Social Work
Bachelor of Social Work
The BSW program prepares graduates to enter generalist social work practice in a variety of settings including social service and government agencies as well as mental health 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.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO BSW PROGRAM UPPER DIVISION
General Information
To apply to the BSW program, you must first be admitted to Dalton State College. Upon admission to DSC, you should declare Social Work as your major so you will be assigned an advisor with the program. If you are currently a DSC student and are changing your major, please make certain you contact the BSW Program Director as soon as possible in order to ensure you are properly advised and enrolled in the required prerequisite lower division courses.
Admission to the BSW program is selective. Each applicant’s qualifications, including his or her GPA, performance in lower division courses, recommendations and essays will be reviewed when considering the applicant for admission to the BSW program.
The BSW program admits a new cohort each spring for fall courses. Students cannot enter the cohort during any other semester. The admissions process opens in February of each year. Early admissions decisions are made in March and April with final admissions made in May. Late admissions may be available as late as August prior to the beginning of fall semester if space is available in the cohort.
Regular admission may be awarded upon successful completion of all lower division requirements. Provisional admission may be awarded for one semester to students who are enrolled in the final required courses of the BSW lower division. All lower division coursework must be completed prior to commencement of upper division coursework.
The following requirements must be met for regular admission to the BSW program:
1. Completion of all BSW lower division requirements at DSC or the equivalent at another institution.
2. A grade of “B” or higher in all lower division social work courses (SOWK 2101, 2102, 2103 and 2104). (Effective fall 2021)
3. An overall GPA of 2.5
4. Completion of all individual volunteer service hours in SOWK 2103.
5. Completion of a background check as a part of SOWK 2103. (Effective fall 2021)
To apply for admission to the Upper Division students must:
1. Meet with your social work advisor to obtain the admissions packet and to verify successful completion of the lower division course of study.
2. Complete the admissions application.
3. Provide two letters of reference. This will include one professor recommendation (on the required form) and one letter of recommendation from a non-family member (employer is preferred).
4. Completion of the Social Work Code of Ethics quiz with a grade of 80%.
5. Completion of all portions of the application packet including:
· Acknowledgement of BSW fees
· Acknowledgement of BSW mandatory training dates
· Acknowledgement of BSW Field Education requirement
· Completion of the Assessment of Professional Behaviors
If requested, applicants may meet with the Admissions Committee for a pre-admission interview.
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. A grade of C or better is required for all social work upper-division courses, and a B is required for 3400, 4995, 4996, 4998. and 4999.
Transfer Students
The BSW Program welcomes transfer students. Students who are interested in transferring to DSC to complete the BSW should contact the BSW Program Director to obtain additional information and to discuss their particular situations.
Questions?
For questions regarding the application process, students should see their BSW Advisor or contact the BSW Program Director at trice@daltonstate.edu.
| 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 | |
| or MATH 1401 | Elementary Statistics | |
| Area B: Institutional Options | ||
| Beginning Fall 2022, incoming (entering) students with 29 hours or fewer college credits will take only a Perspectives course for their one-hour Area B credit. | ||
| COMM 1110 | Fundamentals of Speech | 3 |
| One of the following electives: | 1 | |
| 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 | ||
| 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 | |
| Topics in Literature & Culture | ||
| 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 | ||
| World Music | ||
| American Music | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Area D: Science/Mathematics/Technology | ||
| Two of the following Lab Science Electives: | 8 | |
| Astronomy of the Solar System and Astronomy of Solar Sys. Lab | ||
| Stellar and Galactic Astronomy and Stellar & Galac. Astronomy Lab | ||
| Environmental Studies | ||
| Principles of Biology I | ||
| Principles of Biology II | ||
| Botany | ||
| Entomology | ||
| Survey of Chemistry | ||
| Principles of Chemistry I | ||
| Principles of Chemistry II | ||
| Principles of Geology | ||
| Historical Geology | ||
| Geology & the Environment | ||
| 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 | ||
| Stellar and Galactic Astronomy | ||
| Environmental Studies | ||
| Principles of Biology I | ||
| Principles of Biology II | ||
| Botany | ||
| Entomology | ||
| Survey of Chemistry | ||
| Principles of Chemistry I | ||
| Principles of Chemistry II | ||
| Principles of Programming I | ||
| Principles of Programming II | ||
| Introduction to Data Science | ||
| Environmental Hazards | ||
| Principles of Geology | ||
| Historical Geology | ||
| Geology & the Environment | ||
| Precalculus Mathematics | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| Applied Calculus | ||
| 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 B or better req'd) | 3 |
| SOWK 2102 | The Social Welfare Institution (Grade of B or better req'd) | 3 |
| SOWK 2103 | Social Work Prac&Serv Learning (Grade of B or better req'd) * | 3 |
| SOWK 2104 | Interviewing & Communic Skills (Grade of B 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 | ||
| 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 3300 | Found. of Social Work Research | 3 |
| SOWK 3302 | Social Work in Child Welfare | 3 |
| SOWK 3400 | Junior Integrative Sem & Field (Grade of B or better req'd) * | 2 |
| SOWK 3501 | Social Work in Mental Health | 3 |
| SOWK 4201 | Gen Practice of Soc Work III | 3 |
| SOWK 4202 | Gen Practice of Social Work IV | 3 |
| SOWK 4203 | Diversity in Social Work Pract | 3 |
| SOWK 4401 | Senior Capstone Project | 2 |
| SOWK 4402 | Senior Capstone Project | 2 |
| SOWK 4995 | Senior Integrative Seminar (Grade of B or better req'd) | 2 |
| SOWK 4996 | Advanced Integrative Seminar (Grade of B or better req'd) | 2 |
| SOWK 4998 | Field Practicum Social Work I (Grade of B or better req'd) * | 4 |
| SOWK 4999 | Field Practicum Social Work II (Grade of B or better req'd) * | 4 |
| Social Work Electives | ||
| Two of the following electives: | 6 | |
| Social Work with Older Adults | ||
| Substance Abuse | ||
| Advanced Child Welfare | ||
| Health and Social Environment | ||
| Mental Health/Spec Populations | ||
| Special Topics in Social Work (Choose from these topics: Interpersonal Violence, Social Work and Criminal Justice, Human Sexuality and Social Work and Sprirituality) | ||
| Individual Study in Soc Work | ||
| Total Hours | 120-121 | |
- *
Requires service in a social service agency.
Courses
SOWK 2101. The Social Work Profession. 3-0-3 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.(S)
Prerequisites: ENGL 1101.
SOWK 2103. Social Work Prac&Serv Learning. 3-2-3 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. This course includes required individual volunteer service hours and service learning as a part of the course. These activities take place off-campus in social service and community organizations.(F)
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. (S) Prerequisites: SOWK 2101, 2103
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. 3-0-3 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. Corequisites: SOWK 3101, SOWK 3102
Prerequisites: Admission to upper division or permission of the instructor.
Corequisites: SOWK 3101, SOWK 3102
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. This course examines the dynamics of the small group. Different theoretical conceptualizations of the role of the social worker in the group are discussed. Concepts such as group norms, roles, and leadership are examined with a focus on social work values and ethics. There is a special focus on work with community and in community groups. Problem identification, interviewing, assessment, intervention and evaluation of practice with groups. Record keeping in social service agencies. Requires exercises and demonstration of skills through simulation learning experiences.(S)
Prerequisites: Admission to the BSW upper division, SOWK 3201.
SOWK 3300. Found. of Social Work Research. 3-0-3 Units.
Social work practitioners must be able to consume and understand research and apply information to practice. Social work practitioners must demonstrate the effectiveness of services they deliver to clients. Students will become competent in reading social work research and in the use of research in evaluation of practice. Students will be introduced to research problem formulation, design, data collection and analysis (including statistical procedures) in order to understand qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.(S)
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 3400. Junior Integrative Sem & Field. 2-5-2 Units.
The junior integrative seminar provides students introductory learning opportunities for increasing self-awareness and reflection as a tool for practice while integrating content from social work courses. The seminar aims to promote and to increase the student's professional social work identity and emerging practice competencies at the BSW level while integrating theory with practice. The course is designed to offer a structured environment in which to integrate academic course work with the first field placement. The course complements the field placement by delivering and integrating the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for beginning generalist practice. The structure and assignments facilitate the synthesis of theory, research, policy, and practice plus encourage exploration of the profession's ethics as they relate to actual social work practice. This course requires a five week (50 hour) field internship in a community organization.(S)
Prerequisites: Admission to upper division or permission of the 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.
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 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 3508. Special Topics in Social Work. 3-0-3-6 Units.
Students may take SOWK 3508 twice, with different topics. Courses include: Interpersonal Violence, Social Work and Criminal Justice, Human Sexuality and Social Work and Spirituality.
Prerequisites: Admission to upper division or permission of the instructor.
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. Emphasizes application of theory toward interventions with organizations, and communities. This course builds on the generalist practice with individuals, families and group classes, extending the concepts of empowerment based practice and the strengths perspective to macro client systems such as organizations and communities. The relationships between organizations and communities and at-risk populations are infused throughout the course. This course examines social workers as implementers of policy change within organizational, and community contexts. Students will understand the importance of a community and organizational needs assessment as a backdrop to designing policy interventions, strategies, and evaluation elements to measure effectiveness to constituencies.(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.
This course introduces the development and implementation of contemporary social welfare policies and service programs in the United States. Through this course, students critically analyze and document the policy making process. The course highlights the influence of social values on policy development and the differential allocation of material and social resources. The course emphasizes the how public policy impacts population groups and the concepts of social justice and equity. Knowledge, skills, and ethical principles for social work at the macro level.(S)
Prerequisites: SOWK 3103, SOWK 4201, Admission to upper division or permission of the instructor.
SOWK 4203. Diversity in Social Work Pract. 3-0-3 Units.
Diversity in Social Work Practice integrates the knowledge of learned in SOWK 3101 (Human Diversity) with generalist social work practice. The course will provide student learning opportunities for increasing self-awareness and reflection as a tool for practicing culturally competent interventions. Emphasis will be placed on integration of theory with practice. The course will examine how diversity shapes human experience and dimensions of culture impact social functioning. The course will examine diversity as intersection of factors age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, immigration status, political ideology, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. Particular emphasis will be placed on culturally competent practice with the largest diversity group common to Northwest Georgia area including Appalachian, Latino and Hispanic populations and African-American client systems.(F)
Prerequisites: Admission to upper division or permission of the instructor.
SOWK 4401. Senior Capstone Project. 2-2-2 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 3300 and the development and application of practice skills in SOWK 4998.(F)
Prerequisites: Admission to upper division or permission of the instructor.
Corequisites: SOWK 4995, SOWK 4998.
SOWK 4402. Senior Capstone Project. 2-2-2 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 4401, SOWK 4995, SOWK 4998.
Corequisites: SOWK 4996, 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.
SOWK 4995. Senior Integrative Seminar. 2-1-2 Units.
The primary goal of the integrative seminar is to provide students learning opportunities for increasing self-awareness and reflection as a tool for practice while integrating content from their social work courses and their field practicum experiences. The seminar aims to promote and to increase the student's professional social work identity and emerging practice competencies at the BSW level while integrating theory with practice. Emphasis will be placed on achieving a more complex integration of theory with practice and on critical evaluation of practice. The course will include work toward the completion of the social work portfolio for graduation. (F) Corequisites: SOWK 4998
Prerequisites: Admission to upper division or permission of the instructor.
Corequisites: SOWK 4998
SOWK 4996. Advanced Integrative Seminar. 2-1-2 Units.
The seminar aims to promote and to increase the student's professional social work identity and emerging practice competencies at a BSW level while integrating theory with practice. Emphasis will be placed on achieving a more complex integration of theory with practice and on critical evaluation of practice. The course complements the concurrent field placement by delivering and integrating the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for beginning generalist practice. The structure and assignments facilitate the synthesis of theory, research, policy, and practice plus encourage exploration of the profession's ethics as they relate to actual social work practice. The course will include the completion of the social work portfolio for graduation. (S) Corequisites: SOWK 4999
Prerequisites: Admission to upper division or permission of the instructor.
Corequisites: SOWK 4999
SOWK 4998. Field Practicum Social Work I. 0-20-4 Units.
Generalist practicum. Students complete 20 hours per week supervised social work practice in a community social service agency. (F) Prerequisites: SOWK 3201 Corequisites: SOWK 4400, SOWK 4401, SOWK 4995
SOWK 4999. Field Practicum Social Work II. 0-20-4 Units.
Generalist practicum. Students complete 20 hours per week supervised social work practice in a community social service agency. (S) Corequisites: SOWK 4402, SOWK 4996
Prerequisites: SOWK 4998, SOWK 4995, Admission to upper division or permission of the instructor.
Corequisites: SOWK 4402, SOWK 4996