Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Social Work

BSW in Social Work

BACHELOR'S OF SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT

The undergraduate Department of Social Work at Augusta State University seeks to develop competent generalist social work practitioners who can integrate the knowledge, values, and skills of social work in order to enhance the social functioning of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Grounded in the profession's history and commitment to social justice and diversity, the BSW Program is committed to excellence in teaching and scholarship; and to the facilitation of community within the department, with students, and within the greater environment in which we live.

DEPARTMENT'S DEFINITION OF GENERALIST PRACTICE

Grounded in a eco-systems approach, the ASU social work program uses the problem focus, preparing students to work at multiple system levels, drawing on an open selection of theories and interventions, and working with the problem solving process in its overall approach to practice with client systems of all sizes, building from their unique strengths and available resources.

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK BSW PROGRAM GOALS

In order to accomplish this mission, we have identified the following goals:

beginning level professional social work practice with individuals, families, To provide the student with a liberal arts perspective which includes a broad knowledge of written and oral communication skills; ways knowledge is gained applied; the social, biological, and behavioral sciences; and variations in values through culture.
To help the student develop a worldview consistent with major social work knowledge, skills and values including a basic respect for human dignity, equality, and justice, and a positive respect for cultural and social diversity.
To prepare students for small groups, organizations and communities.

BSW STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of the program students will be able to:

Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice.
Practice within the values and ethics of the social work profession and with an understanding of and respect for the positive values of diversity.
Demonstrate the professional use of self.
Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and the strategies of change that advance social and economic justice.
Understand the history of the social work profession and its current structures and issues.
Apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work practice with systems of all sizes.
Apply knowledge of bio-psycho-social variables that affect individual development and behavior, and use theoretical frameworks to understand the interactions among individuals and between individuals and social systems (i.e., families, groups, organizations, and communities).
Analyze the impact of social policies on client systems, workers, and agencies.
Evaluate research studies and apply findings to practice and, under supervision, evaluate one's own practice interventions and those of other relevant systems.
Use communication skills differentially with a variety of client populations, colleagues, and members of the community.
Use supervision appropriate to generalist practice.
Function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems and, under supervision, seek necessary organizational change.