2010-2011 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

Page 187 2010–11 Undergraduate Catalog Introduction Admissions Academic Information Academic Departments Course Descriptions Financial Information Appendix Index Department of Social Work, Criminal Justice, and Sociology | School of Social Sciences and Human Performance Mission Statement The department of social work, criminal justice, and sociology’s mission is to provide students with an educational experiential learning environment in the context of a biblical worldview which will prepare them for service and leadership in our world. Department Objectives 1. Students will develop a biblical worldview of their respective academic discipline. 2. Students will exhibit critical thinking skills in their respective discipline. 3. Students will be prepared for graduate study and/or become practitioners in their discipline. 4. Students will understand ethical integrity that is based on Scripture and is applicable to their discipline. 5. Students will understand the characteristics of diverse populations. 6. Students will exhibit effective oral and written communication skills. 7. Students will understand the value of service to the local and greater community. Personal Requirements A solid high school college-preparatory program provides an excellent background for students entering the various majors in the department. Department Requirements To graduate with a degree from the department of social work, criminal justice, and sociology, students must earn a cumulative average of 2.0 or higher and a “C-” or higher in all courses required by their selected major. In addition, all majors must complete the following:* 1. A complete senior research project under the direction of a faculty advisor. 2. A presentation of selective senior research projects presented to invited faculty, students, and guests. 3. Complete the Major Fields Test in their area at the scheduled time during spring semester of their senior year (as appropriate). *Admissions and graduation requirements for social work are listed on page 192 . Programs of Study The department of social work, criminal justice, and sociology offers the following programs of study: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in: • Criminal Justice • Sociology Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in: • Forensic Science* • Social Work *In cooperation with science and mathematics; see page 171 . Minors • Criminal Justice • Sociology Co-Curricular Opportunities Each major has several 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. Alpha Delta Nu Alpha Delta Nu provides criminal justice students with the opportunity to enhance their professional development. Members are students who believe that a career in criminal justice is a ministry in a God-ordained institution, which is government. This organization promotes Christian character, leadership, and service through training, information, and networking to supplement academic studies. The society assists students to prepare for a transition to their professional field as practitioners. 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 Several of the department programs prepare 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 and on occasion be exposed to the technologies being utilized by a career area. Career Opportunities Graduates of the department have attended some of the nation’s outstanding graduate and professional schools. Careers pursued by graduates include: • Administrator • Medical social worker • Adoption social • Mental health social worker worker • Minister • Parole agent • Children’s services social • Police officer worker • Prison caseworker • Community developer • Prison manager (warden) • Probation officer • Federal law enforcer • Forensic scientist • School social worker • Government worker • Senior citizen center outreach worker