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2023-2024 Academic Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Social Work BSW
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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 School 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 2027.
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.
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Field Practicum
Students are required to complete a 400-hour field placement in a local human-service agency. Students are not eligible to take SOWK 401 , SOWK 402 , or SOWK 435 before being admitted into the BSW program. The practicum is normally completed during the student’s senior year. Prerequisites include the following courses (which must be completed with a grade of C- or above): SOWK 331 , SOWK 332 , SOWK 350 and SOWK 402 , and a human biology course. Students may be dropped from the program or be required to complete additional practicum hours for the following reasons:
- Inability to demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and professional responsibilities required of a baccalaureate-level social work intern
- Clear violation of the NASW Code of Ethics
Past experience strengthens all BSW student applications. However, following Council on Social Work Education requirements, no social work course credit can be given for life experience or previous work experience.
Maintaining Active Status
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 School 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.
Admission Requirements
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
- IELTS (Academic version) - 6.5
- PTE (Academic version ) - 54
2. Nelson Denny - score of 13.
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.
BSW Student Handbook
The BSW Student Handbook has been designed as the social work student’s aid in understanding the program requirements, the School of Social Work, 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 arises.
Field Manual
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students who complete this program will:
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
- Engage diversity and difference in practice.
- Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
- Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
- Engage in policy practice.
- Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Assess and Plan with individuals, families, groups, and communities.
- Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Evaluate Practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Demonstrate a Christian social work perspective.
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