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Program Codes:
BASOCW
Bachelor of Arts
Social Work Program
The Mercyhurst Social Work Program is accredited at the baccalaureate level by the Council on Social Work Education.
The primary objective of the Social Work program is to prepare the student for beginning generalist professional social work practice. The sequence of courses provides a core of knowledge, skills and social work values as well as distinctive professional competencies required for social work practice. Emphasis is placed on furthering knowledge and skills to aid people of diverse backgrounds to achieve meaningful, productive lives building on their strengths by utilizing an empowerment process.
Social Work requires both academic and interpersonal relationship skills. Respect for human dignity, knowledge of self and integrity, together with a commitment to social work values and ethics, and social and economic justice are necessary personal and professional attributes.
Students must apply for admission to the Department during the second semester of their sophomore year, or after completion of 60 credits. A formal application, references, grade point average, and an interview form the basis for selection of majors. Application packets are available from the Program Director.
Social Work Mission Statement
The Mercyhurst University Social Work Program is dedicated to preparing competent generalist social work practitioners who are well-grounded in the values and ethics of the social work profession. The program is driven by the mission and purpose of the social work profession as well as the University mission that calls for students to be “socially merciful…globally responsible … compassionately hospitable…intellectually creative…reflectively aware… ambassadors of service.” Coupled with critical thinking, self-awareness, values and ethics, the program seeks to provide the knowledge base, and competencies required for students to practice in a diverse society. The program strives to lay a foundation that enables students to assist individuals, families, groups and communities in their pursuit of well-being. Moreover, the Social Work Program is committed to increasing student efficacy so that they can carry out their role in creating a more socially, economically, and environmentally just society that embraces human diversity and provides not only for the basic needs of all, but an opportunity to thrive. Finally, just as we educate our students about embracing human diversity, the program is committed to creating a learning environment that models affirmation and respect for diversity in all aspects of working with students from admission to advising to student participation in governance. The environment models the critical need for life-long learning.
The social work program has identified 9 core competencies and student learning outcomes (SLO) that are guided by the Council on Social Work Education.
These include:
Sophomore Review
The credentials of Social Work majors are reviewed by the Social Work program faculty at the end of the sophomore year and at the completion of the Social Work Practice I course, prior to submission of the request for placement form. Students whose academic performance is satisfactory, but who do not have the personal or professional aptitude will be helped to select another major. Students with a major GPA lower than 2.5 may be asked to discontinue the program. A 2.5 GPA is necessary for placement in field work. Students must receive a C or better in all social work (SOCW) courses and may only repeat a course one time.
Senior Competency Paper
Students are required to complete a competency paper during their field placements. The specifics are delineated in the Social Work Field Work Manual.
Introductory course in political science stressing how policy-making is done at the national level. Beginning with the Constitution, an introduction is given to the three main branches of the U.S. government. Attention is also given to elections, economics, political parties, interest groups and the federal system.
A general introduction to the science of behavior and mental processes. Topics considered include learning, memory, perception, motivation, personality, psychopathology and social interaction.
This course is designed to provide a context for students to critically explore selected social conditions that have been determined to constitute social problems in contemporary society. Each of the issues selected will be looked at from different perspectives using the lens of various theories. The contributions of opposing ideologies and ideas, and a critique of research related to the phenomena will be utilized to facilitate an understanding of the complexity of the phenomena and clarify one's perspective.
This course is designed to provide students with a knowledge base concerning human diversity from a sociological perspective. Diversity is broadly defined to encompass many aspects of social life, including gender and sexuality, social class, race and ethnicity, and ability. Students will learn how to use each of these concepts in conversation and in writing, and to view them in combination using an intersectional lens. Phenomena such as stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination will be studied. The dynamics of oppression will be examined and ways to create a more just society explored.
This course is focused on learning the basics of conducting social science research as well as critiquing and utlizing existing research. Students are exposed to key aspects of the research process including: choosing a research topic; identifying the population of interest; conducting a literature review; selecting a research design; collecting data; and descriptive analysis.
Explores the nature of the social work profession including its history, value base, and focus on social, economic and environmental justice. This course will familiarize the student with the direction of social work for the future beginning practitioner. Students have the opportunity to gain an understanding of the various social service agencies and populations served by social workers.
This course explores the interactions within and among human biological, psychological, sociological, and cultural systems as they affect human growth and development. Systems theory provides the primary lens from which to understand the complex dynamics involved in human behavior. Students also explore and critique traditional and alternative paradigms that help in understanding human behavior. Throughout the course emphasis is placed on human diversity.
This course is a continuation of HBSE I. Emphasis will be on assessment with particular attention to HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, mental health, gender, grief and loss, and aging.
SOCW-220
This course aims to assist the students in critically assessing the provision of human services in the U.S. today, and the local community specifically. Students determine ways that the system of services can be improved. In order to do this, in addition to readings, class, lecture, and discussion, students participate in site visits to a variety of human service agencies. They are also introduced to perinent community initiatives.
This is the first of three courses in the social work practice sequence. Using the generalist, problem-solving framework, it is designed to teach social work students the concepts and skills to use in a variety of settings and situations. The use of case discussions and role-playing will enhance the learning of these skills.
This course is a continuation of Social Work Practice I and is designed to further develop the interpersonal skills needed in the social work profession. The methods and techniques used are designed to prepare students for working in a variety of social service settings. The course will include case discussions, role-playing, recorded interviewing and evaluation.
SOCW 307
This course builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in SOCW 307 and SOCW 330 as it introduces social work majors to theories and concepts regarding working with groups, organizations and communities. Within this context, students will gain knowledge and self-awareness needed to work effectively with large systems, increase their understanding of group dynamics, and learn methods of engagement, assessment and intervention with the aim of promoting growth, self-determination and justice.
This course is designed to develop skills in social policy analysis and advocacy. Students will assess the relationship between social policy and social values. In addition, students will learn strategies and techniques used to impact political processes related to the planning and delivery of human services.
SOCW 304
This course is designed to facilitate the integration of knowledge and skill components required for beginning social work practitioners. The course is taken concurrently with the field placement.
The internship provides an opportunity to operationalize concepts learned in class and provides the vehicle to help integrate knowledge and skills for the beginning social worker. The intense supervision and seminar help the student become more aware of one's role in the helping profession.
One (1) Major Elective 3 credits
It is strongly recommended that Social Work Majors take Human Biology for their science. NOTE: Social work course credit is NOT granted for life experience or previous work experience.
Required Social Justice Minor Courses
SOC 101 Contemporary Social Problems 3 credits
SOC 204 Diversity in Society, Oppression, and Social Justice 3 credits
SOC 342 Global Problems and Social Change 3 credits
SOCW 107 Introduction to Social Work 3 credits
SOCW 220 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I 3 credits
SOCW 304 Social Welfare Analysis 3 credits
Social Justice Minors must achieve a minimum 2.5 GPA in minor courses. The Social Justice Minor is not accredited by the Council of Social Work Education.
