Department of Social Work

Academic Complex
Office 211, Phone: (270) 745-5312
Fax: (270) 745-6841
Website: www.wku.edu/chhs/socialwork

Dr. Dean May, Head

Professor: D. May
Associate Professors: S. Cashwell,  D. Smith, C. Snyder, S. Starks, G. Villereal, S. Wesley
Assistant Professors:  A. Cappiccie, J. Chadha, J. Gabbard,  C. Robey, D. Sullivan
Instructors: E. Arnold, V. Hurt, J. Peeler

The undergraduate social work program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The social work profession grew out of societal concerns about individual and social problems associated with the distribution of resources and opportunities. Social workers address social functioning issues related to stresses on individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Inequities in the distribution of resources and opportunities, or any other factors interfering with persons’ ability to reach their full potential, receive essential consideration.

The undergraduate social work program depends on a strong liberal arts base and a generalist practice foundation to achieve its mission and goals. The mission of the BSW program at WKU is to prepare culturally competent professionals who work with diverse, multigenerational populations and client systems of various sizes. The program promotes a commitment to social justice and life-long learning in order to work successfully in a global society. For more information regarding the BSW program and its goals, please visit the departmental webpage: http://www.wku.edu/Dept/Academic/chhs/socialwork.

When planning a program of study in this department, each student should be aware of the University’s academic requirements and regulations contained in this catalog in the chapter “Academic Information.” Specific attention should be given to the subsections in the chapter entitled (a) Academic Programs, (b) General Education Requirements, and (c) Academic Requirements and Regulations. Students should be aware that some academic programs may require additional scholastic regulations and standards not specified in the catalog. To obtain a copy of these regulations, students should contact the department or visit the departmental webpage.

Students may be required to undergo criminal background checks and drug testing and to provide proof of health insurance, liability insurance, and/or immunization records prior to participating in any required experiences at selected off-campus facilities/agencies. Additionally, there may be certifications, training seminars, or other requirements specified by the facility/agency that a student must meet in order to be eligible for field or practical experiences at the facility. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all institutional and/or facility requirements are met as a condition of participating in the off-campus experiences; students may be responsible in part or in full for any costs incurred to meet such requirements. Students are also responsible for transportation to and from off-campus experiences.

Major in Social Work
The social work major (reference number 594) consists of 54 semester hours, 45 hours in social work and 9 hours in supportive courses. It is not necessary to have a minor for graduation. Students interested in selecting social work as their major program of study should make an appointment with the BSW Program Director, Academic Complex, Room 211.

Consistent with the program’s emphasis on a liberal arts foundation, during the freshman and sophomore years, students will take courses in English, political science, economics, math, biology, sociology, psychology, and also public speaking and history. These courses will also fulfill several of the general education requirements. A list of the required liberal arts and sciences courses that must be taken as prerequisites for applying to the social work major are available on the departmental webpage or can be obtained from the department.

Requirements for the social work major are: 45 semester hours in social work - SWRK 101, 205, 330, 331, 344, 345, 375, 378, 379, 381, 395, 480, 481, 482, 483, and a minimum of nine hours of electives approved by the advisor.

Admission to the major: The student’s academic status is reviewed. If necessary, students are advised to fulfill prerequisites for admission to the program. Upon completion of prerequisite courses, including SWRK 101 and 205, students must complete an application process for formal admission to the social work program. The BSW Admissions and Retention Committee reviews each application. Students must have attained a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 and sophomore status in order to be admitted. Guidelines for admission and retention are stated in the Student Handbook, which is available in the departmental office or on the departmental webpage.

Suggested Program of Study

(A-F) denotes General Education Category
* denotes required prerequisite for major

Minor in Social Work

The social work minor (reference number 459) consists of 21 semester hours. Required courses are SWRK 101, 205, 330, 331, and 395. Students are also required to take two social work electives in consultation with their social work advisor. Only the major prepares the student for beginning professional social work practice. Social work practice courses and the social work practicum are not available to minors.