Social WorkWeb: www.gmu.edu/departments/socialwork FacultyProfessors: Raskin, Ritchie, Rose Associate professors: Davis, Rome (chair), Wolf-Branigin Assistant professors: Ericson, Nemon, Kiernan-Stern, Lawson, Tompkins This department offers all course work designated SOCW in the "Course Descriptions" chapter of this catalog. Undergraduate ProgramsSocial Work, BSThe BS 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. SOCW 323 has been approved as a university synthesis course and is open to all majors. Degree RequirementsTo receive a BS in Social Work, the student must successfully complete requirements for the bachelor of science degree, including the following:
To be admitted to the social work program, a student must have
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 (with 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. Writing Intensive RequirementThe university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in the 300-level or above. Students majoring in Social Work may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing SOCW 471. Minor in Social WorkA minor in social work requires 18 credits in SOCW 300, 301, 323, 351, and two social work electives with a minimum GPA of 2.000. 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. For policies governing all minors, see "minors" under "The Undergraduate Academic Program" in the Academic Policies chapter of this catalog. Certificate in Child WelfareThe 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 FeesAll 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, and 456.) 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 ProgramsSocial Work, MSWThe MSW prepares students for advanced practice in social work. Following completion of a foundation year of study, students complete specialized course work in organizational leadership 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, MSW courses are offered on the Arlington campus during late afternoon and evening hours. Field placements, however, generally require availability during regular daytime hours. Degree RequirementsTo receive a master's in Social Work, students must successfully complete the following:
Admission to the MSW 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 MSW 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 a B- or better in each required course and must maintain a 3.000 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). A prerequisite must be satisfied with a B- or better before registering for the next course in a sequence. No more than 7 total credits of C may be repeated overall. Social work faculty members 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. Extended Studies students must seek department approval before registering for courses. Advanced StandingStudents with a BSW degree who demonstrate superior academic achievement and excellence in social work practice will be considered for advanced standing. Advanced standing students begin the MSW program in the summer, then move directly into the concentration year. Minimum admission requirements include:
To receive an MSW, advanced standing students must successfully complete the following:
All other academic policies for the advanced standing program are identical to those for the regular MSW program. Insurance CoverageStudents 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. ImmunizationsAll 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. |
