Curriculum - Online Social Work Degree Program | Briar Cliff University

Online BSW Program Curriculum

The online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree completion program requires 124 credit hours for graduation, at least 77 of which you should have completed before admission to the program (or 62 for those with an associate's degree). The core social work courses are listed below:

Course Schedule

Year 1: Semester 1: Spring 2018 (10 credits) Credit Hours

History and General Method of Social Work

History of social work and introduction to the general method of social work with emphasis on diversity and populations-at-risk. Directed volunteer experience in one agency (three to four hours a week). This is the first required course in the social work sequence. Read More about History and General Method of Social Work

Human Behavior and the Social Environment

The course provides content about theories and knowledge of human biological, psychological and social development, and about the range of social systems in which individuals live (families, groups, organizations, institutions and communities). Content includes examining the impact of social and economic forces on individuals and social systems as well as values and ethical issues related to bio-pyscho-social theories. Human diversity issues are infused throughout the course Prerequisite:SOCY 124, BIOL 102/BIOL 111, SWRK 230, PSYC 110 and 280 Read More about Human Behavior and the Social Environment

Digital Research for Academic Endeavors

This course will help students reach new thresholds in their understanding of information literacy. Read More about Digital Research for Academic Endeavors

Student must also take an additional social work (SWRK) elective course. (3 credits)

Year 1: Summer 1: Summer 2018 (6 credits) Credit Hours

Christian and Franciscan Traditions

A comprehensive historical and theological exploration of Christianity, spanning from its origins into the contemporary age (1st–21st centuries CE). Read More about Christian and Franciscan Traditions

Student must also take an additional social work (SWRK) elective course. (3 credits)

Year 1: Semester 2: Fall 2018 (8 credits) Credit Hours

Social Issues and Policy

Analysis of current social policy at all levels within the context of historical and contemporary factors and principles of social and economic justice. Includes the study of political and organizational processes used to influence and formulate policy and the delivery of social services. Prerequisite:SWRK 230 Read More about Social Issues and Policy

Social Work Practice I

The course will direct the student in the use of the general method of social work practice as a framework for practice with client systems of varied sizes. Emphasis will be placed on individuals interacting with other systems in their environment. The course and lab include practice of interviewing skills. Prerequisite: SWRK 230 and 320 Read More about Social Work Practice I

Social Work Practice I Lab

This required lab is offered concurrently with Practice I. Students practice interviewing skills with supervision and feedback essential for integration of the knowledge foundation developed in SWRK 370. Concurrent with SWRK 370 Read More about Social Work Practice I Lab

Introduction to Field Work

Orientation to field work including a beginning understanding of the community social service network, visiting selected agencies, becoming familiar with agency expectations, interviewing and finalizing field placement. Prerequisite: SWRK 230, 320, 370, and 370L Read More about Introduction to Field Work
Year 2: Semester 1: Spring 2019 (8 credits) Credit Hours

Community Organization

This required senior IS presents theories and concepts essential to understanding community organization as a social work practice intertwined with practical experiential learning with community professionals. Includes study of history of organizing in the U.S. and examination of strategies and skills used in working with communities and organizations to promote self- determination, self-sufficiency, empowerment and social justice. Read More about Community Organization

Social Work Practice II

Within the framework of the general method of social work and interacting with other systems, particular attention is focused on mezzo practice and theory. The class itself is a group lab experience. Prerequisite: SWRK 230, 320, 370, and 370L Read More about Social Work Practice II

Social Science Research Methods

Principles of problem formulation, design, measurement, sampling, data collection and analysis; ethical considerations for research on human subjects. Students are given the opportunity to design or carry out a research project. Prerequisite: SOCY 124 or instructor's consent Read More about Social Science Research Methods

Year 2: Summer 1: Summer 2019 (3 credits) - Student must also take an additional social work (SWRK) elective course.

 

Year 2: Semester 2: Fall 2019 (14 credits) Credit Hours

Social Work Practice III

The general method of social work practice is applied to working with community and organizations as these interact with smaller systems. Read More about Social Work Practice III

Field Work

Field placement in a local agency with professional supervision supplemented by weekly scheduled online conferences, collateral readings, and written evaluations. Read More about Field Work

Field Work Seminar

Required seminar for all students concurrently enrolled in their field experience (SWRK 443). For online students, required weekly online consultations will take place. Read More about Field Work Seminar

Graduate December 2019

Questions?

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Class Format

Online courses

Next Start Dates

» August 2020

Tuition Cost

$375/credit

Completion

47 credit hours