2011-2012 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

Page 196 2011–12 Undergraduate Catalog Introduction Admissions Academic Information Academic Departments Course Descriptions Financial Information Appendix Index Department of Social Work | College of Health Professions 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 1. Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice. 2. Integrate Christian beliefs and values with professional social work values and ethics as set forth in the code of ethics. 3. Practice without discrimination and with respect, knowledge, and skills related to client’s age, class, color, culture, political ideology, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, and political and sexual orientation. 4. Identify the issues underlying the conditions of poverty, oppression, and discrimination and apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and economic justice nationally and globally. 5. Comprehend and interpret the history of the social work practice and its contemporary structures and issues. 6. Apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work to practice with systems of all sizes and in the context of the church. 7. Apply knowledge of bio-psycho-social-spiritual variables and use theoretical frameworks supported by empirical evidence to interpret individual development and behavior across the life span and the interaction among individuals and between individuals and families, groups, organizations, and communities. 8. Analyze, formulate, and influence social policies. 9. Evaluate research studies, apply research findings to practice under supervision, and evaluate their own practice interventions. 10. Use communication skills differentially across client populations, colleagues, and communities. 11. Utilize supervision and consultation appropriate to generalist practice. 12. Function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems and under supervision, seek necessary organizational change. 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 2.0 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 Requirements and Procedures 1. Complete at least 42.5 hours of the general education requirements, including the necessary prerequisites. (Submit a summary of prerequisites.) 2. Complete SWK-1100 Total Immersion Experience with a “C” or higher by the junior year. 3. Complete SWK-2330 Introduction to Social Work with a “C” or higher by the junior year. 4. Complete SWK-2350 Field Survey with a “C” or higher by fall semester of the junior year. 5. Complete and submit an Application for Admission to the social work program director, including an autobiographical statement detailing interest in social work. 6. Submit letters of recommendation from a pastor, an employer or volunteer supervisor, and a teacher or adult friend. 7. Be interviewed by a minimum of two social work faculty. 8. Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher. Submit a copy of current unofficial grade transcript from CedarInfo. 9. Complete and document 40 hours of post high school social service volunteer experience (submit form). 10. Provide a background check for the State of Ohio and an additional FBI background check for those who live out of state. 11. Submit a social work program handbook sign-off sheet. 12. 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.