Social Work BSW

College of Arts and Sciences
First accredited in 1975
Department Chair George Godlewski, MSW, PhD

Faculty

Amanda Benbow, Assistant Professor Social Work, BSW Cairn University; MSW Marywood University

James Calderone, Professor Emeritus of Social Work, AB Wilkes University; MSSW University of Wisconsin-Madison; EdD Temple University

George A. Godlewski, Assistant Professor of Social Work, BA University of Michigan; MSW University of Pennsylvania; PhD Marywood University

Mission

The Mission of Misericordia University’s Social Work Program is to prepare students for entry-level generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations. Inherent within this mission is a commitment to the development of BSW graduates who are dedicated to improving social, economic, and environmental conditions among diverse populations locally, regionally, and globally, and to promoting the Sisters of Mercy values which include mercy, service, justice and hospitality. The mission of the Misericordia BSW program is achieved via one curriculum delivered via two program options 1) Traditional and 2) Hybrid.

Curriculum Policy Statement

Misericordia University’s Social Work Program curriculum is organized around the program’s primary goal of preparing competent baccalaureate-level generalist practitioners. It evolved institutionally from the Religious Sisters of Mercy’s own call to compassionate service through the ministries of teaching and healing and developed according to those mandates for curricular content established by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). These mandates include a liberal arts perspective, which is also the base for all professional programs at the University, and a professional foundation composed of required social work courses and field education designed to provide an integrated experience to educate students in the critical areas of social work values and ethics, diversity, social and economic justice, at-risk populations, human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policies and services, social work practice and research. Learning is guided by a multi-modal pedagogy consisting of: Cognitive Learning, Affective Learning, Reflective Learning and Experiential Learning. Contemporary curriculum design customarily uses terms, “Program Learning Outcomes” and “Student Learning Outcomes” to reflect the intent of educational endeavors. The term “Competency” used by CSWE will be considered equivalent to “Student Learning Outcome.” Service-learning opportunities are available via the Office of Service Learning and can significantly enhance a student’s learning. Interprofessional Education (IPE) is integral to developing professional social work knowledge and skills. According to the WHO, “interprofessional education occurs when students from two or more professions learn about, from and with each other to enable effective 6 collaboration and improve outcomes. Once students understand how to work interprofessionally, they are (more) ready to enter the workplace as a member of the collaborative practice team. This is a key step in moving from fragmentation to a position of strength (WHO,2010). Every year, Misericordia offers multiple opportunities to engage in interprofessional learning. The calendar of events is created by the university’s IPE Committee. Depending upon course requirements, faculty will provide details related to expectations, assignments, etc.

The social work program is entering its fifth decade of accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education. Graduates may be eligible for advanced standing in numerous graduate schools of social work throughout the country, thus potentially decreasing the length of time and cost of graduate school.

BSW graduates may apply to take the BSW licensing exam through the Pennsylvania Licensure System (PALS).

Program Learning Outcomes

The Primary learning outcomes of the Misericordia University Social Work Program are:

1. To educate and promote the development of problem-oriented, undergraduate generalist social work practitioners whose knowledge and skills base enables them to assess and address problematic situations among diverse individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations.
2. To foster students’ ability to integrate the institutional and professional ideals of social justice and intervene on behalf of those discriminated against and oppressed.
3. To enhance student’s critical thinking and problem solving skills for contextual understanding and intervention with all social systems.
4. To foster commitment to a process of continued ethical practice and professional growth and development including preparation for graduate studies.

Student Learning Outcomes

The social work program’s student learning outcomes (SLOs) mirror mandated competencies and support practice behaviors included in the Council on Social Work Education’s 2022* Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (See Student Handbook). Consistent with CSWE standards, the program’s student learning outcomes (SLOs) are:

1. Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
2. Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
3. Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
4. Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
5. Engage in Policy Practice
6. Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
7. Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
8. Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
9. Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

*Transition from the CSWE 2015 EPAS to the 2022 EPAS is being initiated.

Field Instruction

Field instruction is the principle means through which students demonstrate application of knowledge and skills. Offered in a variety of settings in both the public and private sectors, field instruction presents students with a structured educational experience that enables them to integrate classroom information, learn about the structure and operation of social work agencies, and experience actual practice situations. Students receive a minimum of 600 hours of supervised field experience through assignments in both their junior (200 hours) and senior (400 hours) years.

Social work field instruction is limited to social work majors who have successfully completed a specific sequence of courses and have been formally admitted into the social work program. Transportation to and from field placement is the student’s responsibility.

Admission

Although students who meet university admission criteria will be admitted into the social work major as first year students for the purpose of academic advising and support, formal program admission does not occur until the end of the second semester of the sophomore year. The following criteria will be used in determining formal admission:

1. Personal interview with a member of the full-time social work faculty;
2. Completion of a minimum of 45 credit hours, including all first year and sophomore social work core courses listed in the university catalog;
3. Attainment of a minimum grade of C (2.00) in all Social Work (SWK) courses required for the Social Work major.
4. Attainment of an overall G.P.A. of 2.50 and a minimum of 2.50 in SWK core courses;
5. Acceptance of and sensitivity toward diversities among people;
6. Emotional and mental maturity and stability for effective social work practice;
7. Values, ethics, and behaviors consistent with those of social work;
8. A personal statement and narrative response.

Any student not fulfilling the criteria above will be duly notified by the department chair of program probation or dismissal. Students placed on probation will be allowed one semester for grade replacements and/or other corrective actions. Students dismissed from the program will not be readmitted. Specific procedures for admissions can be found in the student handbook and field instruction manual. Excerpts of these policies and procedures can also be requested from the admission’s office.

Retention

Continuation in the major requires that students maintain a 2.50 GPA in the social work major courses and a minimum overall GPA of 2.50. All SWK courses for the social work major must be completed with a minimum grade of “C”. Natural Science requirement must be in a life science field (either biology, or an equivalent subject in transfer).

Transfer Students

Two recommendations from individuals capable of assessing the student’s character and potential for the BSW degree are required. Transfer students must also meet all standards expected of incoming first-year students.

Curriculum Options

Flexibility within the major exists to allow students to elect minors in such areas as gerontology, addictions counseling, patient navigation, psychology, religious studies, etc.