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

Criteria for Admission and Acceptance to the BSW Major:

Intended Social Work Majors are expected to formally apply to the program. Students can apply to the major after completing 30 university-level credits.  Applicants for admission to the Social Work Major must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and have successfully completed SW 100 and ENG 102.  Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA and achieve a minimum grade of “C” or higher for all Social Work courses and Allied requirements.   Additionally, in order to be considered for admission into the Social Work Major, students must complete two (2) Recommendation Forms: one recommendation must be provided a faculty member in any discipline and one recommendation form must be provided by someone who knows the student on a personal, non-academic level (i.e. mentor, coach, employer, supervisor, etc.).

After review of application materials, students will be notified by the Dean regarding acceptance into the major. If accepted, students will be assigned an advisor from the Social Work Program and will be required to meet with that advisor within one month of receiving their acceptance letter.

Applications to the Social Work major are available from the Program Director or Field Director of the Social Work program.  They can also be obtained in the office of the Dean of the Division of Education & Human Services.

Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA and achieve a minimum grade of “C” or higher for all Social Work courses and Allied requirements.   

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.