Social Work

Faculty

C. R. Baratta, Chair, Vance 324; P. Hensley, D. Gonzalez Sanders (Dept. phone: 860-832-3129)

Department Overview

The social work program is accredited at the undergraduate level by the Council on Social Work Education. The purpose of the social work major is to prepare students for beginning generalist social work practice. Social work is a field that deals extensively with sensitive social issues and people's personal well-being; therefore, students applying to the social work program are carefully evaluated not only academically but also for professional skills. The admissions process is selective and a limited number of students are admitted each year. Thus, acceptance into the University does not guarantee acceptance into the social work program.

Students applying to the social work program must have a minimum grade of C in all prerequisites required for the major. Students may be accepted into the social work program only after they have successfully completed both SW 226 and SW 227. However, students may apply for acceptance into the major during the semester in which they are taking SW 227. Applications from all students will be taken October 1 and March 1. Please refer to the Department of Social Work Student Handbook for a comprehensive overview of the application process and policies. It is available online at:  http://www.education.ccsu.edu/Departments/Social_Work/Student_Handbook.asp

Students who are admitted to the social work major must maintain an average of 2.50 or better in all social work courses. Potential for professional skill must be demonstrated in field experiences, which are required in all social work courses. The faculty will evaluate the field experience, along with the academic achievement, of the student each semester. Ideally, students entering the University as pre-social work majors take the beginning courses with the expectation of continuing into the social work major. All social work majors are expected to satisfy the University's general education program. Most of this work is completed during the student's first three years at CCSU or through transfer credit. It is expected that all general education requirements will be completed prior to the start of a student's senior field education experience. However, it is possible that the student and/or instructor conclude(s) that a student is not fully motivated toward an understanding of the professional and academic responsibilities this major requires. If a student does not meet academic or professional standards (as a pre-social work or social work major), he or she will be placed on provisional status. Written notification will be given and conditions for full completion of the major discussed with the student. Students will be given the opportunity to correct the problem(s); however, if the student does not demonstrate improvement, he or she will not be allowed to complete the major.

The social work program is a member of Phi Alpha Honor Society. The chapter name is Chi Upsilon.

Note: This program may have revisions to comply with national accreditation standards. Students should check with the department chair regarding the possibility of new requirements.

Program

Major in Social Work, BA

51 credits as follows:

Social Work Core (42 credits)