Social Work, B.S.W.

There is a pending curriculum change request.  This program is subject to change before July 1, 2026.

The College of Health and Human Services  undergraduate major in Social Work prepares students for entry-level professional social work practice as generalists. Generalist practice differs from advanced practice in its particular focus on concrete direct services and case management, and generalist practitioners are not prepared for advanced social work practice in specialized areas of concentration. Generalist practitioners work under close supervision than advanced practitioners. The bachelor of social work program is grounded in a social justice ethic scrupulously attentive to social and economic disparities encompassing planned interventions with people at multiple levels (individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities) through engaged, inclusive, culturally appropriate practice methods at all levels to affect systemic social and economic change and “just” outcomes for people at greatest risk. Requirements include the acquisition of an ecological perspective on human behavior for understanding the ways people influence and are affected by the social, political, and economic environmental contexts. A belief in the capacity of people to grow and change, and to make positive decisions on their own and others behalf, as well as and an appreciation of the value of human capacities and diversity is emphasized. Students are provided learning opportunities for the development of cultural, social and political competence, critical thinking skills, research knowledge and skills, especially those which facilitate the evaluation of one’s own practice. Professional values and ethics, systems theories and principles, practice theories and methods, social policy issues and processes, and knowledge and skills for effective social work generalist practice are important aspects of the social work curriculum. Agency experiences, including field practicum, provide the student with opportunities for integration and synthesis of learning, as well as exploration of fields of social work practice. Graduates have the background to pursue graduate studies in social work, psychology, addictions, law, and other related fields.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Prepare students for generalist practice at the individual, family, group, organizational, and community levels in diverse settings.
2. Apply the values and ethical standards of the profession to practice.
3. Integrate principles of empowerment, person-in-environment, strengths-perspective, and anti-oppressive practices at all levels.
4. Apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and economic justice and personal well-being.
5. Apply theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate human development, behavior, and agency and interactions at all levels.

The Bachelor of Social Work Program is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Illinois Articulation Initiative

“IAI” course designations refer to the statewide Illinois Articulation Initiative discussed on the Admission Information  page of the catalog and found at www.itransfer.org.

Special Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting university admission criteria, applicants must:

1. have obtained a minimum of 2.25 GPA for the last 60 hours;
2. submit two completed recommendation forms, at least one of which must be from a current or former college instructor. Recommendation forms are available in the Admission Office and on the website at http://www.govst.edu/chhs/socialwork/bachelors/; and
3. participate in an interview to develop a study plan that will review academic preparation and appropriateness of a social work career choice.