Social Work, BSW

Location(s): California Campus, Edinboro Campus, Online

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) in Social Work degree builds knowledge and skills related to the delivery of social services to individuals, families and groups. Students complete 450 hours of practicum with a social services agency or organization as part of this program.

Advisement Sheet

Student Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Curriculum Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 42 credits in advanced coursework per the PennWest graduation requirements policy

General Education

At least two disciplines must be represented within each of the following areas: Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Tech. For example: Students cannot have all courses with a prefix of BIOL in Natural Sciences and Tech. You must take courses from at least two different discipline areas (ie. BIOL and CHEM).

Oral Communication - SOWK 1500 - Interviewing and Engaging: Skills for Professionals Credit Hours: 3
Written Communication - ENGL 1200 - College Composition Credit Hours: 3
Quantitative Reason - Any MATH or STAT Class in Menu Credit Hours: 3
Technological Literacy - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Arts and Humanities - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Arts and Humanities - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Arts and Humanities - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Social Sciences - PSYC 1000 - Introduction to Psychology Credit Hours: 3
Social Sciences - SOCI 1000 - Introduction to Sociology Credit Hours: 3
Social Sciences - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Natural Sciences and Tech - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Natural Sciences and Tech - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Natural Sciences and Tech - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Program Elective - SOWK 3300 - Let’s Talk About Sex Credit Hours: 3

Competencies

Quantitative Applications - SOWK 4100 - Social Work Research Methods Credit Hours: 3
Applied Methodologies - SOWK 4000 - Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities Credit Hours: 3
Intercultural Fluency - SOWK 1200 - Diversity in a Changing World Credit Hours: 3
Ethical Reasoning - SOWK 3100 - Social Work Practice with Individuals Credit Hours: 3
Information Literacy -
SOWK 4100 - Social Work Research Methods
Credit Hours: 3
Writing Intensive - SOWK 2900 - Social Welfare Policy Credit Hours: 3
Writing Intensive -
SOWK 4000 - Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities
Credit Hours: 3
Keystone Experience - SOWK 4800 - Social Work Field Practicum Credit Hours: 12

Major

Required Major Courses

SOWK 1000 - Introduction to Social Work Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 1200 - Diversity in a Changing World Credit Hours: 3
OR
SOCI 2100 - Social Inequalities: Who Gets What, and Why? Credit Hours: 3
OR
SOCI 3010 - Race and Ethnic Relations Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 2500 - Human Behavior in the Social Environment: Life Course Credit Hours: 3
OR
SOCI 2300 - Sociology of Life Course Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 2900 - Social Welfare Policy Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 3100 - Social Work Practice with Individuals Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 3500 - Policy Practice in SW Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 4100 - Social Work Research Methods Credit Hours: 3
OR
SOCI 2800 - Sociological Research Methods Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 3250 - Social Work Practice with Families Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 3200 - SW Practice w/Groups Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 3000 - Human Behavior and the Social Environment II Credit Hours: 3
OR
SOCI 2050 - Contemporary Social Problems Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 4000 - Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 4800 - Social Work Field Practicum Credit Hours: 12
SOWK 4900 - Social Work Field Seminar Credit Hours: 3

Major Electives

Any SOWK course 3000+ not already required for the BSW Credit Hours: 6

Total Credits: 120

Depending on the program of study, students may need to complete additional credits to ensure the total credit hour requirement is met.

Accelerated Bachelors to Masters Programs