Social Work

Department Chair and Program Director-S. M. Saleem
Associate Professors-Drewry, Ellwanger-Schmidt, Ross

The Social Work Program of Capital University educates students for generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1974, the Program provides traditional and non-traditional undergraduates the opportunity to obtain the bachelor of social work degree. The Social Work Program adheres to the principle that education for social work proceeds from a common core of values and knowledge incorporated into social work practice.

Mission Statement of the Social Work Program

Capital University’s Social Work Program Mission is to prepare students for generalist practice. Graduates are prepared to serve clients and empower individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. They are committed to socio-economic justice, respect for diversity, and the alleviation of poverty, oppression, and discrimination in society. Students become aware of the NASW code of ethics in social work practice. The program is designed to acquaint students with knowledge, skills, values, and evidence based practice to qualify for a variety of social work positions in all settings, locally, nationally, and internationally.

Social Work Program Goals:

Prepare students for generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities in rural and urban settings.
Prepare students with a foundation for lifelong learning, including graduate education, and an awareness of their responsibility to continue their professional growth and development.
Prepare students with a broad liberal arts foundation that emphasizes development of critical thinking skills and a liberal arts perspective.
Prepare students to practice within the values and ethics of the social work profession with an emphasis on service to vulnerable populations and the promotion of social and economic justice and empowerment worldwide.
Prepare students to understand a scientific, analytic and ethical approach to building knowledge and incorporating technological advancement in their practice.

Curriculum

The B.S.W. curriculum reflects a commitment to social change, diversity and practice in both rural and urban environments. It is integrated with Capital’s liberal arts core education goals, and provides a professional foundation for practice in a variety of areas including health, mental health, education, children’s services, social welfare and aging.

A two-semester field practicum experience is required in the senior year for integration of theory for practice, and application of social work knowledge, skills and values. Application for agency placement is required in the junior year, by the last day of fall semester (a year before the internship will begin). The Social Work Program has strong ties to many social agencies that provide students with rich field placements in a variety of practice areas. Qualified agency staff serve as student field instructors. Social work students are encouraged to participate actively with faculty and administration in policy formulation, curriculum development, and review of student performance.

State licensure is required for professional social work practice. Graduates from the Social Work Program are prepared to take state licensing examinations, and are eligible to apply for a one year accelerated Master of Social Work degree.

Admissions

Prospective students for the Social Work Program must be admitted to Capital University prior to submission of formal application to the Program. References are required. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for admission, and must be maintained for successful graduation.