Department website: http://socialwork.wvu.edu/
Degree Offered
- Bachelor of Social Work
Nature of the Program
The School of Social Work provides students with a comprehensive program of professional education in social work, including degree programs at the baccalaureate and master’s levels, and a range of part-time and continuing education opportunities.
The BSW and MSW programs at West Virginia University are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, which makes graduates eligible to seek licensure as social workers in West Virginia and other states, depending on individual state laws. The degree programs offered by the School of Social Work allow students the opportunity to prepare for entry-level professional practice at the baccalaureate level and to specialize at the advanced (graduate) level of study. The baccalaureate program prepares social workers for generalist practice and is a recognized national leader in the development of baccalaureate-level curriculum to support this educational goal.
B.S.W. Program Mission
The mission of the B.S.W. Social Work Program at West Virginia University is to educate students to become generalist social workers. Generalist social work is grounded in the liberal arts, the person-in-environment framework, and competency-based education. Generalist social workers use a range of prevention and intervention methods in social work practice with diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Generalist social workers identify with the profession and apply ethical principles and critical thinking at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice. Generalist practitioners are strengths-based, engage diversity in practice, and advocate for human rights and social and economic justice. They engage in research-informed practice and actively respond to the impact of context on professional practice.
The 2 + 2 Program
WVU and several colleges have entered into a joint commitment to increase the college-going rate within the state of WV and throughout the country, as well as the number of social workers within the state, through a special 2+2 arrangement that will lead to a bachelor of social work degree from WVU. Current affiliation agreements for the 2 + 2 program include Pierpont Community and Technical College, WV Northern Community College, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College, and Westmoreland County Community College. For students from these colleges to enjoy the benefits of the 2+2 program they must be ready to enter the major when they matriculate to WVU. Students in the 2+2 program must meet the admissions standards for WVU and the B.S.W. program and must follow the B.S.W. program’s policies for transfer students.
Faculty
Director
- Deana Morrow - Ph.D. (North Carolina State University)
Social Work Education, Social Work Practice Regulation, Older Adults Social Isolation, Dementia, Congregate Care, Community Care, Behavioral Health, LGBTQ Populations, Older Adults, Mental Health
BSW Program Director
- Megan Gandy - Ph.D. (Virginia Commonwealth University)
LGBTQ+ Well-Being, Mental Health Services, Social Justice, Technology in SW Education, Faith Communities, Mixed Methods Research Methodologies
MSW Program Director
- Mary Christensen - Ph.D. (Simmons University)
Suicide Prevention, Substance Abuse, Health Service Disparities, Evidence-Based Social Work Practice
Ph.D. Program Director
- Carrie Rishel - Ph.D. (University of Pittsburgh)
Rural Integrated Health Training Director; Children’s Mental/Behavioral Health, Prevention of Mental Health Problems, Risk and Protective Factors Related to Child Outcomes, Prevention-Focused Social Work Practice, Integrated Models of Service Delivery
Professors
- Kristina Hash - Ph.D. (Virginia Commonwealth University)
Aging and Healthcare, Family Caregiving, Geriatric Education, Technology, Conflict Coaching and Meditation - Deana Morrow - Ph.D.(North Carolina State University)
Social Work Education, Social Work Practice Regulations, Sexual Minority Populations, Older Adults, Mental Health - Carrie Rishel - Ph.D. (University of Pittsburg)
Rural Integrated Health Training Director; Children’s Mental/Behavioral Health, Prevention of Mental Health Problems, Risk and Protective Factors Related to Child Outcomes, Prevention-Focused Social Work Practice, Integrated Models of Service Delivery - Leslie Tower - Ph.D. (Barry University)
Women's Issues, Health Care Administration, Domestic Violence
Associate professors
- Mary Christensen - Ph.D.(Simmons College)
MSW Program Director; Suicide Prevention, Substance Abuse, Health Service Disparities, Evidence-Based Social Work Practice - Megan Gandy - Ph.D. (Virginia Commonwealth University)
BSW Program Director, LGBTQ+ Well-Being, Mental Health Services, Social Justice, Technology in SW Education, Faith Communities, Mixed Methods Research Methodologies - Jiyoung Tabone - Ph.D. (University of Chicago)
Child Maltreatment and Later Outcomes, Prevention and Intervention Research, Mental Health Services, Risk and Resilience, Program Evaluation
Assistant professors
- Bridget Bailey - Ph.D. (Ohio State University)
Adolescent and Adult Behavioral Health, Suicide, Bipolar and Mood Disorders, Co-occurring Trauma, Substance Use Disorders, Evidence-Based Treatments, Trauma-Informed Care, Community Engaged Research - Megan Fabbri - Ph.D. (Ohio State University)
Human Rights, Global Perspectives, Migration, Sex Work, Worker Rights, Health Disparities, Community Organizing, International Social Work Education - Andrew Irish - Ph.D. (University of Buffalo)
Socioeconomic Status Inequality and Behavioral Health, Recovery Capital and Substance Misuse, Policy Mapping and Multilevel Modeling Methodologies
Clinical instructors
- Jacqueline Englehardt - MSW (West Virginia University)
MSW Admissions & Recruitment Coordinator, Title IV-E Coordinator; Nonprofit Management, Continuing Education Certificate Programs, Professional Development - Lindsey Rinehart - MSW (New York University)
Field Education Director, Field Education, Service Learning, Community Engagement, Homelessness - Mandy Weirich - MSW (West Virginia University)
MSW Online Program Coordinator, Policy and Advocacy, Geriatric Education, Use of Technology in Teaching and Research
Teaching Instructors
- Rhonda Hayes - MSW (West Virginia University)
Substance Abuse & Recovery, Family Victimology, Grant Writing, Social Agency and Program Administration - Fanica Payne - MSW (West Virginia University)
Behavioral Health, Substance Use Disorders, Diverse Populations, Civil Rights
Emeritus Faculty
- Carol Amendola - MSW (West Virginia University)
- Majorie H. Buckholz-Cleveland - Ph.D. (West Virginia University)
- Patricia Chase - Ed.D. (West Virginia University)
- Linda Ferrise - MSW (West Virginia University)
- Karen Harper-Dorton - PhD (Ohio State University)
- Helen Hartnett - Ph.D. (Ohio State University)
- Roger A. Lohmann - Ph.D. (Brandeis University)
- Nancy Lohmann - Ph.D. (Brandeis University)
- Caroline T. Mudd - MSW (University of Pennsylvania)
- Neal Newfield - Ph.D. (Texas Tech University)
- Michael Zakour - Ph.D. (Washington University)
Research Associate
- Rebekah Bledsoe - MSW (West Virginia University)
Title IV-E, Child Welfare - Savanna Brown - MSW (West Virginia University)
Program Coordinator, Rural Integrated Behavioral Health Training Program
Admissions
- First-time freshmen are admitted directly to the major.
- Students transferring from another major at WVU are directly admitted if they have earned fewer than 45 credits and have a cumulative GPA of a 2.0. Students who have more than 45 earned credits should speak with a Social Work adviser.
- Students transferring from another institution are directly admitted if they have earned fewer than 45 credits and have a cumulative GPA of a 2.0. Students who have more than 45 earned credits should speak with a Social Work adviser.
Admission Requirements 2024-2025
The Admission Requirements above will be the same for the 2024-2025 Academic Year.
Major Code: 1407
General Education Foundations
Please use this link to view a list of courses that meet each GEF requirement.
NOTE: Some major requirements will fulfill specific GEF requirements. Please see the curriculum requirements listed below for details on which GEFs you will need to select.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
General Education Foundations | ||
F1 - Composition & Rhetoric | 3-6 | |
Introduction to Composition and Rhetoric and Composition, Rhetoric, and Research | ||
or ENGL 103 | Accelerated Academic Writing | |
F2A/F2B - Science & Technology | 4-6 | |
F3 - Math & Quantitative Reasoning | 3-4 | |
F4 - Society & Connections | 3 | |
F5 - Human Inquiry & the Past | 3 | |
F6 - The Arts & Creativity | 3 | |
F7 - Global Studies & Diversity | 3 | |
F8 - Focus (may be satisfied by completion of a minor, double major, or dual degree) | 9 | |
Total Hours | 31-37 |
Please note that not all of the GEF courses are offered at all campuses. Students should consult with their advisor or academic department regarding the GEF course offerings available at their campus.
Degree Requirements
Students must complete WVU General Education Foundations requirements, School of Social Work (major) requirements, and electives to total a minimum of 120 hours.
School Requirements for the Bachelor of Social Work
The undergraduate social work program consists of a foundation in the liberal arts, and students must complete all courses outlined below, with 58 credits at the 200-level or above. Students are encouraged to consult with the social work adviser regarding the selection of electives appropriate for their career interest.
- Capstone Requirement: The university requires the successful completion of a capstone course , preferably in the major. Social Work majors satisfy these requirements by completing SOWK 481.
- Writing and Communication Skills Requirement: Social Work BSW students fulfill the Writing and Communication Skills requirement by completing ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 (or ENGL 103), and two additional SpeakWrite Certified CoursesTM: SOWK 320 and SOWK 481.
- Calculation of Major GPA: A minimum GPA of a 2.0 is required in all courses applied to major requirements, with a minimum grade of C- in all SOWK courses except SOWK 319, 491A, and 491 which are taken P/F. If a course is repeated, all attempts will be included in the calculation of the GPA, unless the course is eligible for a D/F repeat.
- Field Instruction Requirements: Students must successfully complete 12 credits of field placement.
- Benchmark expectations: For details, go to the Social Work Degree Progress tab.
Curriculum Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
University Requirements | 51 | |
Social Work Major Requirements | 69 | |
Total Hours | 120 |
University Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
General Education Foundations (GEF) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (31-37 Credits) | ||
Outstanding GEF Requirements 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8 | 27 | |
SOWK 191 | First-Year Seminar | 1 |
General Electives | 23 | |
Total Hours | 51 |
Social Work Major Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Foundation Social Work Requirement | 6 | |
Human Diversity | ||
Introduction to Social Work | ||
Social Science Requirement: | 6 | |
State and Local Government | ||
Families and Society | ||
Social Science Electives: | 9 | |
One class in PSYC 200 level or above | ||
One class in SOC, ANTH, or CRIM 200 level or above | ||
One class in POLS, PSYC, SOC, CRIM, ANTH or ECON - 200 level or above | ||
Minority Content Class: | 3 | |
Select one of the following: | ||
Introduction to Africana Studies | ||
Gender Communication | ||
Communication and Aging | ||
African American Literature | ||
American Folklore and Culture | ||
Appalachian Fiction | ||
African American Literature | ||
Images of Women in Literature | ||
Topics in Appalachian Studies | ||
Topics in Women's Literature | ||
West Virginia | ||
Appalachian Regional History | ||
Introduction: Native American Studies | ||
Gender/Politics and Policy | ||
Sex Roles and Behavior | ||
Adulthood and Aging | ||
Race and Ethnic Relations | ||
Sociology of Rural Life | ||
Sociology of Gender | ||
Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies | ||
Women's Health and Fitness | ||
Advanced Social Work Courses | 24 | |
Social Welfare Policy and Services 1 | ||
Social Welfare Policy and Services 2 | ||
Social Work Methods 1 | ||
Social Work Methods 2 | ||
Methods 3: Organizations and Communities | ||
Human Behavior in the Social Environment | ||
Interprofessional Social Justice Practice | ||
Social Work Research and Statistics | ||
SOWK Practice Electives | 6 | |
Select one of the following: | ||
Introduction to Gerontology | ||
Rural Gerontology | ||
Special Topics | ||
Child Welfare | ||
Legal Issues in Social Work | ||
Social Work Practice and Human Sexuality | ||
Practice and Family Violence | ||
Social Issues of Public Health | ||
Social Work Practice and End of Life Care | ||
Select an additional course at the 300 or 400 level from the list above, or from the list below, or from a minor | ||
Health Communication | ||
Geographical Data Analysis | ||
Migration and Human Rights | ||
History of Modern Mexico | ||
African-American History-1900 | ||
African-American Since 1900 | ||
Appalachian Regional History | ||
American Immigration History | ||
United States Civil Rights Movement | ||
Working Class America | ||
Field Instruction | 12 | |
Professional Field Experience | ||
Capstone Experience | 3 | |
Senior Capstone (Capstone) | ||
Total Hours | 69 |
Suggested Plan of Study
First Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
SOWK 191 | 1 | ENGL 102 (GEF 1) | 3 |
SOWK 151 | 3 | GEF 2 | 3 |
ENGL 101 (GEF 1) | 3 | GEF 5 | 3 |
GEF 3 | 3 | SOWK 147 (GEF 7) | 3 |
GEF 6 | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
General Elective | 3 | ||
16 | 15 | ||
Second Year | |||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
GEF 2 | 3 | GEF 8* | 3 |
POLS 220 (GEF 4) | 3 | SOC 221 (GEF 8) | 3 |
SOC 200-level Elective | 3 | PSYC 200-level Elective | 3 |
General Elective | 3 | Minority Content Course | 3 |
General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
15 | 15 | ||
Third Year | |||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
SOWK 300 | 3 | SOWK 310 | 3 |
SOWK 320 | 3 | SOWK 322 | 3 |
SOWK 330 | 3 | SOWK 360 | 3 |
GEF 8* | 3 | SOWK Elective 1 | 3 |
General Elective | 2 | General Elective | 3 |
14 | 15 | ||
Fourth Year | |||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
SOWK 324 | 3 | SOWK 481 (Capstone) | 3 |
SOWK 345 | 3 | SOWK 491 | 6 |
SOWK Elective 2 | 3 | Social Science Elective | 3 |
SOWK 491 | 6 | General Elective | 3 |
15 | 15 | ||
Total credit hours: 120 |
- *
Student completing a minor, a second major or a dual degree already fulfill F 8.
Degree Progress
Application to Professional Level:
By January of the 4th semester, students must submit an application to the professional level.
For the application, students:
- must have earned a final grade of C- or higher in SOWK 147 and 151.
- must complete 100 hours volunteer service.
- must submit a personal statement and a reference from academic or volunteer service individual.
- have earned a minimum overall GPA of 2.50 GPA (or lower considered on a case-by-case basis). (Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA overall after admission to the professional major).
- All majors must meet with their SOWK advisor each semester.
Students who do not meet these benchmarks are not eligible to apply to the professional level and may be removed from their major.
Code of Ethics:
Additionally, the BSW is a professional degree accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) (https://www.cswe.org/). Therefore, students must remain in compliance with accreditation standards, including compliance with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics (available at https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English) and the BSW Student Handbook (available at https://socialwork.wvu.edu/students/bsw). Inability to comply with these requirements may make it difficult or impossible to complete the degree. Students should speak with a SOWK advisor regarding these requirements.
Major Learning Outcomes
Social Work
Upon successful completion of the B.S.W. degree, Social Work majors will demonstrate:
- Competence for entry-level generalist practice, with an emphasis on rural and small town settings, gained through a curriculum including liberal arts and social work foundations, human behavior in the social environment (HBSE) practice, policy, assessment/research with individuals, families, groups, communities, and society.
- Ability to engage in effective practice that is responsive to changing the social context, with an existing value base and ethical standards of the social work profession.
- Skills for effective for practice with diverse, vulnerable, and oppressed populations and to further social and economic justice.
- A foundational identity as a professional social worker and commitment to conduct oneself accordingly.
- Sensitivity, knowledge, and understanding of human needs and rights, social welfare issues, and approaches toward resolving social problems.