SOCIAL WORK
College of Health and Human Services
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Social Work is a profession that strives to enhance the well being of all people while attending specifically to the needs and empowerment of those in vulnerable life conditions. The Sacramento State program focus embraces the interdependent interests of both the individual and society, with particular attention to the social context that creates, contributes to, and addresses obstacles and resources for individual and community growth and development.
Social Workers seek to help people address their own needs and influence the responsiveness of organizations, communities, and other social institutions, thus promoting social justice and social change. Towards these ends, multilevel Social Work activities include group work, community organization, supervision, individual and family counseling, consultation, administration, advocacy, social and political action, policy development and implementation, education, research and evaluation. In practice, Social Workers are sensitive to cultural and ethnic diversity, and work to combat discrimination, oppression, poverty, and other forms of social injustice.
The principle objective of the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work degree program is to educate beginning professional practitioners as generalists. The Master of Social Work degree program supports advanced professional practice.
Special Features
- The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and the Master of Social Work degree programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
- Many required classes will have at least one section scheduled during evening hours.
- Social Work students earn academic credit for professionally supervised field experience in a human service agency. The practicum is two to three days per week.
- All BA and MSW students receive academic and career planning advisement. Employment information for students is updated continuously.
- Graduate and undergraduate Social Work students maintain active student organizations including a chapter of Phi Alpha, a national honor society for Social Work.
- The MSW degree fulfills most of the educational requirements for California licensure as Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and the Pupil Personnel Services Credential for School Social Work.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM
The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work is a 48-unit program that prepares students for beginning, generalist Social Work practice. All lower division general education courses must be completed prior to beginning the Social Work major. The curriculum consists of 42 units in professional foundation/beginning generalist requirement, 6 units of Social Work electives. Grades of "C" or better are required in all 48 units of the major. The student must agree to abide by the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers and engage in ethical practice in conformity with the Professional Code of Ethics.
Undergraduate students enroll in one academic year of field instruction (internship) during their senior year after successfully completing all prerequisites in their junior year. Field instruction is 16 hours per week for 32 weeks during two semesters for a total of 512 hours. Field instruction takes place between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on either Mondays/Wednesdays or Wednesdays/Fridays. Placements only begin in the fall semester and are arranged by the Director of Field Education during the preceding spring semester through an application and interview process. Students are placed in a social services agency and practice under the supervision of an experienced MSW Social Worker. Since Social Work is an applied profession, the student is expected to be able to put into practice the knowledge gained in the classroom in order to receive the BA degree in Social Work.
Students must be capable of meeting field site/organization eligibility requirements which normally include obtaining a Department of Justice clearance (passing a criminal background), being free of communicable diseases, having a valid driver's license, and automobile insurance. In addition to the prerequisites and corequisites noted below, other eligibility requirements are delineated in the Field Curriculum and Policy Guide which is accessible from the Division's field Web page (www.hhs.csus.edu/swrk/field). Declaration of Social Work as the student's major does not guarantee enrollment in field instruction.
Requirements - Bachelor of Arts Degree
Units required for Major: 48
Minimum total units required for the BA: 120
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
A. Recommended Lower Division Preparation
Completion of all lower division General Education requirements is a prerequisite for taking courses in the Social Work major. Lower division courses in the following areas are strongly recommended and most can be taken as part of completing GE requirements. These courses provide the basis for a Liberal Arts perspective which is required by the Council on Social Work Education, the accrediting organization for the professional Social Work degree: written communication; critical thinking; physical science; a biology course with human anatomy content; quantitative reasoning; world civilizations; introduction to the arts; humanities; psychology; sociology; cultural diversity; American Institutions; and foundations in social and behavioral sciences. Community college transfer students should consult a counselor to identify courses which qualify for General Education transfer credit.
B. Required Lower Division Courses (3 units)
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Introduction to Social Work |
C. Required Upper Division Courses (45 units)
Professional Foundation/Beginning Generalist (39 units)
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Crosscultural Theory and Practice: Issues of Race, Gender and Class |
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Statistics and Research for Social Workers |
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Research Methods and Program Evaluation (SWRK 110; Corequisite: SWRK 140B or SWRK 140C) |
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Human Behavior/Social Environment: Infancy through Adolescence (SWRK majors only and Junior status) |
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Human Behavior/Social Environment: Adulthood through Aging (SWRK majors only; SWRK 125A; all other previous SWRK courses with a minimum grade of "C"; Corequisite: SWRK 140A ) |
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Social Work Practice (SWRK 95 and SWRK 125A; SWRK majors only; Junior standing; all other previous SWRK courses with a minimum grade of "C"; Corequisite: SWRK 125B) |
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Social Work Practice (SWRK 95, SWRK 102, SWRK 125B, SWRK 140A, SWRK 150; SWRK majors only; senior standing; Minimum grade of "C" in all previously completed SWRK courses; GWAR certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109 M/W, or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109 M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X; or met university writing requirements to enroll in this course; Corequisite: SWRK 195A) |
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Social Work Practice (SWRK 140B and SWRK 195A ; Corequisite: SWRK 195B) |
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Welfare in America |
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Field Instruction (SWRK 102, SWRK 125A, SWRK 125B, SWRK 140A and SWRK 150 and permission of the Field Director; Corequisite: SWRK 140B); Enrollment is limited to students who have secured an approved field placement. |
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(6) |
Field Instruction (SWRK 102, SWRK 125A, SWRK 125B, SWRK 140A, SWRK 140B, SWRK 195A and SWRK 150 and permission of the Field Director; Corequisite: SWRK 140C); Enrollment is limited to students who have secured an approved field placement. |
Social Welfare Policy and Human Behavior (6 units)
(6) Select two of the following:
Chemical Dependency and Social Work Practice |
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Theories of Criminal Behavior (GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X) |
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Human Sexuality in Social Work Perspectives |
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Social Work and Spirituality |
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Crimes Without Victims |
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Poverty and Homelessness in America |
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The Child and the Law |
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Violence In The Family |
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Health Services and Systems |
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Child Welfare Services |
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Exploration of Veteran Studies: An Ethnographic Approach (GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X) |
Note: Grade ''C'' or better required in Sections B and C courses above.
*Writing Intensive Course
GRADUATE PROGRAM
The Master of Social Work program is a 60-unit program that prepares students for advanced, autonomous Social Work practice. The curriculum is composed of two semesters of professional foundation and two semesters of a concentration curriculum. In the foundation part of the program, all students take a core of courses designed to provide them with the knowledge and skills expected of all professional Social Workers. The advanced curriculum prepares for multi-level practice with vulnerable life conditions. It consists of required advanced courses in Social Work practice and policy, and advanced electives. Through the use of elective units (9), there are opportunities for more specialized focus regarding practice with specific populations (e.g., the aged) or with particular conditions (e.g., substance abuse or mental disabilities).
Graduate students enroll for two years of field instruction. In the first year, they are assigned to a social service agency for two days a week (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday and Friday). First year students must be available Thursdays and Fridays (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) for field instruction in order to complete the concurrent program. In the second year, they are assigned to an agency for three days a week (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday). These field instruction requirements may only be fulfilled during regular working hours. Students are responsible for their own transportation to field instruction sites and for required professional liability insurance.
Students must be capable of meeting field site/organization eligibility requirements which include obtaining a Department of Justice clearance (passing a criminal background), being free of communicable diseases, having a valid driver's license, and automobile insurance. In addition to the prerequisites and corequisites noted below, other eligibility requirements are delineated in the Field Curriculum and Policy Guide which is accessible from the Division's field Web page hhs.csus.edu/swrk/field. Admission into the graduate program does not guarantee enrollment in field instruction.
Students should develop a realistic plan for financial support for the period of time they are in school. Information about Financial Aid is included in the University's Application for Admission booklet. The Division of Social Work cannot guarantee courses on days and times that will not conflict with employment hours. The program offers some courses on weekends and all required courses have at least one evening section. In addition to the two-year full time program, the division also offers a three-year program option, a weekend cohort program, and advanced placement.
Note: Please contact the Division of Social Work for a copy of the evaluation criteria for admission to the Master of Social Work program.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the Master of Social Work program, applicants must have:
- a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university;
- passed an approved course in statistics with a grade of ''C'' or better;
- completed a course with human biology content with a grade of "C" or better;
- a minimum GPA of 2.8 for the last 60 units of coursework;
- demonstrated writing proficiency; and
- completed the Liberal Arts foundation (GE requirements).
The Graduate Record Exam (writing Score)is required.
If admitted applicant scores less than 4.5 on the GRE Writing exam, she/he would not necessarily be eliminated from the pool, however, would be required to take and pass a writing intensive course in the summer, prior to Fall enrollment.
All applications are reviewed by Faculty Reviewers. Previous academic work, experience in human services, personal development, and potential for successful professional practice are important considerations in the evaluation of applicants.
Admission Procedures
Application materials are available from the Division of Social Work's admissions office and our Web site at http://www.hhs.csus.edu/sw/MSWApplication.htm. For more admissions information and application deadlines please visit http://www.csus.edu/gradstudies/.
All applicants must complete an online university application for admission and a Sacramento State Division of Social Work Application.
All prospective graduate students, including Sacramento State graduates, must submit the following to the Division of Social Work Admissions Office:
- an application for admission and supplemental information needed by the Division of Social Work;
- an indication whether the application is for the two- or three-year program;
- three letters of recommendation from academic or employment references; and
- one set of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, other than Sacramento State.
Applicants must submit the following to the Sacramento State Office of Graduate Studies, River Front Center 206, (916) 278-6470:
- an online application for admission; and
- one set of official transcripts from all college and universities attended, other than Sacramento State.
Attendance at an advising session prior to the beginning of classes is required. Students unable to attend must make special arrangements for the initial advising prior to the beginning of courses.
Advanced placement is available to a limited number of students who have a baccalaureate degree in Social Work from a Social Work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The minimum GPA is 3.3 in the Social Work major. Minimum grades of ''B+'' must have been earned in undergraduate professional foundation coursework. Students who have a GPA of 3.5 or higher but have ONE of their equivalent undergraduate courses with the grade of "B" may apply for advanced standing. The degree must have been awarded within five years prior to application for admission to the graduate program. Submission of a letter of recommendation from a field instructor and from a Social Work faculty member of the college from which graduated and an acceptable research prospectus for a thesis/research project is required before awarding advanced placement. Advanced placement students take 31 units in the second year of the MSW program. Advanced placement is determined only during the admissions process.
Advancement to Candidacy
Each student must file an application for Advancement to Candidacy indicating a proposed program of graduate study. This procedure should begin as soon as the classified graduate student has:
- removed any grade deficiencies;
- completed at least 28 units; no grades under a "B" are accepted
- a minimum 3.0 GPA required
- obtained approval of culminating experience; and
- taken the Writing Placement for Graduate Students (WPG) or taken a Graduate Writing Intensive (GWI) course in their discipline within the first two semesters of coursework at California State University, Sacramento or secured approval for a WPG waiver.
Advancement to Candidacy forms are available in the Office of Graduate Studies. The student fills out the form after planning a degree program in consultation with his/her Advisor. The completed form is approved by the Division of Social Work Graduate Coordinator and the Office of Graduate Studies.
Requirements - Master of Social Work Degree
Units required for the MSW: 60
Minimum required GPA: 3.0
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
Students must take all required courses in a prescribed, sequential order to advance to the next level of courses. The program is normally completed in four semesters of full time study, beginning in the fall semester (a three-year program is also available; requirements are the same). The program consists of 28 units of professional foundation common courses that all students must take and 32 units of the concentration curriculum which consists of advanced content and nine units of electives.
Note: The faculty of the Division of Social Work may require a student to leave under specified terms, terminate a student's enrollment, or decline to award a degree if the Director of the Division, upon the recommendation of faculty, determines that this is in the best interests of the division or the community which it serves or that a student is not qualified for admission to the Social Work profession because of factors other than academic standing. Determination about factors other than academic standing are made in accordance with the NASW Code of Ethics and the Division of Social Work's Student Performance Standards.
A. Professional Foundation Requirements (28 units)
All professional Social Work programs are required to provide foundation content that consists of the knowledge, values, and skills that are basic for practice in any setting situation, and which prepare one for more advanced, specialized learning. Six areas of study are introduced in the foundation: Social Work research, Social Work practice, human behavior in the social environment, social welfare policy, multicultural theory, practice, and field instruction.
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Social Work and Diverse Populations |
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Social Work Practice I (Corequisite: SWRK 295A) |
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Social Work Practice II (SWRK 204A and SWRK 295A; Corequisite: SWRK 295B) |
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Methods of Social Research (Undergraduate social statistics course) |
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Theoretical Bases of Social Behavior |
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Theoretical Bases of Social Behavior (SWRK 235A) |
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Social Welfare Policy and Services |
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Field Instruction (Must be classified graduate Social Work student and approval of the Field Director or designee; Enrollment is limited to students who have secured an approved Field Placement; Corequisite: SWRK 204A) |
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Field Instruction (SWRK 204A, SWRK 295A; Must be classified graduate Social Work student and approval of the Field Director or designee; Enrollment is limited to students who have secured an approved Field Placement; Corequisite: SWRK 204B) |
B. Multilevel Practice Concentration Requirements (23 units)
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Multi-level Practice with Vulnerable Life Conditions (SWRK 204A, SWRK 204B, SWRK 295A, SWRK 295B; advanced to candidacy; Enrollment is limited to students who have secured an approved Field placement; Corequisite: SWRK 295C) |
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Multi-level Practice with Vulnerable Life Conditions (SWRK 204A, SWRK 204B, SWRK 204C, SWRK 295A, SWRK 295B, SWRK 295C; advanced to candidacy; Enrollment is limited to students who have secured an approved Field placement; Corequisite: SWRK 295D) |
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Advanced Policy (SWRK 250, advanced to candidacy) |
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Field Instruction (Advancment to Candidacy; must be classified graduate Social Work student and approval of the Field Director or designee; Enrollment is limited to students who have secured an approved Field Placement; SWRK 204A, SWRK 204B, SWRK 295A and SWRK 295B; Corequisite: SWRK 204C) |
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Field Instruction (Advancment to Candidacy; must be classified graduate Social Work student and approval of the Field Director or designee; Enrollment is limited to students who have secured an approved Field Placement; SWRK 204A, SWRK 204B, SWRK 204C, SWRK 295A, SWRK 295B and SWRK 295C; Corequisite: SWRK 204D) |
Culminating Experience Choices
(4) |
Culminating Experience (Advanced to Candidacy, SWRK 210) OR |
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(2) |
Advanced Research Methods (Constitutes the first course of the two course alternative Culminating Experience option. Advancement to Candidacy; SWRK 202, SWRK 204A, SWRK 204B, SWRK 210 and SWRK 250) |
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(2) |
Integrative Capstone Project (Constitutes the second course of the two course alternative Culminating Experience option; SWRK 501) |
Career Possibilities
Geriatric Social Worker · Forensic Social Worker · Medical Social Worker · Mental Health Social Worker · Social Planner · Substance Abuse Counselor . Social Service Administrator · Community Organizer · Child and Family Counselor · Child Protective Worker · Adult Protective Worker · Occupational/Industrial Social Worker · Employee Assistance Counselor · Adoptions Worker · School Social Worker · Agency Director Program Evaluator · Family Therapist · Individual, Child & Family Therapist
Faculty
Joseph Anderson, Jude Antonyappan, Teiahsha Bankhead, Chrystal Barranti, Andrew Bein, Sylvester Bowie, Joyce Burris, John Davis, David Demetral, Maria Dinis, Susan Eggman, Krishna Guadalupe, Jacqueline Kelly, Robin Kennedy, Serge Lee, Mimi Lewis, Kisun Nam, David Nylund, Maura O'Keefe, Dale Russell, John Strother, Susan Taylor, Santos Torres, Jr., Francis Yuen
Contact Information
Robin Kennedy, Director
Sandy Birtcil, Administrative Support Coordinator
Mariposa Hall 4010
(916) 278-6943
www.hhs.csus.edu/SWRK