666 College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Social Work is a self-regulating profession with sanction from public, private and voluntary auspices. Through all its roles and functions and multiple settings, social work is based on knowledge and competence in evidence-based practice skills, and is guided by professional values and ethics. With its central focus on the transactions between people and their environments, social work uses research and theory from social, behavioral, and biological sciences as well as from social work practice itself, developing a unique perspective on the human condition. Sound curriculum designs give the educational program the integrated focus inherent in the profession's enduring philosophical base. This ensures historical continuity and provides a stable framework from which to assess and incorporate practice innovations, emerging knowledge, and interdisciplinary exchanges. This combination of curricular stability and flexibility is essential if the program is to respond effectively to changing social forces and provide leadership in the profession's ongoing quest for progressive social change. It is, therefore, essential that all professional social workers have in common knowledge, skills, and values that are generally transferable from one setting, population group, geographic area, or problem to another. The Social Work program is designed to: (l) prepare students for generalist entry-level social work practice; (2) prepare students for graduate social work education; (3) prepare students to take the Social Service Worker licensing examination; (4) provide a liberal, interdisciplinary learning experience to help students in their understanding of and adjustment to living in a democratic society; and (5) provide continuing educational opportunities for baccalaureate and paraprofessional social welfare providers. Gerontology Gerontology is the multi-disciplinary study of the processes of aging from conception to death with special focus on the later life cycle and the problems associated with aging and the aged in society. Individuals working in the field of aging need a broad range of knowledge that transcends a single academic discipline. The Gerontology Program at Weber State University is designed to: (1) provide preparation for employment in both the private and public sector including working with senior citizen centers, nutrition programs, housing projects, long-term care facilities, state and local aging programs, Hospice, research, senior volunteer programs, job services, retirement planning and other age- related employment; (2) provide continuing education for job enrichment and preparation for persons already in the aging employment sector through consultation, workshops and academic courses to enhance career opportunities; (3) provide general education courses designed to assist students in understanding and dealing with older persons within their family and society at large; (4) encourage students to go directly into aging employment and/or to seek graduate degrees in gerontology or related fields leading to positions in national, regional and local aging network sectors. Note: No new majors are being accepted in this program at this time. However, the minor, BIS emphasis, and non- degree certificate programs are active and available. Social Work (BA) Social Work Major Bachelor's Degree (BS or BA) • Program Prerequisite: Must be accepted to the program (see Admissions Requirements described later in this section). • Minor: The Social Work Major requires either: (a) the completion of a minor; or (b) a minor alternative. Minor requirements are found in the University catalog under the specific programs that offer them. As an alternative to a minor, a Social Work Major may choose to complete 18 credits (generally the equivalent of six courses) from a set of approved elective enrichment courses listed below. • Grade Requ i re m ents: A grade o f" C" o r bette r is required in all courses toward and included in this major (a grade of "C-" is not acceptable). In addition, an overall GPA for these courses of 2.5 must be maintained. Also refer to the general grade requirements Degree and General Education Requirements. Students not meeting the minimum grade requirements for an individual Social Work course may repeat that course one (1) time before being dropped from the Social Work program. In the rare event a student is unable to complete SW 4860 and SW 4861 in the field agency they are originally placed, at the discretion of the field placement advisor, the student may request a new placement one (1) time only. Students at any time failing to meet the overall GPA of 2.5 will be given a probationary semester to raise their GPA to the minimum standard. Failure to comply with this policy will result in being dropped from the Social Work program. • Credit Hour Requirements: A total of 120 credit hours is required for graduation; a minimum of 41 of these is required within the major not counting the prerequisite courses totaling 18 semester hours. A total of 40 upper division credit hours is required for graduation from Weber State University (courses numbered 3000 and above). Advisement Students accepted into the program are assigned to a faculty advisor for academic and professional advising. The faculty advisor assists students with course scheduling, academic counseling, and professional self-assessment. Students are required to see their faculty advisor at least one time per semester prior to registration. Call the Social Work/ Gerontology office number, 801-626-6157, or the Department Chair, at 801-626-6156, for more information or to schedule an appointment. (Also refer to the Department Advisor Referral List.) Admission Requirements Declare a program of study (see Enrollment Services and Information). Satisfactory completion of the following is required prior to formal acceptance into the program: 1. WSU Writing Competency (Composition)* 2. WSU Quantitative Literacy* 3. WSU Computer Literacy* 4. 60-63 semester graduation hours (or equivalent) including the prerequisite courses listed below for the Behavioral and Social Sciences, Human Weber State University 2013-2014 Catalog