Social Work

https://www.creighton.edu/arts-sciences/cultural-social-studies/programs/socialwork

Program Director: Monica White

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is part of the Department of Cultural and Social Studies. The Social Work program's mission is "The purpose of the Creighton Social Work program is to facilitate learning experiences integrating both the art and science of social work practice. Social work students are educated to join with, assess and utilize best practices to address the needs of vulnerable and marginalized populations. Integrating knowledge with care of the whole person is not only the cornerstone of a Jesuit education but required for accreditation, certification and licensure for the social work profession. This program provides "hands-on" learning experiences whenever feasible and provides quality supervision and support during the learning process to enhance the capacity and resiliency of our students.

The goals of the Social Work program are:

  1. Prepare undergraduate generalist social work practitioners, grounded in evidence-informed practice, to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities including an understanding and applicability of the global perspective for practice.
  2. Prepare entry level generalist practitioners who apply ethical decision-making based on the National Association of Social Work Code of Ethics and the Ignatian charisms, integrating personal and professional ideals through mature self-evaluation and self-reflection.
  3. Prepare social work leaders committed to advancing social and economic justice and human rights along with reducing social and economic inequities in society.

The Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Specific requirements for Admission and Progression in the Social Work program

  • Students may declare a social work major during first or second year, after consultation with Program Director, Monica White or Field Education Director, Cathy Fox.
  • Successful completion (grade C or higher) of one of the following SWK courses prior to junior-year application for practice-based courses; remaining courses will be completed during major course progression. Late-declaring students should contact Program Director, Monica White to discuss possible exceptions.
    • SWK 201 Introduction to Social Work and Advocacy Skills
    • SWK 275 Working with Infants through Adolescents - Human Behavior and the Social Environment 1
    • SWK 276 Working with Adults through the Lifespan - Human Behavior and the Social Environment 2
  • a minimum GPA of 2.5
  • Admission to the program is selective and is based upon an application process that includes: the declaration of the major, a written application and student assessment.
  • The second step of the application process must be completed and admission determined before students may register for SWK 345 Practice I: Social Work with Individuals and Families.

Major Requirements (41 credits)

Course Requirements
SWK 201Introduction to Social Work and Advocacy Skills3
SWK 275Working with Infants through Adolescents - Human Behavior and the Social Environment 13
SWK 276Working with Adults through the Lifespan - Human Behavior and the Social Environment 23
SWK 298Economics, Policy and Social Welfare3
SWK 345Practice I: Social Work with Individuals and Families3
SWK 346Social Work Pre-Practicum 11
SWK 347Social Work Pre-Practicum 21
SWK 359Practice 2: Social Work with Groups3
SWK 435Practice III: Social Work with Organizations and Communities3
SWK 440Social Work Leadership Grounded in Anti-Racist, Anti-Oppressive Practice3
SWK 460Field Practicum Seminar I2
SWK 461Field Practicum 15
SWK 480Field Practicum Seminar II3
SWK 481Field Practicum 25
Total Credits41

CSWE standards require that social work majors enter their careers with solid foundations in relevant content areas. Students should, therefore, be alert to the following required support courses.

SOC 101Introduction to Sociology: Self and Society3
Select one of the following:3
Introduction to Anthropology: Human and Cultural Diversity
Introduction to Anthropology: Culture, Ecology and Sustainability
Introduction to Anthropology: Social and Cultural Determinants of Health
Introductory Psychology
Select one of the following: 3-4
Research Design for the Social Sciences
Qualitative Methods, Ethnography, and Engagement
Research Methods And Statistics I
Political Science Research Methods 2
Applied Research: Assessment and Evaluation

In order to be eligible for field placement, a student must have achieved a minimum GPA of 2.5 in all required courses for the Social Work major and must be certified ready for practicum as detailed in the Social Work Student Handbook & Field Practicum Manual.

Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in SWK 201, SWK 275, SWK 276, SWK 298, Support courses listed above, and Research courses. 

Students must earn a grade of "C+" or better in: SWK 345, SWK 346, SWK 347, SWK 359, SWK 435, SWK 440, SWK 460, SWK 461, SWK 480, SWK 481.

Students may re-take the course 1 time to achieve the required grade.