justice Gwynedd issues Mercy . University
AY2023-2024 Undergraduate Academic Catalog
Preparation for Professional Licensure : The Gwynedd Mercy University BSW prepares students for the Association for Social Work Board exam utilized by all states that have licensure for bachelor-level social workers . Upon graduation , students can take the exam and complete the process for License Bachelor of Social Work ( LBSW ) status in the State of Pennsylvania .
Program Student Learning Outcomes Derived from the program mission , the Gwynedd Mercy University BSW Program Learning Outcomes ( Goals ) are to : PLO1 : Prepare students to think critically about social issues through a liberal arts-based curriculum and a strengths-based , person-in- environment generalist social work education ; PLO2 : Prepare students to work with a diverse population of clients utilizing social work professional skills and knowledge as a mean to understand social and economic injustice and promote positive social change ; PLO3 : Produce graduates who will identify with and practice within the values and ethics of the social work profession with particular attention to diverse and at-risk populations in an effort to promote social and economic justice ; PLO4 : Prepare students to utilize research-informed practice skills and conduct practice-informed research so they are able to further influence social policy and programs .
For Major Requirements , see Program Handbook and Curriculum Sheets . For Curriculum Sequence , see Program Handbook .
Academic Criteria for Admission , Progression and Retention
Program Admissions Requirements and Procedures : Any student accepted into the University can declare social work as a major . Students will undergo a performance review in the social work major after taking SWK 201 , SWK 202 and SWK 241 in the first semester of their sophomore year . They must submit a candidacy application to the Program Director by December 1 st of their sophomore year .
The Candidacy Application must include the following :
1 . A candidacy application form with all required personal information .
2 . A copy of the student ’ s unofficial transcript indicating an overall GPA of 2.5 or better and a2.67 or better in required social work courses .
3 . All criminal background checks necessary to practice with children and adults . 4 . A completed and signed volunteer service form verifying that the student has performed 30 hours of volunteer service in the past three years . It is important that this volunteer service has been performed at a non-profit agency . Day camp counselor , babysitter , or running errands are not appropriate volunteer service activities .
5 . A letter of recommendation from a human service professional who supervised the student ’ s volunteer experience stating they believe the student has qualities for success as a social worker , including what they think will make the student successful .
6 . A letter of recommendation from a non-social work professor stating they think they have the academic ability and discipline to succeed in the BSW program .
7 . A three- to five-page self-assessment paper describing student qualities that would make them a good social worker . The paper should address any biases the student may be aware of and how the social work degree fits in to their career goals . The paper should make the case for the student to be admitted into the BSW program including how they can contribute to leadership in the degree program ( participation in the Social Work Club , service , Phi Alpha Honor Society , etc .).
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