B.S., Social Work

Director's Message

The social work program is designed to meet the needs of adults working in human service delivery. The program is offered in the evening and offers the professional course work needed to attain a B.S.W. in social work. The curriculum combines a theoretical foundation in social work theory, principles, and the NASW Code of Ethics, with the practical experience of adults who are working in human service. The B.S. in social work, generally referred to as (BSW), allows students to continue their work while pursuing their professional degree. The Field Practicum experience can be completed at students current work site and the program’s field liaison will assist in setting up the practicum for this capstone experience in social work education.

The BSW positions graduates to apply for graduate study in MSW programs in "advanced standing." MSW programs around the country accept a percentage of applicants in advanced standing, which allows students to graduate with their master's degree in one year as opposed to the traditional two years.

With regards,

David Hall, Program Director
Associate Professor of Social Work
Phone: (315) 279-5119
Cell: (315) 719-1983
Email: dlhall@mail.keuka.edu 

Julie Burns-Percy, Program Coordinator
Assistant Professor of Social Work
Phone: (315) 279-5106
Email: jburns@mail.keuka.edu

For more comprehensive information on the profession and careers please visit:

Social Work Portal: http://www.socialworkers.org/swportal

Nationally accredited Graduate and undergraduate program: http://www.cswe.org  

National Association of Social Workers: http://www.socialworkers.org

BSW licensing requirements and examination: http://www.aswb.org

Trends in employment and salary: http://www.bls.gov/oco/pdf/ocos060.pdf

Skills & Job Information

BSW graduates are trained in areas such as:

-Advocacy
-Assessment
-Case management
-Community outreach
-Crisis intervention
-Critical thinking
-Interviewing
-Intake/referral
-Service planning
-Service provision
-Program evaluation

BSWs work in the fields of:

-Addictions
-Aging
-Mental health/mental retardation developmental disorders
-Family and children
-Schools
-Health care
-Social welfare

Program Curriculum

Course Descriptions

COM 320 Writing for Business and the Professionals

The study and practice of formal writing used by professionals in the fields of criminal justice, social services, business, health care and sciences.  Includes business letters and resumes, formal reports, and a variety of other forms of writing used in the professional fields mentioned above.

SWK 101 Introduction to Social Work

A foundation course that provides an overview of the social work profession examined through the scope of historical development, related theories, and understanding of current practice. The standards of the profession will be introduced to students, and beginning understanding of self and others through issues of diversity, beginning practice skills, and role plays. This course allows a realistic view of social work through the addition of guest lecturers from, and field trips to, a variety of social work settings and an additional requirement for community work.

INS 301 Integrative Studies II

An upperclass course to be taken after most other core requirements are completed, it provides students with guidance in their application of interdisciplinary knowledge to problem solving. Students are challenged to practice critical and creative thinking skills, and are expected to demonstrate competence in oral, written, and other creative modes of expression.

SWK 211 Generalist Social Work Practice I

An introduction to the social work profession with emphasis on values, ethics, theories, concepts and generalist practice methods. Foundational generalist practice skills for work with client systems of various sizes to include micro, messo, and macro levels of practice. Generalist social work practice encompasses assessment and intervention within all three levels of practice founded on the principles of systems theory. Students will engage in a variety of experiential learning activities such as professional writing, social work documentation, human service program design and evaluation, counselor/ client relationships, interviewing and assessing techniques, skills in communication, and confidentiality.

SWK 221 Human Behavior and Social Environment I

Content about human bio-psycho-social development through the life stages, including knowledge about social systems (families, groups, organizations, instructions, and communities) in which individuals live. The application of systems to a social work perspective of human development, emphasis on life situations encountered by generalist social workers, and the impact of factors such as oppression, discrimination, poverty, and sexism.

PSY 328 Personality Theory and Dynamics

Major views of personality, including those of Freud, neo-Freudians (Adler, Jung, Erikson), and Maslow; behavioral and humanistics/ existential approaches; implications for personal growth and therapy. This course includes a laboratory section.

SWK 201 Social Welfare Policy and Service I

Policy development process including structure of the service delivery system; social inequities in service delivery and organizations; change strategies that promote social and economic justice; examination of history of social welfare in the United States; and the ideology, values and policies that have influenced social programs and current programs, organizations, provisions, and issues.

SWK 220 Ethics and Diversity in Social Work

This is a fundamental course for all social work students. It addresses the areas of diversity in which the Council for Social Work Education requires all social work students to have a working knowledge. These areas include, but are not limited to, issues of race, ethnicity, culture, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental ability, age, and national origin. It assists students in becoming aware of, and sensitive to, these issues as well as building some beginning skill level with diverse populations. Important social work qualities, such as non-judgmental attitudes, acceptance, and a client-centered approach, will be explored. The required standard for the profession and student—the National Association of Social Work Code of Ethics—will be introduced and worked with to further the student’s ability to understand and use its structure. Class members apply their knowledge by exploring ethical dilemmas and their application with clients, themselves, and the practice of social work.

SWK 250 Substance Abuse and Families

Substance abuse within family systems and society at large is a prevalent issue in social work practice. This course will provide an overview of the progression of substance abuse and how it has an impact on individuals, families, social institutions, and communities. Identification of substance abuse and dependency, basic counselor-client practice skills, and levels of social work intervention will be incorporated into the curriculum. The format will be interactive and experiential.

SWK 302 Social Work Research Methods

This course will introduce students to the concepts and principles of social work research methodology. Topics include familiarization with research terminology, problem formulation, conceptualization and operationalizing research questions, measurement, methods of data collection, types of data collection, sampling, causal inference, and research designs. Emphasis will be placed on developing skill in evaluating one’s own practice, particularly through single-system design. The course will also develop the student’s ability to critically evaluate published research and to formulate and carry out research. Respect for the unique characteristics of diverse populations will be stressed as the course covers social work research in light of diversity, multicultural biases, and social and economic justice.

SWK 331 Youth Services Delivery Systems

This course focuses on child welfare services and the juvenile justice system; the impact of such problems as abuse, juvenile delinquency, and emotional disturbance on children; and the child as a human being.

SWK 312 General Social Work Practice II

Focus on the professional use of self through client and systems work. Skill emphasis will be on non-verbal behavior, use of various clinical assessment tools, and awareness of, and sensitivity to, cultural and self-awareness. Students will integrate quantitative and qualitative research to generalist social work practice and further develop skills of critical thinking.

SWK 332 Group Processes

Formation, definition, and process of a group; group interactions using group exercises and observations; and beginning facilitator experience.

SWK 351 Generalist Social Work Practice III

SWK 351 is the junior/senior level practice course for social work majors. Its focus is on macro-level practice. Topic areas include family systems through general systems theory. Understanding of macro-level government, funding, and human service agency structures is emphasized. Theories and practice of community organizations, needs assessments, and the social worker’s role in all of the above is discussed.

SWK 401 Social Welfare Policies and Services II

An examination of selected laws, programs, benefits, and services that form the basis of social welfare policy in the U.S., and social welfare policy analysis and its application. The structure of service delivery systems, organizations, and social inequities in service delivery, as well as organizational change strategies that promote social and economic justice. An introduction to program development.

SWK 421 Human Behavior and Social Environment II

Examination of the human condition from adolescence to old age (ages 12-82+). Students will learn to identify the “critical issues” at each developmental stage of life using biological, sociological, psychological, and spiritual assessment models. Generalist issues which affect the entire span of the life cycle will also be addressed. This course heavily emphasizes the shift for students from theory to practice through extensive use of experiential activities that include conducting actual assessments, developing a program for a topic of diversity, team-based activities, etc.

SWK 450 Senior Practicum and Seminar

Placement in social service agencies, including generalist work at an approved setting for a minimum of 416 hours and a semester research project. Students evaluate their own practice interventions using quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Students develop greater awareness of the professional use of self in practice settings. The practicum will begin following the completion of all required coursework.

SWK 391/392 Field Period

Off-campus experiential education in a variety of community agency settings with exposure to direct practice, service roles, and diverse populations. (1.5 credits each)

Available Locations