2017-18 Undergraduate Catalog

Goals The goal of the social work program is to prepare future professional social workers who are competent in the areas of: 1. Serving diverse people, groups, and communities by treating all with dignity and respect, valuing all relationships. 2. Addressing conditions that limit human rights, promoting social, economic and environmental justice worldwide, and working toward the elimination of poverty with the underpinning component of enhancing the quality of life for all people. 3. Practicing with competence and integrity using scientific inquiry and evidence-based interventions. 4. Applying the person and the environment construct to practice, understanding the impact poverty can have on social functioning. 5. Ethically integrating faith and social work practice. International Field Experience The social work program offers an international field experience in India, Uganda, or Romania to junior or senior social work students. Students work in a variety of social service agencies in the host country, supervised by an on-site master’s level social worker and under the direction of the Department of Social Work’s international field coordinator. Courses at a local university expand the student’s understanding of the host country, and planned activities further enhance the cultural experience. Students receive academic credits for the coursework and for the internship, allowing them to complete their Cedarville degree within the normal four years. The international field coordinator supports the student throughout the entire process — pre-departure, during the international experience, and after the student’s return to campus. International field experience is available over the summer break or during the school year. Students interested in international field experience should meet with their advisor as early as possible to discuss the feasibility and scheduling needs. Students should then meet with the international field coordinator to initiate the application process. Faculty Nelson Henning , Chair; Senior Professor of Social Work. Education: B.S.W., Southern Illinois University, 1976; M.S.W., University of Illinois, 1977; Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh, 1986. At Cedarville since 1994. Melissa Brown : Assistant Professor of Social Work. Education : B.S., Cedarville University, 2008; M.S.W., The Ohio State University, 2014. At Cedarville since 2014. George Huff , Professor of Social Work; Field Director. Education: B.A., Ashland University, 1973; M.S.S.A., Case Western Reserve University, 1977. Licensed Independent Social Worker-Supervisor. At Cedarville since 2000. Social Work The social work major prepares students for future ministries/ careers in professional social work, professional church and church-related specializations, and informal assistance. The wide range of opportunities within the social work field provides graduates with numerous ways of investing in the lives of individuals, families, groups, and communities. The social work program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education. Social work graduates are eligible for licensure and for advanced standing in graduate schools of social work. Advanced standing allows students to earn a Master of Social Work degree in a little over one year. Page 206 2017–18 Undergraduate Academic Catalog Department of Social Work Faculty