2014-2015 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

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 41.5 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. Cocurricular Opportunities Social work has two 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. 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 The department prepares 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. Career Opportunities Graduates of the department have attended some of the nation’s outstanding graduate and professional schools. Careers pursued by graduates include: • Administrator • Mental health social • Adoption social worker worker • Children’s services social • Missionary worker • Prison caseworker • Community developer • Probation officer • Family violence prevention • School social worker case worker • Senior citizen center • Government worker outreach worker • Medical social worker • Youth pastor Page 187 2014–15 Undergraduate Academic Catalog Department of Social Work Mission Statement