Bachelor of Social Work
69 units
Mission Statement
The Bachelor of Social Work program at Azusa Pacific University seeks to develop competent generalist social work practitioners who can apply knowledge based on scientific inquiry, professional values, and skills of social work, integrating a Christian perspective, to enhance the well-being of diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in the context of their environment towards advancing social justice both locally and globally.
Program Values
The BSW program is grounded in the profession’s history and commitment to racial, social, economic, and environmental justice; respect for diversity; and the university’s commitment to advancing God’s work in the world by being of service, advancing human rights, validating the importance of human relationships, demonstrating integrity, and promoting the dignity and worth of all people. The program is committed to excellence in its teaching and scholarship based on scientific inquiry, to the integration of Christian faith in learning and practice, and to the facilitation of community within the department, with students, and within the greater social environment.
BSW Program Goals
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Equip students with generalist knowledge, values, and skills toward employment in social work practice with diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities within a global context.
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Enhance application of knowledge through a learning environment that builds on a liberal arts foundation and promotes critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and preparation for social change through the advancement of racial, social, economic, and environmental justice.
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Foster professional development and identity through applied learning experiences.
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Prepare social workers who engage in ethical practice, including an understanding of ethical integration of a Christian worldview.
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Provide a curriculum that affirms lifelong learning and is preparatory to graduate-level education, including the pursuit of an advanced-standing graduate social work degree.
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Engage in ongoing scholarship responsive to social work goals and needs.
In their courses, BSW students learn the knowledge, values, and skills to help them engage, assess, provide intervention, and evaluate their direct practice with individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities. Additionally, students are encouraged to think critically, become aware of their affective reactions, exercise good judgment, and use self-reflection as part of their professional development. During their senior year, students complete a supervised 400+-hour internship at a community-based agency where they apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to professional environments and client groups to gain experience.
Career Opportunities
Social workers provide services to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers can apply their training and experience in a variety of practice areas, including:
| Addictions Prevention and Treatment | Homeless Individual/Families Assistance |
| Adoption and Foster Care | Hospice and Palliative Care |
| Advocacy Consulting and Planning | Housing Assistance |
| Charter/Alternative School Programs | In-home Services |
| Child Abuse and Neglect | International Social Work |
| Child Welfare Services | Law/Courts/Community |
| Criminal Justice | Medical Social Work |
| Crisis Intervention | Mental Health Counseling |
| Community Mental Health | Military Social Work |
| Community Planning and Advocacy | Parent Education |
| Delinquent/At-risk Youth | Police Work |
| Developmental Disabilities | Political Planning and Lobbying |
| Disaster Relief | Prisons and Probation |
| Eating Disorders | Public Health |
| Employee Assistance Programs | Rural/Tribal Social Work |
| Genetics/Transplant | School Social Work |
| Gerontology/Older Adult Services | Skilled Nursing Social Work |
Accreditation
The undergraduate program in the Department of Social Work has been nationally accredited since 1982 by the Council on Social Work Education.
Advising and Admission
Academic Advising Policy
Any student interested in social work is encouraged to contact the BSW program for more information about the major—contact us at bsw@apu.edu or (626) 857-2410. Students who wish to major in social work should declare “Social Work Interest” as their intended major as soon as possible through the Student Services Center in order to begin academic and professional planning. Upon declaring “Social Work Interest” as a major, students are assigned an academic success coach by the Academic Success Center. Students meet with their assigned coach to create an initial multiyear academic plan. Once admitted to the social work major, a BSW faculty-mentor advisor is assigned by the BSW program for academic and professional advising. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic success coach (as “Social Work Interest”) or BSW faculty-mentor advisor (as “Social Work Major”) prior to registration each semester.
Note: Students must apply to the major (see Admission to the Program section below). Upon full admission to the program, student status is changed from “Social Work Interest” to “Social Work” by the Student Services Center. Transfer students may be required to apply to the BSW program immediately upon university acceptance. See the Admission to the Program section below for additional direction.
Academic Advising Procedure
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Contact the BSW program to schedule an appointment, if necessary, to discuss social work as a choice of major.
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Declare “Social Work Interest” as a major through the Student Services Center.
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Contact the BSW office to receive your advisor assignment and the BSW Student Handbook.
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Read the BSW Student Handbook in its entirety.
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Meet with assigned success coach to develop a multiyear academic plan and confirm choice of major.
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Respond to the email invitation to schedule an appointment with the assigned advisor that will be sent to the student’s APU email address (during university advising period).
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Schedule an appointment with your academic success coach (“Social Work Interest” students) and/or BSW faculty-mentor advisor (“Social Work Major” students) for academic advising prior to registration each semester.
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Meet with your academic success coach (“Social Work Interest” students) and/or BSW faculty-mentor advisor (“Social Work Major” students) for academic advising prior to registration each semester.
Note: Advisors assist in planning, but students are responsible for coming prepared for advising and being knowledgeable regarding university requirements.
Professional Advising Policy
As outlined above, once a student is admitted to the social work major, a BSW faculty mentor-advisor is assigned by the BSW program for academic and professional advising. While the BSW faculty mentor-advisor is the primary contact person within the program, students are encouraged to utilize all BSW faculty office hours as needed for professional development. Students are invited to regularly meet with their BSW faculty mentor-advisor for professional development discussions aimed at graduate school and/or employment preparation. The BSW faculty mentor-advisor can also clarify specific content and expectations of the required social work courses, including general information about and preparation for the field internship. Students are assigned to faculty mentor-advisors upon acceptance to the major by the BSW admissions committee. Students can meet with their BSW faculty mentor-advisor by appointment during department advisement periods or through use of faculty office hours.
Additional professional advising occurs through department, program, and alumni association events as well as during the SOCW 467 Senior Practicum Seminar I and SOCW 469 Senior Practicum Seminar II courses.
Professional Advising Procedure
Students may obtain professional advising by:
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Being accepted as a social work major by the BSW admissions committee.
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Being assigned a BSW faculty-mentor by the BSW program coordinator.
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Responding to the email invitation to schedule an appointment with your assigned BSW faculty mentor-advisor that will be sent to your APU email address (during university advising period) OR schedule an appointment with your BSW faculty mentor-advisor during their posted office hours.
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Meeting with your BSW faculty mentor-advisor for professional advising.
Admission to the Program
Students are considered “Social Work Interest” by the registrar until formally accepted into the program. Prior to formal acceptance into the program, students should begin advising within the BSW program and can begin taking entry-level social work courses and the General Education courses that apply to social work, as outlined in the university catalog.
The BSW program reviews applications in the fall and spring semesters for currently enrolled students. Application deadlines are March 7 (fall admission) and November 7 (spring admission). Late applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the number of accepted students.
Transfer social work applicants planning to enter APU at the junior level (45 or more units) must submit the BSW Application for Admission in order to be considered for full acceptance into the social work program. Submit your application to the BSW program at the same time you submit your university application. Students transferring in prior to their junior year (less than 45 units) begin the major as “Social Work Interest,” and submit applications prior to their junior year after starting at the university. Transfer students should seek academic advising through the Academic Success Center and within the BSW program as soon as possible to begin planning coursework. Transfer social work applicants planning to enter APU at the junior level (45 or more units) must submit the BSW Application for Admission in order to be considered for full acceptance into the social work program. Submit your application to the BSW program at the same time you submit your university application. Students transferring in prior to their junior year (less than 45 units) begin the major as “Social Work Interest,” and submit applications prior to their junior year after starting at the university. Transfer students should seek academic advising through the Academic Success Center and within the BSW program as soon as possible to begin planning coursework.
Students may be admitted fully, or on provisional status, or denied admission. If a student is admitted on provisional status, a plan for attaining full admission is provided by the BSW admissions committee. If this plan is not met in full, the student is not allowed to continue in the program and will receive notice that provisional status was not met. If denied admission, the student may initiate an appeal procedure, as outlined in the BSW Student Handbook.
University-Admitted APU Students
Students admitted to the university and interested in pursuing the social work major should submit their BSW Application for Admission directly to the BSW program. Applications are reviewed by the Social Work Advising and Admissions Committee, composed of social work faculty, and are considered based on academic and personal readiness for the program.
Admission Requirements
- A 2.5 overall GPA
- Completion of or enrollment in SOCW 250 Introduction to Social Work (full acceptance requires completion of this course with a C or better).
- Acknowledgment of the ability to adhere to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.
- Acknowledgment of the ability to meet BSW Technical Standards and maintain professional behavior consistent with the Student Code of Conduct, both of which are outlined in the BSW Student Handbook.
- Submission of a personal statement providing responses to the following:
- What influenced your choice of social work as a profession? Include when and how you became interested in the field of social work.
- What personal, volunteer, and/or employment experiences have you had, and/or what characteristics do you possess, that will contribute to your work as a professional in the field of social work?
- Social workers practice with diverse people groups in diverse settings. What groups and/or settings may challenge you because of either your personal values, attitudes, and/or experiences? How will you handle this?
- Social work often involves assisting individuals, families, groups, and communities in problem-solving. Give a brief description of a problem you have encountered in an employment or volunteer situation and how you resolved it. If you have neither employment nor volunteer experience, you may discuss a personal challenge that you faced.
- The profession of social work has identified 13 Grand Challenges that reflect the purpose and mission of the social work field. Referencing the challenges, select one or more of them that align with your personal and professional interests. Utilizing the challenge(s) selected, respond to the following:
- Discuss how your professional goals align with the efforts of the challenge(s) selected. Why is the challenge selected important and how does it connect to your interest in the social work profession?
- Discuss the significance of the challenge(s) selected based on your personal faith beliefs or values. For example, why should people who identify as Christians be concerned with the challenge selected?
Procedure
- Completion of or enrollment in SOCW 250 Introduction to Social Work (full acceptance requires completion of the course with a C or better)
- Note: transfer students with more than 45 units can apply prior to completing SOCW 250 Introduction to Social Work.
- Complete all sections of the application, including complete responses to the personal statement questions.
- Submit an unofficial APU transcript, or transcript of coursework completed elsewhere if a transfer.
- Submit completed application to the BSW program for review by March 7 (fall admission) or November 7 (spring admission). Late applications and transfer students are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and as space allows.
- Submit additional materials and/or interview with the BSW program director at the request of the admissions committee.
- Students are notified by email within three weeks of the BSW admissions committee’s decision.
Evaluation Criteria for Personal Statements
Admission decisions for the BSW program are based upon a review of academic performance, completion of SOCW 250 as a prerequisite with a C or better (can be enrolled in the course for provisional admission), relevant work or volunteer experience, quality of written personal statement, and relevant experience as indicated in the résumé submission. If needed, a student may be asked to complete a formal interview with the BSW program director and/or submit letters of reference that can support the student’s readiness for a career in social work. The admissions committee may seek additional information from the social work faculty, the applicant, or other formal sources. The committee will focus on academic achievement as well as criteria that demonstrate a commitment to social work values, beginning understanding of the social work profession, professional attitude and behavior, emotional maturity, and ability to clearly express oneself orally and in writing.
Following review by the committee, the applicant will be notified in writing via email of the committee’s decision. Committee options include full admission, provisional admission with terms outlined, or denial of admission.
Admissions Appeals Process
Any student who is dissatisfied with a decision for admission may request an in-person review with the admissions committee, in which they can supply further verbal and written evidence in regard to the committee’s actions. The committee will provide a written response to the student within one week of the hearing. If the student is still in disagreement, he/she may appeal to the dean of the School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences.
Requirements
Coursework for the social work major provides foundational social work knowledge that spans the micro-mezzo-macro practice continuum and covers subject content including practice skills, human rights and social justice, community transformation and leadership, child welfare, and aging.
A total of 69 units is required for the major, and a minimum 2.5 grade-point average (GPA) is required in all major courses, including specified General Education courses. Students must pass all required courses with a C or higher, and must maintain a 2.5 GPA to remain in the major.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Specified General Education Requirements | 9 | |
| General Psychology 1 | ||
| Introduction to Sociology 1 | ||
| Social Justice Foundations for Human Rights 2 | ||
| Biology Requirement | 4 | |
| Select one of the following: 3 | ||
| Biology and Society 4 | ||
| General Biology I 4 | ||
| Core Requirements | ||
| MATH 130 | Introduction to Statistics 5 | 3 |
| SOCW 250 | Introduction to Social Work 6 | 3 |
| SOCW 251 | Social Welfare Policy and Service | 3 |
| SOCW 310 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment I | 3 |
| SOCW 311 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment II | 3 |
| SOCW 332 | Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SOCW 333 | Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations 7 | 3 |
| SOCW 350 | Aging: Implications for Policy and Practice | 3 |
| SOCW 351 | Child Welfare | 3 |
| SOCW 360 | Social Work Practice with Groups | 3 |
| SOCW 466 | Field Internship I | 4 |
| SOCW 468 | Field Internship II | 4 |
| SOCW 467 | Senior Practicum Seminar I 7, 8 | 3 |
| SOCW 469 | Senior Practicum Seminar II 7 | 3 |
| SOCW 478 | Social Work Research Methods 7 | 3 |
| SOCW 479 | Writing 3: Social Work Research Project 9 | 3 |
| Social Work Electives 10 | 6 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Understanding International Social Problems and Services through Study Abroad | ||
| Fundraising, Grant Writing, and Fiscal Decision Making | ||
| Intimate Relationship Violence: Assessment and Intervention | ||
| Substance Use Disorders: Assessment and Intervention | ||
| Suffering: Theological and Practical Perspectives on Disabilities | ||
| Introduction to International Development | ||
| Introduction to Nonprofit Management | ||
| Social Work and Law | ||
| Readings in Social Work | ||
| Fundraising, Grant Writing, and Fiscal Decision Making | ||
| Social Work Practice in Healthcare Settings | ||
| International Social Work Policy and Practice | ||
| Select another course from the above group or one of the following: | ||
| The Asian American Experience 2 | ||
| The African American Experience 2 | ||
| The Chicano(a)/Latino(a) Experience 2 | ||
| Principles and Practice of Community Engagement (available only through study away) 6 | ||
| Ministry Organization and Administration | ||
| Christian Values and Human Sexuality | ||
| Theory and Practice of Public Administration | ||
| Abnormal Psychology | ||
| Psychology of Exceptional Children | ||
| Intervention Strategies with Children | ||
| Psychosocial Interventions in Pediatric Health Care | ||
| Counseling Theory | ||
| Human Diversity 2 | ||
| The Sociology of Gender | ||
| Social Movements | ||
| Crime and Delinquency | ||
| Social Stratification | ||
| Practical Ethics 6 | ||
| Ethics | ||
| Total Units | 69 | |
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Meets the General Education Social Sciences requirement.
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Meets the General Education Intercultural Competence requirement.
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Students interested in meeting the social work major’s biology requirement at another university must ensure that the course has been articulated by the biology department or obtain prior approval from their advisor to ensure that the course they plan to take covers the required content necessary to satisfy the social work curriculum.
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Meets the General Education Natural Sciences requirement.
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Meets the General Education Quantitative Literacy requirement.
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Meets the General Education Civic Knowledge and Engagement requirement.
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Only social work majors may register for these courses.
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Meets the General Education Integrative and Applied Learning requirement.
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Meets the General Education Writing 3 requirement.
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Two electives (6 units) are required for completion of the social work major; one must be taken from courses offered within the department, and the second may be taken from either group of approved courses.
Suggested Plan of Study
A minimum of 120 units is needed to graduate. This includes units toward General Education, major, and/or minor requirements.
| Year I | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Units | |
| GE 100 | First-Year Seminar (required first term) | 3 |
| MIN 108 | Christian Life, Faith, and Ministry | 3 |
| WRIT 110 | Writing 1: The Art and Craft of Writing | 3 |
| PSYC 110 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SOCW 250 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
| MATH 99 or MATH 90 |
Self-paced Mathematics Lab Or ALEKS Score of 30+ or Foundations of Mathematical Reasoning |
1-3 |
| Units | 16-18 | |
| Spring | ||
| UBBL 100 | Introduction to Biblical Literature: Exodus/Deuteronomy | 3 |
| Writing 2 | 3 | |
| BIOL 101 | Biology and Society | 4 |
| SOC 120 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOCW 251 | Social Welfare Policy and Service | 3 |
| Units | 16 | |
| Year II | ||
| Fall | ||
| UBBL 230 | Luke/Acts | 3 |
| Ancient and Modern Languages I 1 | 3 | |
| Fine Arts | 3 | |
| SOCW 275 | Social Justice Foundations for Human Rights | 3 |
| SOCW 310 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment I | 3 |
| Units | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Theology | 3 | |
| Ancient and Modern Languages II 1 | 3 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Philosophy | 3 | |
| SOCW 311 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment II | 3 |
| Units | 15 | |
| Year III | ||
| Fall | ||
| Upper Division Bible | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| MATH 130 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| SOCW 332 | Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SOCW 351 | Child Welfare | 3 |
| Units | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| History | 3 | |
| Personal Wellness | 1 | |
| SOCW 333 | Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations | 3 |
| SOCW 350 | Aging: Implications for Policy and Practice | 3 |
| SOCW 360 | Social Work Practice with Groups | 3 |
| Minor or Elective Units | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Year IV | ||
| Fall | ||
| SOCW 466 | Field Internship I | 4 |
| SOCW 467 | Senior Practicum Seminar I | 3 |
| SOCW 478 | Social Work Research Methods | 3 |
| Social Work Elective (1 of 2) | 3 | |
| Minor or Elective Units | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOCW 468 | Field Internship II | 4 |
| SOCW 469 | Senior Practicum Seminar II | 3 |
| SOCW 479 | Writing 3: Social Work Research Project | 3 |
| Social Work Elective (2 of 2) | 3 | |
| Units | 13 | |
| Total Units | 122-124 | |
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Ancient and Modern Languages is a proficiency requirement that may be met by an OPIc, SAT, AP, CLEP, or FLATS test score, or completion of an APU language course numbered 102 or higher.
Field Internships
Field/practicum education is a required component of the BSW curriculum. The field/practicum application and placement process occurs during the term prior to the onset of internships. Students complete a 400+-hour internship with a focus on applying and integrating generalist professional social work knowledge, values, skills, and affective-cognitive processes in a supervised community agency setting. Students are concurrently enrolled in seminar during internship terms. Course credit is not given for life experiences or for previous or current work experience. Students are required to obtain their own malpractice insurance prior to entering their internship. Information regarding insurance is available through the BSW program. Students are responsible for ensuring they have reliable transportation to and from internship agencies.
Field/practicum education faculty select internship sites using strict criteria consistent with accreditation standards set forth by the Council on Social Work Education, including the congruence of internship agency mission and goals with professional social work ethics and standards. Agencies must also provide student supervision consistent with accreditation requirements.
Additional information regarding field/practicum education can be found in the Field Education Manual.
Transfer of Credits
Policy Regarding Transfer of Credits
Students applying to APU who would like to transfer course credit from another institution should review the Transfer Application Requirements and check with their assigned admissions representative in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Students may also want to review the APU General Education Guidelines and Course-to-Course Articulation to get an idea of how coursework will transfer to APU.
Students transferring from CSWE-accredited undergraduate social work programs may submit to their admissions representative a list of social work courses, including practice courses and field education, completed within the last five years for evaluation for transfer of credits. This request will be further submitted to the BSW program director by the Student Services Center for social work course credit review. Each course will be evaluated by the department on a case-by-case basis for compatibility with program requirements and competencies. This process includes a comparison of syllabi from transfer institutions to ensure course content equivalency to APU required courses. General Education requirements for the major will be assessed by the Student Services Center. Students who leave the BSW program must reapply for admission to the BSW program if the absence is two years or more. Course credit is not given for life experiences or for previous or current work experience.
Students interested in meeting the social work biology requirement at another university are strongly encouraged to obtain prior approval from their advisor to ensure that the course they plan on taking covers the required content necessary to satisfy the social work requirement. Students may also consult with the Student Services Center regarding the transferability of biology courses.
Procedure Regarding Transfer of Credits (General Education Requirements)
The following procedure is used to review transfer of credits:
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Students create an account on Transferology.
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Select “Will My Courses Transfer?” to search for the equivalent course at APU.
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If the course is listed on Transferology, send an official transcript to the Student Services Center.
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If the course is not listed on Transferology, you can also check our Articulation Agreements. If you find the course in an Articulation Agreement, send an official transcript to the Student Services Center.
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If the course is not listed in either of the above options, complete a Transfer Inquiry to request articulation. For major course requirements, you will need to submit a course syllabus. For General Education requirements, you will need to submit an official course description.
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If your Transfer Inquiry is approved, send an official transcript to the Student Services Center.
Procedure Regarding Transfer of Credits (Social Work Requirements)
The following procedure is used to review transfer of credits:
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Students complete a Transfer Inquiry to request articulation and submit a course syllabus to the Student Services Center.
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The Student Services Center routes the inquiry to the BSW program director for review.
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The BSW program director reviews the inquiry for consistency with program standards and CSWE requirements. Courses for consideration must be transferred from a CSWE-accredited program.
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Determination from the BSW program director is provided to the Student Services Center.
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The Student Services Center notifies the student of the credit decision.
Social Work Student Conduct Code
In addition to maintaining academic standards, students must demonstrate professional expectations and adherence to the Department of Social Work conduct code. Violation of the code may result in probation or termination from the program.
Professionalism and integrity are basic characteristics required of students in the program. As such, in addition to APU student standards of behavior, the Department of Social Work has standards for professional ethical behavior required of social work students as outlined below. Violations of this code trigger an investigation and possible sanctions. Although it is not possible to provide an exhaustive list of all types of violations that may result in probation or termination from the program, the following are some examples:
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Plagiarism or other academic integrity violation (see APU’s academic integrity policy)
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Misrepresenting or misstating events surrounding an incident involving professional conduct
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Poor or improper professional conduct during internship, classroom, or service-learning assignments
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Being under the influence of alcohol and/or other controlled substances during classes and/or internship
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Unprofessional involvement with a client or supervisor while engaged in internship activities
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Breach of professional confidentiality
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Derogatory comments and behavior toward a client, agency employee, classmate, faculty, or staff member
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Discrimination or harassment directed toward a client, agency employee, classmate, faculty, or staff member on the basis of class, race, age, disability, national origin, gender, religion, and/or sexual orientation
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Violation of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics (a copy is held in the program office)
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Insubordination
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Excessive and/or unexcused absences
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Falsifying field/classroom attendance hours
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Unprofessional use of social media sites
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Inappropriate professional attitude/disposition
Additionally, students are provided professional development feedback through the use of Professionalism Rubrics scored in each BSW course. These rubrics encompass faculty feedback relevant to in-class and service-learning observation. Rubrics are used to give guidance to students relevant to demeanor, use of reflection, appropriate use of technology, use of supervision/consultation, critical thinking, and collegiality. Students who present concerns in these areas may be referred to the BSW program director for remediation. The BSW Student Handbook can be referred to for the full description of the conduct code and appeals process.
Student Participation and Feedback
Student Participation and Feedback Policy
The BSW program invites and welcomes student participation and feedback as we work together to deliver a high-quality program that prepares generalist social work practitioners. Students are invited to participate in Club Social Work, to participate in or organize other interest groups, and to participate in student government.
Students are highly encouraged to talk with faculty if there are questions or concerns regarding classes. Field faculty are available to discuss issues related to field internships. The BSW program coordinator and/or the BSW program director are available to discuss such issues as medical leave, leave of absence, academic planning, and study away/independent study options. If students feel that issues have not been resolved through these channels, they are encouraged to make an appointment to speak with the department chair.
It is the student’s responsibility to provide accurate feedback on strengths and challenges in the program through various feedback mechanisms, including but not limited to communication with the Club Social Work faculty liaison student officer, course evaluations, exit surveys, and alumni surveys. Student feedback is critical to helping the BSW program undergo ongoing evaluation and curricular improvements. A full description of student rights and responsibilities can be found in the academic catalogs listed on the Office of the Provost website, including processes for filing a grievance, and academic integrity and grade-change policies.
Student Participation and Feedback Procedure
Students may participate in BSW program development and provide feedback by:
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Participating in Club Social Work
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Club Social Work solicits membership through social work class announcements and student email invitation during the spring semester each academic year. As needed, membership solicitation may also occur in the fall semester. Students are encouraged to email clubsocialwork@apu.edu with additional questions. While membership as a CSW officer is encouraged, CSW weekly meetings are open to all BSW students. BSW students are encouraged to share feedback with CSW as a mechanism for student participation in BSW program development.
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CSW student members, primarily the designated CSW faculty liaison student officer, attend BSW program meetings monthly to share student updates and feedback.
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Organizing other interest groups and/or participation in student government
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BSW students are encouraged to engage with the APU Office of Campus Life to create APU clubs and organizations in response to student or campus needs. Serving as an officer in the APU Student Government Association is also encouraged. These auxiliary clubs and organizations serve as additional touch points for CSW officers to gain insight on student feedback during regularly scheduled university club and organization meetings sponsored by the Office of Campus Life.
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Meeting with BSW faculty/staff and/or the department chair
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All faculty/staff contact information can be found on the BSW website, and students are welcome to schedule meetings during office hours to provide feedback.
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Providing feedback after each course using the anonymous IDEA evaluation provided by the university at the close of each semester.
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Providing feedback on the anonymous BSW program exit survey provided to BSW seniors by the program annually in the spring semester.
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Providing feedback in the alumni survey sent via email to BSW alumni two years postgraduation by the Department of Social Work.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this program shall be able to:- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
- Engage in diversity and differences in practice.
- Advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice.
- Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
- Engage in policy practice.
- Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Critically analyze how Christian beliefs and values can be ethically integrated in professional social work practice.
Program Competencies/Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate these competencies (CSWE, 2015):
Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Social workers understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards, as well as relevant laws and regulations that may impact practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Social workers understand frameworks of ethical decision-making and how to apply principles of critical thinking to those frameworks in practice, research, and policy arenas. Social workers recognize personal values and the distinction between personal and professional values. They also understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions influence their professional judgment and behavior. Social workers understand the profession’s history, its mission, and the roles and responsibilities f the profession. Social works also understand the role of other professions when engaged in interprofessional teams. Social workers recognize the importance of lifelong learning and are committed to continually updating their skills to ensure they are relevant and effective. Social workers also understand emerging forms of technology and the ethical use of technology in social work practice. Social workers:
- make ethical decisions by applying the standards of the NASW Code of Ethics, relevant laws and regulation, models for ethical decision-making, ethical conduct of research, and additional codes of ethics as appropriate to context;
- use reflection and self-regulation to manage personal values and maintain professionalism in practice situations;
- demonstrates professional demeanor in behavior; appearance; and oral, written, and electronic communication;
- use technology ethically and appropriately to facilitate practice outcomes; and
- use supervision and consultation to guide professional judgment and behavior.
Competency 2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
Social workers understand how diversity and difference characterize and shape the human experience and are critical to the formation of identity. The dimensions of diversity are understood as the intersectionality of multiple factors including but not limited to age, class, color, culture, disability and ability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, immigration status, marital status, political ideology, race, religion/spirituality, sex, sexual orientation, and tribal sovereign status. Social workers understand that, as a consequence of difference, a person’s life experiences may include oppression, poverty, marginalization, and alienation as well as privilege, power, and acclaim. Social workers also understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and recognize the extent to which a cultures’ structures and values, including, social, economic, political, and culture exclusions, may recognize the extent to which a culture’s structures and values, including social, economic, political, and cultural exclusions, may oppress, marginalize, alienate or create privilege and power. Social workers:
- apply and communicate an understanding of the importance of diversity and difference in shaping the experiences in practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels;
- present themselves as learners and engage clients and constituencies as experts of their own experiences; and
- apply self-awareness and self-regulation to manage the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse clients and constituencies.
Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Social workers understand that every person regardless of position in society has fundamental rights such as freedom, safety, privacy, and an adequate standard of living, health care, and education. Social workers understand the global interconnections of oppression and human rights violations and are knowledgeable about theories of human need and social justice and strategies to promote social and economic justice and human rights. Social workers understand strategies designed to eliminate oppressive, environmental, economic, social and cultural human rights are protected. Social workers:
- apply their understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights at the individual and system levels; and
- engage in practices that advance social, economic, and environmental justice.
Competency 4: Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
Social workers understand quantitative and qualitative research methods and their respective roles in advancing a science of social work and in evaluating their practice. Social workers know the principles of logic, scientific inquiry, and culturally informed and ethical approaches to building knowledge. Social workers understand that evidence that informs practice derives from multidisciplinary sources and multiple ways of knowing. They also understand the process for translating research:
- use practice experience and theory to inform scientific inquiry and research;
- apply critical thinking to engage in analysis of quantitative and qualitative research methods and research findings; and
- use and translate research evidence to inform and improve practice, policy, and service delivery.
Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice
Social workers understand that human rights and social justice, as well as social welfare and services, are mediated by policy and its implementation at the federal, state, and local levels. Social workers understand the history and current structure of social policies and services, the role of policy in service delivery, and the role of practice in policy development. Social workers understand their role in policy development and implementation within their practice in practice settings at micro, mezzo, and macro levels and they actively engage in policy practice to effect change within those settings. Social workers recognize and understand the historical, social, cultural, economic, organizational, environmental, and global influences that affect social policy. They are also knowledgeable about policy formulation, analysis, implementation, and evaluation. Social workers:
- identify social policy at the local, state, and federal level that impacts well-being, service delivery, and access to social services;
- assess how social welfare and economic policies impact the delivery of and access to social services; and
- apply critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Social workers understand that engagement is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers value the importance of human relationships. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge to facilities engagement with clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand strategies to engage diverse clients and constituencies to advance practice effectiveness. Social workers understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions may impact their ability to effectively engage with diverse clients and constituencies. Social workers value principles of relationship-building and inter-professional collaboration to facilitate engagement with clients, constituencies and other professional as appropriate. Social workers:
- apply knowledge to human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to engage with clients and constituencies; and
- use empathy, reflection, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage diverse clients and constituencies.
Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Social workers understand that assessment is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge in the assessment of diverse clients and constituencies, including families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge in the assessment of diverse clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand methods of assessment with diverse clients and constituencies to advance practice effectiveness. Social workers recognize the implications of the larger practice context in the assessment process and value the importance of inter-professional collaboration in this process. Social workers understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions may affect their assessment and decision making. Social workers:
- collect and organize data, and apply critical thinking to interpret information from clients and constituencies;
- apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the analysis of assessment data from clients and constituencies;
- develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives based on the critical assessment of strengths, needs, and challenges within clients and constituencies; and
- select appropriate intervention strategies based on the assessment, research knowledge, and values and preferences of clients and constituencies.
Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Social workers understand that intervention is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers are knowledgeable about evidence-informed interventions to achieve the goals of clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge to effectively intervene with clients and constituencies. Social workers understand methods of identifying, analyzing, and implementing evidence-informed interventions to achieve client and constituency goals. Social workers value the importance of interprofessional and interorganizational collaboration. Social workers:
- critically choose and implement interventions to achieve practice goals and enhance capacities of clients and constituencies;
- apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the interventions with clients and constituencies;
- use interprofessional collaboration as appropriate to achieve beneficial practice outcomes; and
- facilitate effective transitions and endings that advance mutually agreed-on goals.
Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Social workers understand that evaluation is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Social workers recognize the importance of evaluating processes and outcomes to advance practice, policy, and service delivery effectiveness. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge in evaluating outcomes. Social workers understand qualitative and quantitative methods for evaluating outcomes and practice effectiveness. Social workers:
- select and use appropriate method for evaluation of outcomes;
- apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the evaluations of outcomes;
- critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate intervention and program processes and outcomes; and
- apply evaluation findings to improve practice effectiveness at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
Competency 10: Critically Analyze How Christian Beliefs and Values Can be Ethically Integrated in Professional Social Work Practice
Social workers understand the role of spirituality and faith as part of a holistic approach to social practice and in understanding human behavior and the social environment. Social workers apply ethical principles in the integration of faith in practice, mindful of their own beliefs and impact on the helping relationship. Social workers recognize that faith communities are part of the cultural context of individuals, families, and communities, and provide protective as well as risk factors in the process of change. In this context, social workers articulate how Christian beliefs and values can be ethically integrated in professional social work practice. They:
- demonstrate self-awareness of their own worldview, as it relates to a Christian worldview;
- articulate how a Christian worldview is integrated into social work practice; and
- critically analyze how Christian, spiritual, or religious traditions assist or hinder the helping process.