The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program integrates not only the required social work courses but also other Arts and Science courses to prepare the student for advanced study in an MSW program. Students take the required 13 social work courses (42 credits) as well as the following courses: American Government, Psychology, Sociology, Statistics, and General Biology. Students complete 90 hours of Christian Service during the foundational years of social work study. Junior social work students complete two Junior Block practicum placements each with a 30-hour requirement. Senior students must complete 420 hours of field work under the supervision of a BSW/MSW practitioner. See catalog for curriculum sheet.
Course Sequence
Freshman:
- Introduction to Social Work
- Policy
Sophomore:
- Diversity
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment II
Junior:
- Practice with Individuals
- Practice with Families and Groups
- Statistics
- Social Work elective
Senior:
- Practice with Organizations and Communities
- Research Design
- Field Seminar and Internship I (6 credits) (*see Field Education for requirements for Internship)
- Field Seminar and Internship II (6 credits)
- Social Work elective
Applying for Admission into the BSW Program
Students who meet the requirements for admission to the Social Work Program are invited to apply for formal admission to the Social Work Program. Students should follow the procedures outlined in the Social Work Admission Packet (pdf). Students must have completed the foundational courses of social work study, have a 2.5 or greater cumulative GPA, completed 2 semesters of Christian Service, write a self-assessment, submit 3 letters of recommendation and complete the Admission Application Form (pdf). Students also are required to obtain 3 clearances (child abuse, criminal, FBI) for entrance into their Junior Practicum. Interviews are held in April prior to the junior year of study. Decisions are made prior to the end of the sophomore semester and provided to the student in writing as well as retained in the student’s academic file.
Field Education & Requirements
Students begin to narrow their focus of interest during their Junior Block practicum. During the semester prior to their Field Seminar course, attention is given to the area of interest for Internship opportunities. Students ensure they have updated clearances in order to enter into their Internships. The Field Director helps develop the student’s ability to engage in establishing an Internship prior to the start of the Field Seminar class. Read more about Field Education.
Program Policies
Obtain information on advising, retention, accommodations, academic discipline, probation and termination, compliance with other laws, student appeals, student grievances, admission to Field Education, student files, student’s rights to organize, course/faculty/program evaluation, transfer students, and non-discrimination statement. Learn more.
Honors
The LBC Social Work Program is a member of Phi Alpha National Honor Society. An induction ceremony is held every spring to recognize the academic achievements of the social work students. Discover more here.