DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION

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The Augsburg College Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW) degree is for those who are interested in a generalist degree with a foundation in social justice and client empowerment. 

The BSW degree prepares graduates to practice in a wide variety of areas in social services, working directly with clients, with cultural competency (understanding the role of race, class, gender, culture, sexual orientation, disability and age group on all aspects of social work practice) in an increasingly diverse Twin Cities area.

Students will learn practice skills on several levels; with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities and the strengths of these systems. 

The BSW curriculum integrates:

• professional practice methods, field practicum experience,
• social work values, knowledge and skills
• with a liberal arts academic core

In the first and second years students take courses in the BSW Supporting Program which gives them a foundation in basic social science concepts, human behavior in the social environment and social work fields of practice.

Students officially enter the major through an application process called Candidacy that is completed in the spring term of the sophomore year or during the summer for fall transfer students.

During the junior year students enter the Practice Skills and Field Practicum sequences as well as taking an introductory social policy class.  A seminar course accompanies the Field Practicum.

In the senior year the Practice and Field Sequence continues.  Students start a Research course sequence and in the spring term take a capstone course which covers professional issues as well as advanced policy activities.

BSW REQUIRED COURSEWORK 
BSW candidates are required to take 17 courses: Seven courses in the Suppporting Program (4 outside the major) and 10 Core Courses

A cumulative minimum G.P.A. of 2.2 must be maintained in the supporting program courses. Each major course must be passed with a 2.0 grade minimum

The BSW Course Schedule 
Supporting courses taught by the department are SWK 257, SWK 260 and SWK 280.  SWK 257 and SWK 260 are taught in the fall and spring terms.  SWK 280 is taught spring term every year.  The Core course sequence starts in the fall and continues into the the spring term.  Core courses are taught once each academic year.  Transfer students starting in the spring term should enroll in available Supporting courses and college general education courses in preparation to applying to the social work program.

AFTER YOUR CANDIDACY APPLICATION IS ACCEPTED--

    Junior or Third Year – 16 to 23.99 Augsburg course credits