The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a professional degree which prepares graduates for generalist professional practice and/or the opportunity to be admitted to a Master of Social Work (MSW) program with advanced standing within appropriate advanced standing GPA guidelines. In addition to the on-campus BSW program, the BSW program is offered as an off-campus program at Washington Adventist University, Takoma Park, MD. The off-campus BSW program is administered and delivered by the AU Department of Social Work and upon completion the BSW is conferred by Andrews University. The AU baccalaureate program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education through the year 2019.
The foundation curriculum consists of nine core competencies that are required in every accredited BSW program: 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 and plan with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities; 8) Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities; and 9) Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. In addition, our program has added an additional competency: 10) Demonstrate a Christian social work perspective. The curriculum is designed to teach students the knowledge, values and skills, along with understanding of the cognitive and affective reactions and judgement that accompany these dimensions. Measurement outcomes for these competencies can be found on the first page of the Andrews University Social Work Department website.
Throughout the curriculum, the program integrates concepts of professional ethics and values, critical thinking, and sensitivity to diversity, oppression, social and economic justice, and populations-at-risk. Field education is an integral component of the program.
Although students may declare themselves as social work majors in their freshman or sophomore year, they must apply for acceptance into the social work program. Application is made in January of the sophomore year for formal acceptance into the program by the end of March. Applications are available from social work academic advisors of both the on-campus and off-campus sites.
BSW Student Handbook
The BSW Student Handbook has been designed as the social work student’s aid in understanding the program requirements, Social Work Department, and relevant policies of Andrews University. Inside the handbook you will find information such as expectations of students, the BSW curriculum, departmental policies, and other relevant information.
You are responsible for the information found in this handbook, so please take the time to familiarize yourself with the handbook and know where to find questions and answers if the need arrises.
Field Education
The Field Manual has been designed as your aid in understanding field education requirements, your role as a student in a field agency, and relevant policies of Andrews University.
You are responsible for the information found in this handbook, so please take the time to familiarize yourself with the handbook and know where to find questions and answers if the need arises.
Admission Criteria
Students qualify for entry into the BSW program when they:
- Earn a minimum GPA of 2.5 overall.
- Receive grades of C- or better in all required program prerequisite and cognate courses.
- Complete SOWK 100, SOWK 101, SOWK 315, SOWK 320, SOWK 325. Maintain a GPA of at least 2.50 in these courses.
- Complete and submit BSW Program Application Packet.
- Receive an acceptance letter from the Undergraduate Program Director.
English Language Requirement
For those applicants whose native language is not English, the following is required:
1. Demonstration of English proficiency by obtaining at least a minimum score on any one of the following exams. Exam must be taken within two years prior to enrollment.
- TOEFL ITP (paper-based) - A minimum score of 550
- TOEFL iBT (internet-based) - 80 with a minimum of 20 on each section
- MELAB - 80 with a minimum of 80 on each section
- IELTS (Academic version) - 6.5
- PTE (Academic version ) - 54
2. Nelson Denny - score of 13 and
3. Personal interview with BSW program director or designee
Applicants who fail to meet any of the above may be admitted only after committee consideration of the specific circumstances. Additional course work in English may be required.
A student who graduated from a four-year English-speaking high school, college or university may be exempted from all or parts of the above requirements.
Continued Enrollment and Professional Expectations
Continued enrollment is conditional upon the following:
- Acceptable academic performance
- Ethical conduct in compliance with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics
- Adequate knowledge and practice performance in the practicum setting.
- Appropriate demonstration of Professional Expectations.
Students in the BSW and MSW Social Work programs are expected to read, know, and integrate the professional expectations listed in the Andrews University Department of Social Work Handbook. Consequences for violations of these expectations could include but are not limited to verbal or written warnings, denial of admission, suspension, dismissal, or expulsion from a course or the program. Student Handbook can be obtained on the departmental website at www.andrews.edu/socialwork/.
