The Department of Sociology offers the undergraduate degree in Social Work (Bachelor of Social Work Degree, BSW) which prepares students for beginning generalist practice within the social work profession. Students with a BSW degree and who have passed the licensing exam will have the eligibility for admission into Master of Social Work (MSW) programs at other institutions for advanced standing. The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program seeks to provide the knowledge, skills, and values needed to practice beginning generalist social work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The program prepares students to develop a professional social work identity for practice within an urban and rural setting. The program provides the framework necessary for students to identify and utilize evidence-based practice for intervention. Further, the program continually reinforces the social work core competencies as it relates to engaging in practices that alleviate oppression, poverty, social and economic injustice, and discrimination. Students will understand the impact of diversity and difference on human behavior across diverse client systems by applying knowledge, skills, and values that foster social change. The social work program prepares students for leadership in the professional community or continuing educational development through graduate studies.
Student Learning Outcomes Statement of Social Work Program
Upon completion of the Social Work curriculum, students will have the basic and general knowledge of human behavior, social systems, and social institutions. Awareness of social problems areas-their cause and impact on individuals, families and communities, and the appropriate resources and methods involved in dealing with them-and knowledge of basic social theories and methods related to social work practice are highlighted. Students will acquire working knowledge of specific methods of intervention, treatment techniques, and specific knowledge of social planning and community organization methods. Students will develop competency to relate with clients in positive or appropriate relationships under adverse conditions. They will have skills to recognize primary behavior dysfunctions of individuals and groups and make basic social assessments and service plans. Students will be aware of community resources relevant to identified needs and able to relate as a professional participant in an agency program. Students majoring in Social Work at Tougaloo College are required to take a mandatory written comprehensive examination in the subject area and complete a field practicum requirement with an agency under the supervision of a licensed social worker. There is a requirement of a minimum of 80 clock hours in the field for the field practicum requirement. The exam and internship supervisor evaluation assess the knowledge and competencies expected to have been attained during matriculation in the program. The examination will be developed by departmental faculty and center around information gleaned in the core
courses. The exam is often given on a pass/fail basis and normally taken while enrolled in SWK 443 - Skills in Interview and Licensure Exam course. The comprehensive examination and internship evaluation data will be used to assess the overall effectiveness of the program and indicate the knowledge retention by students.
Admission and Retention Policies
Students interested in Social Work program must apply to the program by completing the Bachelor of Social Work application, personal statement, and a letter of recommendation from an instructor during spring semester. A minimum overall GPA of 2.5 is required for admission into the Social Work Program. Selected students will have a personal interview with Social Work Admissions Committee at the end of spring semester and will be admitted during the fall semester of the academic year.
Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 throughout the program and a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 GPA in all Social Work courses taken. Students who do not meet these requirements will be notified and classified as Sociology major.
Transfer Students
Students transferring from other institutions or other departments within the College who wish to major in social work must consult with the Department Chair before selecting a course of study.
The Major in Social Work
Students who choose to major in Social Work are required to take at least 54 credit hours (15 core courses & 2 elective courses) in Social Work and 37-39 credit hours of General Education requirements. Social Work majors in the program are also encouraged to complete a Multidisciplinary Certificate: Disaster Coastal Studies and take courses in related fields such as Economics, Mathematics, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology. Further, students are strongly encouraged to take the GRE.
Curriculum Outcomes Redesigned for Engagement (CORE)/General Education Requirements
Click to see the Curriculum Outcomes Redesigned for Engagement (CORE)/General Education Requirements.
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