2015-16 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

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Mission Statement
The Cedarville University Department of Social Work develops
competent servant leaders grounded in biblical truth to practice
generalist social work in diverse settings worldwide advancing
human and community well-being.
Department Objectives
Graduates of the Cedarville University Baccalaureate Social
Work Program will demonstrate a basic level of competency in the
profession of social work by
• Integrating faith and practice through a process of ethical
reasoning while respecting spiritual diversity.
• Evaluating multiple sources of knowledge and applying
strategies of ethical reasoning to integrate knowledge and
practice.
• Communicating effectively with diverse individuals, groups,
communities, organizations, and colleagues while being
mindful of the importance of difference in shaping life
experiences.
• Assuring continual professional development by practicing
reflection and self-correction and managing personal values
in a way that allows professional values to guide practice.
• Assessing client strengths and needs using a bio-psycho-
social-spiritual model and analyzing, formulating, and
advocating for policies that advance social well-being,
recognizing the extent to which a culture’s structures and
values may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create or
enhance privilege and power.
Personal Requirements
A solid high school college preparatory program provides an
excellent background for students entering the social work major.
Department Requirements
To graduate with a degree from the Department of Social Work
students must earn a cumulative average of 2.5 or higher and
a “C-” or higher in all courses required by the major. In addition,
students must be admitted into the social work program.
Admission to the Social Work Program
Admission to the social work program occurs during the
sophomore year. Freshmen and sophomores interested in social
work should declare their intent to major in social work and meet
with an appropriate advisor to ensure that courses are taken in the
proper sequence.
Admission Requirements and Procedures
1. Complete at least 41.5 hours of the general education
requirements, including the necessary prerequisites.
(Submit a summary of prerequisites.)
2. Complete with a “C”
or higher by the junior year.
3. Complete with a “C”
or higher by the junior year.
4. Complete with a “C” or higher by
the junior year.
5. Complete with
a “C” or higher by the junior year.
6. Complete and submit an Application for Admission to the
social work program director, including an autobiographical
statement detailing interest in social work.
7. Submit letters of recommendation from a pastor, an
employer or volunteer supervisor, and a teacher or adult
friend.
8. Be interviewed by a minimum of two social work faculty.
9. Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher. Submit a copy of
current unofficial grade transcript from CedarInfo.
10. Complete and document 40 hours of post high school
social service volunteer experience (submit form).
11. Provide a background check for the State of Ohio and an
additional FBI background check for those who live out of
state.
12. Submit a social work program handbook sign-off sheet.
13. Submit a sign-off sheet attesting to having read the Code of
Ethics and agreeing to conform to the Code of Ethics.
The final decision as to whether all requirements are adequately
met for admission to and progression in the social work program
will be made by the social work program director.
Programs of Study
Cedarville’s social work program leads to a Bachelor of Science
(B.S.) degree in social work.
Cocurricular Opportunities
Social work has two professional organizations in which
students may participate. Students can also broaden their
understanding and knowledge through a variety of travel
opportunities, internships, and student organizations.
Epsilon Alpha Pi
Epsilon Alpha Pi is a professional organization for social work
majors that seeks to promote professional development, political
and social awareness, and community outreach.
Epsilon Omega
Epsilon Omega is a local chapter of Phi Alpha Honor Society,
the National Social Work Honor Society, committed to promoting a
high standard of education for social workers.
Technical Resources
A large number of computer software programs are available to
students, including:
• A variety of presentation programs
• Database programs
• Spreadsheet programs
• Statistical analysis programs
• Various search engines
• Web and HTML programs
• Word processing programs
The department prepares students for careers directly following
graduation. Through a variety of modalities (including field work
and class presentation by practitioners), students are able to
network with actual career representatives.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the department have attended some of the
nation’s outstanding graduate and professional schools. Careers
pursued by graduates include:
• Administrator • Mental health social
• Adoption social worker worker
• Children’s services social • Missionary
worker • Prison caseworker
• Community developer • Probation officer
• Family violence prevention • School social worker
case worker • Senior citizen center
• Government worker outreach worker
• Medical social worker • Youth pastor
Page 189 2015–16 Undergraduate Academic Catalog
Department of Social Work Mission Statement