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2016-2017 Undergraduate Studies Bulletin (Archived Copy) 
    
 
  Nov 24, 2024
 
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2016-2017 Undergraduate Studies Bulletin (Archived Copy) [Archived Catalog]

Social Work, B.S.W.

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The College of Social Work offers a four-year undergraduate program on the Columbia campus leading to a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). This BSW program has been fully accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) since 2012.

Overview

The purpose of the major is to provide an undergraduate Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) major that (1) prepares graduates for ethical, competent, and culturally relevant social work generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations; (2) conveys the foundational knowledge, values, skills, and professional behaviors of generalist social work practitioner; (3) provides opportunities for students to experience leadership in human service organizations and communities by using various perspectives to promote a planned change process; and (4) equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for developing plans for life-long learning and professional development. The undergraduate major is intended to provide a broad-based liberal arts education that leads to professional social work education. Graduates will be leaders and advocates who work toenhance social and economic well-being of individuals, families, groups, and the community.

Social Work Profession

People choose social work as a professional career because they genuinely desire to enhance social and economic well-being of all people. Examples of people served by social workers are as follows: a homeless family seeking permanent affordable housing, a physically abused child who needs medical care, a pregnant teenager needing counseling, a fragile elderly person with a debilitating illness, a parent who is an alcoholic seeking sobriety, and a working woman needing to buy food for her children. Social workers are employed in diverse communities in public and private agencies and organizations that are related to health, child and family service, mental health, school, and substance abuse settings. Also, social workers are employed as community and organizational planners, policy-makers and researchers who develop programs to address social problems, e.g. poverty, unemployment, lack of affordable housing, and domestic violence, communities, and organizations throughout the state, region, nation, and international community.

The Mission of the BSW Program

The mission of the BSW program is to prepare graduates to become competent and ethical generalist practitioners who promote social and economic justice, social well-being, and an appreciation of diversity among vulnerable populations across South Carolina and beyond. This is accomplished through the program’s emphasis on teaching, research, creative activity, and community engagement.

The Goals and Objectives of the BSW Program

Based on the purposes and values of a liberal arts education, and generalist social work practices, the goals of the BSW program are as follows:

Graduates will assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.  Included in this outcome are the ability for graduates to perform the following social work practices as a function of completing the BSW program.      

  1. Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, and other multidiciplinary frameworks in the analysis of assessment data  
  2. Develop mutually agreed upon golas and objectives based on the critical assessment of strengths, needs, and challenges  
  3. Select appropriate intervention strategies based on the assessment         

Graduates will intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.  Included in this outcome are the ability for graduates to perform the following social work practices as a function of completing the BSW program.      

  1. Critically choose and implement interventions to achieve practice goals  
  2. Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment and other multidisciplinary frameworks in interventions  
  3. Use interprofessional collaboration  
  4. Negotiate, mediate, and advocate with and on behalf of diverse clients   
  5. Facilitate effective transitions and endings that advance mutually agreed-on goals   

Graduates will engage individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.  Included in this outcome are the ability for graduates to perform the following social work practices as a function of completing the BSW program.      

  1. Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, and other multidiciplinary frameworks to engage with clients  
  2. Use emapthy, reflection, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage diverse clients  

Graduates will demonstrate ethical and professional behavior. Included in this outcome are the ability for graduates to perform the following social work practices as a function of completing the program.  

  1. Make ethical decisions by using the standards of the NASW Code of Ethics and other models for ethical decision making  
  2. Use reflection and self-regulation to manage personal valuaes and maintain professionalism   
  3. Demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior, appearance, and communication  
  4. Use supervision and consultation to guide professional judgment and behavior      

Graduates will engage diversity and difference in practice.  Included in this outcome are the ability for graduates to perform the following social work practices as a function of completing the program.  

  1. Apply and communicate the importance of diversity and difference in shaping life experiences   
  2. Present themselves as learners and engage clients and constituencies as experts of their own experiences   
  3. Apply self-awareness and self regulation to manage the influences of personal biases        

Graduates will engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.  Included in this outcome are the ability for graduates to perform the following social work practices as a function of completing the program.  

  1. Use practice experience and theory to inform scientific inquiry  
  2. Apply critical thinking to engage in analysis of quantitative and qualitative research methods  
  3. Use and translate research evidence to inform and improve practice  

Graduates will engage in policy practice.  Included in this outcome are the ability for graduates to perform the following social work practices as a function of completing the program.  

  1. Idenify social policy that impacts social well-being, service delivery, and access to social services  
  2. Apply critical thinking to analyze, and advocate for policies that advance human rights and social and economic justice    

Graduates will apply critical thinking to evaluate social work practice.  Included in this outcome are the ability for graduates to perform the following social work practices as a function of completing the program.  

  1. Select and use appropriate methods for evaluation  
  2. Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment and other multidisciplinary frameworks to evaluate outcomes  
  3. Critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate intervention and program processes and outcomes  
  4. Apply evaluation findings to improve practice effectiveness  

Graduates will advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.  Included in this outcome are the ability for graduates to perform the following social work practices as a function of completing the program.  

  1. Apply their understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights  
  2. Engage in practices that advance social, economic, and environmental justice  

Entrance and Progression Requirements

In order to be admitted to the College of Social Work-BSW Program, freshmen and transfer students must meet all University and college admission requirements. Transfer students must meet all such requirements and have a GPA of 2.50 or better. Acceptance into the BSW Program with a lower division classification does not guarantee progression into the upper division BSW Major.

All students in the lower division in the BSW program are subject to the following regulations:

  1. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.50.
  2. All incomplete grades posted on the transcript must be removed before progression into the upper division.
  3. Students must earn a minimum grade of C in all required English courses.

Advanced Placement: Students must adhere to the University requirements for advanced placement in general education courses. Only those general education courses identified by the University can be used for advanced placement through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). University departmental exams may be used for advanced placement if offered by the appropriate department and if the student meets the expected testing level identified by the department.

Upper Division: Progression into upper division social work occurs primarily in the fall semester. Students who complete 39 hours of general education and wish to apply to supper division must submit a completed College of Social Work - BSW Application by the announced due dates published each year. Factors considered in the progression decision include the following:

  1. good standing with the University and successful completion of the application process.
  2. minimum of a 2.5 cumulative USC and collegiate summary grade point average in general education and other courses
  3. a grade of “C” in their English general education course requirements.
  4. verified completion of 39 hours of general education courses at the time of application.
  5. verified completion of 54 hours of general education courses at the time of progression to upper division.
  6. verified completion of SOWK 201 .
  7. meeting with their social work advisors to receive and discuss the pre-application, application packet, personal statement, reference forms, and over-all process.
  8. completion of a statement of agreement to abide by the professional values and behavioral expectations outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics, USC Carolina Creed, and other documents found in student manuals.
  9. attendance at the BSW program and field education orientation sessions.

Progression Requirements: To remain in the undergraduate degree program at the College of Social Work, a student must make satisfactory academic progress toward the degree. A student who fails to make satisfactory progress may be placed on academic probation or removed from the program. . If the semester, yearly, or cumulative grade point average of a student is below 2.50, the student will be notified in writing. A student must have an overall 2.0 average and must complete all social work core courses with an overall grade point average of 2.5. A student may attempt a social work core course a maximum of two times to fulfill the requirement. A grade of W (withdrawal) will be recognized as an attempt. A student may repeat a maximum of two core courses. In addition, all students in the College of Social Work are subject to the regulations on probation, suspension, and readmission in the section of the USC Undergraduate Bulletin titled “Academic Regulations.”

Attendance Requirements

Students enrolled in College of Social Work undergraduate programs are subject to attendance regulations of the University as described in the University of South Carolina Undergraduate Bulletin. In addition, students are expected to attend all orientations, seminars, and internship hours. Make-up time for missed field internship hours will be determined by the field education supervisor, BSW Field Coordinator, BSW Program Director, and Associate Dean. Faculty may require withdrawal of any student who has missed excessive hours in field education or other learning activities.

Readmission

A student who has been suspended or has withdrawn from the College of Social Work BSW Program and subsequently readmitted will be subject to the current College of Social Work academic standards and available space in courses.

Credit for Life Experience

In accordance with the mandates of the Council on Social Work Education, no credit is given for life experiences. Students will not receive academic credit for life experience or previous volunteer, service learning activities or assignments, or work experience in social work.

Academic credit will not be granted for life experience or previous work experience, and such experience will not be substituted for any of the courses in the professional foundation areas or the field practicum.

Non-Duplication of Core Curriculum Content

The BSW Program Director, Associate Academic Dean, and Undergraduate Committee (if necessary) review any student’s request for consideration of courses felt to be duplicative of required curriculum areas. Only courses taken at other accredited social work programs are considered for transfer of credits. At present, the program does not have a method of waiver exams as a mechanism for “testing out” of required courses in the BSW Program of Study.

Transfer of Credit

As part of the University of South Carolina’s application for admission, students submit official transcripts from all other colleges and universities to the Office of Admission. If a student seeks readmission, he/she submit transcripts from all schools attended since leaving this University. It is the responsibility of the Office of Admission to evaluate all transcripts and grant the student transfer credit as possible for coursework and completed at the other schools.

Although the USC Office of Admission may grant the student semester hours for transfer credit for completed work in another social work program, the BSW Program Director and the Associate Academic Dean and/or a faculty member who teaches the content will determine whether the course and its assignments meet the requirements of the BSW degree at this College. Any student wishing to transfer credit to meet degree requirements must submit a course syllabus that includes learning objectives, assignments, and the titles and authors of textbooks, to the BSW program director for consideration. If it appears that the requisite competencies, knowledge and skills have been acquired, the student will be exempted from the related COSW BSW course.

The same procedure would be followed for classes other than practice courses, field practica, and field seminars, for courses taken in other departments.

Degree Requirements (122 Hours)

See College of Social Work for entrance requirements, progression requirements, and other regulations.

  • Carolina Core (34-46 Hours)
  • Other Required CSW Core Courses ( 0-15 hours)
  • BSW Major (60 Hours)
  • Electives (1-28 Hours)

A. College of Social Work Core for Bachelor in Social Work (BSW)

Carolina Core Requirements

CMW: Effective, Engaged, and Persuasive Communication: Written Component (6 hours)

  • Two approved Carolina Core CMW courses. Students must pass each with a grade of C or above.

ARP: Analytical Reasoning and Problem-Solving (6 Hours)

One of the following options:

SCI: Scientific Literacy (7 Hours)

  • Two approved Carolina Core SCI courses, including at least one with a laboratory selected from Biology (BIOL).

GFL: Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Foreign Language (0-6 Hours)

  • A score of two or better on the foreign language placement test or equivalent Carolina Core GFL course(s).

GHS: Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Historical Thinking (6 hours)

  • Two approved Carolina Core GHS courses, including at least one covering US History

GSS: Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Social Sciences (3 hours)

  • Any approved Carolina Core GSS course from Psychology (PSYC) or Sociology (SOCY)

AIU: Aesthetic and Interpretive Understanding (3 Hours)

  • Any approved Carolina Core AIU course in the fine arts

CMS: Effective, Engaged, and Persuasive Communication: Spoken Component (0-3 Hours*)

  • Any approved overlay or stand-alone Carolina Core CMS course

INF: Information Literacy (0-3 hours*)

  • Any approved overlay or stand-alone Carolina Core INF course

VSR: Values, Ethics, and Social Responsibility (0-3 hours*)

  • Any approved overlay or stand-alone Carolina Core VSR course

Note:

*The combined CMS, INF, and VSR requirements must include at least three hours not being used to satisfy Carolina Core requirements outside those three areas.

Other Required College of Social Work - Core Courses (0-15 Hours)

The BSW core also includes following requirements. These requirements may be satisfied as part of the Carolina Core requirements listed above.

  • POLI 201 - American National Government
  • One 200 and above literature course selected from a list of approved courses (see advisor for details)
  • One economics course
  • One philosophy course
  • One cultural awareness course (A wide variety of courses can be considered under the general category of “cultural awareness.” Students are to consult with their advisors for approved courses.)

Electives

The BSW requires a minimum of 62 semester hours in academic subjects for the Carolina Core and Social Work Related Courses. Students with fewer than 62 hours in Carolina Core and Social Work Core Related courses must take enough electives to fulfill the 122 hour minimum. No elective courses of a remedial and developmental nature may apply as credit toward the 122 hour minimum

2. Required Social Work Major Courses (60 Hours)

Academic Advisement

Academic Advisement Services: Undergraduate students are unique in that they are at the very beginning of the development of their academic and professional careers and members of a larger university setting. Due to these unique student qualities and experiences, social work advisors are sensitive to the needs, questions, and concerns of students. Because undergraduate degree requirements are often complex and confusing, academic advisors foster ongoing and welcoming processes for students. Professional and academic advisors provide advisement services to students, which will involve their academic, professional and personal careers goals.

Professional Advisement Services: While in development to become professional social workers, students often are challenged to re-examine their values, behaviors, and commitments to the profession. Therefore, social work advisors are available to provide information to help students in their professional and personal career goals as social work practitioners. As a result of the ongoing relationship in the classroom, field education, organizations, and service project, the faculty members are viewed as professional advisors. In many ways, faculty members are mentors and coaches who encourage and facilitate the growth and strengths of students’ professional identity. Through professional advisement, the program ensures that students who enter the program continue their commitment to social and economic justice that builds on the strengths and empowerment perspectives for generalist practice, particularly with poor, vulnerable or oppressed populations.

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