USA Social Work

Social Work Admission Policy and Procedures

The social work program has developed a policy and procedures for admission to the major that are consistent with the goals and objectives of the BSW program. The policies and procedures insure that students have a liberal arts base, demonstrate a beginning knowledge of social work and identification with the profession, have content in diversity, populations-at-risk, and social and economic justice, and can demonstrate effective communication skills prior to entry into the professional foundation. BSW program admission policies and procedures are as follows:

Policy

Students who want to major in social work are admitted to the pre-professional social work major and remain in the pre-professional major until they meet requirements to be admitted into the social work major. The policy is applicable to all students: new freshmen, transfer students, and students changing their major. In order to be admitted into the social work major, students must meet the following criteria:

Have a 2.50 overall GPA in courses taken at USA. Have completed SW 101, SW 212, and SWK 214 with a grade of C or better. Have completed the Biology requirement with a grade of C or better. Have completed EH 101 and EH 102 with a grade of C or better. Have completed the Math requirement. Have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours. Meet all requirements specified by the program for demonstrating behavior consistent with the NASW Code of Ethics.

Students who are considering pursuing a major in social work should consult with a social work advisor at the earliest opportunity. There may be factors in a student’s past that could affect the ability to obtain a professional social work license. Examples of factors that may need to be discussed with the advisor might include conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or the revocation or surrender of another professional license.

Procedures

Once the student has completed the specified requirements the student must make application for admission to the social work major. Students are encouraged to consult with their social work advisor prior to submitting this application.

The student’s application for admission to the major will be reviewed by the BSW program faculty and a determination will be made on whether or not the student will be admitted to the major. Following this determination the student will be notified in writing concerning the faculty decision.

Once the student is admitted to the major, the program will initiate a change of major to the university. The student will then need to meet with his/her advisor to sign off on a form indicating student understanding of the criteria for continuation as a social work major. The criteria for continuation as a major include:

Maintain a 2.50 grade point average in social work courses. Maintain an overall 2.50 grade point average at USA. Demonstrate acceptable professional conduct, personal integrity and emotional stability requisite for effective social work practice. Demonstrate identification with the profession of social work Demonstrate behavior consistent with Code of Ethics for the National Association of Social Workers.

Students who have not been admitted to the major may not enroll for SW 202, SW 310 SW 401, SW 402, SW 412 or SW 414.