The undergraduate professional social work degree is a bachelor of science (B.S.) in social work. The goals of the undergraduate program are: To prepare students for competent, entry-level, generalist professional practice; To prepare students for graduate education in social work; To contribute to the academic preparation of students who will enter professional practice or graduate education in related professional fields; and To prepare students for critical and effective participation in the complex community structures of today's society. The social work program is based on the concept of ecological systems, which holds that the fundamental focus of social work practice is on the transactions of people and their environments and the constant state of reciprocity in which each shapes the other. Social work intervention aims to promote the progressive forces and minimize the regressive forces in those transactions. The curriculum incorporates instruction in five professional foundation areas: social welfare policy and services, human behavior in the social environment, research, social work practice, and field practicum. Instruction in these areas builds upon liberal arts preparation in the humanities, the social and behavioral sciences, and the natural sciences. The undergraduate social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The School of Social Work strives to help students make informed and purposeful decisions to pursue academic study and careers in social work. This requires an opportunity to study social work and gain direct contact with social work agencies. Therefore, the curriculum repeatedly brings students into contact with social workers and administrators in local human service agencies. Freshmen may take Introduction to Social Work (SWK 115) in the spring semester, studying the nature of the social work profession. Sophomores are expected to complete a 45-hour (minimum) volunteer experience in a human service agency. Seniors complete a year long internship, working 16 hours per week at a social service agency.

Undergraduate Handbook (pdf)