2012-2013 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

Page 191 2012–13 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 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 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 the junior year. 5. Complete SWK-2900 Ethics in the Helping Professions 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.