Program Mission Statement and Goals for Social Work
Based in the context of liberal arts education and the generalist model, the Social Work Program prepares students for beginning- level, professional social work practice in all practice settings . This preparation focuses on assisting the socially and economically oppressed client populations from both urban and rural areas within the tri-state area of the Upper Ohio Valley. Program implementation is founded in a humanizing orientation growing out of the historical roots of social work . It is designed to support the development of a lifelong social conscience and commitment to continual professional development that reflects a respect for human dignity, diversity, and commitment to social justice .
In keeping with the mission statement for the Social Work Program, the following goals provide a foundation for program objectives and student learning outcomes:
- Preparation of students for beginning level, generalist social work practice within the framework of the NASW Code of Ethics .
- Preparation of students to work with populations affected by oppression and discrimination and advocate for social and economic justice .
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Preparation of students with a solid foundation for graduate education and continued professional growth and development .
Social Work faculty believe that the Goals statements support the fulfillment of the Program Mission and accurately reflect the Mission of the College and its Goals .
Requirements for the Major
The purpose of the social work program is to prepare students for entry-level, generalist social work practice. All students in the major accomplish this goal by completing the following courses:
Students are advised to take selected liberal arts core courses to complete the social work major. Students majoring in social work are expected to complete the liberal arts courses before they begin the professional study for the major. Social work practice courses must be taken in sequence, and students may not take the field placement courses (SOWO 470 and SOWO 472) without first completing all required social work courses except SOWO 455 and SOWO 490, which are taken in conjunction with the field placement experience.
Social Work Advanced Track
This track is recommended for those students who desire to strengthen their social work knowledge, skill, and value bases, and/ or who plan to enter graduate education immediately following graduation. Students can apply for admission to the advanced track at the same time that they complete the application to the major. In addition to the requirements above, students in this track complete
This track can be completed with the Dual Major in Psychology and/or the Criminal Justice Minor . Students must maintain a GPA of 3 .0 or higher in the major and complete and submit the paperwork the field requirements (SOWO 260 and 360) prior to May 1 of the junior year, in order to remain in the advanced track .
The program does not grant social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits the Social Work program at the Bachelor of Social Work level.
Suggested Minors: The following minors are recommended for consideration to supplement the social work major for those students not interested in the above listed options . Refer to the department indicated in brackets to learn more about requirements for these minors: Nonprofit Management Minor [Interdisciplinary Studies]; Religious Studies [Humanities]; Spanish [Humanities]; Women’s and Genders Studies [Interdisciplinary Studies]