-changing requirements and expectations, including those of state social work licensing boards, the social work profession itself, and the CSWE.

The University cannot guarantee licensure or employment because it does not control applicable state legislation, the licensing examinations or requirements, or hiring practices of state and community social service agencies. Background checks are therefore required prior to the issuance of licenses by appropriate licensing bodies.