Bachelor of Social Work
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program prepares students for entry-level practice in social work. Ranked number one by the Gourman Report since 1995, the curriculum in the BSW program is strong in class and in field. Approximately two-thirds of the curriculum is in professional courses. A third is in co-requisite courses and electives. Field education is concurrent with class work except in the first semester of the junior year for full and part- time students.
- Flexible program offers full-time and part-time planned studies; day, evening and Saturday courses; classes available at WSU main campus, Macomb University Center (UCM) and St. Clair Community College (SC4). All programs offerings are based on availability.
- Doctoral level faculty involved in leading research activities brings currency to classroom instruction, while building on values and traditions of social work.
- Coursework emphasizes a generalist social work practice model preparing students to work with individuals, groups, families, organizations and communities addressing contemporary challenges
- Opportunities available for community activism, leadership development, school governance participation and volunteer activities
- Computer lab available at all sites for individual work and classroom instruction
- Nurturing environment with small class sections promotes academic excellence and individualized attention; mentoring program for core academic areas and professional development
BSW Program Goals
- To prepare BSW students for ethical, competent entry level, generalist professional social work practice, particularly in urban settings with diverse, poor, vulnerable and oppressed individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- To foster a commitment to continuing education, maintaining competence in practice, and enhancing and increasing opportunities for BSW graduates for renewal and advancement within the profession.
Program Competencies
- Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly.
- Apply social work principles to guide professional practice.
- Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgement..
- Engage diversity and difference in practice.
- Advance human rights and social and economic justice.
- Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.
- Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.
- Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services.
- Respond to contexts that shape practice.
- Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Analyze the impact of urban context on a range of client systems, including practice implications.