East Central University offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program, which has been in existence since 1972. It was initially accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in 1984, and its accreditation reaffirmed by CSWE in 1988, 1995, 2003, and 2011.
The mission of the East Central University Social Work Program is to educate students for competent generalist social work practice in a rapidly changing and diverse society and who are dedicated to the alleviation of poverty and oppression and the enhancement of the quality of life for all people. The Program primarily achieves its mission by providing a quality curriculum that emphasizes competencies and practice behaviors consistent with generalist practice that are informed by the knowledge, values, and skills for professional social work with individuals, families, groups, and organizations and communities in a variety of social contexts, including practice in rural communities.
The Program's mission is consistent with the profession's purpose of promoting human and community well-being, which is guided by a person and environment construct, a global perspective, respect for human diversity, and knowledge based on scientific inquiry. The mission of the Program further reflects and advances the profession's values and quest for social and economic justice, the prevention of conditions that limit human rights, the elimination of poverty, and the enhancement of the quality of life for all persons.
SOCIAL WORK ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Students who major in Social Work are required to apply for admission after completion of the following courses: Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare; Professional Skills for Social Work and Social Welfare; General Biology or other approved human biology course; General Psychology; Introduction to Sociology; and Freshman Composition I and II, with at least a minimum grade of "C"; and have a minimum 2.25 GPA. Applications for Admission, which includes letters of recommendation, are accepted in the fall and spring semesters. After admission, with the Social Work advisor, a Plan of Study is developed with the student, which will guide the student's academic program at ECU.
- Application Check List
- Application for Admission
- Recommendation Forms
- Long-Range Planning
- Social Work Program Handbook
Social Work - Minor Requirements
For Majors in Human Resources Fields - 500A
SOWK 2273 Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare
SOWK 2521 Professional Skills for Social Work and Social Welfare
SOWK 3613 Social Welfare Policies and Services
SOWK 4423 Human Behavior and Social Environment II
Eight hours of electives approved by Social Work faculty
Minimum Total Hours 18
The Juvenile Justice major must select, with Social Work faculty approval, an additional Social Work course to substitute for SOWK 4423.
For Majors Not in Human Resources Fields - 500B
HURES 2103 Interviewing Techniques
HURES 3183 Case Management Practice
SOWK 2273 Intro to Social Work & Social Welfare
SOWK 2521 Professional Skills for Social Work and Social Welfare
SOWK 3613 Social Welfare Policy & Services
Five hours of electives approved by Social Work faculty
Minimum Total Hours 18
SOCIAL WORK DEGREE PROGRAM