Department of Anthropology, Sociology and Social Work
Mary Kay Brennan, MSW, LICSW Director
Objectives
The bachelor of social work program prepares students for positions as generalist social work practitioners in human services agencies, who are:
- Strongly committed to the goals, values, and ethical standards of the social work profession;
- Able to provide quality services that promote the optimal well-being of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities; and
- Committed to redress social inequities.
The program also seeks to provide a sound academic foundation for students who choose to pursue graduate study in social work.
Building on the foundations of the university’s liberal arts core, its history of Catholic social teaching, and the Jesuit educational mission, the program seeks to prepare its students with the knowledge and skills to analyze social inequity and oppression in its manifest forms. Building on the collaborative nature of the department and college in which it is situated, the program fosters an interdisciplinary approach to the understanding of social and economic injustices and how they have developed over time, how social forces influence human lives and in turn how individual and community initiatives can work toward the common good and the well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.
The major also strives to prepare students for practice in a diverse and increasingly global environment by promoting openness to, learning from, and respect for people of all faiths, cultures, and traditions.
General Program Requirements
Students may declare a major in social work at any point from admission to Seattle University through fall of the junior year. Declaring the major as early as possible is encouraged so that students formally come to the program for all their advising. Students are asked to meet regularly with their advisors given the sequenced nature of the curriculum. Social Work majors may choose any minor.
Social Work majors must obtain a minimum grade of C (2.00) or better in required courses, (SOCW 250 , SOCW 300 , SOCW 301 , SOCW 303 , SOCW 304 , SOCW 310 , SOCW 317 , SOCW 403 , SOCW 404 , SOCW 410 , SOCW 411 , SOCW 460 , SOCW 461 , SOCW 462 ).
Academic Progression in Social Work
Majors are required to apply for formal admission as a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree candidate in the fall of their junior year. Admission requirements include: junior level standing, an overall GPA of 2.50, and completion of Phase One and Social Science I and II of Phase Two of the Core, and BIOL 101 (or its equivalent). Acceptance as a bachelor of social work (BSW) degree candidate is based on faculty review of completed applications which contain a personal statement, academic transcripts, three letters of reference, and a Washington State Patrol criminal background check. Students are referred to the Social Work Program Student Handbook and an Application packet for a more detailed description of the application process. Eligibility to progress in the major and receive the BSW degree is contingent on acceptance as a degree candidate.
Students complete a 450-hour Field Practicum (SOCW 470 , SOCW 471 , SOCW 472 ) during their senior year. Students are placed at social service agencies and are supervised by approved social work professionals. The Social Work Program Handbook provides a more detailed description of the Program’s Field Education.
Extensive advising about social work as a career, the BSW program, and admissions procedures is available to all interested students from the program director. Please contact the director or the program administrative assistant for more information.
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