George Mason University > University Catalog > College of Arts and Sciences
2003-04 University Catalog George Mason University


Social Work

Faculty

Professors: Raskin, Ritchie

Associate professors: Davis, Rome (chair)

Assistant professors: Ericson, Nemon, Kiernan-Stern

This department offers all course work designated SOCW in the "Course Descriptions" chapter of this catalog.

Undergraduate Programs

Social Work, B.S.

The B.S. in Social Work prepares students for beginning generalist professional practice in social work at the baccalaureate level and has been granted full accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education. Students are expected to abide by the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers.

No academic credit toward field experience or course work is given based on life or previous work experience(s).

The social work program does not offer all required courses during evening hours. Students should meet with an advisor to develop a plan in order to complete course work for the degree.

Degree Requirements

To receive a B.S. in Social Work, the student must successfully complete requirements for the bachelor of science degree, including the following:

1. First year general education requirements. An entering freshman should register for the New Century College Integrative Studies first-year sequence (NCLC 110 Community of Learners, NCLC 120 The Natural World, NCLC 130 The Socially Constructed World, and NCLC 140 Self as Citizen) for a total of 32 credits. A transfer student fulfills these requirements by presenting the following courses or their equivalents: 3 credits fine arts, IT 103, ENGL 101, SOCI 101, and ENGL 201; 3 credits in western civilization and 3 credits in global understanding; MATH 106 or above, 3 credits in philosophy or religious studies, COMM 100, and BIOL 104.

2. BIOL 103, ECON 100, GOVT 103, PSYC 100; PSYC 300 or SOCI 313, and 3 credits in American history.

3. 44 credits in social work, including SOCW 300, 301, 323,324, 351, 352, 357, 358, 359, 452, 453, 454, 456, 471, and two 400- or 500-level social work electives. A grade of C or better must be obtained in all these courses with the exception of the social work electives. The Senior Practicum (SOCW 453 and 456) is graded on a satisfactory/no-credit basis.

4. Satisfactory completion of junior-level field experience (100 hours) for two semesters in a social service agency approved by the director of field instruction in conjunction with SOCW 301 and SOCW 359.

5. Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 450 hours in a social service agency approved by the director of field instruction in conjunction with SOCW 453 and 456 (Senior Practicum). The practicum requires that students are available two days per week (Monday through Friday for one academic year) during daytime hours.

6. Additional credits to total 120.

To be admitted to the social work program, a student must have

1. completed at least 45 credits with a GPA of 2.500;

2. satisfactorily completed the NCLC first-year sequence or BIOL 103, BIOL 104, ENGL 101, SOCI 101, and PSYC 100;

3. earned at least a C in SOCW 301 and SOCW 351;

4. satisfactorily completed at least 60 hours in one semester in a social service agency approved by the director of field instruction in conjunction with SOCW 301; and

5. submitted an application for the social work major to the director of social work admissions. Sophomores should file this application between January 1 and March 15, juniors between September 1 and November 1. The student's application for admission to the social work major is reviewed for action by social work faculty members. A personal interview may be required.

There is no admission to the social work program in the summer. A student who has not met all criteria for admission to the major (including completion of junior field practica) by May 30 will not be considered for admission until the fall semester.

The social work faculty evaluate the student's performance periodically and may require a student to withdraw from the program when, in their judgment, performance is not satisfactory. The decision is based on the quality of academic and field performance as well as on personal fitness for the profession of social work. The student has the right to appeal.

Note: For social work majors, BIOL 103 and BIOL 104 are required for graduation.

SOCW 323, 351, and 357 are sequenced courses offered only during the fall semester. The second part, SOCW 324, 352, and 358/359, are only offered during the spring semester, and can only be taken upon successful completion of the first part (a grade of C or better). Graduation will be delayed if courses are not taken in proper sequence.

Students must have completed 6 credits of psychology before registering for PSYC 300.

Minor in Social Work

A minor in social work requires 18 credits in SOCW 300, 301, 323, 351, and two social work electives. SOCW 357, 358, 359, 452, 453, 454, and 456 are not open to minors. See an advisor in the social work program for more information.

Certificate in Child Welfare

The 24-credit child welfare certificate is available to undergraduate students majoring in social work, psychology, nursing, education, administration of justice, integrative studies, and other related majors. The certificate is beneficial for students interested in pediatrics, maternal and child health, youth recreation, school counseling, public social service, and diverse populations. Students complete course work and a supervised practicum. For information, contact Dr. Dennis Ritchie at (703) 993-1951.

Immunization and Fees

All students who are enrolled in a course that requires a field placement (SOCW 301, 359, 453, and 456) must have an annual tuberculosis screening (PPD). In addition, students must complete the entire hepatitis B immunization series in accordance with current U.S. Public Health Service recommendations. The cost of immunizations is the responsibility of the student. Some agencies used for field placements require fingerprinting, a criminal background check, and/or a child protective services check. Any cost related to this requirement is the responsibility of the student.

Insurance Coverage (For students enrolled in SOCW 301, 359, 453, 454, and 455.)

Students who participate in internships are covered for liability under Virginia's Self-Insured General Liability Insurance Plan and for medical malpractice under the Medical Malpractice Insurance Plan established by the Department of General Services, Division of Risk Management. These plans cover activities that the instructor has determined to be part of the student's course work. Activities that are not part of the course practicum are not covered. (Exclusions in the plan are listed in Section VII.)

A copy of the Self-Insured Liability Plan for the Commonwealth of Virginia is available in the office of the director of field instruction.

George Mason University and the social work program are an equal opportunity and affirmative action institution and the program is committed to the principle that access to study or employment opportunities afforded by the university and program, including all benefits and privileges, be accorded to each personstudent, faculty, or staffon the basis of individual merit and without regard to race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual or political orientation, sex, or age (except where sex or age is a bona fide occupational qualification).

Graduate Programs

Social Work, M.S.W.

The M.S.W. prepares students for advanced practice in social work. Following completion of a foundation year of study, students complete specialized course work in organizational management and social change. Students are expected to abide by the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers.

No academic credit toward field experience or course work is given based on life or previous work experience(s).

To accommodate working students, M.S.W. courses are offered on the Arlington campus during late afternoon and evening hours. Field placements, however, generally require availability during regular daytime hours.

Degree Requirements

To receive a master's in Social Work, students must successfully complete the following:

1. Foundation courses including: SOCW 623, 624, 651, 652, 657, 658, 670, 671

2. One elective from either SOCW 675 or SOCW 676

3. One elective chosen from among selected courses in: business administration, communication, conflict analysis and resolution, education, law, nursing/health science, psychology, public administration, public policy, sociology, or statistics

4. Concentration courses including: SOCW 684, SOCW 685, SOCW 686, SOCW 687, SOCW 688, SOCW 691

5. Successful completion of 900 hours of supervised field practicum in agencies approved by the Director of Field Education: 450 hours in conjunction with SOCW 672 and SOCW 673, and 450 hours in conjunction with SOCW 690

6. Successful completion of a culminating thesis project

7. Sixty (60) total credit hours

Admission to the M.S.W. program is for fall semester only. In addition to meeting the university's graduate admission requirements, students must have a minimum of 30 undergraduate credits in liberal arts, including at least 3 credits in each of the following: English composition, human biology, history or government, social sciences, and statistics.

Students may complete the M.S.W. program under a two-year or four-year plan. All courses are sequenced and must be taken in the order designated. Students should meet with their academic advisors to ensure timely completion of all degree requirements.

To remain in good standing, students must earn an B- or better in each required course and must maintain a 3.0 GPA. A course in which the student earns a C may be repeated once (with the exception of SOCW 672, SOCW 673, SOCW 690, and SOCW 691, which may not be repeated). No more than 7 total credits of C may be repeated overall.

The social work faculty evaluate each student's performance periodically, and may require the student to withdraw from the program when, in their judgment, performance is not satisfactory. The decision is based on the quality of academic and field performance as well as on personal fitness for the profession of social work. The student has the right to appeal.

Insurance Coverage

Students engaged in internships are covered for liability under the Commonwealth of Virginia's Self Insured Liability Insurance Plan and covered for medical malpractice under the Medical Malpractice Insurance Plan, as established by the Department of General Services, Division of Risk Management. Only practicum activities that have been determined by the field instructor to be part of the course are covered. Students are encouraged to obtain professional liability coverage through NASW, although this additional coverage is optional.

Immunizations

All students who are enrolled in a course that requires a field placement (SOCW 672; SOCW 673; SOCW 690) must have an annual Tuberculosis Screening (PPD). In addition, students must complete the entire Hepatitis B immunization series in accordance with current United States Public Health Service recommendations. The cost of the immunizations is the responsibility of the student. Any cost related to this requirement is the responsibility of the student. Students can register for classes prior to the completion of the immunizations. Immunizations are program requirements and must be completed by the student even if they are not required by the agency. Documentation to verify immunization must be submitted to the MSW Program Administrative Assistant.