SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
Dean: Bruce Thyer; Associate Dean: Thomas Edward Smith; Assistant Dean: Pamela W. Graham
The social work program at The Florida State University has its origins in the early history of the institution with social welfare content first being introduced into the curriculum in the 1920s. By the mid-30s, during the Great Depression, undergraduate courses in casework and group work were offered, as well as field placements at the Leon County Welfare Association and the Leon County Unemployment Relief Council.
In 1947, the year that the Florida State College for Women was named The Florida State University, the graduate program in social work accepted the first class of students. Two years later the master of social work program was accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and has earned reaccreditation continuously since that time. The undergraduate program was accredited in 1974, the first year that undergraduate programs were granted accredited status by the council.
The PhD program in social work was approved by the Board of Regents in 1974 and accepted its first student in the fall of that year. In June 1973, as part of an overall University structural reorganization, the social work program became identified as the School of Social Work and is now one of 23 schools in the United States that offers social work degrees at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels.
As the profession of social work begins the 21st century, there is an ever-increasing awareness of the impact of the many social changes that have taken place in our contemporary world. The School of Social Work is dedicated to the preparation of tomorrow's social workers. The school's curriculum is continually updated, recognizing and responding to the changing demands made on the profession. The curriculum is rooted in the ecosystems perspective, which serves as an organizing framework for the entire program, thereby providing an effective basis for studying people and their environment. The combination of class and fieldwork provides students with a rich educational experience and the opportunity for the integration of theory and practice.
The School of Social Work is committed to the pursuit and delivery of excellence in social work education. Through teaching, research, and service, the school educates its graduates for productive careers in diverse professional arenas, contributes to the knowledge base guiding social welfare practice and policy decisions, and offers expertise and energy to local, state, and national concerns.
The school's initiatives build on the traditional heritage of social work, and are guided by a commitment to community-based social services, including the development of caring communities. Recognizing that communities function as political, social, and familial entities, the school's efforts emphasize, but are not limited to, health care, mental health, and the special concerns of children; families; women; and the aged. In all of its capacities, the school recognizes and values achieving mutuality among diverse community groups, and promotes models of service delivery empowering the poor and disadvantaged and ensuring the social care of all community members.
Degree Programs
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Undergraduate Program Director: Kim Maddox
The curriculum offered at the baccalaureate level is designed to enable students to provide services to individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations at the beginning level of social work practice.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
MSW Program Director: Pamela W. Graham
The curriculum at the MSW level is designed to provide quality preparation for advanced practitioners who will work with diverse client systems and problems. Students may choose either clinical or social policy and administrative concentrations.
Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (PhD)
PhD Program Director: Wendy Crook
The PhD program in social work is designed to advance the social work profession through the development of researchers/scholars and educators.
Overseas Study
The Florida State University offers students the opportunity to study abroad with the approval of the academic adviser. For information concerning eligibility, fees, and other details of these programs, contact the Office of International Programs. Social work majors are encouraged to consider these opportunities for study overseas. Cognates and electives outside the school can be taken at the overseas centers; occasionally social work courses are offered.
Requirements
Requirements for a Major
Admission requirements to the undergraduate social work program include completion of liberal studies at The Florida State University or completion of an associate in arts degree from a Florida public junior college and a minimum of a 2.2 grade point average (GPA) on all college work attempted. To continue in the program, students must meet the following requirements:
- Students must complete the following Common Core Requirements necessary for the degree program. All of these courses must be completed, with a grade of "C-" or better, no later than the second semester as a declared major: 1) American Government (American National Government or American Government) or Political Science; 2) Biology (Human Biology or Human Anatomy and Physiology); 3) Economics (Microeconomics or Macroeconomics); 4) Introductory Psychology; and 5) Introductory Sociology/Social Problems or Anthropology.
- Students must satisfactorily complete SOW 1502r, 3350, and 3203 (with grades of "C-" or better);
- Students must complete a formal application as a social work major while enrolled or upon completion of SOW 1502r, 3350, and 3203.
In addition to the forty-nine (49) semester hours in required social work courses, social work majors must complete eleven (11) semester hours of elective course work. These may be in social work or in consultation with the School of Social Work, in related disciplines of anthropology, biology, criminology, economics, geography, political science, history, home and family life, psychology, rehabilitative science, sociology, and statistics.
A minimum of forty-nine (49) semester hours in social work, including a block field placement of twelve (12) semester hours, is required for graduation. It is expected that each student, with counsel from the adviser, will move through the required courses in a uniform pattern, observing cognate requirements and course prerequisites and corequisites. Required courses are SOW 1502r, 3203, 3350, 4104, 4232, 4323, 4341, 4348, 4403, 4414, 4510, 4522, and 4626 plus a required diversity course. Students must complete the required courses in sequence.
Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or better in the major. No social work course with a "U" or a letter grade below "C-" will apply toward a social work major.
The School of Social Work does not require a foreign language as part of its undergraduate program of studies. However, in order to graduate from The Florida State University all students must provide the University with verification of completion of two units of the same foreign language in high school or at least eight (8) semester hours of the same foreign language (or equivalent proficiency) at the college level.
Students are expected to have satisfied this requirement upon admission to the University, or during their first two years in college, before beginning their social work program of studies.
Students majoring in social work are not required to complete a minor in another department.
Field Instruction
Field instruction is a vital and integral part of the total curriculum. Through actual experience in the field, students are helped to link theory to practice. Qualified agency staff members serve as field instructors, and the field agencies selected by the school cover the broad spectrum of social work practice. Currently, the school is affiliated with more than 400 agencies across the state of Florida, in areas of the southeastern United States, and internationally.
Undergraduate field instruction, SOW 4510, is a twelve (12) semester hour course (512 clock hours) that requires the student to register for and complete successfully a thirty-two (32) hour per week field placement for one semester. Students must register concurrently for SOW 4522, Integrative Seminar. The field instruction course is designed to help students develop the skills necessary for generalist social work practice.
The course is restricted to social work majors and can only be taken after the completion of all courses necessary for the completion of the degree. The student must have a GPA of 3.0 or better in all social work courses and an overall GPA of 2.0 in order to register for SOW 4510.
Honors Programs
The School of Social Work encourages students to apply for the honors program. For requirements and other information, see the "University Honors Program and Honor Societies" chapter of this General Bulletin.
Research and Outreach Programs
Institute for Family Violence Studies
The endowed Institute for Family Violence has been established within the School of Social Work to examine the effects of family violence across the life span for a wide range of populations. Recognizing the legacy of violence on the subsequent development of victim survivors, the institute is concerned with the contextual and developmental aspects of family violence. The institute maintains the ecological perspective of social work supporting analyses of societal institutions, policies, and practices that impact the incidence of interpersonal violence and trauma.
Institute for Health and Human Services Research
The Board of Regents of the State of Florida University System established the Institute for Health and Human Services Research (IHHSR) in 1986. First called the Center for Human Services Policy and Administration, it was created as an interdisciplinary University-wide research institute, with a mission to conduct research for both the public and the private sector. Its goal is to develop and disseminate knowledge to improve policy decisions. In 1999, IHHSR was relocated to the School of Social Work at The Florida State University.
Multidisciplinary Evaluation and Consulting Center
The Florida State University Regional Multidisciplinary Evaluation and Consulting Center is a full-service, University-based diagnostic and training center that has been in operation since 1983. Comprehensive diagnostic and consultative services are provided to eighteen school districts in the Panhandle region of north Florida. Referrals also are accepted from the research schools at The Florida State University and Florida A&M University, as well as Children's Medical Services, and other state and community agencies. Multidisciplinary collaboration is an integral part of center services. The staff includes professionals from school, counseling, and clinical psychology, counseling education, and, social work. Consultation with professionals from speech and audiology and pediatric medicine also is available.
Boys' Choir of Tallahassee
The Florida State University School of Social Work's Boys' Choir of Tallahassee is a community outreach program for males who come from all public and private schools throughout the Tallahassee area. The Boys' Choir of Tallahassee continues to prepare young men for the twenty-first century through music, discipline, and academic excellence. With its motto "No Excuses," the choir continues to grow in popularity on the local, state, national and international levels.
Trinity Institute for the Addictions
The endowed Trinity Institute for the Addictions has established a state-of-the-art program for the study of addictions. The multifaceted program focuses on every kind of addiction and makes use of all academic disciplines that illuminate the causes, prevention, and treatment of addictions. The use of technology to make information available globally is an additional component of the program, as is the establishment of an Eminent Chair in Addictions.
Student Organizations
The Association of Student Social Workers (ASSW) is an organization of and for social work students. It is open to undergraduates as well as graduates, and participation by all is welcomed. The association is a good vehicle for socialization into the profession and orientation to the school. It can be used as a channel for handling feedback to the school about the program and is an excellent way for students to get to know one another as well as to participate in a wide array of community service activities.
Scholarships and Awards
Richard Burns Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to a BSW or MSW student in one of social work's part-time programs. Priority is given to the returning or change-of-career student.
Mark DeGraff and Lula Hamilton DeGraff Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to a full-time senior undergraduate, or a full or part-time graduate (MSW or PhD) student who is interested in working with youth and their problems, or intends to conduct research related to factors which influence the growth and development of youth. A letter requesting consideration must be submitted. The written statement's clarity is a consideration.
Joanna F. Gorman Scholarship. Full-time upper-level undergraduate or graduate students (MSW or PhD) may apply for this scholarship. A statement must be submitted summarizing knowledge of, and interest in, one of the following fields: child welfare, maternal and child health, community mental health, or primary prevention in health or mental health. An agreement to take two specialized courses and an internship in the specialization area selected should be included, as well as an intent to work at least one year in the chosen field following graduation. A transcript (unofficial accepted) and two (2) letters of reference which attest to student's academic achievements, good character, and community service, also must be attached.
Robert P. Hurrle Scholarship for Field Instruction. This is a field scholarship for an undergraduate or MSW student who demonstrates a commitment to practicing social work in either the field of aging or on a military installation, and who also will be completing a field practicum in one of these areas. A statement outlining work or volunteer experience must be submitted, along with course work (if any) taken in the field of aging, financial need, and career goals in aging or military social work. The student should specify which semester field placement will begin.
Margaret H. Jacks Scholarship in Aging. This scholarship is presented to a full- or part-time MSW student in good academic standing. The student must have completed one course on aging or demonstrated a commitment to the field of aging. Students must submit a transcript, a statement of need, a written commitment to field of aging, and list of volunteer or work experiences.
Richard M. King Scholarship in Social Work and Business Administration. Any graduate student who is interested in earning both an MSW and a MBA may apply for this scholarship. Individuals who have previously earned an MSW or MBA still may qualify for this scholarship provided the intent is to pursue the additional degree at The Florida State University. Students should submit a statement outlining eligibility and intent.
Koalska Undergraduate Scholarship. Full-time undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need, and whose parents did not attend college, are eligible for this scholarship. A written statement of eligibility must be submitted.
Joyce Harper Laidlaw Scholarship in Child Welfare. MSW or PhD students who demonstrate dedication and commitment to work in the area of child welfare, and also show financial need are eligible for this scholarship.
Coyle and Mabel Moore Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to a full-time BSW, MSW, or PhD student. Students should submit a statement showing evidence of good character, citizenship, volunteer work, and financial need.
Sarah Sealey Morrill Scholarship. For a BSW, MSW, or PhD student. Submit a statement of interest in the field of community mental health.
MSW Class of '75 March Graduates Scholarship. For two-year full-time MSW student interested in community-based practice, advocacy or public policy. Students should submit a statement of interest, including specific evidence of commitment to social justice concerns and attach a transcript (unofficial accepted).
Bernhard Scher Undergraduate Scholarship. This scholarship is available to undergraduate (sixty [60] semester hours completed at college level) social work majors enrolled in social work classes, with an overall GPA of at least 3.5. Submit an essay emphasizing "Social Work Values" not to exceed 1500 words, with a transcript attached (unofficial accepted.)
Guy and Delores Spearman Scholarship. This award is presented to a MSW student from Brevard County with overall GPA of 3.0 or greater. Submit a letter verifying eligibility, with a brief statement of career goals.
Victoria E. Warner Scholarship. This scholarship is available to a MSW student (full or part-time) who is a graduate of Florida A & M University. Submit a written statement of need, and statement of career plans relative to working within the African-American community.
Program Opportunities
The School of Social Work offers other opportunities that afford the students the ability to focus on specialized areas of interest. With guidance from advisors, students may create a program of study that meets their specific educational and career goals.
Child Welfare Practice Certificate Program
This certificate program offers both undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to focus their curriculum on issues related to child welfare. Course work addresses the following: the prevention of neglect, abuse, exploitation, or delinquency of children; the protection of homeless, dependent, or maltreated children; the strengthening of families to maintain children in their own homes; the development of advocacy groups, and the analysis of social policies and mental health issues related to this population. Child welfare practitioners provide a continuum of services in both public and private settings.
Family Social Work Practice Certificate Program
This certificate program is designed for MSW clinical concentration students who wish to develop advanced competence in couple and family social work. Requirements for a specialty in family social work practice include a total of sixty-nine (69) semester hours for the traditional MSW student (nine [9] semester hours beyond the normal sixty [60] hours) and forty-eight (48) semester hours for the advanced standing student (nine [9] semester hours beyond the required thirty-nine [39] hours). Traditional MSW students could complete the certificate program within their regular course of studies by taking course work in the summer (between their first and second year). Advanced standing students could attend an additional semester in order to complete the certificate requirements.
Interdisciplinary Graduate Minor in Dispute Resolution
This minor provides an opportunity for students to develop mediation and dispute resolution expertise. The minor is offered in conjunction with a variety of graduate programs in several schools and colleges at The Florida State University.
Certificate in Aging Studies
The Florida State University Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy offers an opportunity for a concentrated education in aging studies. It provides for students with an interest in aging an educational credential that indicates their completion of a multi-disciplinary course of study in aging and old age.
The Arts and Community Practice Certificate
The program is designed for both undergraduate and graduate students who wish to develop a focused concentration on the application of the arts to community development. Inclusive of groups and families, this program addresses all stages of human development. Particular attention will be given to prevention, enrichment, and response to social concerns.
Joint MSW/JD Program
The program is for students interested in combining a MSW with a degree in law. Persons graduating with this dual degree practice in areas such as family law, child advocacy, domestic violence, public policy, and public defense. Students interested in this dual degree must be admitted simultaneously and independently to both the University's School of Social Work and the College of Law.
Joint MSW/MPA Program
The Florida State University's Reubin O'D. Askew School of Public Administration and Policy and the School of Social Work offer a joint-degree program leading to the degree of Masters of Social Work (MSW) and Masters of Public Administration (MPA). This is one of the few joint-degree programs in these fields offered in the United States. The program prepares students for positions in public, private and nonprofit human service organizations by gaining knowledge in both social work and public administration.
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