Department of Social Work
404A Anderson Hall
610-436-2527
Department of Social Work
Greg Tully, Interim Chairperson
Brie Radis, Assistant Chairperson
The Social Work program is accredited on the baccalaureate level as a professional degree in social work by the Council on Social Work Education.
The mission of the undergraduate Social Work program is to prepare students for beginning social work practice and lifelong learning. To this end, the program teaches the knowledge, values, and skills of generalist social work, with an emphasis on self-evaluation, critical thinking, information literacy, and understanding the intersections of people and their environments. Students apply micro, mezzo, and macro frameworks for assessment and intervention through experiential learning that includes two field placements over the course of three semesters. The program prepares students to adhere to the ethical standards of social work, to advocate for social and economic justice, and to promote the strengths and well-being of diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Students graduate with the core competencies appropriate to entry-level generalist social work as well as the foundation for graduate social work education.
The B.S.W. program has three phases: the first is the pre-candidacy courses along with their general education requirements; the second occurs when students formally apply for candidacy, which is the professional social work track where advanced course work and the junior field experience are completed; and the third is at the conclusion of the spring junior year when students enter the senior field experience. The Bachelor of Social Work is conferred on undergraduates who complete all the academic requirements of the program and West Chester University. The B.S.W. is recognized as the first professional level of social work practice.
Goals for the B.S.W. Program
The undergraduate Social Work program goals are linked to core practice competencies as set forth in the Council on Social Work Education’s 2015 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). With the liberal arts as its foundation, B.S.W. graduates are prepared to engage in entry-level social work practice through mastery of these ten core competencies. As such, the department’s goal is that, by completion of the program, students are prepared to:
- Engage in evidence-based, entry-level social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations within a multicultural society
- Practice according to the principles, values, and ethics that guide the social work profession
- Influence social policies with the goal of alleviating poverty, oppression, and social injustice as well as advocating for human rights
- Identify and affect the bio-psycho-social, spiritual, and cultural functioning of people
- Evidence practice from a culturally sensitive perspective that recognizes and appreciates diverse cultures, particularly those that differ from one’s own
The B.S.W. program has the following core competencies:
Competency 1: Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
Competency 2: Engage diversity and difference in practice
Competency 3: Advance human rights and social and economic justice
Competency 4: Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.
Competency 5: Engage in policy practice
Competency 6: Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
Competency 7: Assess with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
Competency 8: Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
Competency 9: Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
All students must demonstrate attitudes and professional behaviors consistent with the values and ethics of professional social work and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Social Work Code of Ethics.
The B.S.W. program is based in a strong liberal arts foundation. We believe this is covered by the current University degree requirements. In addition, since our last re-accreditation, our department has reviewed the curricular requirements and received feedback from multiple constituents (students, faculty, advisory board, field supervisors) that students would benefit from taking more social work electives and/or additional coursework at the university that supports the field experience. In addition, we have added a required summer bridge reading assignment for our seniors that fulfills the original purpose of the literature requirement: to expose students to more diverse life experiences through literature.
Department-Related Activities
The Social Work Club is a student organization that elects officers and sets a yearly agenda. The activities of this organization are open to all students. The honor society, Phi Alpha, is sponsored by the Department of Social Work and is the Chi Gamma Chapter of the National Social Work Honor Society. Eligibility requires an overall GPA of 3.0 and 3.25 in required social work courses. The Association of Black Social Workers is another social work organization that elects officers and sets a yearly service and program agenda. SuperMoms of WCU is an organization that creates a safe environment and works to empower, advocate, and join mothers and people who support mothers on campus together as they receive and exchange support from one another. For more information, see the Student Activities and Service Organization sections of the catalog.
Social Work Field Placements
Below is a sampling of settings where students have been placed to fulfill their field experience requirements:
ARC of Chester County
Bucks County Children and Youth
Chester County Children, Youth, and Families
Chester County Intermediate Unit
Chester County Juvenile Probation
Chester County Office of the Aging
Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Centers (OIC)
County Office of Services for Older Adults
Delaware County Adult Probation and Parole
Department of Human Services
Devereux Foundation
Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County
Elwyn
Family Services of Chester County
Friend’s Association
Kendal-Crosslands
Philadelphia School District
ReMed
Resources for Human Development
Ronald McDonald House
Salvation Army
The Garage Community Youth Center
University of Pennsylvania Health Systems
Values Into Action
Vitas Hospice
Philadelphia Campus
The B.S.W. in Social Work is also offered at the Philadelphia campus.
Curriculums for programs offered at the alternative PASSHE Center City satellite campus in Philadelphia are equivalent to those found on WCU’s main campus. With state-of-the-art classrooms, the Center City location serves the needs of degree completers and/or adult learners who are balancing work and family obligations.
Major
Minor
Graduate Opportunities
See the graduate catalog for more information on the Social Work programs.
All undergraduate students are held to the academic policies and procedures outlined in the undergraduate catalog. Students are encouraged to review departmental handbooks for program tips, suggested course sequences, and explanations of procedures. When applicable, additional policies for specific department programs may be listed below.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet University requirements for admission. After successfully completing the first year of pre-candidacy social work course requirements, students may apply for candidacy for the professional social work track.
For admittance to senior field placement, students must pass the junior competency exam requirements in social work and fulfill the requirements outlined on the guidance record sheet.
In compliance with the Council on Social Work Education, the national accrediting body for social work, the program only accepts upper-division social work courses from accredited programs that correspond with West Chester University B.S.W. program sequencing. No social work credits are granted for life and work experience.
Academic Advising Policy
Majors are required to meet with their social work advisor to plan an integrative course of study, to select courses prior to scheduling, to discuss career opportunities, and to keep abreast of departmental activities. Handbooks are provided to help students be aware of requirements and procedures in the department. Social work majors should be aware of social work prerequisite courses and must see their advisor before registering for classes.
Academic Promotion Policy
Social work students must achieve a grade of C or above in required professional practice courses that include SWO 320, 321, 375, 395, 450, 451, 495, 496. Social work students that have a grade of D, F, or NG (no grade) in other required social work courses must repeat these courses and achieve a satisfactory grade before entering the junior field placement. Students must achieve an overall GPA of 2.5 in order to be accepted into candidacy and to begin their first field practicum. Students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA in order to remain in the program and in order graduate with a B.S.W. that has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Further information can be found in the student handbook and field manual that is updated annually and posted to the Department’s website.
Field Placement/Volunteer Experiences Policy
Social work students are expected to provide a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer work, approved by their advisor, as a requirement to be accepted into candidacy. During the second semester of the junior year and in both semesters of the senior year, students will be placed in various social work agencies (see partial listing of social work field placements).
Students must have completed the below with a cumulative average of 2.50 before they register to take the junior field placement in the spring semester.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SWO 200 | Introduction to Social Welfare | 3 |
| SWO 220 | Introduction to Generalist Practice | 3 |
| SWO 225 | Race Relations | 3 |
| SWO 300 | Family Systems | 3 |
| SWO 320 | Generalist Social Work Practice I | 3 |
| SWO 332 | Social Welfare Policies and Services | 3 |
| SWO 350 | Human Behavior in Social Environment I | 3 |
Insurance Policy
Students are also required to carry liability insurance coverage during the second semester of their junior and the entire senior year. Students may join NASW and become a member of a national social work organization and receive liability insurance at a reduced rate. Students need to apply for child abuse clearance and state police background check in the fall semester of their junior year prior to being matched with a field placement. Field sites may have additional requirements of students prior to the start of their field placement.
Transfer Students
Students from other colleges and universities who desire to transfer to the West Chester University baccalaureate social work program should apply through the University’s Office of Admissions, which will coordinate the credit evaluations of social work courses with the baccalaureate social work program director. Transfer students are required to make application for candidacy.
A transfer credit analysis, listing all transfer credits accepted by the University, will be sent to the Department of Social Work and also directly to the student. The B.S.W. program director may accept social work transfer credits from CSWE-accredited undergraduate social work programs.
The field practicum and seminar are concurrent courses in the WCU undergraduate social work program; therefore, they are not transferable. The policies and requirements for the field practice are explicated in the Baccalaureate Program Field Instruction Manual. All other social work courses not meeting the requirements of the program may be accepted as SWO 199 course credit hours.
Internal Transfer Students
Internal transfer students meet the same standards for the program as other students.
Professors
Michele Belliveau (2006)
B.A., Earlham College; M.S.S.W., Columbia University; Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Claire L. Dente (2008)
B.A., Chestnut Hill College; M.S.W., Catholic University of America; Ph.D., Temple University
Travis Sky Ingersoll (2011)
B.A., State University of New York at Buffalo; M.S.W, M.Ed., Ed.D., Widener University
Greg Tully (2010)
Interim Chairperson, Undergraduate Social Work
B.A., New York University; M.S.W., Hunter College; Ph.D., New York University
Associate Professors
Pablo Arriaza (2016)
Chairperson, Undergraduate Social Work
B.S. Florida State University; M.S.W. Florida State University; Ph.D. University of Alabama
Brie Radis (2018)
Assistant Chairperson, Undergraduate Social Work
B.A., Earlham College; M.S.S., M.L.S.P., Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research; D.S.W., University of Pennsylvania
Susan Wysor Nguema (2016)
Assistant Chairperson, Undergraduate Social Work
B.S.W., La Salle University; M.S., University of Pennsylvania; M.S.W., Temple University; Ph.D., Widener University
Assistant Professors
Hadih A Deedat (2019)
B.A., University of Ghana; M.P.H., Temple University; M.S., Ph.D., Widener
Margaret Panichelli (2018)
B.A., M.S.W., West Chester University; Ph.D., Portland State University
Ebonnie Vazquez (2019)
B.S., Cheyney University; M.S.W., University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work; Ph.D., Walden University
SWO
SWO 199. Transfer Credits. 1-10 Credits.
Transfer Credits.
Repeatable for Credit.
SWO 200. Introduction to Social Welfare. 3 Credits.
An introduction to the social work profession, this course emphasizes the historical, economic, political, and philosophical foundations of the social welfare system in the United States; social policy; and social services. It introduces a framework for the critical analysis of social welfare policy from a system perspective.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
SWO 220. Introduction to Generalist Practice. 3 Credits.
In this course, students are introduced to the knowledge base, values and skills of the social work profession that guides practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and societal systems.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
SWO 225. Race Relations. 3 Credits.
The course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race, ethnicity, and culture. By integrating findings from history, political science, sociology, and social work, students are introduced to cultural differences as they affect family life, the development of law, and the nature and magnitude of racism in our society. The overarching goal of this course is to encourage the student to embark on the process of becoming culturally competent.
Gen Ed Attribute: Diversity Requirement, Interdisciplinary Requirement.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
SWO 300. Family Systems. 3 Credits.
This course is an introduction to the family from a systems theory perspective. The course includes discussion of historical and contemporary definitions of the family, types of families, the social function of families, and an overview of the family life cycle. Particular attention is paid to diversity in order to highlight variations in family forms and styles along the lines of race, ethnicity, class and sexual orientation.
Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Summer.
SWO 320. Generalist Social Work Practice I. 3 Credits.
Students apply their knowledge of the strengths and ecological perspectives to the processes of engagement, assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, and termination for social work practice with individuals and families. Social Work majors only.
Pre / Co requisites: SWO 320 requires a corequisite or prerequisite of SWO 220 with a minimum of C or better.
Gen Ed Attribute: Ethics Requirement.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
SWO 321. Generalist Social Work Practice II. 3 Credits.
Students apply their knowledge of the strengths and ecological perspectives to the processes of engagement, assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, and termination for social work practice with groups, organizations and communities. Social Work majors only.
Pre / Co requisites: SWO 321 requires a prerequisite of SWO 320 with a minimum grade of C or better.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
SWO 332. Social Welfare Policies and Services. 3 Credits.
This course introduces students to policy analysis. A main focus is an examination of how the U.S. Government supports or inhibits social and economic justice through social welfare, social security social policy, and social services.
Pre / Co requisites: SWO 332 requires prerequisites or corequisites of SWO 200, SWO 220, SWO 225, and SWO 300.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.
SWO 350. Human Behavior in Social Environment I. 3 Credits.
This course examines the life cycle from pre-natal development through young adulthood with an emphasis on micro and mezzo theories of human behavior from a strengths and ecological systems perspective. The course is designed to provide the theoretical foundation that informs the knowledge and skill bases of the generalist social work practitioner.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
SWO 351. Human Behavior and the Social Environment II. 3 Credits.
This course examines the life cycle from middle adulthood through older adulthood and death and dying with an emphasis on mezzo and macro theories of human behavior from a strengths and ecological systems perspective.
Gen Ed Attribute: Diversity Requirement, Writing Emphasis.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
SWO 375. Field Experience I. 6 Credits.
Junior-year field experience for the social work major in an approved setting and under the supervision of an approved field instructor. Social Work majors only.
SWO 395. Junior Seminar. 3 Credits.
The integration of knowledge, values, and skills within the theoretical framework of generalist social work practice. This course is the beginning foundation for students to examine ways social work theory and values are integrated into the reality of practice.
Pre / Co requisites: SWO 395 requires a corequisite of SWO 375.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
SWO 410. Independent Studies in Social Work. 1-3 Credits.
Special research projects or practices in social work.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
Repeatable for Credit.
SWO 421. Mental Health, Substance Use & Social Work. 3 Credits.
This course introduces students to the signs and symptoms of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Specific practice skills for social work practice, the range of mental health services, and relevant social policies are covered.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
SWO 423. Child Welfare Practice and Policy. 3 Credits.
Emphasis is placed on assessment of and understanding child abuse and neglect, the long term effects of child maltreatment, how to engage families in which child maltreatment is an identified issue, the child protective service system and relevant policies.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.
SWO 431. Methods Of Social Inquiry. 3 Credits.
The course introduces students to qualitative and quantitative research, ethical and cultural issues in research, and fosters critical thinking in evaluating existing research. Students learn how to conduct a research project and the skills of social work practice evaluation.
Pre / Co requisites: SWO 431 requires prerequisites of SWO 200, SWO 220, SWO 225, and SWO 300.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.
SWO 432. Advanced Policy Practice. 3 Credits.
The relationship between social policy and social work practice is strengthened as students are taught the concept of policy practice or how to develop, influence, and implement social policy in their social work practice everyday.
Pre / Co requisites: SWO 432 requires a prerequisite of SWO 332.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring.
SWO 450. Field Experience II. 6 Credits.
Senior field experience for the social work major in an approved setting and under the supervision of an approved field instructor. Senior social work majors only.
Repeatable for Credit.
SWO 451. Field Experience III. 6 Credits.
Senior field experience for the social work major in an approved setting and under the supervision of an approved field instructor. Senior social work majors only.
Repeatable for Credit.
SWO 490. Topical Seminar in Social Work. 3 Credits.
In-depth topics in social work offered to complement the undergraduate program's field practicum.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
SWO 491. Human Sexuality for Helping Professionals. 3 Credits.
In this course, human sexuality is explored from trauma-sensitive, strengths-based, and bio-psycho-social-cultural-spiritual perspectives. Students are given the opportunity to examine how their values, connected to a variety of sexuality topics, lead to their individual sense of morality and influence their personal and professional conduct. Students analyze where the Circles of Sexuality Model and the NASW Code of Ethics naturally intersect and discuss how social workers are often in ideal positions to spread the benefits of accurate and positive sexual health education to the individuals, groups, and communities they serve. In addition, trauma-informed social work and trauma-sensitive mindfulness applications are topics explored throughout the duration of this course.
Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis.
Typically offered in Spring.
SWO 495. Social Work Senior Seminar I. 3 Credits.
Integration of field and classroom experiences in discussing the application of the generalist model to the helping process. Emphasis is on all levels of practice (individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social Work majors only.
Pre / Co requisites: SWO 495 requires a prerequisite of SWO 395 and a corequisite of SWO 450.
Gen Ed Attribute: Speaking Emphasis, Writing Emphasis.
Typically offered in Fall.
SWO 496. Social Work Senior Seminar II. 3 Credits.
Integration of field and classroom experiences in discussing the application of the generalist model to the helping process. Emphasis is on advocacy and social justice. Social work majors only.
Pre / Co requisites: SWO 496 requires a prerequisite of SWO 495 and a corequisite of SWO 451.
