Bachelor of Social Work

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Social Work program at the University of Saint Mary equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values to become professional social workers. It emphasizes a generalist approach, focusing on individual, family, group, organizational, and community levels of intervention. The program includes classroom instruction, field practicum experiences, and community engagement, preparing graduates for diverse career opportunities in social service settings. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the program ensures quality and adherence to national standards.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at the University of Saint Mary aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values to become professional social workers prepared to serve diverse communities and address complex societal challenges.

• Developing competent entry-level social work practitioners: Graduates will possess the skills and knowledge to work effectively with diverse populations in various settings, including hospitals, mental health agencies, child welfare agencies, and others.
• Preparing students for graduate social work education: The program provides a strong foundation for students who wish to pursue advanced degrees in social work.
• Integrating liberal arts education with social work principles: Students will gain a holistic understanding of social issues and develop critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for effective practice.
• Promoting social and economic justice: Graduates will be equipped to advocate for marginalized populations and contribute to creating a more just and equitable society.

Program Description:

The BSW program is a four-year curriculum encompassing classroom instruction, field practicum experiences, and engagement with the local community.

Year 1:

Students acquire foundational knowledge in social work principles, human behavior, psychology, communication, and social policy.

Year 2:

The focus shifts to developing skills in working with individuals, families, and groups, addressing issues related to human rights, social justice, and diversity.

Year 3:

Students engage in a Junior Field Practicum, gaining hands-on experience working with social service agencies and communities.

Year 4:

The final year involves an advanced Senior Field Practicum, focusing on specific practice areas and culminating in a Capstone Project demonstrating integration of knowledge and skills.

Outline:

The BSW program curriculum includes a comprehensive set of courses covering various aspects of social work practice:

• Freshman Year: Introduction to Helping Professions, Professionalism in Social Work, Public Speaking, Psychology, English Composition, and Quantitative Literacy.
• Sophomore Year: Human Behavior and Social Environment, Social Welfare Policy, Introduction to Spirituality, and various elective courses.
• Junior Year: Working with Individuals & Families, Group Dynamics, Field Practicum, and elective courses.
• Senior Year: Working with Communities & Organizations, Abnormal Psychology, Field Practicum, and Capstone Project.

Assessment:

Student learning is assessed through diverse methods, including:

• Examinations and quizzes: These assess students' understanding of key concepts and theories.
• Assignments and projects: Students apply their knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios and demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Field practicum evaluations: Supervisors assess students' performance and provide feedback on their skills and professional development.
• Capstone Project: This comprehensive project allows students to integrate knowledge from across the curriculum and showcase their research, analysis, and presentation skills.

Teaching:

• Faculty: The BSW program boasts experienced and dedicated faculty members with extensive professional experience and expertise in various social work practice areas.
• Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, group work, simulations, and case studies, to create an engaging and interactive learning environment.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes experiential learning through field practicum experiences, community engagement, and service-learning opportunities.
These experiences provide students with valuable insights into real-world social work practice and connect classroom learning with community needs.

Careers:

• Career Paths: Graduates of the BSW program find diverse career opportunities in various social service settings, including hospitals, mental health agencies, child welfare agencies, schools, criminal justice organizations, and nonprofit organizations.
• Opportunities: The social work field is projected to experience continued growth in the coming years, offering promising career prospects for graduates.
• Outcomes: USM graduates are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the social work profession and enjoy high success rates in securing employment and pursuing further education.

Other:

• Accreditation: The BSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), assuring its quality and adherence to national standards.
• Internship Opportunities: Students complete 540 hours of internship in their senior year, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field.
• Faculty Expertise: The BSW program faculty are actively involved in research, scholarship, and community engagement, bringing real-world expertise and insights into the classroom.
• Small Class Sizes: The program fosters a close-knit learning environment with personalized attention from faculty and peers.