West Chester University - College of Business & Public Affairs

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Social Work

Bachelor of Social Work

The Social Work Program at West Chester University prepares generalist practitioners to function at the beginning level of the profession, utilizing a creative blend of knowledge, values, and skills that are grounded in a strong liberal arts foundation.

Students learn basic knowledge, values and skills in the following content areas: Social Work Values and Ethics, Diversity, Populations at Risk and Social Economic Justice, Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Social Welfare Policy and Services, Social Work Practice, Research, and Field Education. These areas prepare students to engage client systems in the problem-solving process, recognize and use appropriate intervention processes, view clients as embedded in their various social systems, practice self-awareness, distinguish between personal and professional values, practice according to the profession's standards of ethical behavior, appreciate diversity, and practice client advocacy.

Program Objectives:

Engage in evidence-based entry-level social work practice with individuals, families groups, communities and organizations within a multicultural society (EP 2.1.1, EP 2.1.3, EP 2.1.6, EP 2.1.8, and EP 2.1.10).
Practice according to the principles, values, and ethics that guide the social work profession (EP 2.1.2, EP 2.1.3).
Influence social policies with the goal of alleviating poverty, oppression, and social injustice as well as advocating for human rights (EP 2.1.3, EP 2.1.4, EP 2.1.5, EP 2.1.6, and EP 2.1.8)
Indentify and affect the bio-psycho-social, spiritual, and cultural functioning of people (EP 2.1.7, EP 2.1.9).
Evidence practice from a culturally-sensitive perspective which recognizes and appreciates diverse cultures, particularly those that differ from one's own (EP2.1.4).

EPAS Competencies:

2.1.1    Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly.
2.1.2    Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice.
2.1.3    Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments.
2.1.4    Engage diversity and difference in practice.
2.1.5    Advance human rights and social and economic justice.
2.1.6    Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.
2.1.7    Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.
2.1.8    Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services.
2.1.9    Respond to contexts that shape practice.
2.1.10 Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.

Please take a look at our four year schedule.