Social Work, B.S.
[Social Work–2104]
The mission of the BSW Program at Roberts Wesleyan University is to empower students through education so that they may positively impact individuals, communities, and society. Using a person-in-environment framework, students will be prepared to pursue social, racial, economic, and environmental justice, focusing on upholding human rights and dignity.
Our Vision:
- Honor all students and individuals regardless of religious and spiritual background while maintaining the roots of Christian faith by integrating a Christian perspective into social work practice, including promoting compassion, empathy and justice.
- Equip students to uphold the dignity and worth of individuals, recognizing the inherent value and uniqueness each possesses.
- Facilitate learning through a comprehensive curriculum that will equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to excel as social workers.
- Create relational and inclusive learning communities within our classrooms that reflect the effective practices we expect our students to model in their interactions with clients and communities.
- Develop graduates with high ethical standards who understand and adhere to the principles of evidence-based practice, who will celebrate the rich diversity of the individuals and communities we serve.
The social work program affirms the stance of the parent institution, operating without student discrimination regarding race, age, color, sex, handicap, creed, or national and ethnic origin, and welcomes students from any socio-economic status.
SPECIFICS OF THE BACHELOR’S COMPLETION PROGRAM
Minimum Total Hours: 120
Total Liberal Arts Hours Required: 60
General Education Requirements: Per Core Requirements list (see General Education Council). Exceptions: only one fine arts course is required. 18-19 credits as follows:
- COMP 1010, BIOL 1030, MATH 2400, PSYC 1010, SOCS 1010, 3 credits of SOCS or SOWK electives.
Minimum Requirements: Overall and major GPA of 2.50; no grade less than C- in the major
Admission Requirements:
- An Associates Degree or Credit Equivalence (minimum 60 transferable credits) from a regionally accredited institution. Please note:
- Coursework must be a grade of C– or above to transfer
- Credit may be awarded for Prior Learning Assessment (life and professional experiences) using: DSST or CLEP exams, documented life experiences, and life learning papers
- A maximum of 87 credits may be transferred from regionally accredited four-year institutions
- A maximum of 72 credits may be transferred from regionally accredited two-year institutions
- Coursework from institutions that are not regionally accredited and credit for life experience that is not ACE approved will not transfer
- A minimum, cumulative 2.50 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Successful completion of prerequisite coursework (COMP 1010 or equivalent) with a grade of C or better:
- A minimum of two years of meaningful and relevant professional work experience
Transfer Requirements: See institutional transfer policies and below.
Credit for Life Experience and Transfer of Social Work Coursework
BSW Program Policy
In alignment with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation standards, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program does not grant academic credit for:
Life experience, or
Previous work experience.
This policy applies to all social work courses, including field education and practice-based coursework. No exceptions will be made.
Additionally, the BSW Program only accepts transfer credit for field education and social work practice courses from programs that are:
Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), or
In candidacy status with CSWE.
All transfer credits are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure alignment with the BSW Program’s curriculum, course objectives, and CSWE core competencies.
This policy ensures that all students complete coursework and field experiences that meet the professional standards required for competent generalist social work practice.
Continuance in the Social Work Major: Students must successfully complete the Continuance in the Social Work Major process to graduate with a B.S. from Roberts. Students are eligible for this process once they have completed a minimum of four classes in the social work degree completion program. Successful completion of the Continuance to the Social Work Major is contingent upon meeting the criteria outlined in the NTSWK Handbook. For additional information about the Continuance in the Social Work major, please see the NTSWK Handbook.
Major Requirements: 51 hours as follows:
- SOWK 1030, 1050, SOWK/SOCS 2050, 3010, 3020, 3080, 3100, 3110, 3120, 4040, 4050, 4070, 4100, and 4500*
*Please see the Bachelor of Social Work Field Education Manual for additional course requirements.