Social Work
Bachelor of Social Work
The BSW program prepares graduates to enter generalist social work practice under professional supervision in a variety of social service and health care settings. A distinctive feature of the Dalton State BSW program is its emphasis on preparing social workers to work competently with diverse individuals and groups. Graduates of the BSW program may apply for admission to Master of Social Work (MSW) programs at the advanced-standing level, shortening the length of time required to complete graduate study. The Dalton State College BSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Students must apply for admission to the Upper Division of the BSW program in order to take Junior- and Senior-level social work courses. Non-majors may take upper division elective courses with the permission of the course instructor.
Additional information concerning the social work profession and admission to the Upper Division of the BSW program, including the admission application, can be found on the Social Work Department's website.
Minimum Requirements for Admission to the Upper Division:
1. Be admitted as a student in good standing to DSC;
2. Complete Lower Division courses;
3. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5;
4. Obtain a minimum grade of C in Lower Division Social Work courses;
5. Submit a completed application for admission to the BSW Upper Division that includes an essay demonstrating a commitment to the social work profession and references; and
6. Completion of a minimum of 50 hours of documented, paid or volunteer work hours with a social service agency.
Application Deadline:
Students who are admitted to the Social Work Upper Division typically begin study in Fall Semester and progress through the program with a cohort of students who are admitted to the program at the same time. The regular application period for applying for regular admission to the Social Work Upper Division will extend from January 15 through February 28. Students may also apply for late admission to the Social Work Upper Division until August 1 and may be accepted if space in the cohort is available. Students who were previously admitted to the Social Work Upper Division must re-apply if they have not been enrolled in social work courses at DSC for more than one calendar year.
Applicants will be notified in writing of the Admission Committee's decision regarding their admission to the Social Work Upper Division.
Additional Information:
Students may elect to follow a two-year plan or a three-year plan for completing Upper Division courses (60 semester hours). Courses have been arranged in a sequential manner so that new learning builds on previous learning. Students should exercise care when registering for courses and be certain that they are following their approved program of study.
Criminal background checks, the purchase of professional liability insurance, and the purchase of other types of insurance may be required and may be at the student’s expense. Social Work students participate in off-campus, field education in area social service agencies. Students must have reliable transportation to get to and from these agencies. Some field education sites may require immunization records and health information.
For additional information about the the BSW Program, please contact the Social Work Department.
Transfer Students:
The BSW Program welcomes transfer students. Students who are interested in transferring to DSC to complete the BSW should contact the Social Work Department to obtain additional information and to discuss their particular situations.
| Area A: Essential Skills | ||
| ENGL 1101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENGL 1102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| MATH 1001 | Quantitative Skills/Reasoning | 3 |
| or MATH 1101 | Intro to Mathematical Modeling | |
| or MATH 1111 | College Algebra | |
| Area B: Institutional Options | ||
| COMM 1110 | Fundamentals of Speech | 3 |
| One of the following electives: | 1 | |
| Argumentation and Advocacy | ||
| Intro to Greek Mythology | ||
| Creative Writing | ||
| Natural Hazards | ||
| Appalachian Hist-Special Topic | ||
| Sports Hist & Amer Character | ||
| Health and Wellness Concepts | ||
| Mystery Fiction in Pop Culture | ||
| Political and Social Rhetoric | ||
| Christian Fiction/Pop Culture | ||
| Race and Ethnicity in America | ||
PRSP Elective (See advisor) | ||
| Area C: Humanities/Fine Arts | ||
| Choose one to two ENGL courses: | 3-6 | |
| World Literature I | ||
| World Literature II | ||
| British Literature I | ||
| British Literature II | ||
| American Literature I | ||
| American Literature II | ||
| Intro to Film as Literature | ||
| If only one ENGL chosen add one of the following: | 0-3 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Expressions of Culture I | ||
| Expressions of Culture II | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| American Music | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Area D: Science/Mathematics/Technology | ||
| Two of the following Lab Science Electives: | 8 | |
| Environmental Studies | ||
| Principles of Biology I | ||
| Principles of Biology II | ||
| Principles of Botany | ||
| Entomology | ||
| Survey of Chemistry | ||
| Principles of Chemistry I | ||
| Principles of Chemistry II | ||
| Principles of Geology | ||
| Historical Geology | ||
| Introductory Physics I | ||
| Introductory Physics II | ||
| Principles of Physics I | ||
| Principles of Physics II | ||
| One of the following electives: | 3-4 | |
| Astronomy of the Solar System | ||
| Environmental Studies | ||
| Principles of Biology I | ||
| Principles of Biology II | ||
| Principles of Botany | ||
| Entomology | ||
| Survey of Chemistry | ||
| Principles of Chemistry I | ||
| Principles of Chemistry II | ||
| Computer Concepts/Programming | ||
| Principles of Programming I | ||
| Principles of Programming II | ||
| Principles of Geology | ||
| Historical Geology | ||
| Precalculus Mathematics | ||
| Applied Calculus | ||
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
| Calculus and Analytic Geom I | ||
| Calculus and Analytic Geom II | ||
| Introductory Physics I | ||
| Introductory Physics II | ||
| Principles of Physics I | ||
| Principles of Physics II | ||
| Area E: Social Sciences | ||
| HIST 2111 | United States History to 1877 | 3 |
| or HIST 2112 | United States Hist since 1877 | |
| POLS 1101 | American Government | 3 |
| PSYC 1101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| One of the following electives: | 3 | |
| Intro to Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Introduction to Geography | ||
| Intro to Human Geography | ||
| Intro to Physical Geography | ||
| World Civilization to 1500 CE | ||
| World Civilization since 1500 | ||
| United States History to 1877 | ||
| United States Hist since 1877 | ||
| Intro to World Religions | ||
| Intro to Philosophical Issues | ||
| Logic and Critical Thinking | ||
| Intro to Political Science | ||
| State and Local Government | ||
| Comparative Politics | ||
| International Relations | ||
| Psychology of Adjustment | ||
| Human Development | ||
| Social Problems | ||
| Area F: Major Related | ||
| SOCI 1101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOWK 2101 | The Social Work Profession (Grade of C or better req'd) | 3 |
| SOWK 2102 | The Social Welfare Institution (Grade of C or better req'd) | 3 |
| SOWK 2103 | Social Work Prac&Serv Learning (Grade of C or better req'd) * | 3 |
| SOWK 2104 | Interviewing & Communic Skills (Grade of C or better req'd) | 3 |
| One of the following electives: | 3 | |
| Intro to Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
| Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Fundamentals of Computer Appli | ||
| Intro to Criminal Justice | ||
| Intro to Law Enforcement | ||
| The Judicial Process | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Elementary French I | ||
| Elementary French II | ||
| Intermediate French I | ||
| Intermediate French II | ||
| Introduction to Geography | ||
| Intro to Human Geography | ||
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
| Psychology of Adjustment | ||
| Human Development | ||
| Social Problems | ||
| Elementary Spanish I | ||
| Elementary Spanish II | ||
| Intermediate Spanish I | ||
| Intermediate Spanish II | ||
| Upper Level Courses | ||
| ENGL 3000 | Writing for Educ/Soc Sciences | 3 |
| SOWK 3101 | Human Diversity | 3 |
| SOWK 3102 | Human Behavior I | 3 |
| SOWK 3103 | Human Behavior II | 3 |
| SOWK 3201 | Gen Practice of Social Work I | 3 |
| SOWK 3202 | Gen Practice of Social Work II * | 3 |
| SOWK 3302 | Social Work in Child Welfare | 3 |
| SOWK 3501 | Social Work in Mental Health | 3 |
| SOWK 3505 | Social Work in Appalachia | 3 |
| SOWK 4201 | Gen Practice of Soc Work III | 3 |
| SOWK 4202 | Gen Practice of Social Work IV | 3 |
| SOWK 4301 | Social Work w/Latino Clients | 3 |
| SOWK 4400 | Foundation for Social Research | 3 |
| SOWK 4401 | Senior Capstone Project | 2 |
| SOWK 4402 | Senior Capstone Project | 2 |
| SOWK 4998 | Practicum & Seminar Soc Work I * | 4 |
| SOWK 4999 | Practicum/Seminar Soc Work II * | 4 |
| Social Work Electives | ||
| Three of the following electives: | 9 | |
| Social Work with Older Adults | ||
| Substance Abuse | ||
| Health and Social Environment | ||
| Mental Health/Spec Populations | ||
| Individual Study in Soc Work | ||
| Physical Education | ||
| PHED Activity Elective | 1 | |
| Total Hours | 121-122 | |
| * | Requires service in a social service agency. |
Courses
SOWK 2101. The Social Work Profession. 2-1-3 Units.
History and current status of the profession of social work. The role of the social worker in various fields of practice. The professional's commitment to social and economic justice for vulnerable and oppressed populations. Social work values and ethics.(F, S)
Prerequisites: ENGL 1101.
SOWK 2102. The Social Welfare Institution. 3-0-3 Units.
History and current status of social welfare programs and services in the United States. Philosophical, religious, economic, and political perspectives on social welfare.(F)
Prerequisites: ENGL 1101.
SOWK 2103. Social Work Prac&Serv Learning. 3-0-3 Units.
This course introduces social work students to a Service Learning modality framed within social work practice. Students will observe and analyze how social agencies empower individuals and improve the well-being of others. The course will emphasize the role of community organizations in alleviating social injustice.
Prerequisites: SOWK 2101 and SOWK 2102.
SOWK 2104. Interviewing & Communic Skills. 3-0-3 Units.
This course provides an introduction to methods, skills, and procedures used in interviewing clients in a variety of practice settings. The course incorporates theory, research, and practice skills relevant to relationship building, the change process, and professional communication skills and techniques. Students will learn and practice professional interviewing, assessment, goal-setting, and communication skills and techniques. The course will consist of lecture and classroom experience as well as a weekly laboratory. The course will encourage students to take the risk of gaining greater self-awareness and insight related to tolerance, diversity, and difference. Prerequisites: SOWK 2101, 2102; Corequisite or
Prerequisites: SOWK 2103.
SOWK 3003. Spanish for Social Services. 3-0-3 Units.
Advanced communication skills for serving Spanish-speaking clients. Advanced conversational skills with important social work terms and concepts. Proper greetings, translation of technical terms, and ways to reduce discomfort for Spanish-speaking clients.(F,M)
Prerequisites: Admission to the BSW upper division or permission of instructor and SOWK 3101.
SOWK 3101. Human Diversity. 3-0-3 Units.
A general introduction to the concepts of diversity in the United States, including the various histories of oppression of minority groups. Readings and sensitivity exercises related to African-American, Appalachian, and Hispanic/Latino cultures. An introduction to cultural competence.(F)
Prerequisites: Admission to the BSW upper division or permission of instructor.
Corequisites: SOWK 3102.
SOWK 3102. Human Behavior I. 3-0-3 Units.
An overview of theories of human behavior needed for generalist practice with an introduction to ego psychology, behaviorism, and life-stage development theories. An introduction to ecological systems theory and the ecological perspective in social work with orientation to micro, mezzo, and macro levels of understanding individuals and families.(F)
Prerequisites: Admission to the BSW upper division or permission of instructor.
Corequisites: SOWK 3101.
SOWK 3103. Human Behavior II. 3-0-3 Units.
The second of a two-course HBSE sequence is a study of the interaction of human behavior and the social environment with an emphasis on larger systems: groups, organizations, and communities utilizing the ecological and multi-level systems perspectives.(S)
Prerequisites: Admission to the BSW upper division or permission of instructor and SOWK 3102.
SOWK 3201. Gen Practice of Social Work I. 2-2-3 Units.
Theory and practice of generalist social work. Knowledge, skills, and ethical principles needed for beginning social work practice. Problem identification, interviewing, assessment, intervention and evaluation of practice with individuals and families from a person-in environment perspective. Record keeping in social service agencies. Requires exercises and demonstration of skills through simulation learning experiences in the DSC sim lab.
SOWK 3202. Gen Practice of Social Work II. 3-0-3 Units.
This course is intended to help students acquire the knowledge, values and skills to work successfully with groups on the micro, mezzo and macro levels.
Prerequisites: Admission to the BSW upper division, SOWK 3201.
SOWK 3302. Social Work in Child Welfare. 3-0-3 Units.
History and practice in the child welfare programs of the United States with special attention to family systems, child development, identifying child abuse and neglect, and child welfare services.(F)
Prerequisites: Admission to the BSW upper division or permission of instructor.
SOWK 3501. Social Work in Mental Health. 3-0-3 Units.
History of mental illness, treatment, and systems in the U.S., with particular attention to the mental health system in Georgia. An overview of current mental health diagnoses, theories, and treatment modalities. Ecological, systems, and strengths perspectives working with individuals, families, and groups. The role of case management with the chronically mentally ill.(S)
Prerequisites: Admission to the BSW upper division or permission of instructor.
SOWK 3502. Social Work with Older Adults. 3-0-3 Units.
Overview of the impact of aging, using the biopsychosocial-spiritual, ecological, and strengths perspectives. Federal, state, and local programs, services, and social policies are reviewed. Generalist practice models are introduced for working with older adults and their families, with a focus on empowerment. The roles of generalist social workers and career opportunities are examined.(S)
Prerequisites: Admission to the BSW upper division or permission of instructor.
SOWK 3503. Substance Abuse. 3-0-3 Units.
This course is taught from a social work perspective, focusing on client strengths and empowerment. An overview of the history of substance abuse and social policies. Categories, properties, and effects of alcohol and drugs on the individual. Impact of addiction on individuals, families, and communities. Current treatment modalities and services, with interventions appropriate for generalist social workers.(F,M)
Prerequisites: Admission to the BSW upper division or permission of instructor.
SOWK 3504. Advanced Child Welfare. 3-0-3 Units.
Emphasis on foster care and adoption. Risk assessment, intake and family assessment, case planning, intervention, and documentation will be covered within the context of family-centered child welfare practice.(S)
Prerequisites: Admission to the BSW upper division or permission of instructor, SOWK 3101, SOWK 3102, and SOWK 3302.
SOWK 3505. Social Work in Appalachia. 3-0-3 Units.
Knowledge and skills for work with individuals, families, and communities in Appalachia. Prepares students for generalist social work practice in Appalachia. Emphases are cultural competence and issues of oppression and justice.
Prerequisites: Admission to the BSW upper division or permission of instructor and SOWK 3101.
SOWK 3506. Health and Social Environment. 3-0-3 Units.
History and structure of the health care system in the United States and in other industrial nations. Overview of health care systems in in other countries. The impact of social determinants of health and illness. Health disparities and discrimination in health care will be discussed.
Prerequisites: Admission to the BSW upper division or permission of instructor.
SOWK 3507. Mental Health/Spec Populations. 3-0-3 Units.
This course is a focused study of the specific mental health needs, diagnoses, and treatment of specific populations, such as children, women, survivors of domestic violence, veterans, older adults, and other groups. This advanced elective builds on the foundational knowledge acquired in SOWK 3501 Social Work and Mental Health, providing students with knowledge, theory, and evidence-based interventions for specific populations encountered in generalist practice.(F)
Prerequisites: Admission to the BSW upper division or permission of instructor and SOWK 3501.
SOWK 4201. Gen Practice of Soc Work III. 3-0-3 Units.
Theory and practice of generalist social work. Knowledge, skills, and ethical principles needed for entry-level social work practice. Problem identification, assessment, intervention, and evaluation of outcome from a multi-level, ecological systems perspective and a strengths perspective. Emphasizes application of theory toward interventions with groups, organizations, and communities.(F)
Prerequisites: Admission to the BSW upper division or permission of instructor and SOWK 3101, SOWK 3201, SOWK 3103.
SOWK 4202. Gen Practice of Social Work IV. 3-0-3 Units.
Social insurance, public assistance, and social service programs in the United States Comparative social welfare systems in Europe and Latin America. The influences of economics and politics on social services. Introduction to models of policy analysis.(S)
Prerequisites: SOWK 3103, SOWK 4201.
SOWK 4301. Social Work w/Latino Clients. 3-0-3 Units.
Prepares students to practice social work with Latino individuals and families focusing on individual, social and environmental issues that encountered in micro, mezzo, and macro social work practice with Latino clients. Content will cover Latino family patterns, naming customs, family celebrations, cultural patterns.(S,M)
Prerequisites: SOWK 3101.
SOWK 4400. Foundation for Social Research. 3-0-3 Units.
Social worker practitioners must demonstrate the effectiveness of services they deliver to clients. Students will become competent in research problem formulation, design, data collection and analysis (including statistical procedures). Students will gain expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.(F)
Prerequisites: SOWK 3201.
Corequisites: SOWK 4401, SOWK 4498.
SOWK 4401. Senior Capstone Project. 2-0-2 Units.
The first of a two-course sequence of directed study experiences during which the senior BSW student will conceptualize an outcome study related to the student's senior practicum, conduct a literature review of the topic area, select measurement tools, and write a first draft of the project. The study will develop in parallel with the development of research skills and completion of assignments in SOWK 4400 and the development and application of practice skills in SOWK 4998.(F)
Corequisites: SOWK 4400, SOWK 4998.
SOWK 4402. Senior Capstone Project. 2-0-2 Units.
The second of a two-course sequence of directed study experiences during which the senior BSW student will complete an outcome study related to the student's senior practicum, refine the literature review of the topic area, carry out the design of the study, and write a polished manuscript presenting the results of the study.(S)
Prerequisites: SOWK 4400, SOWK 4401, SOWK 4998.
Corequisites: SOWK 4402, SOWK 4999.
SOWK 4900. Individual Study in Soc Work. 0-0-3-6 Units.
1-6 hours. May count as elective hours. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 hours.Individual study, reading, or projects under direction of a social work faculty member. Non-traditional format: Directed study.
Prerequisites: SOWK 4998.
Corequisites: SOWK 4402.