Recommended Course Sequence
Freshman Year
First Semester
ENG 100 — Writing I |
3 |
*PSY 154 — Introduction to Psychology |
3 |
*SOC 101 — General Sociology |
3 |
Practical Living Course |
3 |
Natural & Mathematical Science Course |
3 |
MSU 101 — Discovering University Life |
1 |
Semester Total |
16 |
Second Semester
*BIOL 105 — Introduction to Biological Sciences, or |
|
BIOL 155 — Introduction to Environmental Science |
3 |
CIS 101 — Computers for Learning |
3 |
GOVT 141 — United States Government, or |
|
HIS 202 — American Studies |
3 |
MATH 123 — Introduction to Statistics or higher |
3 |
PHIL 200 — Introduction to Philosophy, or |
|
PHIL 203 — Social Ethics |
3 |
Semester Total |
15 |
Sophomore Year
First Semester
ENG 200 — Writing II |
3 |
**SWK 210 — Orientation to Social Work |
4 |
Any Sociology 200 or higher |
3 |
General Education (Humanities) |
3 |
General Electives |
3 |
Semester Total |
16 |
Second Semester
CMSP 108 — Fundamentals of Speech Communication |
3 |
SOC 374 — American Minority Relations |
3 |
**SWK 230 — Social Welfare History and Ethics |
3 |
Natural & Mathematical Science |
3 |
General Education (Humanities) |
3 |
General Electives |
3 |
Semester Total |
18 |
Junior Year
First Semester
Social Work Elective |
3 |
Social Work Elective, or SWK 345 |
3 |
**SWK 320 — Human Behavior in the Social Environment Conception to Young Adulthood |
3 |
**SWK 324 — Social Work Research |
3 |
**SWK 325 — Generalist Social Work Practice |
3 |
General Electives |
3 |
Semester Total |
18 |
Second Semester
Social Work Electives |
9 |
**SWK 321 — Human Behavior in the Social Environment Middle Adulthood to Death |
3 |
**SWK 451 — Social Science Data Analysis |
3 |
SWK 326 — Generalist Practice |
3 |
Semester Total |
18 |
Senior Year
First Semester
**SWK 424 — Social Work Micro Practice |
3 |
**SWK 426 — Social Work Mezzo Skills |
3 |
**SWK 430 — Social Policy and Planning |
3 |
SWK Electives |
3 |
General Electives |
3 |
Semester Total |
15 |
Second Semester
**SWK 497 — Practicum in Social Work |
8 |
**SWK 498 — Social Work Macro Practice |
3 |
**SWK 499C — Senior Seminar |
1 |
Semester Total |
12 |
Total for Degree |
128 |
*Denotes Specific General Education Requirements mandated for BSW Students.
**Denotes Core Social Work Course requiring a grade of "C" or higher.
Certification in Public Child Welfare
All BSW students are trained in the generalist approach, but if students select their electives carefully and are admitted into the PCWCP, they can also earn Certification in Public Child Welfare. This is a statewide certification created in collaboration with eight other universities and the Commonwealth Cabinet for Families and Children.
Public Child Welfare Certification Program
SWK 345 — Law and Social Work
SWK 358 — Child Abuse and Neglect
SWK 458 — Child Abuse and Neglect Practice Skills
SWK 497 — Practicum in Social Work (must be done in Community Based Service Office-Protective Services)
Emphasis in Regional Analysis
If a BSW student is interested in macro policy and planning, in addition to the BSW, the student may select an emphasis in RAPP (Regional Analysis and Public Policy). Acceptance into RAPP requires a minimum ACT composite of 20.
Social Work-Regional Analysis Program
The Institute for Regional Analysis & Public Policy, MSU's Program of Distinction, offers a core of courses (18 hours) in regional analysis that can be combined with the Social Work Program.
Program Competencies
Students will:
- Identify as a professional social worker and conduct one's self accordingly.
- Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice.
- Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgment.
- Engage diversity and difference in practice.
- Advance human rights and social and economic justice.
- Engage in research informed practice and practice informed research.
- Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.
- Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services.
- Respond to contexts that shape practice.
- Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Assessment Procedures
Survey of graduates
Program Requirements
SWK 345 — Law and Social Work |
3 |
RAPP 201 — Society, Nature, & Development |
3 |
RAPP 202 — Basic Computer Tech in Regional Analysis |
3 |
RAPP 300 — Seminar in Regional Issues I |
3 |
RAPP 350 — Practicing Regional Analysis I |
3 |
RAPP 490 — Seminar in Regional Issues II |
3 |
SOC 101 — General Sociology |
3 |
SOC 200 or higher |
3 |
SOC 374 — American Minority Relations |
3 |
SOC 459 — Appalachian Culture |
3 |
SWK 210 — Orientation to Social Work |
4 |
SWK 230 — Social Welfare History and Ethics |
3 |
SWK 320 — Human Behavior in the Social Environment-Conception to Young Adulthood |
3 |
SWK 321 — Human Behavior in the Social Environment-Middle Adulthood to Death |
3 |
SWK 324 — Social Work Research |
3 |
SWK 325 — Generalist Social Work Practice |
3 |
SWK 424 — Social Work Micro Practice |
3 |
SWK 426 — Social Work Mezzo Skills |
3 |
SWK 430 — Social Policy and Planning |
3 |
SWK 451 — Social Science Data Analysis |
3 |
SWK 497 — Practicum in Social Work |
8 |
SWK 498 — Social Work Macro Practice |
3 |
SWK 499C — Senior Seminar |
1 |
Social Work Electives (only courses taught by someone with SWK degree will be accepted) |
12 |
Supplemental Requirements
ECON 401 — Environmental Economics, or |
|
GEO 349 — Introduction to CIS/Cartography |
3 |
GOVT 324 — Environmental Law and Policy |
3 |