Social Work Major, B.S.W.

B.S.W. degree 

The social work major on the BSW degree plan prepares students for generalist practice in the field of social work. The core competencies are learned through a blend of theory, practice, research and policy courses and implemented during the 400 hour practicum that students complete in their final two semesters.

Students intending to apply to the social work program should make an appointment with a social work advisor early in their academic career to assure they understand the requirements for admissions. Application for admission to the program is typically completed in the spring semester of the traditional sophomore year. Students should consult their advisor about applying. Students should declare a major by the end of their sophomore year. Declaring a major does not guarantee admission to the Bachelor of Social Work Program. A minor in Social Work is not available.

Admission Requirements, Retention & Termination Standards

Admission Requirements

1. Application - Students need to apply to the Social Work Program by the first Friday in March or the third Friday in October. The application must include the following:
   • Personal Interest Statement
   • Application
   • Two academic reference forms from non-social work faculty
2. Coursework - Students need to complete the following coursework by the end of the semester in which they apply.
   • At least 50 credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.
   • A minimum of 12 credits of major courses with a major GPA of 2.7 or better and no grade below a C in any required major course.
     • SWK 100 with a B- or better.
     • SWK 250 with a B- or better.

     Note: It is recommended that students complete SOC 200 or its equivalent by the end of the semester in which they apply.

   • Math competency with a C or better.
   • Freshman English Competency with a C or better
   • Oral English Competency with a C or better.
3. Social Work Related Experience (Volunteer or Paid) - Students must complete a minimum of 50 hours of approved social work related experience by the end of the semester in which they apply. Social work related experience is documented with the following forms:
   • Approval Form - Social Work Related Experience
   • Reference Form - Social Work Related Experience documenting completion of at least 50 hours.

     Note: 100 hours of social work related experience is required prior to enrollment into SWK 321 (spring of junior year). This may be documented with an additional form(s) if not complete by the time of admission to the program

The BSW Program Application, the Personal Interest Statement, and the Academic Reference Forms must be received in the Social Work Program office, 034 Anspach Hall, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, on or before the first Friday in March for the annual Spring admissions cycle or on or before the third Friday in October for the Fall admissions cycle.

Faculty interviews may be part of the admissions process. Admission decisions will be made by the Admissions Committee, which reserves the right to admit students who may be deficient in requirements above. Applicants will be notified of decisions in writing. Additional information about the admissions process is available from the social work office in Anspach 034.

Note: Completion of all steps of the admissions process does not assure that the student will be admitted to the BSW Program. Depending on the number of students admitted during the spring admission cycle, the admission cycle for the following fall may be limited or suspended. Therefore, it is highly recommended that students apply in the spring.

Retention and Termination Standards

1. Students may be required to take courses and related pre/co-requisites as revised to meet accreditation standards. Students should consult their advisor with any concerns or to make needed major modifications.
2. Students must earn a minimum of a B-(2.7) or better in any social work course.
3. Students must achieve a 2.7 major GPA or better to graduate with this major.
4. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of no less than a 2.5.
5. Students admitted to the social work program should consult the Student Handbook for the Retention and Termination Policy, which contains standards for continued academic and professional performance following admission.

Program Requirements

Required Courses I (42 hours)

SOC 100	Introductory Sociology	3(3-0)
SWK 100	Introduction to Social Work	3(3-0)
SWK 250	Social Welfare Policies and Services I	3(3-0)
SWK 315	Social Work Generalist Practice I	3(3-0)
SWK 321	Social Work Generalist Practice II	3(3-0)
SWK 331WI	Social Work Generalist Practice III	3(3-0)
SWK 350	Social Work Research Methodologies	3(3-0)
SWK 374	Social Work and Human Behavior I	3(3-0)
SWK 375	Social Work and Human Behavior II	3(3-0)
SWK 450	Social Welfare Policies and Services II	3(3-0)
SWK 470	Social Work Practicum I	4(Spec)
SWK 471	Social Work Practicum Seminar I	2(2-0)
SWK 480	Social Work Practicum II	4(Spec)
SWK 481	Social Work Practicum Seminar II	2(2-0)

Note: SWK 450 is approved for offering as WI.

Required Courses II (3 hours)

Select one of the following:

SOC 221	Social Problems	3(3-0)
SOC 302	Social Inequality	3(3-0)

Required Courses III (3 hours)

Select one of the following:

PSY 211QR	Introduction to Psychological Statistics	3(3-0)
SOC 200QR	Introduction to Social Research and Analysis	3(3-0)
STA 282QR	Introduction to Statistics	3(3-0)

Total: 48 semester hours

Note: The student will enroll in SWK 470 AND SWK 480 consecutively within two years of completing the course prerequisites.