B.S.W. Total Credit Hours (all delivery methods) 120
Symbol Key
^ Grade of “C” or better required.
€ Grade of “C+” or better required.
* This course may have a prerequisite. See Course Descriptions .
# Possible waiver.
π A major course that meets General Education requirements.
+ Possible waiver with a specified number of transfer credits upon first-time admission.
Social Work Learning Outcomes
Students will use a planned problem-solving process to help individuals improve relationships and resolve problems. Students will assess the interaction between individuals and their environments for intervention strategies. Students will demonstrate competency of social work skills through an internship experience. Students will analyze social work theory. Students will explore how Christian beliefs can be integrated with the knowledge, skills, and values of the profession. Students will be prepared for generalist social work and/or entry into graduate programs for social work.
Social Work Mission
The mission of the program is to help students build on and integrate their liberal arts foundation with the knowledge and skills of the social work profession in order to apply the social work principles of anti-racist, diverse, equitable, and inclusive practice. We are dedicated to producing competent generalist social workers who are prepared to empower individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Teaching and learning in the program is guided by the professional code of ethics, a commitment to Jesus Christ as the perspective for learning, research-based best practices, and a dedication to social and economic justice, protection, empowerment, and human and universal rights.
Social Work Goals
- To prepare students for generalist social work practice with professional knowledge, values, and skills
- To provide students with a sound foundation for graduate social work education
Acceptance into the Social Work Program
Application to the program is required before junior-level practice courses are taken after the successful completion of SWK 281 . Freshmen, sophomores, and transfer students can declare their intent to major in social work and will be assigned to a social work advisor who will help them prepare for acceptance. Transfer students who have completed the equivalent of SWK 281 at another accredited program may provisionally take one semester of junior-level courses while they apply to and are accepted into the program. Social work faculty determine admission based on the adequate completion of all requirements. To be accepted into the major, students must meet the following criteria:
- Cumulative college GPA of 2.5 or better. Conditional acceptance may be granted for students having a GPA lower than 2.5, which then requires a minimum of “B” in SWK 281 - Introduction to Social Work
- Successful completion of a college writing course with a grade of “C” or better.
- Successful completion of SWK 281 - Introduction to Social Work with a grade of “C+” or better.
- Timely submission of application materials for admission to the social program.
- A personal interview with social work faculty.
Minimum GPA Requirement
A student who receives a grade below a “C” in any major course indicated with a ^ in the program listing above must repeat the course even if the cumulative GPA in the major is 2.5 or above. The exception to this is SWK 281, which is the introductory course for entrance into the social work program and requires a “C+” or above.
Course Sequencing
Because the curriculum has been developed to build on previous learning, deviations from this sequence will be allowed only in extreme circumstances and requires approval.
Life-learning Credit
No life-learning credit will be granted for social work major courses.
Internship Information
An internship is required for this program. Convicted felons may be limited to the type of location or client population in which their internships may be conducted. Qualified students are permitted to participate in internships away from campus and abroad. See the Bachelor of Social Work Program Guide available through the department.
Licensure
To use the title of social worker in Michigan, a person must be licensed by the state. Information about licensure can be found in the Bachelor of Social Work Program Guide available through the department. Students seeking licensure in other states should contact their state licensing authority for applicable requirements.
Child Welfare Endorsement
The child welfare endorsement is recognized by the Department of Health and Human Services of the state of Michigan. Students should consult with their advisor about policies and procedures for obtaining this endorsement. See the Institutional and Other Endorsements section of this catalog for curriculum.
Accreditation
The social work program at Spring Arbor University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Social Work Major Oversight
The social work major is overseen by the Department of Social Work. Courses with the SWK number are administered by this department. Questions about the major should be directed to the director of the BSW program. Students may refer to the departmental handbook for more information.
Return to: