Bachelor of Social Work

The Bachelor of Social Work prepares students for generalist social work practice with individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities. Grounded in the values and ethical principles of the social work profession and its historical commitment to social justice, graduates are prepared to make a positive difference in our society. The mission of Oakland's BSW program is to:

Provide generalist social work education in the knowledge, skills, and values established historically by the profession, preparing students for advanced study and empowering social work practice focused on the multicultural and diverse populations in the Metro-Detroit area and beyond.

Social workers are employed in a variety of settings including, hospitals, child protection and welfare, schools, the courts and foster care, substance abuse, and mental health agencies. More information on social work, employment opportunities and licensing requirements can be found at the website for the National Association of Social Workers at: http://www.helpstartshere.org/About_Social_Workers.html

The program is currently undergoing accreditation with the Council on Social Work Education. We expect to be fully accredited by the time students entering the program this year graduate. When fully accredited, the graduates of this program will be eligible for advanced standing in any accredited Master of Social Work program and state licensure.

The Social Work Curriculum

The social work curriculum consists of three components: Pre-requisites which are to be completed before an individual is accepted into the program, co-requisites which can be completed at any time and the core social work curriculum. Students must be formally admitted into the program in order to progress into the core social work practice courses which begin with SW 318: Introduction to Multicultural Practice.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK DEGREE PROGRAM

Prerequisites
SW/SOC 210: Introduction to Social Work
BIO 104: Human Biology or BIO 111 Biology*
PSY 100: Foundations of Contemporary Psychology*
SOC 100: Introduction to Sociology*
PS 100: Introduction to American Politics*

Corequisite
AN 102: Culture and Human Nature

Select one
SOC 203: Juvenile Delinquency and Its Social Control
SOC 240: Crime and Punishment
SOC 326: Family and Community Processes
SOC 465: Sociological Perspectives on Aging

Select one
SOC 331: Racial and Ethnic Relations**
WS 200: Introduction to Women's Studies**

Core Social Work Curriculum
SOC 202: Introduction to Methods of Social Research
SOC 203: Social Statics with Computer Applications
SW 310: Human Behavior and Social Environment I
SW 311: Human Behavior and Social Environment II
SOC/SW 315: Social Welfare Policies
SW 318: Foundations of Multicultural Practice
SW 405: Social Work Practice I
SW 405: Social Work Practice II
SW 430: Social Work Internship I
SW 431: Social Work Seminar I
SW 432: Social Work Internship II
SW 433: Social Work Seminar II

* May be used to fulfill general education requirements and/or College distribution requirements.

**Either course may be used to fulfill the university U.S. diversity requirement and the major diversity requirement.

Admissions Requirements

A Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) is a professional degree that permits one to work with individuals, groups and familis who seekhelp at a vulnerable time in their lives for complex problems. As such, Oakland University's Social Work Program rigorously reviews candidates to assure that they are appropriate to continue pursuing the profession of social work. Students interested in the program are encouraged to meet with a departmental advisor prior to declaring a pre-social work major. Although students may declare a pre-social work major at any time, formal admission into the program requires a separate application and approval process. Other admission criteria are as follows:

• Students must be formally admitted to Oakland University
• A cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better
• Junior standing
• Completion of all necessary program prerequisite courses (SOC 100, PSY 100, PS 100, BIO 104) with a 2.0 or better; completion of SOC/SW 210: Introduction to Social Work with a grade of 3.0 or better
• Aptitude for the profession of social work including a comitment to social justice, emotional stability and the capacity to build helping relationships with others, and respect for diversity
• Demonstration of suitability for the profession as evidenced through work or volunteer experience

Admissions Forms

• Cover Sheet
• Application
• Reference Request Form

Field Practicum and Internships

Social work students complete a 400-hour internship in social work agency under the direct supervision of a Master's prepared social worker. In preparing for field, students meet with faculty and are matched to agencies that meet their learning needs and professional goals. Internships are available in many service sectors including the courts, mental health and family service agencies, schools, and hospitals.

Field Practicum Manual

Advising

Faculty in the Social Work Program value a close working relationship with students and feel that careful advising and mentoring are critical. Students who declare a pre-major in social work and/or are admitted into the program are assigned an advisor. Students are expected to meet with their advisor to develop a plan of study for completing the degree, and then every semester to discuss progress and any needs or concerns.

For further information contact:

Lynetta Mosby, Director 248-370-2426
Karen Neuman, Associate Director 248-370-2502

Social Work Club of Oakland University

In 1999 social work concentration students expressed their enthusiasm for the concentration and their career goal of social work by starting the Social Work Club of Oakland University. Members of the social work club meet at least once a month during the fall and winter semesters. They have arranged and participated in various service activities, as representatives of Oakland University, throughout Oakland and Wayne counties. In the past, for instance, club members “adopted” a family through Children's Hospital of Michigan, which they then provided them with food, toys and other gifts collected from fellow students. They also have an annual food drive where they collect canned goods and money for the Oakland County Food Bank.

In March (Social Work Month) 1999, the Social Work Club held their first annual Jacqueline Scherer Guest Lecture Series. This lecture series features a guest speaker renowned as a social worker and community leader; it is the students’ way of honoring Professor Scherer, the founder/coordinator of the original social services concentration at Oakland University. Guest lecturers have included former United States Representative David Bonior.

Advising Schedule

Professor Mosby is available by phone (248) 370-2426 or by e-mail (mosby@oakland.edu) to make appointments for advising.

Social Work Interns, Class of 2004

Back row, left to right: Prof. Mosby, Jennifer C., Karen B., Zach T., Carolyn K.,Suzanne G.
Bottom row: Kaye C., Elizabeth F., Kristy H., and Alena S. (Not pictured: Carrie M., and Alonda W.)