Social Work Major

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Description

The profession of social work is dedicated to preventing and solving social problems, whether they involve individuals, families, small groups, organizations, or communities. A broad range of employment opportunities exist. Social workers are found in hospitals, public schools, family agencies, industry, courts, probation departments, government facilities, children’s agencies, and in facilities that serve persons with disabilities. The Department of Social Work is committed to excellence in preparing ethical and competent professional social workers who foster the well-being of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Through teaching, service, and scholarship, the department promotes civic engagement in diverse societies. The faculty assigned to the undergraduate program at the College is committed to excellence in preparing students with the knowledge, values and skills necessary for generalist social work practice, as well as informed and involved citizenship. The undergraduate major in social work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Graduates who continue with their social work education may gain advanced standing in graduate programs because of the accredited status of the major.

What can I do with a social work major?

Admission to the Program

Students may indicate their desire to major in social work at any time during the first two years of undergraduate study by registering with the Department of Social Work as an Intent to Major. Such students will be assigned a departmental advisor to assist them with proper course planning and career orientation as they pursue admission to the program. Students wishing to enter the major in social work must submit an application form to the Department of Social Work.

Enrollment is limited. The deadline for applications is March 30 for fall semester entry. Students may be required to take classes on the main campus and at the MetroCenter in Rochester, NY depending on seat availability. Students seeking acceptance to the major must meet the following criteria at time of application:

  • Cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above.
  • Demonstration of suitability and capacity to enter the profession of social work.
  • Completion of a minimum of 54 credits, or an AA, AS or AAS.
  • Completion of the prerequisite courses (see below)

Admission is competitive. A grade point average higher than 2.5 may be required to gain acceptance into the program depending on the number of applicants. Delta College Program students must complete 34 credits and meet all other criteria. (The Delta College curriculum meets the program’s requirement of SOC 100.)

Prerequisite Courses

  • SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology
  • PSH 110 Principles of Psychology

Program Requirements

Students in the social work major pursue a bachelor of science degree, and must complete its requirements.

In addition to the course requirements below, students must meet the following requirements:

  1. Maintain both a cumulative and major GPA of 2.5 or above.
  2. Earn a grade of "C" or higher in every social work course required for the major.
  3. Retake any required social work course in which a grade lower than "C" is earned.
  4. Continue demonstration of suitability and capacity to enter the profession of social work.
  5. The above criteria must be met by all students when they enter field instruction in the senior year and before they graduate from the program.

General Education Requirements (34-35 credits)

Prerequisite Courses (12-13 credits)

  • SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology*
  • PSH 110 Principles of Psychology*

Major Departmental Requirements (54 credits)

Junior Year Courses

  • SWO 301 Human Behavior and Social Environment I*
  • SWO 302 Human Behavior and Social Environment II
  • SWO 311 Human Service Systems/Social Policy
  • SWO 321 Human Diversity
  • SWO 322 Social and Economic Justice
  • SWO 341 Social Work Methods I
  • SWO 342 Social Work Methods II
  • SWO 310 Social Work Research Methods

Senior Year Courses

  • SWO 411 Human Service Systems/Policy Analysis
  • SWO 441 Social Work Methods III

*denotes courses that meet both major and general education requirements

Electives (18-20 credits)

Total Credits (120 credits)

Additional Degree Requirements

*NOTE: Generally, students are enrolled in SWO 451-453; with permission of faculty advisor and field coordinator, students may select SWO 454 to complete the field instruction requirement as an alternative to SWO 451-453.
**NOTE: Students enrolling in SWO 451-453 must enroll in SWO 455-457. Students enrolling in SWO 454 must enroll in SWO 456. SWO 441 must be taken with SWO 454-456, or SWO 453-457

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  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 individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
  8. Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
  9. Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities