Students may declare a major in Social Work as early as the freshman year. In order to become formally accepted into the program, however, students must have completed at least 28 hours of general education requirements with an overall grade point average of 2.0 or higher. At that time, a student may complete an application and interview for acceptance into the program. An admission committee made up of full-time tenure track Social Work faculty review applications and conduct interviews. The Social Work committee may recommend accepting students into the program, conditional acceptance, or non-acceptance based on the following criteria:
- Grade Point Average of 2.0 or higher
- Completion of Social Work 203 (Introduction to Social Work) with a grade of “C” or above
- Ability to maintain positive and constructive interpersonal relationships with faculty, staff, fellow students, field supervisors/instructors, and the community
- Evidence of communication skills
- Demonstration of self-awareness, ethical behavior, and willingness to learn
- Students are encouraged to join the National Association of Social Workers, and take part in legislative and professional activities coordinated through the department. Hands on experience is one of the keys to success as a social worker. Social Work students must complete 500 hours working in various social welfare agencies. Students also spend 30 to 50 hours working with the legislature and other avenues that affect social policies.
The Admission Process
Students may declare a major in Social Work as early as freshman year. Formal acceptance is required before entering the first field practicum. Faculty advisors will provide the required forms and will assist students in this process.
Acceptance
Acceptance into the Social Work block can be full or conditional. Full acceptance is awarded to those students who meet all the admission criteria. Conditional acceptance is based on the student completing a remedial action regarding one or more of the admission requirements.
Students who are not satisfied with a decision may appeal in writing, within 10 days of notification, to the program director who will reconvene the Social Work Faculty Committee to re-evaluate the recommendation. Further appeal may be made in accordance with university procedure as designated in The Academic Rights and Responsibilities of Students (see end of Social Work handbook). This policy can also be found in the Student Handbook and the University Catalog.
Students are expected to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics . For more details about these and other admission requirements, contact the Social Work Department.