Florida State University 2008-2009 General Bulletin Undergraduate Edition

College of Social Work

Dean: C. Aaron McNeece; Associate Deans: Scott Ryan, Dina Wilke;

The social work program at 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 reaccredidation continuously since that time. The undergraduate program was accredited in 1974, the first year that undergraduate programs were granted accredited status.

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 in the spring of 2005 became the College of Social Work. It is currently one of 29 schools in the United States that offers social work degrees at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels and the first master's program in the U.S with a complete online curriculum.

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 College of Social Work is dedicated to the preparation of tomorrow's social workers. The college'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 field work provides students with a rich educational experience and the opportunity for the integration of research, theory, and practice.

The College of Social Work is committed to the pursuit and delivery of excellence in social work education. Through teaching, research, and service, the college educates its graduates for productive careers as professional social workers in diverse 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 college's initiatives build on the traditional heritage of social work, and are guided by a commitment to community-based social services. Recognizing that communities function as political, social, and familial entities, the college'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 college recognizes and values mutuality among diverse community groups, and promotes models of service delivery empowering the poor and disadvantaged and ensuring the social services of all community members.

Degree Programs

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

BSW 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 in generalist 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 high-quality advanced practitioners who will work with diverse client systems and problems. Students may choose an advanced curriculum in either clinical or social policy and administrative concentrations.

Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (PhD)

PhD Program Director: Darcy Siebert

The PhD program in social work is designed to advance the social work profession through the development of researchers/scholars and educators.

Overseas Study

Florida State University offers students the opportunity to study abroad and to gain valuable experience through international internships. For information concerning eligibility, fees, and other details of these programs, contact the college's Director of International Programs. Social work majors are encouraged to consider these opportunities for study overseas.

Requirements

Requirements for a Major

Admission requirements to the undergraduate social work program include completion of liberal studies at Florida State University or completion of an associate in arts degree from a Florida public community college, a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) on all college work attempted, and satisfaction of the CLAST requirement. In addition, students must meet the following prerequisites by the end of Term 4 (or before admission to FSU, if the student is transferring from a community college):

  1. Completion of a course in each of the following cognates with a grade of "B–" or better: a) American Government (American National Government or American Government); b) Biology (Human Biology or Human Anatomy and Physiology); c) Economics (Introduction to Economics, Microeconomics or Macroeconomics); d) Introductory Psychology; and e) Introductory Sociology or Social Problems;
  2. Completion of one of the following courses with a grade of "C–" or better in order to demonstrate computer competency: CGS 2060, 2064, or 2100;
  3. Complete a formal application to the BSW Program and attend a social work orientation during the first semester of coursework in the major.

A minimum of fifty (50) semester hours in social work is required for graduation. It is expected that each student, with counsel from the adviser, will move through the required courses in the sequence specified in the academic map. Required courses in the major are SOW 1054r, 3203, 3350, 4104, 4232, 4323, 4341, 4360, 4403, 4414, 4510, 4522, and 4620 for a total of fifty (50) credit hours.

Students must earn a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all social work courses attempted. No social work course with a "U" or a letter grade below "C" will apply toward a social work major.

The College of Social Work does not require a foreign language as part of its undergraduate program of studies. However, in order to graduate from 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.

Students majoring in social work are not required to complete a minor in another department.

Field Education

Field education 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 college cover the broad spectrum of social work practice. Currently, the college is affiliated with more than 400 agencies across the state of Florida, in areas of the southeastern United States, and internationally.

Undergraduate field education, SOW 4510, is a twelve (12) semester hour course (512 clock hours) that requires the student to register for and successfully complete a thirty-two (32) hour per week field placement for one semester. Students must register concurrently for SOW 4522, Integrative Seminar. The field education 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 College of Social Work encourages students to apply for the honors program. For requirements and other information, see the "University Honors Office and Honor Societies" chapter of this General Bulletin.

Research and Outreach Programs

Institute for Family Violence Studies

The endowed Institute for Family Violence Studies has been established within the College of Social Work to research family violence as it occurs in all age groups, including children, adults, and the elderly; identify and explore related research domains, including supervised visitation, homelessness, and women's issues; disseminate the findings of this research at the local, state, national, and international levels; evaluate the effectiveness of family violence intervention; support the development of innovative programs for reducing family violence; analyze legislation addressing family violence issues; develop curricula that strengthen social work studies on family violence; provide continuing education and training opportunities to those working in agencies that provide services for those experiencing family violence; serve as a regional clearinghouse on resources related to family violence; and collaborate with the courts and community organizations on family violence concerns.

Institute for Social Work 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 support evidence-based practice and policy decisions. In 1999, IHHSR was relocated to the College of Social Work at Florida State University, and in 2005 was subsequently renamed the Institute for Social Work Research to reflect this move.

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 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.

Student Organization

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 college. 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.

College of Social Work Scholarships

The following scholarships are offered to Social Work majors. If you would like information on how you can apply, please contact the development officer of the College of Social Work at (850) 644-9749 or e-mail mtuveson@mailer.fsu.edu.

Program Opportunities

The College of Social Work offers other opportunities that afford students the ability to focus on specialized areas of interest. With guidance from advisers, 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. Course work for this certificate focuses on advance practice skills for those students wishing to pursue careers in mental health settings.

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. Students with an interest in aging and educational credentials that indicate their completion of a multi-disciplinary course of study in aging and old age take courses in social work and a variety of other disciplines. For further information, visit: http://www.pepperinstitute.org/Certificate/.

The Arts and Community Practice Certificate

The program is an interdisciplinary certificate designed for undergraduate and graduate students who wish to develop a focused concentration on the application of the arts to community development. This program is inclusive of groups and families and addresses all stages of human development. Particular attention will be given to prevention, enrichment, and response to social concerns.

Leadership in Executive and Administrative Development (LEAD) in Social Work Certificate

The mission of this leadership certificate is to educate students about leadership theories and practices and to provide students with leadership experience. Learning about leadership gives students the skills they need for middle and executive positions in social service situations. An in-depth curriculum emphasizes leadership, decision-making, client-centered management, team building, negotiating, budget and finance, and the successful management of grants to guide students to successful management of social service agencies.

Social Work in Disaster Recovery (SWDR) Certificate

One of the major challenges for disaster relief and crisis intervention professionals and volunteers is the development of methods for initial access and long-term services to vulnerable populations such as rural minority residents, migratory families, persons with disabilities, low-income families, the homeless, and the elderly. This certificate program educates degree-seeking graduate students and trains non-degree seeking professionals for culturally competent practice, advocacy, and long-term recovery case management with diverse populations in natural disaster relief efforts. This SWDR Certificate equips participants with the knowledge, awareness, and skills necessary to provide culturally sensitive disaster relief services. The in-depth curriculum emphasizes cultural awareness, evidence-based knowledge development, skills acquisition, and strategic planning with vulnerable populations in disaster relief and long term recovery efforts.

Joint Master of Social Work/Juris Doctor (MSW/JD) Program

This program is for students interested in combining a MSW with a degree in law. Persons graduating with this joint degree practice in areas such as family law, child advocacy, domestic violence, public policy, and public defense. Students must be admitted simultaneously and independently to both the University's College of Social Work and the College of Law.

Joint Master of Social Work/Master of Public Administration (MSW/MPA) Program

The Florida State University's Reubin O'D. Askew School of Public Administration and Policy and the College of Social Work offer a joint-degree program leading to the degree of Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master 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 non-profit human service organizations by gaining knowledge in both social work and public administration.

Joint Master of Social Work/Master of Science (MSW/MS) in Criminology and Criminal Justice

This program is a collaboration between the College of Social Work and the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice. The joint degree is for graduate students in both programs who wish to expand their understanding of the connection between these two fields of study and gain expertise through work with forensic clients. Students must apply and be accepted to each graduate program independently.

Joint Master of Social Work/Master of Business Administration (MSW/MBA) Program

This curriculum is structured for graduate students enrolled in the social policy and administration (SPA) concentration in the Advanced Standing M.S.W. program and for students pursuing an M.B.A. The mission of this joint degree is to join the strengths of both of these degree programs and to educate students about leadership theories and practices, providing students with leadership experience from both a business and social work perspective. Mastering these skills will give these students the required backgrounds for middle and executive positions in social service organizations.

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