2012-2013 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

Page 193 2012–13 Undergraduate Catalog Introduction Admissions Academic Information Academic Departments Course Descriptions Financial Information Appendix Index Department of Social Work | College of Health Professions 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. Goals The goal of the social work program is ultimately to enable students to integrate the knowledge, values, and skills of the social work profession into competent practice by: 1. Providing content about social work practice from a generalist perspective with client systems of various sizes and types. 2. Preparing students with the skills, values, and knowledge to practice with diverse populations at risk. 3. Providing content about social contexts, the changing nature of those contexts, the behavior of organizations, and the dynamics of change. 4. Preparing students who are aware of their responsibilities to continue their professional growth and development. 5. Preparing students to practice with populations at risk with unique discrimination and oppressive histories (with a special focus on poverty). 6. Integrating biblical principles throughout the curriculum so that students can appropriately integrate their faith and that of their clients into the helping relationship. 7. Laying a foundation of core skills essential to a high caliber of social work practice (i.e., problem solving, listening, verbal and written communication, and critical thinking). 8. Creating an appreciation for the profession as well as an understanding of the history, personalities, and issues and events that helped to shape it. 9. Infusing throughout the curriculum the values and ethics that guide professional social workers in their practice. International Field Experience The social work program offers an international field experience in 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 social work department’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 fall semester. 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. Application Requirements Early application is advised. Students should check with the international field coordinator for the application deadline for their choice of country and desired semester. Students must have gained admission into the social work program or be on track for successful completion of all program admission requirements prior to the international experience. Four reference letters from the following individuals are required for acceptance for an international field experience: • Advisor or faculty member • Pastor • Friend • Dean or residence director Pre-Departure Requirements The student will meet with the international field coordinator once a week for four weeks for a briefing of each country’s culture, people, climate, and other pertinent topics. The student is to complete assigned readings and come prepared for discussion. Questions of concern or interest will also be discussed during the weekly sessions. The student must also fulfill all orientation obligations within the international programs department. Reentry Requirements It is recommended the student keep their return semester as light as possible. The student will meet with the international field coordinator once a week for two months during the return semester. The student will be required to read and discuss Re- Entry by Peter Jordan. The student must also fulfill all reentry obligations within the international programs department.