Admission Requirements

Students accepted by the University must also meet the requirements of the Department for admission. To apply, students must 1. be enrolled in or have completed SW 2200, 2. complete an application by submitting a written statement (see Social Work Student Handbook or Social Work homepage for more information and to complete the application) 3. participate in a personal interview with a member of the Social Work faculty.

The criteria and procedures used for admission are based on the academic and professional standards established by the Council on Social Work Education, the national accrediting body. The criteria used for assessment are: 1. intellectual qualities and academic skills; 2. commitment to the enhancement of quality of life for individuals and families; 3. concern for issues of social justice and sensitivity to cultural diversity; 4. capacity for self-awareness and self-evaluation.

The Social Work Department encourages applications from students from diverse background including race, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin and political orientation. Students are advised to apply by their sophomore year. Applicants will receive notice regarding the decision within 14 calendar days of the interview.

Continuation and Graduation Requirements

Once admitted, students must meet the following continuation requirements in order to gain admission to SW 4430 Social Work Practicum or the Practicum for their Option (12 credits) and the concurrent SW 4550 Social Work Seminar (three credits), and to graduate with a BS in Social Work: 1. a grade of C or better in the required (SW) Foundation Courses: SW 2050, SW 2200, SW 3340, SW 3350, SW 3450, SW 3460, SW 3510, SW 3520, SW 3530, SW 4000, SW 4550 2. a minimum major grade point average of 2.5 (all courses required for the major) 3. completed portfolio statements for each of the (SW) Foundation Courses (listed in #1 above), with the exception of SW 4550 which requires a completed capstone portfolio.

Transfer credit is not granted for either the Practicum or the Social Work Seminar. Academic credit for life experience and previous work experience shall not be granted in lieu of any course required for the major.

These academic standards should be monitored by the student and his/her faculty advisor throughout the student’s Social Work education. To be admitted to the Practicum and the Seminar (SW 4550), students must have completed all of the course requirements of the major, achieved an overall grade point average of 2.0 and a major grade point average of 2.5 and earned a grade of C or better in the 10 Social Work Foundation Courses (as listed above). Permission to enter the field will be granted in writing by the Program Director/Department Chair or the Field Education Director.

In addition to academic requirements, students are required to demonstrate professional and ethical behavior. Student behavior that is contrary to the ethics of the profession will be reviewed by the program to determine the student’s appropriateness for continuance in the major. Behaviors that would warrant such a review are based on the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Examples of unprofessional or unethical behavior include impropriety in personal conduct (such as dishonesty or criminal behavior); exploitive relationships (such as sexual relationships or other behaviors pursued for personal advantage), e.g., with practicum clients; and any form of illegal discrimination or discrimination contrary to Plymouth State University policy (see the NASW Code of Ethics).