Department of Social Work

Lorraina Q. Scholten (chair), Debbie Dempsey Simpler, Julie W. Hunt*, Sean Muldoon*.
*Part-time.

Vision:

The Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree prepares students for the beginning level of generalist social work practice and graduate social work education. With a liberal arts foundation and within a Christian context (which emphasize the life and work of Jesus to take care of the poor, the marginalized of society and to work toward a society that is just and non-judgmental), the social work student will be able to integrate the knowledge, values and skills of the profession into a broad range of social services.

Purpose:

The purpose of the Department of Social Work is to prepare generalist social work professionals who practice under the guidance of the National Association of Social Worker’s Code of Ethics and who are able to integrate the Educational Policy and Accreditation areas of social work into their practice. Additionally, the Department of Social Work prepares students for graduate education in social work.

Goals:

1. Primarily, to prepare students for the beginning level of generalist social work practice:
   1. B.S.W. graduates will be provided information related to various sizes, systems, and types of clients;
   2. B.S.W. graduates will be prepared to practice generalist social work with diverse populations;
   3. B.S.W. graduates will have knowledge about the social contexts of generalist social work practice, the changing nature of those contexts, and behavior of organizations, and the dynamics of change.
   4. B.S.W. graduates will be guided by the professional social work values and ethics which have been infused in the social work curriculum;
   5. B.S.W. graduates will be guided by a Christian context which sees the work and life of Jesus as the model for taking care of the poor and marginalized of society;
   6. B.S.W. graduates will be aware of their responsibility to continue to grow and develop within the profession of social work.
2. Secondly, to prepare students for graduate social work education.

Career opportunities abound in social work. The following is a partial listing of areas of professional practice. For a more complete listing, check with the Program Director.

The curriculum is organized around nine essential areas which include Human Behavior and Social Environment, Social Welfare Policy and Services, Social Work Practice, Social Work Research, and Field Instruction. It is important that the student make an early decision to enter the program as courses are in sequential order and begin in the sophomore year.

The program does not grant any academic credit for life or work experience.

There is an admission process, and students may apply after successful completion of SWK 2000. The program is open to all qualified applicants without discrimination.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Social Work (baccalaureate) is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).