The online experience

Online learning accommodates students who may have work or family commitments that interfere with a traditional on-campus experience. Other key benefits of the WOW! program:

1. All classes required for the BSW degree are taught online, using the Canvas educational platform.
2. The same experienced instructors who teach in the classroom also teach in the WOW program. Interactive online tools such as simulations, discussion boards, video lectures and video discussions on VoiceThread, social media, and Canvas tools make it possible for students to complete all the same assignments, learning activities and other requirements experienced in the traditional classroom.
3. The courses are taught in an asynchronous format, which means that there are no scheduled class times. Instead, students complete weekly course activities allowing more flexibility for students who cannot easily adhere to set meeting days and times due to family or work responsibilities.
4. Student support is available through the BSW advisors, online mentoring, writing support, tutoring, and opportunities for Zoom and campus-based activities with peers.

Factors to consider

Here are some important factors to consider:

1. On average, successful students spend eight hours on coursework each week per course. Therefore, students are advised not to work full-time while in the full-time online program. The part-time option is best for students working full-time.
2. Students in the WOW! online program must take all required courses in the full or part time format options in the curriculum sequence noted.
3. The BSW program offers select minors and an honors option. Students in the online program may choose to take different electives available online or on campus but are not guaranteed enrollment in those courses.

Online learning is not for everyone, students need realistic understanding of program expectations.

1. Students need easy and frequent access to a computer with a web camera, microphone or headset and a high-speed, secure internet connection.
2. Online students need to be extremely comfortable with technology, websites, video recording, digital applications, interactive social media and be willing to learn and experiment with unfamiliar learning technologies that are required in a particular course.
3. All BSW and WOW students are required to attend an in-person, face to face orientation on Main Campus at the start of the Fall semester.
4. All BSW and WOW students should complete the Effective Online Learner and required to submit 3 badges to an orientation course as evidence of participation in Wayne State's Introduction to Canvas before first day of classes.
5. All coursework will take place through the Canvas learning management system.
6. Additional communication will take place through Wayne State University Microsoft 365 applications, Outlook email, Microsoft Teams, School newsletters, School social media and Canvas applications.
7. Although the courses do not have scheduled class times, instructors or the advisor may need to meet virtually to discuss student progress.
8. Online learning requires students to be more disciplined and self-directed than students in traditional classes. Online learning requires more work and independence than traditional in person learning.
9. Students must have excellent time management skills and pay careful attention to deadlines. Students are responsible for their own learning, keeping up with class topics and turning in assignments. Many learning activities require working in online groups for group projects. Much of your study, readings, learning activities and assignments will be done on your own.
10. The cohort structure builds a community of learners that enter a program together and remain together in all classes until graduation. Although cohorts build community, online students may feel isolated from their peers, the instructor, and the School of Social Work. This can cause a high level of frustration and anxiety when students are working on assignments or trying to understand course concepts.  Students must be prepared to reach out for assistance when necessary.

Before applying to the WOW! program, take time to think about your needs as a learner and carefully examine whether your characteristics will help or hinder your success in the WOW program. If online learning is not the best option, you may apply to our main campus BSW program.

Curriculum

*SW 3010 (4) has a service-learning component.

*SW 3020, SW 4010, SW 4020 have experiential learning components.

60 minimal completed credits for program admission + 51 SW credits + 9 WSU electives = 120

Pracitcum education

While BSW WOW! students take all required courses online, the 460-hour, two-semester practicum placement cannot be completed online. The practicum experience requires students in their senior year to be placed in an organization working with clients to develop the skills to apply classroom learning to real life social work experience.

Placements

The Wayne State University School of Social Work has the responsibility to arrange practicum placements for students enrolled in the WOW! program. Students are expected to arrange reliable transportation to and from the practicum placement site. The Office of Practicum Education considers the location in which a student lives but cannot guarantee a practicum placement near that area. All students accepted to the WOW! program must adjust their schedules to accommodate their pracitcum placement in the senior year.

Admission process

See our admissions page for details about requirements and the application link. We encourage applicants to attend an information session to learn more about the program and application process. To apply to the WOW! Program the following information is required:

1. Earned minimum 2.50 grade-point average
2. At least 60 college-level credits completed (or be in progress of completing and must be transferrable to Wayne State if taken elsewhere) and completed (or be in progress of completing) pre-professional coursework. 
3. Regular access to an updated computer system and related software necessary for successful completion of college-level online courses.
4. Completion of an online assessment to determine your readiness for online learning. 

Contact

For additional information on the BSW program or your application, please contact the Office of Admissions and Student Services at (313) 577-4409 or sswadmissions@wayne.edu or Skype us at wsuschoolofsocialwork.

Andre Iadipaolo
Academic Services Officer II
313-577-4409
andre.iadipaolo@wayne.edu

Geoffrey Jones, LLMSW
Academic Services Officer II
bt3545@wayne.edu

Norma Love-Schropshire, DSW, LMSW
BSW Program Director and Assistant Professor, Teaching
bswdirector@wayne.edu