Social Administration
Founded 1969
Jay Fagan, Acting Dean
553 Ritter Hall Annex
1601 W. Cecil B. Moore Avenue
(215) 204-8623
bswprog@blue.temple.edu
- Accreditation
- Goals and Objectives
- Admission Requirements
- Special Programs and Facilities
- Honors/Honor Society
- Policies and Regulations
- Academic Advising
- Social Work Program Description
- Faculty
- Course Descriptions
The Bachelor of Social Work and the Master of Social Work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. This attests to the educational quality of the curricula and to the qualifications of graduates to assume professional positions that legally require applicants to have these degrees.
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The primary goal of the Baccalaureate in Social Work (BSW) program is to prepare entry-level, generalist, social work practitioners committed to social and economic justice for vulnerable and oppressed populations. Graduates will understand the effects of structural inequities based on race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and other forms of oppression that presents barriers to individual and collective growth and to the development of full potential. Graduates of this program will assess and interact with people using a strengths perspective and will assume varied social work roles that increase clients' access to resources and power.
What is Social Work?
Social workers are professionals who strive to enhance human well being and to promote social and economic justice. We partner with people who are vulnerable in order to increase social and economic justice for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The mission of the social work profession is rooted in a set of core values which include social justice, dignity, worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence. These core values, and the principles that flow from them must be balanced within the context and complexity of the human experience. This utilization of values in practice with people is what is unique about the social work profession (adapted from the NASW Code of Ethics).
Students will get a strong liberal arts background as well as knowledge in these areas: Human Behavior and the Social Environment; Social Welfare Policy; Research; Practice; Field; Diversity; Social and Economic Justice; Populations at Risk and Social Work Values; and Ethics.
What Do Social Workers Do?
BSW social workers are educated with skills for working at every level of practice, including micro (individuals, families, and groups) mid-level (organizations) and macro (policy planning and program development). You will learn the theories, values and skills to work in many types of social work settings. BSW social workers have competencies in many roles including counselors, consultants, case managers, organizers, planners, activists, policy makers and administrators. These roles involve: linking clients with resources; counseling individuals or families or groups; facilitating organizational changes that support client needs; leading community development efforts; initiating social policy shifts, etc. Social workers are at the forefront of understanding and supporting mechanisms so that every human being is able to maximize his or her unique strengths in functioning in our global society. We emphasize the importance of viewing the person in the environment, so that we celebrate diversity and begin our work from a strengths perspective that facilitates client empowerment.
Career Opportunities in Social Work
BSW social workers are found in a wide variety of settings. You might work in fields like children and youth , health, mental health, criminal justice, community organizing, drugs and alcohol, gerontology, etc.
Temple University is well connected with the Greater Philadelphia and the Harrisburg social service communities. We have formal field placement agreements with over 500 agencies and community organizations. Our students are provided with an array of field opportunities that are overseen by a skilled and experienced staff of Field Education Specialists.
You can earn certificates in the following areas: Child and Family, Gerontology, Women's Studies—or you can create your own portfolio that uses your elective courses and field placements to target your personal goals. Social work is a profession that allows you to focus on a specific client group and role and to gain competency in generic skills for any professional challenge.
Why Choose Temple University's School of Social Administration?
Temple University's School of Social Administration is dedicated to the success of its BSW students. We are one of the largest schools in the region, and have a dynamic faculty that is recognized and respected in the profession.
We are ranked among the top ten undergraduate social work programs in the country (Gourman Report).
* We offer all BSW classes in both day and evenings formats.
* You will be able to transfer your credits from other schools, and will be able
to take advantage of the "45 credit plus" waivers of core courses
and/or the many Temple "core to core" agreements. NOTE:
You will need to complete the unique requirements of our social work curriculum,
so see an adviser to schedule your classes.
* You will be advised by a full time faculty member or academic
professional. During your Senior level field placement, your Practice
teacher will candidate your placement.
* Your progress will be monitored by the BSW Program Director so that you will
be clear about what you need to do in order to graduate.
* You will be considered for the many awards, honors and scholarships available
for BSW students.
* You will be eligible to apply for the Advanced Standing program which allows
you to earn a Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW) in one year and a summer or
two years part time.
The BSW Curriculum
The BSW program requires social work students to meet Temple University's
Core Curriculum in order to give them a strong liberal arts foundation for their
social work education. The professional social work courses build upon
this content to add professional social work knowledge, values and skills.
There are two full years of social work practice courses, the first requiring
about six hours per week in a field practicum and the senior practice course
requiring about 16 hours per week in a field practicum. There are 124
credits required to obtain the BSW degree.
School of Social Administration Student Groups
As a student at Temple University's School of Social Administration, you will become a part of a strong community. Our major strength is our diversity. Our undergraduate program provides classes that are living laboratories of what social work practice is about. You will have the opportunity to be in class with students who are different from you, and who represent every possible point of view. You will find a new home.
These student groups are available to you:
* Student Collective: The Collective is the umbrella group for the
entire student body. All Graduate (MSW) and undergraduate (BSW) students
are members. The Collective is required to name the student
representatives to all Faculty/Staff committees—including the EPPC
(Educational Policy and Procedures Committee), Faculty Committee, etc.
* Temple Action Network (TAN): Student political action group, organized
to promote social action among Temple SSA students. This group was
developed based on the idea that if each student could give just a little time
(i.e., like 30 minutes per month), then we could support any cause that any
student might support. The group would promote any movement for increased
social and economic justice.
* International Students: This is a student run organization for
international students, or any student who is interested in an international
perspective.
* PRIDE: This group is for students, faculty and staff who are
interested in gay, lesbian, bisexual and/or transgendered issues.
* Student Association of Black Social Workers (SABSW): This is a group
that supports African American social work students and professionals.
Ken M. White, Admissions/Advising Coordinator
531 Ritter Annex
(215) 204-3362 (Ms. Sandra Gideon).
Leave a message and she will
send information and/or schedule an appointment.
For information about admission to the University, see Undergraduate
Admissions.
Freshman and transfer students who express interest in social welfare or social work are admitted directly into the School of Social Administration following acceptance by the University.
New Career Ladders in Social Work
Sharon K. Webster
521 Ritter Annex
(215) 204-7631
New Career Ladders is an alternative entry route to college for persons with demonstrated interest and motivation in the human services field and who meet the following criteria:
- have been or are currently an employee or volunteer in a human service organization;
- have a high school or GED diploma; and
- are 22 years of age or older.
Transfer Students From Schools Outside of Temple
Persons expecting to transfer to Temple's Undergraduate Social Work Program
are urged to contact the School at (215) 204-3362 for an appointment as
soon as they have identified interest in this program. (See Undergraduate
Admissions regarding transfer
admissions.) Those who bring in more than 30 semester hours
begin with Social Work 0051, Helping Processes I, which is offered only
in the fall.
Students who transfer from two-year associate degree programs in Human Services are expected to complete all professional courses as well as the Core Curriculum.
SW C121 and SW 0122 are offered in the summer for transfer students who have successfully completed SW 0051-0052 and have the necessary credits (85) and courses to enroll in Senior Seminar and Senior Practica (SW W285/0290 - W286/0291) in the fall. Students are expected to be majors in the program a minimum of two years and a summer.
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SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND FACILITIES
Academic Credit for Relevant Social Service Work and Educational
Experience
The School of Social Administration attracts students who are now or
have been employed in responsible positions in the field of social welfare.
In addition to performance skills, these students have also gained practical
as well as theoretical understanding of various aspects of social work.
Students are encouraged to apply for work experience credit immediately
after completing 30 semester hours at Temple University. Application forms
are available from Martin B. Millison, the B.S.W. Coordinator, Ritter Annex
Room 524, or Ken M. White, the BSW Admissions and Advising Coordinator,
Room 531 Ritter Annex. Approved credit is recorded on the student's transcript
upon payment of the required fees set by the University. Such credits may
not be used as substitutes for University Core Curriculum, B.S.W. courses,
or field requirements. They count only as elective credits.
Certificate in Child and Family Services
In response to the need for social workers with training in child and
family services, the School offers a specialized certificate program in
these fields which may be completed concurrently with the Bachelor of Social
Work program. The certificate requires a field placement in an agency providing
services to children and families and completion of the following four
courses:
- SW 0105 Child Development
- SW 0200 Emotional Disturbance in Children and Adolescents
- SW 0260 Family Theory and Practice
- SW 0361 Developmental Disabilities Policy and Services
The Extern Program is another way to acquire experience in a social service setting or in some other job field to aid the student in the process of career decision. This program is usually offered in January during the two week period before classes begin. Students work at the extern site four days each week and participate in a career development seminar at Temple on the fifth day. This program is jointly sponsored by University Career Services and the Schools of Temple. Interested students may discuss this with Sharon Webster, RA 549.
Job Resources Bank
In addition to the help provided by the Office of Career Services,
the School of Social Administration maintains its own Job Resources Bank
geared specifically to the needs and career interests of social workers.
Information about employment opportunities and current job openings is
regularly collected, updated, and posted in the School. The School's liaison
in Career Services meets frequently with students to provide career information
as well as specific leads on employment. The Office of Career Services
plans and conducts special workshops and seminars specifically oriented
to students in Social Administration.
School of Social Administration Library
Located on the first floor of Ritter Annex in the Zahn Instructional
Materials Center is the University's major collection of books and journals
related specifically to the field of social work. Students have easy access
here to materials placed on reserve by the School. There are also duplication
facilities and a comfortable work, study, and reading environment.
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Academic achievement is recognized and valued by the School and the University. In this regard, the School follows the grade point average recognized by the University. Dean's List is achieved each semester that a full-time student (12-17 semester hours) earns both a 3.50 semester average and a 3.50 cumulative average. Notation appears on student transcript.
Alpha Delta Mu National Social Work Honor Society
Students with a cumulative average of 3.50 or above may apply for nomination to Alpha Delta Mu. Juniors and seniors are eligible for membership. Students should discuss this with their advisers.
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Academic Standing
Social work majors are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.25
or above. The GPA for each semester must also be at the level of 2.25 or
above.
Academic Warning will be issued to students whose GPA falls below 2.25 for one semester. Students should not register for more than 12 s.h. until they improve their average.
Probation: Students who fall below a 2.25 either for the semester or for their cumulative average will be placed on probation. They may register for no more than 12 s.h. for the next term in order to improve their average. If, after two semesters of academic probation, the student's average is still below a 2.25, the student is subject to dismissal from the School of Social Administration.
Students are expected to maintain grades of C or above in each of the professional and professionally related courses. Students who earn a C- or below in a professional course must repeat the course.
Dismissal: If, after two semesters on probation and a 12 s.h. roster, the student does not achieve a cumulative average of 2.25 or show evidence of substantive scholastic improvement, the student is subject to dismissal from the School.
Continuing in the Social Work Major
Continuation as a Social Work major is contingent upon successful completion
of the course and field requirements of SW 0051 and 0052, Helping Processes
I and II, the recommendation of the class and field instructors, and satisfactory
academic performance. Students make application to the major at the end
of SW 0051. Formal acceptance into the major is one of the requirements
for the Bachelor of Social Work degree. It is expected that students will
meet regularly with their advisers so that the course selection process
affords the student appropriate choices and options.
Courses Inapplicable to the Degree
Credits for ELECT, Mathematics 0015 (formerly Math 0001), Composition
0045, SRAP, and Military Science do not count toward graduation requirements.
Placement Testing
Completion of assigned remedial courses as well as making up such entrance
deficiencies as are indicated by English and mathematics placement testing
is mandatory.
Readmission Application
To reenter the School of Social Administration, students must submit
a Readmission Application to the Admissions Coordinator. Students seeking
readmission after an absence of more than two semesters, not including
summers, shall be subject to review by the B.S.W. coordinator. If readmitted,
the student's program for completion of degree requirements shall be planned
in accordance with those currently operative in the program. If courses
were taken elsewhere, applicants are responsible for having official transcripts
available when submitting the readmission application.
Applicants who wish to enroll in a school or college other than the one in which they were last enrolled must first be accepted for readmission by the original college and then file an intra-university transfer form.
A student who has been dismissed from the School may petition for readmission only after a period of at least one semester. This period does not include the summer sessions.
Transfer from Schools Within the University
Students who are in good standing in the University may transfer to
the School of Social Administration at any point during their academic
career. Before transfer, conferences with both the original school adviser
and the social work admissions coordinator would be useful.
Because of the professional requirements and the sequential nature of the curriculum, students are encouraged to enter the programs as early as possible. Students are expected to be majors in the program for a minimum of two years.
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Faculty members and academic professionals serve as academic advisers to social work majors. Early and regular contact with the adviser can be extremely helpful. The adviser is a knowledgeable person with whom students may discuss issues of concern in relation to university regulations, career and professional matters, as well as course selection.
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