Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Within a program that is firmly based in the liberal arts, the social work major is designed to prepare students for beginning professional social work practice as well as graduate study in social work. Social work has both a heavily multidisciplinary-based body of knowledge and its own continuously developing knowledge base. The complexity of social issues and social problems that confront the modern-day social worker require this broad theoretical perspective. Social workers are involved in areas that are influenced by political, economic, social, psychological and cultural factors. To that end, the program stresses an understanding of social science theories and methods. The curriculum provides a foundation for understanding the interaction of individual, family, and community systems, as the basis for generalist practice. Students learn a multi-method approach to social work practice that enables them to address a wide range of individual, family, group, community and organizational needs. Students enhance their commitment to informed action to remove inequities based on race, ethnicity, culture, gender, immigration status, social class, sexual orientation, disability and age.
Admission to the Social Work Program
PLU students can declare their major in social work at any point in their academic career. Students can declare their major by meeting with the chair of the undergraduate social work program. Standard with the major of social work, all students complete a year-long practicum placement in a community or campus-based helping entity. In the fall of a student’s junior year, they will be required to complete an application to the practicum experience. Details on this application process are provided to all potentially eligible declared majors by the program’s field coordinator. Potential social work students should be advised that a criminal background check is required for placement into practicum. For more information, email Heidi Brocious, Dept. Chair: hbrocious@plu.edu.
Continuation Policies
To remain in the program, a student must: (a) maintain a 2.75 grade point average in social work courses and a 2.50 overall grade point average, (b) demonstrate behavior which is consistent with the NASW Code of Ethics and University Code of Conduct.
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Accreditation
The BSW program at PLU has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1975. This offers students a curriculum that is up-to-date, passes national review, and allows students with excellent grades to apply for advanced-standing, one-year MSW programs nationwide.
Strong Field Program
During their senior year, students will complete a minimum of 400 hours of field practicum. Students choose a local social service agency that offers the supervision of an experienced and approved social worker. This provides students with the opportunity to integrate classroom learning with hands on work with clients who benefit from the help provided.
Global Emphasis
The social work curriculum is infused with content on other cultures both in this country and abroad. Students have opportunities for study abroad as well as field learning in other countries. PLU’s Pacific Rim location and Tacoma’s diverse community afford students an opportunity to experience cultures different from their own on a daily basis.
Faculty-Student Ratio
Small class sizes mean students and faculty have many opportunities for interaction. Faculty work to create a learning environment where students learn from one another as well as from professors and social workers from the community.
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