Spalding University Catalog Bachelor of Science in Social Work

Bachelor of Science in Social Work | Spalding University Catalog

Bachelor of Science in Social Work

Our nationally accredited Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) degree prepares students for generalist social work practice in an entry-level social work position, the first professional level recognized by the National Association of Social Workers. Graduates are eligible to sit for the professional licensure exam in Kentucky, Indiana, and other states at the baccalaureate level (LSW license in Kentucky and LBSW in Indiana). Out-of-state students and students intending to practice outside of Kentucky and Indiana are strongly encouraged to check the professional licensure requirements for their U.S. state or territory in the Bachelor of Science in Social Work Professional Licensure Disclosure (https://spalding.edu/licensing-disclosures/).

The BSSW Program provides the essential foundation of knowledge, values, and skills for professional social work practice, which is then reinforced by professional experience, agency in-service training, and/or graduate social work education. With a suitable grade point average and positive recommendations from faculty and practicum supervisor, BSSW graduates may qualify for advanced standing admission to most accredited master’s-level social work programs in the United States.

Degree Requirements

The BSSW degree is a 120-credit hour undergraduate degree. All BSSW majors complete Spalding University's foundation curriculum requirements (University Studies), which encompass 49 credit hours of coursework in communications, humanities, natural sciences and mathematics, religious studies, and social sciences. Transfer students who have completed an Associate’s degree may be eligible for block transfer of those credits (see below for details).

Students also complete at least 18 elective credit hours. Electives in social work and related fields such as anthropology, psychology, sociology, political science, and environmental studies are highly recommended. Spalding University offers a variety of 18-credit-hour minors, and students can use elective credits to meet those requirements.

The social work curriculum consists of 53 credit hours of coursework, which includes a two-semester practicum. Students typically complete these courses over four semesters starting in their junior year.

BSSW Program Admission Requirements

Some social work courses are open to non-majors (as part of a minor or as electives). However, formal admission to the School of Social Work is required before students can proceed to advanced social work practice courses and complete the degree. Students typically apply for admission to the BSSW Program during the first eight-week session of their junior year while they are enrolled in SW 208: Cornerstone. Required forms and guidelines are provided during the course and the instructor orients students to the BSSW Program and its admission process.

A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.50 (and if applicable, a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 in social work courses) is required for admission. Students with a GPA below these thresholds may be considered in the context of extenuating circumstances that are explained in the application essay and interview with a member of the Admissions Committee. The BSSW Transitions Program (see below) may be an option.

The BSSW Admissions Committee includes at least three full- and/or part-time social work faculty. Committee members consider the applicant’s total profile. In addition to the student’s GPA(s), members review the following to inform their decisions:

Application form
Signed agreement to abide by the NASW Code of Ethics and the School of Social Work Code of Conduct
Recommendations from work or volunteer experience supervisors and/or faculty outside of the School of Social Work (the committee will not review an application without at least two professional references)
A brief essay discussing the applicant’s reasons for choosing a social work major.
An interview with a Committee member.

BSSW Transitions Option

The BSSW Transitions Option offers students who have completed 50+ credit hours of undergraduate coursework with a cumulative overall and/or social work GPA that is below the admission requirement an opportunity to demonstrate academic readiness for admission to the BSSW Program. Participants delay application for admission to the BSSW Program and receive academic support during the first semester of the junior year. They continue to make progress toward earning a BSSW degree by enrolling in first-semester social work courses including SW-208 Cornerstone. During SW-208, participants prepare their application portfolio. This includes their application form, references, and essay. The BSSW Admissions Committee holds the application file until after grades for all first semester coursework are available. With tailored academic support and resources, encouragement, and accountability, many Transitions Option participants qualify for admission to the BSSW Program.

Transfer Policies

The BSSW Program welcomes students who transfer to Spalding University. These students can transfer up to 90 credit hours from another accredited institution(s). If they meet certain conditions, Spalding University approves transfer students with conferred Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degrees as having completed the baccalaureate University Studies requirements (“block transfer eligibility”). In addition to a conferred associate’s degree, block transfer requirements include having completed at least 30 unduplicated University Studies credit hours and at least one course in each of the following areas: humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences; and natural sciences/mathematics. Block transfer approval is not a waiver of the 120 earned credit hour graduation requirement. The Director of University Studies evaluates transcripts for University Studies transfer credit in consultation with discipline chairs.

Students must complete core social work courses at Spalding University or another CSWE-accredited BSSW program. Transfer students must complete at least half of the credits for their major (and if applicable, their minor) at Spalding University. Students must earn the last 30 credit hours at Spalding University.

The School of Social Work accepts transfer of credit for social work courses only if: (1) the student completed the course at a CSWE-accredited BSSW program, (2) the student earned a C or better in the course, and (3) documentation by catalog or syllabus establishes equivalent content and rigor. Spalding University School of Social Work grants no academic credit for life or work experience.

To promote a smooth transition from one institution to another, and to prevent duplication of course content, Spalding University has written articulation agreements establishing equivalencies among institutions. Spalding University’s policies and procedures on transfer of credits are in the SU Catalog here: Transfer Credit Policy

Assessment Process

BSSW student learning assessment measures include small and large system role plays, critical analysis of case situations and ethical dilemmas, written narratives, skill demonstrations, self-assessment, papers and other written assignments, projects, and quizzes and exams. Assessment criteria for each social work course are in the course syllabus.

As an important part of the BSSW curriculum, BSSW students complete a practicum in a community agency. Here, they integrate theory and practice in a supervised learning environment. Practicum assessment is a mutually supportive process involving the Agency Practicum Instructor, the Faculty Liaison, and the student. The BSSW Program uses CSWE’s behavioral indicators for the nine social work competencies to assess students’ mastery of social work knowledge, values, and skills. Formal evaluation of student progress in practicum occurs at midterm and end-of-semester.

Practicum

BSSW students complete a two-semester practicum in one of the region's many social service agencies under the supervision of an approved Agency Practicum Instructor. The School of Social Work's Director of Practicum Education matches students with agencies whose experiences and resources best meet the learning needs of the individual student. A Faculty Liaison facilitates a concurrent seminar course to ensure that students integrate practical experience with classroom learning.

Retention in the BSSW Program: Academic Criteria

BSSW students must earn a C or better in social work practice courses. Those earning a lower grade must repeat the course. BSSW students also must maintain cumulative GPAs of at least 2.50 overall and at least 2.75 for social work courses.

The BSSW Program is committed to offering all students support and guidance. This is especially true when they face difficulties that could jeopardize their academic success. The Director of Undergraduate Education reviews social work students’ academic progress after each eight-week session. During the first semester of the junior year, an academic advisor informs students who earn a C or lower that they are at academic risk and offers academic support. At the end of the first semester of the junior year and at any time thereafter, students with a GPA below either threshold begin an academic probation process.

During the academic probation process, the student implements an academic success plan created with a faculty advisor or academic coach. The student has up to two eight-week sessions to raise their cumulative overall and social work GPAs to at least 2.50 and 2.75, respectively. The probation process ends when the GPAs reach required levels. To ensure continued success after the academic probation process ends, the student checks in with the faculty advisor or academic coach at least twice in each of the next two eight-week sessions.

If the student does not meet the GPA requirements by the end of the second eight-week session, dismissal from the BSSW Program results. Dismissed students are ineligible to enroll in BSSW classes for one year. After one year, they may reapply for admission to the program.

Past student experiences show that early and ongoing consultation with faculty, advisors, and mentors contributes to academic growth and success. A list of resources that may be helpful is available under Student Success at https://spalding.edu/student-services/.

Once admitted to the BSSW Program, students will have three years to earn their BSSW degree. Students who do not do so will have to reapply for admission to the program and complete the degree program based on the requirements at the time of readmission.

Child Welfare Certification Program (CW PREP)

Spalding University is a member of the statewide CW PREP (https://www.childwelfareprep.com/) consortium. CW PREP prepares students for child welfare positions with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Community Based Services (DCBS). The program creates opportunities for graduates to thrive in a career that makes a difference for children and families. Its goal is to produce well-trained child welfare workers who can provide high-quality services as soon as they graduate.

In addition to required BSSW courses, CW PREP participants take two child welfare electives. One focuses on the nature of child abuse and neglect. The other develops students’ competence in delivering social work interventions to protect vulnerable children. CHFS also provides training and retreats. Participants complete their practicum at DCBS.

Full-time sophomores and juniors may apply for up to four semesters of participation (minimum of three required). Eligibility criteria include a cumulative overall GPA of at least 2.5 and a cumulative social work GPA of at least 3.0. Participants receive tuition assistance, a stipend, and a paid practicum. After completing the BSSW degree and CW PREP requirements, participants receive priority consideration for employment in a child welfare position with DCBS. If offered a position, participants must work for DCBS for at least two years post-graduation.

Research demonstrates the program’s impact in enhancing the quality of services provided to at-risk families and children. The number of professionally trained social workers committed to this career has also increased significantly.

Volunteers of America Mid-States Scholars Program

Volunteers of America Mid-States (VOA) is a regional nonprofit agency. Its services include addiction recovery programs. VOA is committed to offering high-quality services to clients by hiring and developing qualified staff. To address a regional shortage of addiction recovery specialists, VOA helps BSSW students with education costs. In exchange, VOA Scholars Program participants commit to accepting employment with VOA for at least a year after graduating.

To be eligible, students must maintain a 3.0 or better social work GPA, have an interest in behavioral health or alcohol and drug counseling, and complete their practicum at VOA. Individuals who are already employed at VOA are not eligible (but they do receive the Workforce Partnership tuition discount instead). VOA prefers students minoring in addiction studies. The agency considers applicants for this competitive opportunity at the time of their interview for a practicum placement.

BSSW Scholarships

The School of Social Work offers scholarships to students admitted to the BSSW Program:

Ann Gordon Brigham Scholarship: Awarded to BSSW seniors who have completed at least 90 credit hours, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and have financial need.
J.E. and Betty Jinks Scholarship: Awarded to BSSW seniors who have completed at least 90 credit hours, have a GPA of 3.0 or better, and have financial need.
Koo Social Work Scholarship: Awarded to BSSW juniors and seniors who have financial need.
Lisa J. Amahle Scholarship: Awarded to juniors and seniors who demonstrate commitment to academic excellence and service through leadership and submit an essay explaining how contemporary marginalized communities continue to feel the effect of historical and cultural forces that systematize social and economic inequalities in the U.S. (preference to African American single mothers).
World Changer Scholarship: Awarded to BSSW juniors and seniors who have unmet financial need and have made efforts to secure all available resources.

BSSW Awards and Honors

Field Practicum Student of the Year. Each year, one undergraduate and one graduate student in the School of Social Work receive this award for noteworthy performance and/or accomplishments in their practicum placement.
M. Truehart Titzl Outstanding BSSW Award. This award recognizes an outstanding graduating senior in social work for excellence in academics and potential for significant contributions to the social work profession. The award is named after M. Trueheart Titzl, founder and former chair of the School of Social Work.
Social Justice Award. A graduating senior receives this award for courage and exemplary work in advocacy and community organizing.
Transformational Learner Award. This award honors a graduating senior who thrived and grew through the social work educational process, showing significant transformation throughout this journey.

Minors Through the School of Social Work

BSSW with a Minor in Health Science
This minor requires 18 credit hours in combination with courses required for the BSSW degree. Requirements for the minor include:

SW 230: Interdisciplinary Social Change
HS 300: Survey of Health Professions
HS 301: Medical Terminology
HS 320: Physical Health and Wellness
HS 325: Psychosocial Health and Wellness
HS 410: Healthcare Leadership

Minor in Addiction Studies
This minor is open to all undergraduate students. It requires 18 credit hours, consisting of the following:

Required Courses (12 credit hours)

SW 330: Right, Wrong, and It Depends: Applied Ethics for Helping Professionals (3 credit hours)
SW 410: Trauma and Addiction (3 credit hours)
SW 420: Addictions in Society (3 credit hours)
SW 435/535: Counseling and Addictions (3 credit hours)

Addiction Studies Electives (6 credit hours, chosen from the list below)

SW 385: Social Justice Perspectives on HIV and AIDS (3 credit hours)
SW 400: Spirituality and Addiction (3 credit hours)
SW 405: Psychopharmacology
SW 430: Co-Occurring Disorders in Addiction (3 credit hours)
SW 440/540: Systems in Addiction (3 credit hours)
SW 460: Addiction in Context (3 credit hours)
Any addiction-related continuing education courses offered by the School of Social Work for academic (elective) credit (typically 1 credit hour per course)

Minor in Social Work
This minor is open to undergraduates pursuing majors other than social work. It requires 18 credit hours, consisting of the following:

SW 204: Introduction to Social (Justice) Work: Supporting Growth and Change in Any Setting (3 credit hours)
SW 230 Interdisciplinary Social Change (3 credit hours)
SW 310: Oppression and Privilege (3 credit hours)
SW 346: Womb to Tomb: Exploring the Human Experience from Birth to Death (3 credit hours)
SW 341: Microskills for Professional Helpers: Social Work Practice with Individuals (3 credit hours)
Social Work Elective (3 credit hours)