Department of Social Work
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: 1) Students will demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning, ethical social work practice, critical thinking, celebrating cultural diversity, scientific inquiry and social and economic justice; 2) Students will acquire and apply social work knowledge, values and skills in the engagement, assessment, intervention and evaluation of individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations; 3) Students will integrate Christian faith with social work values and ethical principles; and 4) Students who successfully complete the baccalaureate program will be qualified for admission to graduate level social work programs.
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 a majority of the states in 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 was granted initial accreditation status in February 2009 by The Council on Social Work Education retroactive to February 2006. Reaffirmation of the program was awarded in June 2021 for an eight-year period (the maximum number of years obtainable).
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 serve in the local community while also gaining intercultural competence skills through a required immersion experience 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 based on the nine Core Competencies in the 2022 CSWE EPAS, with a tenth Competency added to address faith integration.
Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Competency 2: Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Competency 3: Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
Competency 4: Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice
Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Competency 10: Integrate Faith with Practice in an Ethical Manner
A student choosing a social work major will complete a formal application process in the spring semester of the sophomore year. As a part of that application process, the student will submit a portfolio for formal evaluation. Successful completion of the evaluation will result in permission to register for and complete courses in the junior and senior years of the program and the professional degree. A full-time student may complete all coursework in three and one-half years and then complete the senior practicum as a 480-hour block placement in the final spring semester.
Students who choose social work as a major for the bachelor of social work degree complete SW 171, 236, 321, 325, 333, 345, 363, 391, 395 (2 hours), 425, 445, 471 and 496; PY 211, 215, 221, 380, 461, and 480; and SO 311. 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.
The minor in social work requires PY 111, 221; SO 111; SW 171, 236 or 242, 321, and 363. The social work minor will not lead towards licensure in professional practice or serve to assist students to obtain advanced standing in a graduate social work program.
Courses in Social Work
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.
Students observe the daily routines and activities of employed professionals and see how skills and knowledge acquired in class are applied in the social work field.
Prerequisite: Consent
This course is an overview of the phenomenon of addictions. The course will survey various types of addictions such as alcoholism, drug addiction, internet addictions, eating disorders and hoarding. Consideration will be given to the etiology, symptomatology, prevention, treatment and relapse prevention options in the addictions field. The biological psychological, social and spiritual implications of addiction will be examined.
Prerequisite: SW 171 or PY 111 or SO 111
This course will provide a historical overview of the child welfare system and will examine the children and families involved with this system. Cultural, economic, and sociopolitical issues related to child welfare will be discussed. Current laws regarding child neglect and abuse will be examined. Assessment of the child maltreatment and research-informed prevention and intervention programs will be introduced. Advocacy techniques that promote human rights and social justice will be presented. Actions that promote leadership, social responsibility, advocacy, and social action as they intersect with child welfare will be developed.
Prerequisite: PY 111 or SO 111
Practicum in some aspect of social work designed to give student practical, directed experience.
Prerequisite: Consent
The focus of this course is intergroup relations of a dominant-minority character. The majority-minority relations in many societies are examined with emphasis on American patterns. The goal is to identify the universal behavior patterns and basic concepts in the study of majority-minority relations.
Identical with SO 321.
Prerequisite: SO 111
Foundational course of a three-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 studies. Cultural competence and empowerment of client systems are emphasized. Research application to evaluation of practice is included. Concurrent experiential learning component.
Prerequisites: SW 171, SO 111, and declared social work major
A study of the ideology, function and structure of the public and private auspices by which societies seek to assure the well being of their members, historically and currently. American society is the primary focus, accompanied by ongoing global comparisons. Key topics include poverty, oppression, health care, education and families.
Identical with SO 333.
Prerequisite: SO 111
Second of a three-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 provides opportunities for practice group membership and leadership skills. Particular emphasis on issues of diversity in families, group stages and group dynamics.
Prerequisites: SW 325, PY 221 and social work major; or PY 221 and psychology major
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: SW 333 or concurrent, SW 325 and social work major
This course will serve as both a preparation and orientation experience for the Intercultural Immersion Experience as well as a time to reflect upon the experience. Class is coordinated by the Social Work Field Education Director.
Prerequisite: SW 171
Field experience in a cross-cultural setting anywhere in the world. Intended to provide direct experience in living and working in an intercultural setting. Individual experiences must be approved by the department.
Students must complete SW 395 prior to formal acceptance into the Social Work Program.Prerequisites: SW 391 and social work major
Practicum in some aspect of social work designed to give student practical, directed experience.
Prerequisite: Consent
Final of a three-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. Students will develop a community resource manual, which includes experiential applications with community social service providers.
Prerequisites: SW 345 and social work major
This course focuses on the interview process used in professional helping relationships. Each student will be involved in class role plays, taped interview sessions with mock clients and simulated job interviews. Interviews will be videotaped and critiqued within the learning context. Professional documentation skills related to these settings will be developed. Personal resume will be completed for professional use.
Prerequisites: SW 345 and social work major
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: lifespan development, violence, substance abuse and addictions, disabilities, gender issues, elders and immigrant populations.
Prerequisites: BI 111/L, PY 211, 215, SW 321, 345 and social work major
A field experience in social work which provides an opportunity for the student to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. Student maintains close cooperation with the supervisory personnel in the field.
Prerequisites: Consent
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. Professional seminars are held throughout the term. Required hours: 480 hours.
Prerequisite: Completion of all courses required in the social work major