Degree
Bachelor of Science with a major in Social WorkContact
Application materials may be obtained from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 1 (800) 477-4863 or admissions@une.edu.
For more information about the B.S.W. program contact Cyndi Amato, M.S.W., B.S.W. Program Director camato@une.edu, (207) 602-2084.
Mission
To provide transformative and collaborative learning that embraces the values of social inclusion and promotes enhanced quality of life for individuals and communities.
Major Description
The University of New England Bachelor’s in Social Work degree prepares generalist social work professionals for employment in a wide and varied range of social service, health, mental health, and community-based settings. B.S.W.-prepared social workers acquire critical thinking and problem-solving skills to work effectively with a range of individuals and diverse populations. The program instills values that foster students’ commitment to support individuals, families, and communities to improve their lives. Students will also develop the skills to participate in transforming lives by promoting social justice, cultural diversity, and human dignity. B.S.W. graduates are committed to lifelong learning and to working in partnership with others to improve the quality of life for all people. As B.S.W. graduate, it is possible to accelerate into our MSW program and complete your Master's degree in one year. Experiential education is one of the hallmarks of social work education and is realized through two sequential Field Practicum courses; B.S.W. 410 and B.S.W. 440. Both courses provide 450 hours over two semesters in agency/organization settings.
Curricular Requirements
| WCHP Common Curriculum | Credits |
|---|---|
| BIO 104/104L – General Biology | 4 |
| BUEC 203 – Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ENG 110 – English Composition or ENG 122/123 - College Reading & Writing I/II | 4–6 |
| EXS 120 – Personal Health & Wellness | 3 |
| IHS 130 – Interprofessional Health Care First Year Experience | 3 |
| IHS 310 – Ethics for Interprofessional Practice | 3 |
| MAT 120/150 – Statistics | 3 |
| PSY 105 – Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 205 - Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 250 – Lifespan Development | 3 |
| SOC 150 – Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| PUB 300 - Global Health | 3 |
| SPC 100 - Introduction to Speech | 3 |
| Creative Arts Course (ARH/ART/MUS) | 3 |
| Explorations Course | 3 |
| Social Global Awareness Course | 3 |
| Advanced Studies Elective | 3 |
| Political Science Elective | 3 |
| Human Behavior Elective | 3 |
| Subtotal | 59–61 |
| Social Work Major Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| HWOS 341 – Health and Wellness in an Aging Society | 3 |
| SSW 200 – Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
| SSW 300 – Human Behavior and Social Work Theory I | 3 |
| SSW 310 – Social Welfare Policy and Advocacy I | 3 |
| SSW 320 – Human Behavior and Social Work Theory II | 3 |
| SSW 330 – Social Welfare Policy and Advocacy II | 3 |
| SSW 340 – Research Methods for Evidence-based Practice | 3 |
| SSW 350 – Ethics in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SSW 400 – Social Work Methods I | 3 |
| SSW 410 – Field Practicum & Seminar I | 6 |
| SSW 425 - Understanding Substance Use Disorder | 3 |
| SSW 430 – Social Work Methods II | 3 |
| SSW 440 – Field Practicum & Seminar II | 7 |
| SSW 460 – Social Work Practice with Groups | 3 |
| Social Work Electives (2 courses) | 6 |
| General Electives (2 courses | 6 |
| Subtotal | 61 |
| Total Credits | 120–122 |
|---|
Academic and Technical Standards
Students in the Bachelors in Social Work major are subject to University undergraduate academic standards as well as requirements set forth by the Westbrook College of Health Professions.
In keeping with the guidelines of the University of New England, all undergraduate students must achieve a minimum semester-end grade point average as follows:
| Semester | Minimum Semester-End GPA |
|---|---|
| First Year | 1.70 |
| Fall of Second Year | 1.70 |
| Spring of Second Year | 1.80 |
| Fall of Third Year | 1.80 |
| Spring of Third Year | 1.90 |
| Fall of Fourth Year | 1.90 |
| Graduation | 2.00 |
Failure to maintain the minimum grade point average requirements will result in academic probation as described in the Undergraduate Catalog of the University of New England.
In keeping with the guidelines for the School of Social Work, students must meet certain benchmarks. Prerequisites for progression into the core social work curriculum in the junior year include: A "C" or better in Introduction to Psychology (PSY 105) and Introduction to Sociology (SOC 150).
Students must achieve a grade of “C” or better in B.S.W. major coursework: SSW 200, SSW 300, SSW 310, SSW 320, SSW 330, SSW 340, SSW 350, SSW 400, SSW 410, SSW 425, SSW 430, SSW 440, SSW 460.
Additionally, students must receive a "C" or better in the following courses to remain in the B.S.W. program: PSY 205, PSY 250, PUB 300. Students will be given two chances to earn a "C" or better in required coursework.
Learning Outcomes
Social Work is a competency-based education. We are, through our accreditors, mandated to ensure that our B.S.W. graduates are competent generalist practitioners in the areas listed below:
- Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
- Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
- Advance Human Rights and Promote Social Inclusion
- Utilize Evidence-informed Research
- Engage in Policy Practice
- Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Transfer Credit
Courses completed at another accredited college can be transferred to this degree program. Transferred courses must be reasonably close in scope and content to the required courses offered at UNE in order to count as exact equivalents. Otherwise, they may transfer as general electives. All courses completed must be no older than five years. Consistent with the Council on Social Work Education, the B.S.W. program does not offer credit for "life experience" under any circumstance.
Admissions
For entrance into the B.S. in Social Work major, students must have completed a high school with a GPA of 2.0 in a curriculum reflective of collegiate preparation. This profile includes:
- 4 years of English,
- 3 years of mathematics,
- 2 years of science with a laboratory,
- and 2 years of social science.
Applicants submit their materials to the Office of Admissions during the fall of the year prior to matriculation. Qualified students who apply after the fall are admitted on a space-available basis.
Internal Transfer Students
Students who are enrolled in another major at the University of New England may apply for admission into the B.S.W. program by completing a change of major form and an interview with the B.S.W. Director to determine eligibility. Students requesting to transfer into the B.S.W. program must be in academic good standing with a grade point average of 2.5 or better at the time of the request.
See Undergraduate Admissions also.
Financial Information
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.
Minor
Students must take 18 credits to complete this minor. Classes can be taken in any order barring any prerequisites that may be required for some courses.
| Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| SSW 300-Human Behavior and Social Work Theory I | 3 |
| SSW 320 - Human Behavior and Social Work Theory II | 3 |
| Total | 6 |
| Choose two courses from the following | Credits |
|---|---|
| SSW 200 - Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
| SSW 310 - Social Welfare Policy and Advocacy | 3 |
| SSW 315 - Trauma & Resiliency | 3 |
| SSW 325 - Interpersonal and Community Violence | 3 |
| SSW 330 - Advocacy in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SSW 340 - Research Methods for Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| SSW 350 - Ethics in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SSW 415 - Fundamentals of Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| SSW 435 - Grief and Loss | 3 |
| SSW 460 - SW w/Groups & Communities | 3 |
| SSW 465 - Substance Use & Disorder | 3 |
| Total | 6 |
| Choose two from the following non-Social Work courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| PSY 105 - Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 250 - Lifespan Development | 3 |
| SOC 150 - Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 215 - Poverty | 3 |
| ANT 102 - Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| PUB 200 - Foundations in Public Health | 3 |
| PUB 300 - Global Health | 3 |
| PSC 105 - Introduction to Political Science | 3 |
| ATC 306/PSY 245 - Psychology of Sport & Exercise | 3 |
| HWOS 341 - Health Wellness in an Aging Society | 3 |
| SPE 220 - Exceptionality in the Classroom | 3 |
| Total | 6 |
Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog
This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2022–2023 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of the date of publication May 2, 2022.
The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.
While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.