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Social Work (B.S.W. - Bachelor of Social Work)
The Bachelor of Social Work degree is a four-year program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. It is built on a strong liberal arts base that prepares the student for beginning social work practice with communities, groups, families, and individuals in a variety of settings with diverse populations and problems. This program also prepares the student to pursue graduate study in social work. Graduates with the BSW degree are eligible to sit for the state social work license (LSW) and to apply for advanced standing in the Aurora University MSW program.
The curriculum offers basic liberal arts education in the first two years with a professional orientation during the third and fourth years. This provides the option for students to transfer in or out of the program without loss of credit until the beginning of their junior year. The educational components of the BSW degree program include the general liberal arts and sciences, supportive liberal arts requirements, and the social work curriculum foundation, which includes a field work component.
The focus of the program is on understanding how people function in relation to their environment and on developing growth-enhancing professional relationships. Students develop an understanding and appreciation of human diversity and are able to practice effective social work with vulnerable populations especially those experiencing social and economic oppression. In developing professional competency, a strong emphasis is placed on the student’s interpersonal effectiveness and self-awareness.
Career Options
Career opportunities for graduates with a BSW degree cover a wide variety of social services in private and public agencies, including general social services, health services and rehabilitation, child and family welfare, youth services, geriatric services, juvenile justice services and services to women.
General Education
With an academic advisor, students select courses in the Ways of Knowing areas: Knowing Ourselves and Others, Observation of the Natural World, Aesthetic and Philosophical Expression, and Mathematical and Technological applications to complete their General Education requirements.
Admission to the BSW Program
Students must be admitted to the School of Social Work before beginning the social work coursework in the junior year. Students declare their intention to pursue social work as their major in their freshmen and sophomore year and can begin taking 100 and 200 level social work classes prior to formal admission to the BSW program. Formal admission to the School of Social Work occurs during the Spring term of the sophomore year. Applicants to the BSW program are expected to have an overall grade point average of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale and to submit the required program application materials (obtained by calling the School of Social Work). The formal admission process includes an interview with a BSW faculty member once application materials are submitted.
In accordance with Aurora University regulations, the School of Social Work reserves the right to maintain academic standards for admission and retention in the social work program, above and beyond compliance with the general academic regulations of the University.
Also recognizing that there are professional competencies and conduct not measurable by academic achievement alone, the School of Social Work reserves the right to make decisions regarding admission and retention based on high standards of personal and professional conduct. Because social work education involves a significant amount of internship experience, and preparation for helping vulnerable populations, student evaluation will honor not only the rights of students, but also the rights and well-being of clients and others to whom students relate in a professional role.
Full-Time/Part-Time Study
Students can complete the BSW program either as full- or part-time students. Required coursework must be completed within five years. Required courses beyond the introductory course(s) are sequenced and begin in the Fall term of each year.
MAJOR IN SOCIAL WORK
Supportive Liberal Arts Requirements
In addition to meeting the General Education requirements of the University, specific liberal arts courses are also required to support the social work required (foundation) coursework. These include:
- PSY1100 General Psychology (or suitable transfer course)
- SOC1100 Principles of Sociology (or suitable transfer course)
- PSC2110 United States Government (or suitable transfer course)
- PSY3350 Child and Adolescent Development (or suitable transfer course)
- PSY3360 Adult Development and Aging (or suitable transfer course)
BSW Social Work Curriculum Foundation
The program emphasizes community practice, research and service. Students are taught to examine problems from an ecological perspective and to effectively intervene in ways that are preventive, build on strengths, and promote healing. The social work curriculum integrates knowledge, values, and skills related to the eight basic components necessary for preparation for social work practice: values and ethics, diversity, populations-at-risk and social and economic justice, human behavior and the social environment, social welfare, social work practice, research, and field education.
Required Courses: 44-48 semester hours
Foundation Knowledge, Values, and Skills – 36-40 semester hours
SWK3100 Introduction to Social Work (4) (or SWK1100 Careers in
Social Work [4] and SWK2100 Social Work in American
Society [4])
SWK3140 Social Work Practice with Groups 4)
SWK3150 Social Welfare: Institutions and Policies (4)
SWK3300 Community Organization and Social Service
Organizations (3)
SWK3400 Human Behavior and Social Environment: Integrative
Seminar (4)
SWK4100 Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations (3)
SWK4110 Generalist Social Work Practice I (4)
SWK4120 Generalist Social Work Practice II (4)
SWK4200 Social Work Research I (3)
SWK4300 Social Work Research II (3)
Field Instruction (concurrent with SWK4110 and 4120) – 8 semester hours
SWK4210 Field Instruction I (4)
SWK4220 Field Instruction II (4)
Selected Courses: A minimum of one course from courses listed below.
The BSW program provides students with the following elective courses from which they are required to select a minimum of one course. Students may be granted credit for suitable transfer courses.
SWK2050 Drugs and Human Behavior (4)
SWK2150 Violence in America (4)
SWK3710 Child Welfare Services (3)
SWK3730 Social Development and Prevention Programs (3)
SWK3750 Substance Abuse (3)
SWK3770 Social Work Practice with Older Adults (3)
SWK3780 Computer Applications in Social Work (3)
SWK3810 Selected Topics
SWK4250 Social Work Practice with Families (3)
SWK4740 Family Violence: Issues and Intervention (3)
Field Instruction
Field instruction is an integral part of the BSW curriculum. BSW students are placed in an agency where they receive instruction from a qualified, approved instructor holding an MSW degree. Students are required to complete a minimum of 14 hours per week in their field placement during Fall and Spring semesters for a total of 450 clock hours while enrolled concurrently in classes on campus on the days they are not in field placement.
A wide variety of field practice settings are available, reflecting the fields of service and social service agencies available for beginning careers in social work. A series of theory and practice-related courses help the student to prepare for and make productive use of the field learning experience.
Advanced Standing For Graduate Work
Students who have earned a BSW degree at Aurora University, or through other BSW programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, and who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship in coursework and in the field are eligible to apply for advanced standing in the MSW program at Aurora University. If granted, advanced standing allows the student to apply BSW courses toward a maximum of 30 semester hours of the MSW degree. The MSW degree consists of 60 semester hours.
Transfer Credit
A. Experiential Credit
Academic credit for life experience and previous work experience may not be applied in lieu of any portion of the field practicum requirements nor may it be substituted for any of the required foundation courses. Life and work experience credit may be applied to meet other requirements for graduation where permitted under general University academic regulations.
B. From a Community College
Students transferring with an associate of arts or science degree may be ready to start the social work curriculum provided they have completed sufficient General Education coursework that also serves as social work prerequisites.
Students transferring with an applied degree in human services or a specific area of the human services may apply their coursework toward general elective credit.
Specific questions about transfer procedures should be directed to the transfer coordinator in the Admissions Office.
C. From an accredited BSW Program
Social work courses completed no more than five years before the date of the student’s first enrollment in the BSW program and satisfying the social work foundation requirements may be substituted with the approval of the instructor, student advisor, and Director of the BSW Program.
Criteria for Academic Performance
The BSW degree program requires all students enrolled in the program to earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in the five prerequisite liberal arts General Education supportive courses. In addition, students are expected to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.80 in all social work coursework. Full regulations are contained in the BSW Handbook.
Criteria for Personal/Professional Performance
Students in the BSW program are evaluated, and may be dismissed from the program, on the basis of standards of personal and professional behavior, lack of adherence to ethical standards, and on the basis of certain civil and criminal records. Full regulations are contained in the BSW Handbook.
Leave of Absence
If a student wishes to take a leave of absence of more than one term excluding Summer, a request for leave of absence must be made by filing the appropriate form in the Office of the Registrar. BSW students are expected to meet with the Chair of the BSW program prior to filing the leave of absence form in the Office of the Registrar. The limit on terms for leave of absence is four terms or two years. A student who does not fulfill these conditions is considered to have terminated the program, and must reapply for admission to continue in the program.
SOCIAL WORK COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
SWK1100 Careers in Social Work 4 semester hours
Designed for the undergraduate student considering a major in the profession of social work or who holds an interest in volunteer community service. Explores the nature of helping relationships, social justice, and the empowerment of individuals, families, and communities. Covers the mission, values, philosophy, knowledge base, roles, and skills as well as the nature of professional education itself. Course includes a service learning component. This course, when completed along with SWK2100 Social Work in American Society constitutes the equivalent of SWK3100, Introduction to Social Work for social work majors.
No prerequisites.
Meets General Education “Knowing Ourselves and Others” Group A requirement.
SWK2050 Drugs and Human Behavior 4 semester hours
Overview of the history of both the use and abuse of a range of psychoactive drugs based upon current research. Various mood altering substances as well as theories used to explain drug use and addiction are examined. Emphasizes the physical, emotional, and psychological dimensions of addiction, the impact of substance abuse on the individual, the family, and the community, and the controversies regarding national and international drug policies.
No prerequisites.
Meets General Education “Knowing Ourselves and Others” Group A requirement.
SWK2100 Social Work in American Society 4 semester hours
Provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the profession of social work and its relationship to the social welfare system. Explores the history of the profession and distinguishes social work from other helping professions. Introduction to generalist social work practice grounded in the profession’s Code of Ethics. Special attention is placed upon underserved and historically oppressed populations. Familiarizes students with the Council on Social Work Education’s standards for professional Education and relevant issues facing social workers today. This course, when completed along with SWK 1100 Careers in Social Work, constitutes the equivalent of SWK3100, Introduction to Social Work for social work majors.
No prerequisites.
Meets General Education “Knowing Ourselves and Others” Group A requirement.
SWK2150 Violence in America 4 semester hours
An overview of the various aspects of violence in American society. Places violence in a historical context and emphasizes the causes and possible solutions. Violence related to family violence, including child abuse and spousal battering, police brutality, gun violence and gun control, media violence, school violence, workplace violence, youth and gang violence, drug violence, hate crimes, murder and capital punishment are addressed. Differential causes and impact of violence related to culture, race, gender, and age are examined.
No prerequisites.
Meets General Education “Knowing Ourselves and Others” Group A requirement.
SWK3100 Introduction to Social Work 4 semester hours
Overview and historical perspective of the social work profession, discussion of social work values, knowledge, and skills. Introduction to generalist social work practice, human diversity within the social work profession, and fields of practice. Discussion of the Curriculum Policy Statement adopted by the Council on Social Work Education, as well as relevant issues facing BSW social workers today, e.g., licensure.
Prerequisites: SOC1100 and PSY1100; open to non-majors.
SWK3140 Social Work Practice With Groups 4 semester hours
Overview of group work theory including group development, leadership, group formation, group process, group roles, communication, non-verbal behavior, and ethics. Development of group leadership skills as well as group dynamics are taught through the use of experiential group activities.
Pre- or Co-requisite: SWK3100; majors only.
SWK3150 Social Welfare: Institutions and Policies 4 semester hours
Social welfare and community services as social institutions (societal response to social problems): values, motivations, and methods by which institutions are developed, issues and social policies affecting programs and services, including analysis of policy-making process.
Prerequisites: PSC2110, SWK3100; majors only.
SWK3300 Community Organization and Social Service
Organizations 3 semester hours
Basic concepts and principles of community organization and organizational theory including social structures and processes, social change, social control, social stratification, and socialization through community organizations and institutions. Emphasizes community and organizational assessment and intervention, ethics, and the roles of the social worker in working within an organizational context and within a community.
Prerequisites: SWK3100 and SWK3150; majors only.
SWK3400 Human Behavior and Social Environment: (HBSE)
Integrative Seminar 4 semester hours
Study of human behavior from an ecological perspective as organism-environment transactions. Social systems concepts; biological, psychological, socio-structural, and cultural variables; concepts of stress, adaptation, coping, social support, social networks, and biculturalism with implications for generalist social work practice.
Prerequisites: SWK3100; majors only. Meets Writing Intensive requirement for the social work major.
Pre- or Co-requisite: PSY3350 or PSY3360 may be taken as co-requisites.
SWK3710 Child Welfare Services 3 semester hours
Theory, principles, issues, and trends in social work with children and youth; common and special needs. Case management, treatment planning, case monitoring. Exploration of authority-helper role and problems of working with non-voluntary clients.
Prerequisite: SWK3100 or consent of instructor.
SWK3730 Social Development and Prevention Programs 3 semester hours
Social work has long been concerned with providing opportunities for the growth and development of youth, their families, and communities. Recently, foundations and policy groups have been reemphasizing the critical importance of services that are often referred to as “primary social services.” This course will be examining primary social service networks for youth, family, and community development.
Prerequisite: SWK3100 or consent of instructor.
SWK3750 Substance Abuse 3 semester hours
Basic information regarding alcohol as a substance and its psychological and physiological impact. Roles and dynamics are examined in families where alcohol use is problematic. Intervention and the range of techniques used to address alcoholism.
Prerequisite: SWK3100 or consent of instructor.
SWK3770 Social Work Practice with Older Adults 3 semester hours
Study of major theories of aging and their implications for social work practice. Focuses on community services for the aged and examines current issues and trends related to the service delivery system.
Prerequisite: SWK3100 or consent of instructor.
SWK3780 Computer Applications in Social Work 3 semester hours
Computer applications for social work practice. Emphasis on electronic communication, acquiring, using, and critically evaluating web based information, and web site design for human service agencies. Exploration of ethical issues related to the use of information technology.
No prerequisites.
SWK4100 Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations 3 semester hours
Foundation and basic conceptual framework for understanding and appreciating unique characteristics and socio-structural factors that affect population groups identified by the social work professional as traditionally undeserved and oppressed. Traditional as well as alternative social work intervention methods are discussed and evaluated for their efficacy in working with these groups.
Prerequisites: SWK3400; majors only.
SWK4110 Generalist Social Work Practice I 4 semester hours
The first course in a two-course practice sequence. Develops and builds on skills, knowledge, values, and ethics of the social work profession. Emphasizes developing practice competence by studying the generic principles of the helping process and applying systems theory, the ecological and strengths perspectives, and problem solving methods of working with individuals, families, groups, and communities. The engagement and assessment phases of social work are addressed. Practice issues prompted from the field experiences are an integral part of the course.
Prerequisites: SWK3400; majors only.
Co-requisite: SWK4210.
SWK4120 Generalist Social Work Practice II 4 semester hours
Further facilitates the student’s integration of classroom field learning. Emphasizes improved handling of oneself and the overall development of practice competence as well as the middle and the ending phases of intervention with families, individuals, groups, and communities. A continued focus on ethical considerations; theory and skill development, the development of the student’s own practice theory are addressed. Includes a day long meeting where the students evaluate their academic and field learning and terminate with each other.
Prerequisites: SWK4110; majors only.
Co-requisite: SWK4220.
SWK4200 Social Work Research I 3 semester hours
Research knowledge and competencies essential to the beginning professional worker for effective practice and for entry into graduate social work programs; gathering relevant data; describing, monitoring, and accounting for one’s own practice and participating in research efforts and agency information systems.
Prerequisites: SWK3400, majors only.
SWK4210 Field Instruction I 4 semester hours
Taken in conjunction with Generalist Social Work Practice I (SWK4110); minimum of 225 clock hours for each semester (fall). Learning experiences in the field setting are under the instruction of an MSW with at least two years’ experience. Experiences include direct work with individuals, groups, families, and communities, as well as participation in staff activities.
Prerequisites: SWK3400; majors only.
SWK4220 Field Instruction II 4 semester hours
Taken in conjunction with Generalist Social Work Practice II (SWK4120); minimum of 225 clock hours for each semester (spring). Learning experiences in the field setting are under the instruction of an MSW with at least two years’ experience. Experiences include direct work with individuals, groups, families, and communities, as well as participation in staff activities.
Prerequisites: SWK4210; majors only.
SWK4250 Social Work Practice With Families 3 semester hours
Development of a variety of frameworks to be used in understanding and analyzing the family and how it functions. Reinforcement of the sociological, demographic, and cultural factors that influence family values and goals and affect the social, emotional, and instrumental functioning in relation to social work practice and policy. Selected family practice theories are introduced and evaluated in terms of their implications for social work practice with families in various fields of practice.
Prerequisites: SWK3100, majors only.
SWK4300 Social Work Research II 3 semester hours
Statistical methods course acquaints the student with data analysis using SPSS. Basic concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics, descriptions of central tendency, dispersion, association and difference; inference via statistical estimation, hypothesis testing, and tests of significance are covered to enable students to conceptualize, apply, and interpret statistical methods in relation to problems which confront the field of social work.
Prerequisites: SWK4200; majors only.
SWK4740 Family Violence: Issues and Intervention 3 semester hours
Socio-cultural analysis of the victimization, through violence, of women in the family, with a particular focus on the problems of battering and incest. Exploration of preventions, intervention strategies and implications for social work practice.
Prerequisite: SWK3100 or consent of instructor.
Please note: The information listed on this page is current according to the 2006-2008 Undergraduate Catalog, unless otherwise noted.
‡ This information has been added since the printing of the 06-08 Undergraduate Catalog.
§ The name of this course has been changed since the printing of the 06-08 Undergraduate Catalog.
±This information is additional information specific to the Web site, not provided in the Undergraduate Catalog.
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