Bachelor of Social Work

MISSION 

Working within a Catholic Franciscan framework, the mission of the Neumann University Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is to prepare students to become responsible and responsive leaders in the human services field through the development of knowledge, values, and skills necessary to engage in generalist social work practice with a focus on preserving dignity of all persons through human rights and social justice advocacy; counseling; effective communication; reflective community engagement; and a strong knowledge base of theory and public policy. The program emphasizes the alleviation of poverty and human suffering, oppression, and injustice through fields of practice.

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

The Social Work major contributes to the fulfillment of the vision of Neumann University, including the provision of a Liberal Arts foundation and the development of the five core values of the University: Reverence, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship. The program will prepare students for employment in entry-level social work positions that serve individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Students will be provided with the tools to advance and promote social justice based on an awareness of differences as they prepare for service in a multi-cultural, global society. Students will be guided in developing a reverence for diversity and respectful awareness of differences as they prepare for service in a multi-cultural, global society.

ACCREDITATION

The Neumann University BSW program is currently in candidacy with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) to ensure that the social work program meets the accrediting agency’s core competency requirements and the highest standards in social work education.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES 

The BSW program prepares students to be professional generalist practitioners. Consistent with the CSWE competencies, students completing the BSW program will be able to:

• Identify as a professional social worker representing oneself responsibly and committed to the development of the social work profession ethically.
• Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice.
• Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments.
• Engage diversity and difference in practice.
• Advance human rights and social and economic justice.
• Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.
• Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.
• Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services.
• Respond to contexts that shape practice.
• Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

ADMISSION AND PROGRESSION CRITERIA

The following is an abbreviated description of criteria, policies and procedures that address admission to, retention in, and completion of the Social Work major. A detailed Social Work Student Handbook is available to students during the application interview, a process that is required for all students seeking admission into the Social Work major. Students can apply to the major after completing 45 university-level credits.  Enrollment in any course, Social Work or other, does not imply acceptance into the major.

Applicants for admission to the Social Work major are to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 upon entrance into the Social Work major.  Students in the major must achieve a minimum grade of “C” for all Social Work courses and allied requirements and maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA throughout the program.

FIELD EXPERIENCE 

Throughout their four-year program at Neumann University, Social Work majors participate in experiences plan that are designed to enhance professional social work skills.  Social Work students will complete a minimum of 400 internship hours prior to graduation.  Proof of agency required security clearances is required before a student can participate in any field experience.  Detailed information can be found in the Social Work Field Placement/Internship Handbook.