This major is designed to prepare students for entry level, generalist social work practice as well as for graduate study in social work or related areas. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education. Graduates receive the B.S.W. degree.
The curriculum emphasizes content in each of five areas: social welfare policy, human behavior in the social environment, research, practice methods, and field instruction. Even though students may declare the social work major and begin coursework at Saint Leo University, formal admission to the social work program is by special application (see requirements for admission to Social Work Program). Admission into the final field placement, SWK 425: Field Placement in Social Work, must also be by special application (see requirements for admission to SWK 425: Field Placement in Social Work). To successfully complete the social work program, it is expected that students maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00, maintain a 2.00 GPA in the social work major prior to entering the senior field placement, and earn a minimum grade of C in SWK 426, the senior seminar, taken concurrently with the field placement, which students must “P' Pass. The social work program is available to students enrolled through the University Campus and the Weekend and Evening Program.
Religion is a minor highly compatible with a social work major, as are minors in management, computer information systems, sociology or psychology.
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| LINK (General Education and Physical Education) | | 53 |
| Required Courses | 58-61 |
| SCI 102 | Integrated Life Science | (3) |
Prerequisites: SCI 101 strongly recommended; This course is designed to provide integrated knowledge and basic understanding of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings of the life sciences, including biology, botany, zoology, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, environmental science, molecular biology, biochemistry, ecology, cytology, genetics, and embryology. Major integrated themes include ecosystem dynamics, contemporary environmental issues, DNA and protein synthesis, cell anatomy and physiology, the processes of evolution and genetics, the diversity of life, the unified nature of life, the scientific world view, the scientific method, and the major differences between the scientific way of knowing and other ways of knowing. Emphasis is placed on oral and written scientific literacy through effective interpretation and communication of written, quantitative, graphic, and tabular scientific information. |
| SCI 103 | Human Physiology and Reproduction | (1) |
Prerequisites: SCI 101 is recommended., It is also suggested that this course be taken concurrently with SCI 102; This course is designed for non-science majors who wish to further their investigation into the life sciences. Saint Leo University stresses student development in mind, body, and spirit. This course will encourage students to gain more understanding and a better appreciation of their own bodies. This is a continuation of the Integrated Life Science course and is a requirement for all majors in Elementary Education and Social Work. This course meets for one hour of lecture per week. |
| SSC 223/SOC 223/SWK 223 | Statistics for the Social Sciences | (3) |
Prerequisites: MAT 128 or above; Descriptive and inferential methods of statistical analysis emphasizing measures of central tendency, measures of variability, frequency distributions, correlation, and parametric and nonparametric tests of statistical significance. Inferential techniques include z and t-tests for single samples, t-tests for independent and correlated samples, confidence intervals, ANOVA, Pearson r, Spearman r, and Chi Square. |
| PSY 121 | Introduction to Psychology | (3) |
A survey of the major areas in psychology. Principal topics covered are physiological bases of behavior, personality, mental disorders and treatment, social influences, and other basic issues. The course introduces students to the broad spectrum of theories used in understanding human behavior. Offered annually. |
| SOC 121 (R,T) | Introduction to Sociology | (3) |
A survey of the major issues and ideas in sociology, including basic concepts and theories, as well as an examination of major social institutions, the dynamics and processes of social interaction, and the structure and organization of social groups. Offered fall semester. |
| OR SSC 222/SSC 222 | Social Problems | (3) |
An introduction to such contemporary social problems as poverty, unemployment, energy, pollution, sexual deviance, delinquency, drugs, and alcohol. Emphasis will be placed on underlying causes and on pointing the way to solutions. Offered spring semester. |
| SWK 121 | Introduction to Social Work | (3) |
An introductory study of major areas of practice to provide understanding and appreciation of social work. The course includes a brief history and philosophy of social welfare and social institutions. The student is introduced to career opportunities within the field of social welfare. Offered annually. |
| SWK 315 | Human Behavior in the Social Environment I | (3) |
Prerequisites: Junior standing in Social Work or by permission of instructor ; This is the first of two required courses in human behavior in the social environment and is designed to prepare the student to understand human development across the life cycle, focusing on the inter-actions between and among systems (cultural, biological, social, psychological, and ethnic lifestyles) that impact human development. Offered fall semester. |
| SWK 317 | Human Behavior in the Social Environment II | (3) |
Prerequisites: Junior standing in Social Work, SWK 315, or by permission of instructor; A study of the theories and knowledge about the range of social systems in which individuals live; how human behavior affects and is affected by these systems; how these systems promote or deter human health and well-being; and introduction to theory evaluation and application to client situations. Offered spring semester. |
| SWK 328 (R,T) | Social Welfare Policy | (3) |
Prerequisites: Junior standing in Social Work or by permission of the instructor; A description of the major components of the social welfare system in the United States. This course includes the historical development and philosophy behind our present social welfare system and uses current social welfare programs as examples. Offered fall semester. |
| SWK 331 | Methods of Social Work Practice I | (3) |
Prerequisites: Junior standing in Social Work; The course orients the student to the profession and introduces the student to generalist social work practice. Emphasis is placed on basic communication skills, the problem-solving method, and practice with individuals. Ethical decision making and issues of diversity in social work practice are included. Offered fall semester. |
| SWK 336 | Gerontology | (3) |
Prerequisites: SWK 121, and junior standing in Social Work; This course is designed to introduce students to the field of social gerontology. This class will provide an overview on a variety of topics such as the demography of aging and the physical, emotional, cognitive, and psychosocial-spiritual aspects of aging. Students will increase their awareness of society's and their own stereotypes, prejudice, and/or discrimination of the elderly and learn how to promote dignity, self-determination, and social and economic justice for older persons. Health care and social policies, knowledge of the system(s) of aging services, and the role of both informal and formal support networks will be stressed as students learn to comprehensively assess older clients and develop intervention and evaluation plans. |
| SWK 333 | Methods of Social Work Practice II | (3) |
Prerequisites: SWK 331, and junior standing in Social Work; This course builds on SWK 331: Methods of Social Work Practice I and emphasizes the problem-solving method of practice with small groups and families. It includes the relationship between micro and mezzo skills and continues an emphasis on ethical decision making and issues of diversity in social work practice. Offered spring semester. |
| SWK 337/SWK 337 | Diversity Issues in Social Work Practice | (3) |
Prerequisites: Senior standing in Social Work or by permission of instructor; This course is designed to provide knowledge and skills for working with diverse populations, focusing on economically disadvantaged and oppressed people, including ethnic minorities of color, women, people with disabilities, gay and lesbian people, and poor people. Students participate in community service for 20 hours to better understand the nature of diversity in society and learn the importance of providing service to the community. Offered annually. |
| SWK 421 | Methods of Social Work Practice III | (3) |
Prerequisites: SWK 333, and senior standing in Social Work; This course builds on SWK 331 and SWK 333 (Methods of Social Work Practice I and II) and emphasizes social work practice with communities and organizations. It includes the relationship among micro, mezzo, and macro skills and continues the emphasis on ethical decision-making and issues of diversity in social work practice. Offered fall semester. |
| SWK 425 | Field Placement in Social Work | (4-12) |
Prerequisites: Senior standing in Social Work, completion of all Social Work courses; Corequisites: SWK 426 Supervised field placement giving students an opportunity to apply theory to practice by working with individuals, families, groups, and communities for a minimum of 400 hours. Placements are available in such settings as hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, nursing homes, and social welfare and juvenile facilities. May be repeated for credit up to a total of 12 credits. Course fee may apply. Offered spring semester. This is a pass/fail course. |
| SWK 426 | Senior Seminar in Social Work | (3) |
Prerequisites: Senior standing in Social Work, completion of all Social Work courses ; Corequisites: SWK 425 This capstone course meets once a week for three hours. Through integrative assignments and seminar presentations, the student demonstrates ability to integrate theory with social work practice. Offered spring semester. |
| Electives | | 8-17 |
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