Academic Learning Compact

The undergraduate social work program (B.S.W.) prepares students for generalist social work practice. Through classroom instruction and field-based classes, students gain the knowledge and skills to assess the needs and resources of people and their social environment, provide services to individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities, link people with needed resources and improve the resources available in the community.

The B.S.W. program is an entry-level, professional program accredited by The Council of Social Work Education. The bachelor’s degree in social work at UCF prepares students for direct, general practice in a variety of social agencies. Undergraduate students typically begin their professional social work studies in their junior year of college after completing an array of courses in the liberal arts. The curriculum in social work consists of studies in human behavior and social environment, social welfare policy and services, research and social work practice. In addition, enhancement electives are offered in child welfare, addictions, aging studies and health services. Practical experience is also important to the program of study. A work practicum in a community agency arranged by the school is required.

American National Government

Biological Principles

General Psychology

General Sociology

Macroeconomics/Microeconomics

To be admitted into the program, students must be willing to work directly with and on behalf of diverse populations. These include people of differing races and ethnicities, adult men and women, children, persons with disabilities, elderly, homosexuals, persons with HIV/AIDS or physical and mental conditions and the poor.

Social work students also are expected to provide services through a variety of helping strategies, including, but not limited to, assessments, contracting, home visits, office interviews, individual, family, group counseling, referrals, case management, community evaluations, grant writing, advocacy, education and follow-up. Students, who in the judgment of the faculty are unwilling or unable to meet these expectations, may be denied admission or later may be dismissed from the program.

Admission decisions are made by the B.S.W. admissions committee in consultation with the B.S.W. faculty committee and the director of the School of Social Work. A student may appeal a decision by following the procedures outlined in the Policy on Student Grievances found in the UCF Undergraduate Student Handbook.

Prospective or newly admitted undergraduate students need to schedule an appointment with the undergraduate (B.S.W.) program coordinator to review course requirements and expectations of the program.

Students who have a misdemeanor or a felony conviction must schedule an appointment with the B.S.W. program coordinator to discuss the nature of the conviction. However, a conviction does not necessarily prohibit admission to the program.

A student who does not meet the above admission requirements may be registered as a “pending student.” Pending students are only permitted to register for certain, limited courses. Students, who are pending, need to contact the B.S.W. coordinator to discuss their situation and to devise a degree plan.

The official program of study for the bachelor’s degree in social work is available in the UCF Undergraduate Catalog.

Each social work major is assigned a faculty advisor by the undergraduate B.S.W. program coordinator. Pending students (see Admissions Process for an explanation) receive an advisor when they have met admission requirements and are reclassified as social work majors. Pending students will meet with the coordinator of the undergraduate program until an advisor is assigned. Advisory assignments are posted on or near faculty office doors. You will retain your advisor throughout the baccalaureate program, unless a change is needed. Faculty members also post their office hours on or near their office doors (minimum of six hours per week). If you cannot meet with your advisor during office hours, you will need to schedule an appointment by phoning your advisor or talking directly with him or her.

You are expected to use advisement to plan your academic career, to examine your motivation and the appropriateness of your career goals, to select courses prior to registration, to review progress toward graduation and to discuss any concerns you may have. You are required to meet with your advisor at least once each semester.

courses are offered only during specified semesters (a limited number of courses may be available during summer semester)

courses should be taken sequentially and only when prerequisites have been met

ALL REQUIRED SOCIAL WORK COURSES ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO THE INTERNSHIP (i.e., Field Education and Field Seminar)

students are permitted to register for the field (internship) courses only if they have no more than 18 semester hours of course work, including the 12 hours of field education and seminar, to complete for graduation

the internship is offered only in the spring semester

one elective must be a social work elective

receive a grade of “C-” or better in each required course for the social work major

comply with the “Code of Ethics” of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

demonstrate particular personal and professional qualifications, such as intelligence, initiative, social concern, appreciation for differences in others, self-awareness, problem solving ability, ease in relating with others, a willingness to work directly with and on behalf of diverse populations and the proclivity and skills to provide services through a variety of helping strategies.

meet with an assigned faculty advisor prior to registration each term to review courses, progress and professional advisement

maintain an overall grade point average of 2.5 in the major for entry into field education and to graduate

Students who, in the judgment of the faculty, are unwilling or unable to meet these expectations may be dismissed from the program. Students who did not reveal criminal convictions at the time of application may also be dismissed. Retention decisions outlined in the Policy on Student Grievances are found in the B.S.W. Student Handbook.

Applications

BSW Application

BSW Basic Requirements

BSW Handbook