Department of Social Work

Twyla Lee

The social work program exists within the mission and purposes of Huntington University to effectively prepare students to enter the social work profession, graduate school, and the service of others worldwide.  The four goals established for the social work program are:  a) Graduates are prepared for entry-level generalist social work practice, b) Graduates are prepared to enter Masters in social work programs, c) Graduates have developed a foundation of integrating faith and practice, and d) Personal growth and development have led to a professional identity.

Completion of an accredited baccalaureate social work program results in a professional credential that may be utilized to initiate the process toward licensure as a professional social worker in any of the United States.  It is also a professional degree that is globally recognized.  The social work program was initiated at Huntington University in fall 2004 and received candidacy status toward accreditation with The Council on Social Work Education in February 2006.  When full accreditation is reached, it is retroactive to the point of candidacy.

The theme chosen for the social work major at Huntington University is “Globally Aware/Locally Active.”  Courses are designed in such a way that students are serving in the local community or engaged with persons in an international location along with classroom instruction.  Key values of the faith-based heritage of the University as part of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ and of the social work profession are encapsulated in the focal point of the major.  This focal point, “Seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God,” is based on Micah 6:8 and is affirmed by the foundational social work values of justice, service, and integrity.

The social work curriculum is divided into five content areas:  human behavior and the social environment, policy, research, practice, and fieldwork.  A full-time student may complete all coursework in the first four content areas in three and one-half years and then complete the senior practicum as a 480-hour block placement in the final spring semester.

Students choosing a social work major will complete a formal application process in the spring semester of the sophomore year.  They will accumulate a portfolio that leads to a formal evaluation in the spring of the junior year.  Successful completion of the evaluation results in permission to complete the senior year and their professional degree.

Students who choose social work as a major for the bachelor of social work degree complete SW 171, 325, 345, 363, 395, 425, 445, 471 and 496; PS 111; EB 211; PY 211, 215, 321, 381, 382 and 461; SO 321 and 333.  The following specific core requirements will be necessary in order to fulfill prerequisites to courses required in the major:  BI 111/L, MA 151, PY 111, and SO 111.  A minimum gpa of 2.5 is required in the major.

Courses in Social Work

SW 171 Introduction to Social Work                   (3)

An introduction and broad overview of the social work profession.  Its beginnings and growth to worldwide recognition are traced.  Key people, movements, and practices are noted.  Fields of practice are especially emphasized.  Includes concurrent experiential learning through service in the local community.  Provides a picture of what it means to have a career in social work.

                                                                         Fall

SW 325 Social Work Practice I                            (3)

Foundational course of a 3-course sequence in preparation for generalist social work practice.  Focuses on application of theoretical approaches and interpersonal skills in a problem-solving model.  Professional values and ethical decision-making are introduced and applied through the use of case study.  Cultural competence and empowerment of client systems are emphasized.  Research application to evaluation of practice is included.  Concurrent experiential learning component.  Prerequisites:  SW 171, SO111, social work major, and PY321 or concurrent

                                                                         Fall

SW 345 Social Work Practice II                           (3)

Second of a 3-course sequence in preparation for generalist social work practice.  Content learned in the first practice course is applied specifically to families and groups within a life span development approach.  Class becomes a laboratory for group work as students take on leadership and membership roles.  Particular emphasis on issues of diversity, group stages, and group dynamics.  Concurrent involvement is an ongoing group in the community.  Prerequisites:  SW 325 and social work major

                                                                     Spring

SW 363 Social Policy                                         (3)

Builds upon basic understanding of the political system, economic theories, and social welfare institutions in identifying and analyzing current social welfare policies and programs.  Current federal and state proposed legislation is identified and followed.  Implications for social work practice are noted.  Prerequisites:  PS 111, EB 211; and SO 333 or concurrent

                                                                     Spring

SW 395 Junior Practicum                                   (3)

Block field experience in a social work setting anywhere in the world.  Intended to provide direct experience in how an agency functions and the expected role set of social workers.  Concepts learned in SW 325 are applied and practiced.  Field instructor must have an MSW or BSW credential.  Hours required:  120.  Prerequisites:  SW 325 and social work major

                                                                   January

SW 425 Social Work Practice III                          (3)

Final of a 3-course sequence in preparation for generalist social work practice.  Theoretical concepts, skills, values and ethics are applied to work with communities and organizations.  Particular emphasis is placed on community assessment and planning.  A grant-writing workshop and experiential applications with community social service providers are included.  Prerequisites:  SW 345 and social work major

                                                                         Fall

SW 445 Interview Workshop                               (3)

Interview process as utilized in professional helping relationships and acquisition of professional positions is presented and practiced.  Each student will be involved in simulated job interviews, client interviews, and interviews with the use of a translator.  Professional documentation skills related to these settings will be developed.  Personal resume will be completed for professional use.  Interviews will be videotaped and critiqued within the learning context.  Prerequisite:  PY 321

                                                                         Fall

SW 471 Human Behavior and the Social Environment  (3)

Capstone course in human behavior and the social environment utilizing a bio-psycho-social-spiritual perspective.  Theoretical perspectives, cultural diversity, oppression, and socialization are revisited as various pervasive issues and topics are investigated, discussed, and applied to social work practice.  Topics covered are chosen from among the following:  Violence, substance abuse & addictions, disabilities, gender issues, elders, and immigrant populations.  Biographies and other literature authored by persons of diverse ethnic backgrounds are used as texts.  Prerequisites:  BI 111/L, PY 211, PY 215, and SO 321

                                                                         Fall

SW 496 Senior Practicum and Seminar            (12)

The culminating experience for the social work major in the form of a block field experience in a professional social work setting under the supervision of a field instructor with an MSW or BSW credential.  The actual field placement is preceded by a comprehensive evaluation and orientation to the field placement.  Monthly professional seminars are held throughout the term. Required hours:  480 hours.  Prerequisite:  Completion of all courses required in the social work major

                                                                     Spring

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