The mission of the Department of Social Work is to prepare culturally competent professionals guided by values, ethics, and evidence-based practice for professional and leadership roles; thus enhancing the quality of life of individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations in a global society.

Applicants seeking admission to Delaware State University are expected to follow the general admission procedures. Formal admission into the Baccalaureate Social Work Program (BSW) is decided at the departmental level. The following admissions criteria must be completed: successful completion of two years of undergraduate study with a GPA of 2.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale; a grade of "C" or better in all social work courses and corequisites; Introduction to Psychology; Introduction to Sociology; Microcomputer Applications; a completed application form; and an interview. The Baccalaureate Social Work curriculum is structured to offer a well-integrated program in the liberal arts, socio-behavioral sciences, scientific-analytical study, and professional content courses. The five major components of the program include: Social Welfare Policies and Programs, Human Behavior and Social Environment, Social Work Practice, Research, and Field Practicum. Students must complete general education requirements as defined by the University, social work corequisites and social work courses, including twelve (12) credit hours of field practicum for a total of 124 credit hours as presented in the attached curriculum.

The Baccalaureate Social Work Program was granted full accreditation status by the national professional accrediting agency, Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in 1982 and Reaffirmation of Accredited Status in 1990 and 1998.

Students are provided individual advisement by the social work faculty from time of contact through graduation. All care is taken to ensure that student career goals and objectives are in congruence with the objectives of the social work program and the profession. NO CREDIT IS GIVEN FOR PRIOR FIELD OR LIFE EXPERIENCES. Students are encouraged to participate in student organizations of the department and University and with affiliated professional organizations. THERE IS NO MINOR IN SOCIAL WORK.

Advanced Standing Credits

Applicants who have graduated from a Bachelor of Social Work Degree Program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education may receive up to a maximum of twenty-eight (28) credits applied towards the MSW degree at the time of admission, if they meet the requirements for regular status. This option may be an acceptable alternative for applicants who do not meet the requirements for Advanced Standing. If admitted under regular status, these individuals may receive advanced standing credits for all undergraduate foundations courses with grades of "B" or better earned within the last five (5) years. This option is granted on an individual basis. Advanced standing credit will not be considered for practice courses or field practicum. Applicants seeking advanced standing credits may be required to submit course syllabi from their undergraduate courses.

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